16 Feb 2015
HOTELS
Eight New Hotels Opening in Anaheim Resort District
Anaheim Resort area hotel construction and redevelopment is moving at a vigorous pace. During 2014 and into 2015, eight brand new hotels will offer Anaheim area's convention and leisure travelers more options such as the return of the Hyatt brand to Anaheim to engaging family-friendly waterpark hotels. Collectively these diverse properties will bring 1,529 additional guest rooms and suites to the Anaheim Resort District area. The addition of the Great Wolf Resort in Garden Grove (see below) will bring the number of guest rooms in the area to 2,000 total rooms. Contact: Elaine Cali, (714) 760-4450, ecali@anaheimoc.org
Three Anaheim Hotels Added in 2014:
- The Hyatt Place Anaheim Resort - 178 guest rooms
- Two (2) SpringHill Suites by Marriott - 172 guest rooms and 120 guest rooms, respectively
Five Anaheim Hotels to Open in 2015:
- The Hyatt House Anaheim Resort - 252 guest rooms
- Residence Inn - 274 guest rooms
- Homewood Suites by Hilton - Anaheim Convention Center/Disneyland® Main Gate - 215 guest rooms
- Holiday Inn Express - 96 guest rooms
- Courtyard Waterpark Hotel At Disneyland - 222 guest rooms
Great Wolf Resorts Water Park Hotel Comes to Orange County
Located two miles south of the Disneyland® Resort, the first Great Wolf Lodge® Water Park Resort in California is currently under construction. This new family entertainment resort will offer 600 guest rooms in an all-suite resort and includes a three-acre indoor-outdoor waterpark, extensive retail and family entertainment options. Additionally, there will be 30,000 square feet of meeting space. The property is set to be complete by early 2016.
Contact: Susan Storey, (608) 662-4722, sstorey@greatwolf.com
ATTRACTIONS
Disneyland Park
When Walt Disney opened the original Disneyland on July 17, 1955, it had 18 attractions and was surrounded by orange groves. This spring, the resort will launch a dazzling yearlong Diamond Celebration saluting 60 years of magic. Since its inception, the original theme park has expanded to become a world-class family resort destination with two renowned Disney parks, nearly 100 attractions, three hotels and the shopping, dining and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney. Contact: Robert Deuel, robert.deuel@disney.com
Discovery Cube Orange County Expansion
Discovery Cube Orange County isexpanding imaginations with a $22.5 million building expansion designed with LEED® Silver standards to maximize energy-efficient technologies. The first phase of the expansion will include 44,000 square-feet of new and renovated space, including the addition of a Showcase Gallery, California Natural Resources Pavilion and Education Wing. The first phase is set to be complete by March 2015. Contact: Dan Nasitka, (714) 913-5018, dnasitka@discoverycube.org
Knott's Berry Farm® Theme Park
In 2014, Knott's Berry Farm completed two major projects as part of Camp Snoopy's 30th Anniversary celebration: a revitalization of the entire land of High Sierra fun in Camp Snoopy (including the addition of three new family rides) and a complete refurbishment of the Calico Mine Ride.
In 2015, Knott's will unveil an interactive media-based 4D adventure, “Voyage to the Iron Reef.” High definition animation will surround guests at every turn as they are submerged under the Boardwalk and navigate through enchanting underwater forests and mysterious mechanical wreckage. In addition to battling the Queen of the Kraken and her aquatic army, guests will compete with the other sailors in their submarine to see who can blast the most creatures. Contact: Leidy Arevalo, (714) 220-5131, Leidy.Arevalo@knotts.com
Outside Orange County Attraction Updates:
LEGOLAND® California
Opening March 5, 2015, LEGO Star Wars Miniland Death Star will offers guests the chance to view iconic film scenes made of LEGO bricks that were filmed inside the Galactic Empire's space station. LEGO models of Stormtroopers, a Rebel X-wing fighter pilot and an Imperial Star Ship pilot will be on display. Contact: Julie Estrada, (760) 918-5377, julie.estrada@legoland.com
SeaWorld® San Diego
SeaWorld's is in the midst of their 50th Celebration, featuring a Sea of Surprises™. The marine park has transformed the arrival area into a world beneath the waves; Explorer's Reef™, a multi-million dollar renovation, enhances park entrance and immediately immerses guests into an undersea realm. Explorer's Reef opened in March 2014. Contact: Kelly Terry, (619) 225-3241, kelly.terry@seaworld.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood
The Southern California attraction invites guests to experience the dynamic world of movie-making magic with thrill rides such as “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the world famous Studio Tour. In 2015, the theme park will open “Fast & Furious: Supercharged,” an attraction based on the blockbuster film series, and “Springfield,” an immersive land surrounding “The Simpsons Ride.” Contact: Audrey Eig, audrey.eig@nbcuni.com, (818) 622-2962
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
Anaheim Packing District
The Anaheim Packing House, a historic 1919 citrus packinghouse, opened in May 2014 to rave reviews. Located just two miles from the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Packing House features a 40,000-square-foot artisan food hall composed of 20+ boutique food and beverage purveyors, live music and communal seating. Just steps away, the new two-acre Farmers Park showcases festivals and events, as well as a weekend farmer's market. The adjacent 1925 Packard Car Showroom structure now houses Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery. All three areas make up what is now known as the Anaheim Packing District. Contact: Grace Chung, grace@anaheimpackingdistrict.com
THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon Private Dining Room Completed
THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloonrecently opened a 264-seat special event space located on the sixth floor of the Extron building (above the restaurant). This private dining & event center is home to an opulent 72-seat private dining room and a 48-seat private dining room with its own wine cellar. Contact: Melissa Cutter, (714) 780-4042, mcutter@theranch.com.
Din Tai Fung at South Coast Plaza
One of Taiwan's most celebrated restaurants opened in South Coast Plaza in August 2014. Din Tai Fung, famous for its delicately steamed dumplings, was founded in 1958 in Taiwan, and currently operates 82 locations worldwide with strong Pan-Asian representation in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and Korea. Contact: Sarah Kruer, (714) 435-2085, kruers@southcoastplaza.com
M3 Live Bar & Grill Restaurant
A brand new concept restaurant and venue in the Anaheim Resort District, this mega venue features an array of live entertainment, music and inventive dining options.
Contact: Maureen Sloane, (714) 663-2100
Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill Coming to Anaheim GardenWalk Spring 2015
The Anaheim location will be the first in Orange County. It will feature 20,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space highlighted by the signature centerpiece of a guitar-shaped bar. Guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere with quality food, line dancing and live music. The grill will feature traditional, fun and Southern classics.
Contact: Lia O'Connor, (714) 635-7400, ext. 116, loconnor@arcturusgrp.com
McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon to Open First Orange County Location at Anaheim GardenWalk
Opening in early 2015, McFadden's Anaheim will feature a spacious patio, sporting HDTVs for the ultimate sports viewing experience, and an eclectic menu offering gourmet American comfort food and authentic Irish fare. Known for its lively party music and enthusiastic staff, McFadden's will be a great addition to this complex.
Contact: Lia O'Connor, (714) 635-7400, ext. 116, loconnor@arcturusgrp.com
Zov's Anaheim Opens Near Anaheim Stadium
The legendary and award-winning Orange County chef and restaurateur Zov Karamardian recently opened her newest restaurant, Zov's Anaheim. The 130-seat restaurant serves a popular menu of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The stylishly decorated restaurant and bar has a welcoming and elegant vibe that seamlessly blends into a comfortable patio with a fire pit and large flat-screen TVs. Contact: Jamie Wood, jamie@zovs.com
SHOPPING
Center Street Promenade
Center Street Promenadehasrolled out a retro revival area inDowntown Anaheim, including a new twist on vintage-style stores. The trendy new area includes, 118 Degrees, BARBEER, Home: Eco-nomics, Healthy Junk, Heart & Sole, The GOOD, Gypsy Den, LOOK and The Yoga Mat, giving Downtown Anaheim a new look and feel. Contact: Grace Chung, grace@anaheimpackingdistrict.com.
The Source: A New Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Center in Buena Park
Currently under development, The Source is a highly anticipated retail destination that combines a modern and dynamic urban design. It features a world-class selection of shopping, dining and entertainment. The project will include more than 500,000 square feet of retail, office, restaurant and entertainment space. The Source is slated for completion in 2015. Contact: Katie Wanamaker, (714) 521-8580, katie@glpmanagement.com
TRANSPORTATION
ARTIC: Ultra-Modern Transportation Hub Opening in Anaheim
Anaheim's striking new 67,000-square-foot LEED-Platinum designed transportation hub, Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), opened in December 2014. ARTIC will increase mobility options for residents, local businesses, commuters and visitors to Anaheim, Orange County and the entire Southern California region. Services include: Metrolink, Amtrak, OCTA bus, Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART), Coach USA, Megabus.com, Greyhound, shuttles, taxis, bikes, and tour and charter buses. ARTIC will feature transit-oriented retail, unique dining establishments, and Wi-Fi and plug-in stations. For more information: ARTICinfo.com. Contact: Ruth Ruiz, (714) 765-5060, rruiz@anaheim.net.
ANAHEIM/ORANGE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION NEWS
Anaheim Convention Center Expansion
The Anaheim Convention Center (ACC) will begin expansion construction in 2015, adding 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting space to the center. Construction is set to be complete by early 2017. Contact: Tania Weinkle, (714) 765-8854, tweinkle@anaheimoc.org or Elaine Cali, (714) 760-4450, ecali@anaheimoc.org
Anaheim/OC Faces of Tourism Video Series
The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB) has launched “Faces of Tourism” Part II – a new video series consisting of five, three-minute videos features engaging and personable frontline staff and hospitality industry veterans. The video series reveals meaningful real-life stories of individuals, families and businesses whose lives, lifestyles and livelihood are personally touched by the success of tourism's billion-dollar business. View on AOCVCB's YouTube channel.
Contact: Elaine Cali, (714) 760-4450, ecali@anaheimoc.org
About Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau (AOCVCB):
The AOCVCB is a 501 (c)(6) not-for-profit destination marketing organization that promotes Anaheim/Orange County as a premier leisure, convention and meeting destination. Formed in 1961, the AOCVCB is the foremost destination marketing organization in Orange County. Today, 700 Orange County businesses are partners with the AOCVCB. More than 44 million travelers visited the Anaheim/Orange County area in 2013, generating more than $9.6 billion in revenue for the local economy and creating 157,000 tourism-related jobs. For more information, call 714-765-8888 or visit anaheimoc.org. Follow the AOCVCB on Facebook (AnaheimOC), Twitter (@AnaheimOC, @MeetAnaheim) and Pinterest (AnaheimOC)
