Disney america?

[KEMdisney]

I need some of you disney EXPERTS right now! I just got word that there is possibly a DISNEY AMERICA being built in my home town!!!! I live in Bellmawr, NJ which is a very very small town just outside of Philadelphia, PA. Does anyone have ANY information regarding this???????? A family friend of mine works for the borough of Bellmawr and told me of this news, but does not have much information regarding this.

[Luv2Roam]

:sad2:

[Robo]

A family friend of mine works for the borough of Bellmawr and told me of this news, but does not have much information regarding this.

:sad2:

Translation:

Fugettaboudit! Ain't happin.' No way.

A CLASSIC Disney "urban legend."

[Brian_WDW74]

I think your friend must have misheard something. A Disney's America park was going to be built in Virginia in the early 1990's, but it was cancelled due to complaints that it would be located too close to Civil War battlefields. There are no plans to resurrect the project or, as far as I know, to build any other Disney park within the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. :)

[Lynne M]

I think your friend is having some fun with you. ;) As the PP said, Disney's America was supposed to be built in VA many, many years ago. The project was killed due to local opposition. It's an old story, but the rumor still crops up several times a year. The only thing that changes is the town where it's supposedly going to be built.

These rumors usually get started when Disney buys land. Everyone assumes it's for a theme park or attraction, when they often buy land just for investment purposes, or for a call center or something like that.

[Disney_Villain]

If you want to read up on this scrapped plan, there's a Wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney's_America

[wdwwishes]

These rumors have popped up all over from Branson, Mo to somewhere in TX. I don't think so. I personally like my Disney in Florida.

[Condorman]

I've got news for you...

You're living in Disney's America.

[DisneyWorldbuff]

A Belated "April Fool's" perhaps? :upsidedow

[KEMdisney]

Hm, I suppose you are all right. I guess it was pretty silly for me to believe there would be a Disney park built right here in my home town. We have a pretty sizeable piece of land up for sale (over 100 acres), and there have been rumors flying frequently about what this land will become. My friend was reading a published article, so it just seemed real! Now Im realizing that was pretty silly. She said the articles were online but i cant find anything. The closest thing I've found was googling "Disney park in Bellmawr 2009" and a blog from blog.Markmathews.com. You can read clips of the post off of the google search site, but I was unable to read the actual post.

Thanks guys for bringing me back to reality!

[KEMdisney]

Oh I did find the site my friend was referring to. Here it is:
http://74.125.93.104/search?q=cache:iKbh6DIO4JkJ:blog.markmatthews.com/2009/04/disney-is-coming-to-bellmawr.html+disney+in+bellmawr+2009&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

again, i realize that if this WAS true it would be published on a more reliable site than someone's blog! But, hey, it was fun to think it for a few minutes!

[Cheshire Figment]

When Disney worked on its plans for Disney's America in Haymarket, VA they had gotten options on 3,000 acres of land. I lived 22 miles away and was very active on the groups, including the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce, which were supporting it. If a vote had been taken in Prince William County it propably would have been about 85% positive. It was unfortunate that the next county out from Washington, Faquier, was home of many of the "super-rich" (Such families as Mars (M&M/Mar's Candy), Firestone, Graham (The Washington Post)) and they were opposed. And it was about the time that Frank Wells died; as my late wife said at the time "the wrong man died". He was from "old money" and could have gotten it through.

[SafetyPinndSally]

Yeah, I was all for Disney America being built only fifteen minutes from me (I live in Gainesville VA) but a lot of people were up in arms over it due to the closeness of Manassas Battlefield and they were worried that traffic would get even worse...which it has anyways but ohwell.

[DOOM1001]

Oh I did find the site my friend was referring to. Here it is:
http://74.125.93.104/search?q=cache:iKbh6DIO4JkJ:blog.markmatthews.com/2009/04/disney-is-coming-to-bellmawr.html+disney+in+bellmawr+2009&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

again, i realize that if this WAS true it would be published on a more reliable site than someone's blog! But, hey, it was fun to think it for a few minutes!

Did you notice that blog you're friend showed you was dated April 1st?

[ryley26]

I'm going to move this to Rumor and News Board It a better fit there. Rich

[TheDisneyGirl02]

As much as I wish this were true, I just checked the CM portal and there's nothing about it at all. Plus, I'm sure the Philly news stations would have picked it up by now. Sigh...it would be nice though!

[black562]

If this were an authentic Disney press release, it would be listed on PR Newswire, as all of their others are. I've followed Disney's America in great detail and did many college projects on it back in the 90s when it was first announced. I also helped create the wikipedia article as well. This was Eisner's pet project and much of it was integrated into California Adventure.

This is an April Fools joke or some very wishful thinking, but it is not a press release from the Disney Company.

[Metro West]

As much as I wish this were true, I just checked the CM portal and there's nothing about it at all. Plus, I'm sure the Philly news stations would have picked it up by now. Sigh...it would be nice though! Be careful what you wish for...I live far enough away from the parks that I don't have to deal with the tourist traffic on a daily basis but if Disney were to come into your area, lots of bad things would follow. The traffic, crime, hotels, restaurants, tourist trap stores, etc. would follow. You would eventually get tired of it. Just ask any of the long time Orlando residents how they feel about Disney coming into the area...I know it's not Disney's fault but that's not the point. Even though you might think having a Disney park in your back yard would be nice, you would have to prepare for the bad as well.

[Luv2Roam]

Don't we all wish we had a dollar for every post we have ever read anywhere that read something like "Disney is buying lots of land in (fill in the city, state or county) and opening a new north American theme park."

[Friend of Figment]

First of all in the blog they refer to the governor of PA, Ed Rendell, and being the head of transportation. Right there tells you that this is a hoax. Second of all the area in reference is only 120 acres. Where in the world would they park cars? Bellmawr has a retail and entertainment project already slated for the landfill as seen at the developer's website bellmawrwaterfront.com


There are retail shops, restaurants, and a possible Spectrum center, and the PATCO rail line..but NO Disney!

[Metro West]

Don't we all wish we had a dollar for every post we have ever read anywhere that read something like "Disney is buying lots of land in (fill in the city, state or county) and opening a new north American theme park." I know I do...I could retire! :rotfl:

[laceemouse]

Be careful what you wish for...I live far enough away from the parks that I don't have to deal with the tourist traffic on a daily basis but if Disney were to come into your area, lots of bad things would follow. The traffic, crime, hotels, restaurants, tourist trap stores, etc. would follow. You would eventually get tired of it. Just ask any of the long time Orlando residents how they feel about Disney coming into the area...I know it's not Disney's fault but that's not the point. Even though you might think having a Disney park in your back yard would be nice, you would have to prepare for the bad as well.

I understand how you feel, we have family in Winter Park. I have no desire to live there, and I really have no desire for a Disney park of any kind to come to North Texas, although I continue to hear rumors to that effect all the time!
I like my Disney in Florida too! And I love Florida, just closer to the beach thank you;)

[Condorman]

Be careful what you wish for...I live far enough away from the parks that I don't have to deal with the tourist traffic on a daily basis but if Disney were to come into your area, lots of bad things would follow. The traffic, crime, hotels, restaurants, tourist trap stores, etc. would follow. You would eventually get tired of it. Just ask any of the long time Orlando residents how they feel about Disney coming into the area...I know it's not Disney's fault but that's not the point. Even though you might think having a Disney park in your back yard would be nice, you would have to prepare for the bad as well.

Metro, just to educate you, Orlando would still be a fledgling blip on the map of the world if it weren't for Disney. Orlando did not exist prior to Disney's arrival. Yes, it was there, the way Las Vegas was there prior to Ben Siegel and his Flamingo Hotel. But afterwards, that's when it blossomed into what we currently know. Your comment makes it seem like Disney moved in last year and Orlando has had to tolerate unyielding hardships ever since.

Reality: 90% of everyone who currently resides in Orlando would not be there in 2009 if Disney had not opened there in 1971. The horse goes before the cart, just so you know.

[Metro West]

Metro, just to educate you, Orlando would still be a fledgling blip on the map of the world if it weren't for Disney. Orlando did not exist prior to Disney's arrival. Yes, it was there, the way Las Vegas was there prior to Ben Siegel and his Flamingo Hotel. But afterwards, that's when it blossomed into what we currently know. Your comment makes it seem like Disney moved in last year and Orlando has had to tolerate unyielding hardships ever since.

Reality: 90% of everyone who currently resides in Orlando would not be there in 2009 if Disney had not opened there in 1971. The horse goes before the cart, just so you know. And there are people I work with and other residents in my neighborhood who wish Orlando was still a fledgling blip on the map smart guy. I think if you ask residents who have lived in Orlando before Disney came in how they like the bad things the theme parks have brought here...you may not like the answer you get. Thanks for your non-Orlando resident view. Maybe you should move down here before mouthing off to someone who LIVES here.

[bubba's mom]

Your comment makes it seem like Disney moved in last year and Orlando has had to tolerate unyielding hardships ever since.




That's not what I got from Metro's post :confused3 As frequenting Orlando (with family living there) myself, I can see his point. Kind of a 'be careful whatcha wish for'.....

[Condorman]

And there are people I work with and other residents in my neighborhood who wish Orlando was still a fledgling blip on the map smart guy. I think if you ask residents who have lived in Orlando before Disney came in how they like the bad things the theme parks have brought here...you may not like the answer you get. Thanks for your non-Orlando resident view. Maybe you should move down here before mouthing off to someone who LIVES here.

That's like saying Los Angeles would be better off without Hollywood or New York without Times Square. I've been to Orlando, the city and the suburbs, and frankly WDW is the best thing there. I'm happy with the theme park concentration in Central Florida as it gives visitors a single point destination to get the best amusement offerings in the world. You don't have to be a resident to know how much Disney has done for your area. You can thank them in a letter or just by visiting their parks. Orlando exists because of Disney.

Thanks, Disney. :)

[bubba's mom]

Orlando exists because of Disney.

Thanks, Disney. :)


WOW! :eek: That's an opinion if I ever heard one. Somehow if Disney ceased to exist, I *think* Orlando will still be there and do just as well with residents and visitors. You must not do anything else when you visit Orlando. There is more to Orlando than just Disney... :cool2:

Just ask Metro...after all, he IS a resident/local. ;)

[Metro West]

WOW! :eek: That's an opinion if I ever heard one. Somehow if Disney ceased to exist, I *think* Orlando will still be there and do just as well with residents and visitors. You must not do anything else when you visit Orlando. There is more to Orlando than just Disney... :cool2:

Just ask Metro...after all, he IS a resident/local. ;) You know what? He's not even worth responding to. His post was completely rude and out of line. Oh well...I'm glad Disney will always have him as a fan. :rotfl:

[KYMickey]

WOW! :eek: That's an opinion if I ever heard one. Somehow if Disney ceased to exist, I *think* Orlando will still be there and do just as well with residents and visitors. You must not do anything else when you visit Orlando. There is more to Orlando than just Disney... :cool2:
Just ask Metro...after all, he IS a resident/local. ;)
If Disney and Universal closed their Florida operations tomorrow (actually probably if just Disney did) Orlando would look like a ghost town within a year. In addition to the actual employees of the parks a huge portion of the local workforce works in direct support of them in restaurants, hotels, retail, etc. As all those people lost their jobs other institutions would fail rapidly and Orlando would cease to exist as a city of any significance.

Just why do you think the visitors come if the parks close? And why would the residents stay if there were no jobs?

[RAPstar]

If Disney and Universal closed their Florida operations tomorrow (actually probably if just Disney did) Orlando would look like a ghost town within a year. In addition to the actual employees of the parks a huge portion of the local workforce works in direct support of them in restaurants, hotels, retail, etc. As all those people lost their jobs other institutions would fail rapidly and Orlando would cease to exist as a city of any significance.

Just why do you think the visitors come if the parks close? And why would the residents stay if there were no jobs?

That;s precisely why Disney chose Orlando and Florida, because tourists were already flocking down there for its semi-tropical locale and almost year round nice weather. Do some research before you make statements like that. I mean, really now.

[Metro West]

If Disney and Universal closed their Florida operations tomorrow (actually probably if just Disney did) Orlando would look like a ghost town within a year. In addition to the actual employees of the parks a huge portion of the local workforce works in direct support of them in restaurants, hotels, retail, etc. As all those people lost their jobs other institutions would fail rapidly and Orlando would cease to exist as a city of any significance.

Just why do you think the visitors come if the parks close? And why would the residents stay if there were no jobs? I don't think Orlando would be a ghost town within a year but you're right...lots of people would have to leave because of lack of jobs and our economy would plummet. The point to all this was because of the theme parks, lots of bad things (traffic, crime, tourist traps, etc.) have come along for the ride. I work at the largest hospital system in the area...we aren't going anywhere...theme parks or not. My point was simply this...many long time residents (pre Disney) don't like all the bad things that have come along with Disney and Universal...not all but some. Orlando was incorporated in 1857 and Disney came along in 1971 so Orlando was growing until Disney came in and the area exploded!

All I was trying to say was...bad things come along with the good things to a post a while back. Disney has certainly made this area what it is but let's not deny the main troubles we all face (residents and tourists alike). The traffic and crime especially.

That's all I was saying.

[MJMcBride]

the hotels would be ghost towns anyway

[loribell]

Wow condorman, it was really great of you to "educate" Metro. Seriously who do you think you are?

[Condorman]

Wow condorman, it was really great of you to "educate" Metro. Seriously who do you think you are?

No problem. It was my pleasure. Whenever I see people posting personal opinions and passing them off as comments based in fact on behalf of the masses, I call them out on it. These are the "Rumors and News" boards, not the personal ads. Some people only hear themselves and speak their own language. I know the truth and history about Orlando and Disney, and you don't have to be a resident to know what one owes to the other.

Metro West has their opinion and I respect it, even if I don't agree with it. Just as I have the right to deliver the facts and truth of the matter.

That's who I am. Thanks for asking. :)

[Subi WRX]

Metro, just to educate you, Orlando would still be a fledgling blip on the map of the world if it weren't for Disney. Orlando did not exist prior to Disney's arrival. Yes, it was there, the way Las Vegas was there prior to Ben Siegel and his Flamingo Hotel. But afterwards, that's when it blossomed into what we currently know. Your comment makes it seem like Disney moved in last year and Orlando has had to tolerate unyielding hardships ever since.

Reality: 90% of everyone who currently resides in Orlando would not be there in 2009 if Disney had not opened there in 1971. The horse goes before the cart, just so you know.

Source, please. Or is this just your opinion?

[Friend of Figment]

Gee I thought this thread was about Bellmawr, NJ!;)

[KYMickey]

We were over New Jersey a long time ago since everyone knew that was a joke as soon as we read the title!

[nascarcheshirecat]

I know the truth and history about Orlando and Disney, and you don't have to be a resident to know what one owes to the other.
:)


From this statement you are either someone with political aspirations or a book reading know-it-all.

[deej696]

I think its safe to say that someone who has "visited Orlando and the suburbs" does not have the same level of information or insight as someone who lives there, or has been in Central Florida for their entire life. But then again it wouldnt be the Rumors board if Condor wasnt in the antagonist role, regardless of what the topic is;)

That said, Orlando and even Florida as a whole would be far different today were it not for Disney and the theme parks. Sure there would have been growth, retirees would still love us, but it certainly would not have been the explosive growth that happened in the last 4 decades. I lived in Orlando for 5 years until 2005, and worked for the Grand Bohemian hotel downtown. Its likely that without the parks, downtown Orlando would not have been able to support a luxury hotel, and therefore my paycheck. On the other hand, day after day on local news its nothing but violence, robbery, etc. The good comes with the bad, and there's no better example of that than Orlando.

Oh and Disney's America? I needed a laugh this morning:rotfl:

[Mom of 2, Wife of 1]

From this statement you are either someone with political aspirations or a book reading know-it-all.

I'm a schoolteacher. Since when are those bad things? :confused3

[slick_willy]

I don't usually comment much, but good grief! Condorman really does know how to get under peoples skin. Metro was simply stating that when Disney came along, so did other things that were less than desirable. Condorman comes along to try to set him straight......WOW! Metro also stated that he knew that if the theme parks were to leave Orlando, so would people, jobs and revenue but it would not be a ghost town. Yes, the theme parks have given Orlando lots of revenue, but that's not the only thing that Orlando has going for it.

popcorn::

[KYMickey]

Just wondering but other than the Theme Parks, what does Orlando have going for itself? Not saying it doesn't let everything I've seen what I've been there seems like it's an offshoot of the parks. I'm including, restaurants, hotels, convention center, etc. all as offshoots.

[jlewisinsyr]

I work at the largest hospital system in the area...we aren't going anywhere...theme parks or not.

You don't think if there was a huge population drop that your hospital and a lot of the support systems would need to change, close or consolidate?

Think of it like this, the largest financial companies in the world experienced a dramatic change in their business model, whether they were or were not involved in the subprime mess. Some have fallen, others have consolidated.

I'm not trying to get in the middle of the good or bad about Orlando, just pointing out that there is no immunity in the scenario presented.

[black562]

Guys, everything is tied together. Disney brings tourism, tourism brings other forms of tourism (other parks and roadside attractions), this brings people for empoyment. In turn, those extra people demand things like food, banks, hospitals, doctors, lawyers, grocery stores, car dealerships, the list goes on and on.

This is from a 2004 Economic report by The Fishkind & Associates:

Few would argue against the theory that tourism is the region's most important industry and that Disney is the king of that particular hill. It directly employs more than 49,000 people at Walt Disney World, making the company the largest single-site employer in the United States.

In addition, another 14,000 people work at the Disney site for third-party hotel operators, restaurants and other activities, with 1,200 more working at Celebration in Osceola County. That means Disney employed more than 65,000 people in 2003.

The study also shows there are another 46,000 jobs indirectly generated by Disney in the area, totaling more than 111,000 people whose weekly paycheck is dependent on Walt Disney World.

Those paychecks bring $2.9 billion into the area's revenue stream. In addition, the total value of goods and services purchased in Central Florida directly and indirectly is $5.1 billion, making Disney's Central Florida combined economic impact $8 billion.

[PatriciaH]

Just wondering but other than the Theme Parks, what does Orlando have going for itself? Not saying it doesn't let everything I've seen what I've been there seems like it's an offshoot of the parks. I'm including, restaurants, hotels, convention center, etc. all as offshoots.

Just a few things. Many around long before WDW.

http://www.leugardens.org/

http://www.morsemuseum.org/

http://winterpark.org/

http://funandsun.com/parks/WekiwaSprings/wekiwa.html

http://www.boktowergardens.org/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/

http://cityoforlando.net/citycalendar/public/Calendar.aspx

http://www.cfhf.net/orlando/overview.htm

http://www.orlandogolf.com/

http://www.gatorland.com/

http://www.omart.org/

http://www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/net/t_ParkRec.aspx?park=062&page=5

http://www.mennellomuseum.org/aboutus.html

http://www.downtownorlando.com/

http://www.thehistorycenter.org/exhibits/?art=current

http://www.clubfirestone.com/site.html

http://www.thewineroomonline.com/

http://www.worldbowlingcenter.com/v1/flash/

http://www.orlandopac.org/

[PatriciaH]

A few more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Central_Florida

http://www.ci.orlando.fl.us/elected/venues/eventsctr.htm

http://floridafilmfestival.com./

http://www.orlandoweekly.com/

http://www.cityartsfactory.com/

http://www.emptyspacestheatre.org/about.htm

http://www.theplazatheatre.com/

http://www.austinscoffee.com/

http://orlandofringe.org/

http://www.madcowtheatre.com/

http://www.thesocial.org/

[bubba's mom]

This is from a 2004 Economic report by The Fishkind & Associates:

Few would argue against the theory that tourism is the region's most important industry and that Disney is the king of that particular hill. It directly employs more than 49,000 people at Walt Disney World, making the company the largest single-site employer in the United States.

In addition, another 14,000 people work at the Disney site for third-party hotel operators, restaurants and other activities, with 1,200 more working at Celebration in Osceola County. That means Disney employed more than 65,000 people in 2003.

The study also shows there are another 46,000 jobs indirectly generated by Disney in the area, totaling more than 111,000 people whose weekly paycheck is dependent on Walt Disney World.

Those paychecks bring $2.9 billion into the area's revenue stream. In addition, the total value of goods and services purchased in Central Florida directly and indirectly is $5.1 billion, making Disney's Central Florida combined economic impact $8 billion.



ah...also remember, Disney is laying people off too...so, employment numbers are down. Vacationers are also complaining about less people doing more work in the parks...service is/was suffering. And, even tho they still draw the crowds, they must be doing less business...with the 4/3 deal and free dining and such... Economy hit everyone..including Disney. Yet...Orlando will survive ;)

[donaldduck352]

It didnt take Disney to make Orlando what it is today.In fact Orange county had a healthy economy from agriculture before Disney came to town.
Take Tampa for instance,Busch Gardens opend in 1950.Did that change thier economy?NO,its mostly built on industry.
Another example is Silver Springs Ocala,opened in 1858.What drives Ocala"s economy-industry!!
I can go on!!
See a pattern.

Orlando would have grown no matter what..

I love the Idea of having all these great theme parks real close to me.

Look at DisneyLand California.The area is totally a dump.Cheap hotels-crime-high taxes.This is why Walt decided to buy swamp land and orange groves at $100 a acre under different company names to keep the land purchase cheap!!Pretty sligh..

All Metro was saying is when you bring a name like Disney to town,expect the price it will take on your community..

FYI-Orange County taxes are 12.5%,highest then any county in the state of Fla!!

and thank you PatriciaH for your input on what Orange County has to offer..

[donaldduck352]

Forgot to add.DisneyHoldings are not just theme parks and movies.They buy and sell real estate also.
If they see a area thats going to grow,they will buy land cheap and make a profit on it..
I know for a fact they purchased 300 acres in Levy County Fla.
There is nothing here but swamp land.They probally got a good price on it and will sell it off at a higher rate!!!

[deej696]

It didnt take Disney to make Orlando what it is today.In fact Orange county had a healthy economy from agriculture before Disney came to town.
Take Tampa for instance,Busch Gardens opend in 1950.Did that change thier economy?NO,its mostly built on industry.
Another example is Silver Springs Ocala,opened in 1858.What drives Ocala"s economy-industry!!
I can go on!!
See a pattern.

Orlando would have grown no matter what..

I love the Idea of having all these great theme parks real close to me.

Look at DisneyLand California.The area is totally a dump.Cheap hotels-crime-high taxes.This is why Walt decided to buy swamp land and orange groves at $100 a acre under different company names to keep the land purchase cheap!!Pretty sligh..

All Metro was saying is when you bring a name like Disney to town,expect the price it will take on your community..

FYI-Orange County taxes are 12.5%,highest then any county in the state of Fla!!

and thank you PatriciaH for your input on what Orange County has to offer..

Great points. As a guy who grew up in Ocala and still call it home, our growth has had nothing to do with one of Florida's original tourist parks, Silver Springs. Oh and Patricia you can also add my alma mater the University of Central Florida, the 5th largest in the nation...

[bubba's mom]

We frequent Ocala...FIL lives SW Ocala. Amazes me how much and how fast it grows! Sort of a shame...all the horse farms being sold to developers... ah well...

[macraven]

Just a few things. Many around long before WDW.

http://www.leugardens.org/

http://www.morsemuseum.org/

http://winterpark.org/

http://funandsun.com/parks/WekiwaSprings/wekiwa.html

http://www.boktowergardens.org/

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/

http://cityoforlando.net/citycalendar/public/Calendar.aspx

http://www.cfhf.net/orlando/overview.htm

http://www.orlandogolf.com/

http://www.gatorland.com/

http://www.omart.org/

http://www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/net/t_ParkRec.aspx?park=062&page=5

http://www.mennellomuseum.org/aboutus.html

http://www.downtownorlando.com/

http://www.thehistorycenter.org/exhibits/?art=current

http://www.clubfirestone.com/site.html

http://www.thewineroomonline.com/

http://www.worldbowlingcenter.com/v1/flash/

http://www.orlandopac.org/

A few more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Central_Florida

http://www.ci.orlando.fl.us/elected/venues/eventsctr.htm

http://floridafilmfestival.com./

http://www.orlandoweekly.com/

http://www.cityartsfactory.com/

http://www.emptyspacestheatre.org/about.htm

http://www.theplazatheatre.com/

http://www.austinscoffee.com/

http://orlandofringe.org/

http://www.madcowtheatre.com/

http://www.thesocial.org/

Thank you Patricia H for all the links in both of your posts.
Apparently you know more about the area than some others do.

I'm impressed with your knowledge.


It didnt take Disney to make Orlando what it is today.In fact Orange county had a healthy economy from agriculture before Disney came to town.
Take Tampa for instance,Busch Gardens opend in 1950.Did that change thier economy?NO,its mostly built on industry.
Another example is Silver Springs Ocala,opened in 1858.What drives Ocala"s economy-industry!!
I can go on!!
See a pattern.

Orlando would have grown no matter what..

I love the Idea of having all these great theme parks real close to me.

Look at DisneyLand California.The area is totally a dump.Cheap hotels-crime-high taxes.This is why Walt decided to buy swamp land and orange groves at $100 a acre under different company names to keep the land purchase cheap!!Pretty sligh..

All Metro was saying is when you bring a name like Disney to town,expect the price it will take on your community..

FYI-Orange County taxes are 12.5%,highest then any county in the state of Fla!!

and thank you PatriciaH for your input on what Orange County has to offer..

Thank you also donaldduck. from what you have posted, it makes sense to me.


Great points. As a guy who grew up in Ocala and still call it home, our growth has had nothing to do with one of Florida's original tourist parks, Silver Springs. Oh and Patricia you can also add my alma mater the University of Central Florida, the 5th largest in the nation...

Thank you for your post.
I see it the same way you do.

[mickey2000]

I need some of you disney EXPERTS right now! I just got word that there is possibly a DISNEY AMERICA being built in my home town!!!! I live in Bellmawr, NJ which is a very very small town just outside of Philadelphia, PA. Does anyone have ANY information regarding this???????? A family friend of mine works for the borough of Bellmawr and told me of this news, but does not have much information regarding this.


The closest thing to Disney is the industrial park where the USPS is

[mylittletinkerbell]

I have been hearing alot of buzz lately that they will build a disney park here in tx. but im trying to only half believe it. its just to good to be true. I moved to texas from orange county california where the original disneyland is and it might seem silly but it was hard to leave cali for that reason alone. especially now since i have a little girls who loves disney.

[jlewisinsyr]

FYI-Orange County taxes are 12.5%,highest then any county in the state of Fla!!


Note, room taxes are 12.5%, not sales tax which is a bargain compared to many metropolitan areas.

[KYMickey]

I have been hearing alot of buzz lately that they will build a disney park here in tx. but im trying to only half believe it. its just to good to be true. I moved to texas from orange county california where the original disneyland is and it might seem silly but it was hard to leave cali for that reason alone. especially now since i have a little girls who loves disney.
Not to burst your bubble but it's not going to happen! There have been rumors about Disney in Texas, Louisiana, Missouri and many other places going around forever. It seems like every couple of months one of them heats up and then goes away for another one to come to the forefront. None of them have happened and won't for awful long time (maybe for your girls daughters at best) if ever. Disney has too many other eggs in its basket at this time especially with the economy like it is.

[keishashadow]

I think your friend must have misheard something. A Disney's America park was going to be built in Virginia in the early 1990's, but it was cancelled due to complaints that it would be located too close to Civil War battlefields. There are no plans to resurrect the project or, as far as I know, to build any other Disney park within the Philadelphia/New Jersey area. :)

and they put up a parking lot:sad2:outlet shopping ctr there instead & most of nearby land is a psuedo bedroom community of DC now too:confused3

That's like saying Los Angeles would be better off without Hollywood or New York without Times Square. I've been to Orlando, the city and the suburbs, and frankly WDW is the best thing there. I'm happy with the theme park concentration in Central Florida as it gives visitors a single point destination to get the best amusement offerings in the world. You don't have to be a resident to know how much Disney has done for your area. You can thank them in a letter or just by visiting their parks. Orlando exists because of Disney.

Thanks, Disney. :)

urban sprawl, taxing a city's infra-structure & services is never a good thing unless the 'employers' pay their dues in tax assessments to fund...most demand tax abatement though:upsidedow

why do u think disney established reedy creek:rolleyes1able to control things/info, unlike @ DL park in anaheim

I think its safe to say that someone who has "visited Orlando and the suburbs" does not have the same level of information or insight as someone who lives there, or has been in Central Florida for their entire life. But then again it wouldnt be the Rumors board if Condor wasnt in the antagonist role, regardless of what the topic is;)

Oh and Disney's America? I needed a laugh this morning:rotfl:

main reason i'd never consider retiring in Orlando, just too much hub-bub in general. Ala Vegas & other large cities, along with tourists, many transients also leech upon the good people in the community & crime rate goes thru the ceiling.:sad2:

Ive said it before, the locals deserve medals for putting up with influx of visitors:thumbsup2many commando-ing to new heights of insensitivity to their hosts.