Anaheim, Calif., has expanded its convention center by 40 percent, bumping it up to 1.6 million square feet and making it the largest center on the West Coast. Disney recently added a second new theme park, California Adventure, and a new shopping, dining, and entertainment area called Downtown Disney District. The combined 1,100-acre north Orange County site is now known as the Anaheim Resort, and reflects nearly $5 billion in investment. The Anaheim Resort has new palm trees and gardens lining the boulevards, giving it a campus-like feel.
With 5,000 new rooms added in the last four years, there are now 22,000 hotel rooms within five minutes of the convention center. Also nearby is Edison Field, home of the Anaheim Angels professional baseball team; and The Pond, home to hockey's Mighty Ducks.
Disney's luxurious new 751-room Grand Californian Hotel is set within its California Adventure. Being inside the park makes it easy for attendees to quickly get from a meeting to an after-hours event within Disneyland. From a banquet for 2,000 on “Hollywood Boulevard” to a dinner for 200 at the Soap Opera Bistro, California Adventure has numerous venues for themed events. The Grand Californian Hotel adds 20,000 square feet of convention space.