The size and scope of capital projects currently taking place in Anaheim is unprecedented in the city’s history. They include new roads and freeways, upgraded public transportation systems, extensive landscaping with palm tree-lined boulevards and signage upgrades, an expanded convention center and an overall pedestrian-friendly experience. 

Disney is adding to the big picture with a $1.4 billion investment in its 55-acre California Adventure theme park, hotel and entertainment complex, expected to open in early 2001. The new park will feature 22 rides and attractions, at least 15 restaurants, a 2,000-seat theater and a dozen shops serving an estimated 20,000 visitors on a moderate summer day.

According to Carl W. Ellis, general manager of the 139-unit Peacock Suites resort, owned by Shell Vacations, LLC and run by the firm’s management arm, Shell Hospitality, “The revitalization will create a magnetic appeal to Anaheim that was lacking in the past. Peacock Suites and its owners are in the best possible position,  since we are located directly in the center of all the activity and are the closest vacation ownership resort to Disneyland.  With only one other vacation ownership resort in Anaheim and a high demand for exchange, this translates to extremely high trading power for our owners.  Two years from now, this will be the absolute best spot to be in, thanks to both Shell’s foresight in purchasing and developing the property and the city’s revitalization. You could say, quite frankly, that we are sitting pretty.” Peacock Suites is an RCI-affiliated resort.

The city’s renovation, which partially takes place right outside the front door of the resort, will enhance and accelerate Shell’s already striking sales performance. In planning for the future, Peacock Suites has recently launched a new sales initiative by creating a partnership with Rusty Hutchinson, of Tait Ltd. Hutchinson and his team are responsible for producing tours and selling the resort’s remaining inventory of 4,500 weeks.  Adds Rusty, “With average selling prices in the mid-$8,000s, this is one of the best values in the timeshare industry.”

Also, Shell Vacations recently announced the opening of its National Marketing Center, (NMC) located in Orange, California. The NMC is responsible for a multiple marketing campaigns, including outbound and inbound telemarketing, mini-vacation programs and referral programs for several Shell resorts. Under the direction of Jack Waller and Chris Butchko, the team moved into its 50-station state-of-the-art call center in early July. The Center is expected to expand to a 100-station center which will generate in excess of 1,000 tours a month to Peacock Suites and Shell’s San Francisco resorts. 

Built in the 90s, the all suites hotel was converted to vacation ownership in 1996 and features primarily one-bedroom units with a small number of two- and three-bedroom suites. According to Sandra Esparza, Regional Vice President of Shell Hospitality, “About 36% of the Peacock Suites have been converted to timeshare ownership; the balance of the units are operated primarily as a hotel and result in the property enjoying a very high occupancy year round. There is a pool on the ground level and two whirlpool jacuzzis. The resort’s high visibility, curb appeal, Spanish style architecture and striking sense of entry combine to make Peacock Suites an oasis of quality.”

Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Shell Vacations operates 13 other vacation ownership resorts in California, Arizona, and Hawaii and serves more than 45,000 owners. With more than 1,500 employees, Shell is one of the nation’s largest independent developers of vacation ownership resorts.