News on the 5th park

[Tikiman]

We just got back the end of last week and we found out some info on the 5th park. Sorry if this has already been reported. I do not spend much time in the rumor board and I have not read them all. We noticed when visiting the Animal Kingdom Lodge that there were many roads going past it that were not being used. We asked a Polynesian staff member and a Disney Engineer we met what the roads were for and they said they have cleared the area past the AKL for the 5th park. It will be a park with more thrill rides (sort of like California adventure or Islands of Adventure). Just thought I would post what I found out.

Steve

[JeffJewell]

...meaty rumor. Think I'll wait to see what some other folks say before I write my novella...

Jeff

[wdwguide]

I do not think there's enough space back there for another major theme park. There are facilities both to the north and the south of the park. The Animal Kingdom Lodge is in the southwest, leaving only a relatively narrow "wedge" between the lodge, the park, and and edge of the property. The roads that I can make out are Sherberth, the bus loop to the AK, and some small roads that lead to the facilities on that side of the park.
There are fairly large areas cleared adjacent to the Animal Kingdom, although those look like remnants of better times, i.e. the sites of Beastly Kingdom, and the vast stretch of the original Asia, which is located between Conservation Station and the parts of Asia that actually got built.

[Tikiman]

They said it was just cleared a few weeks ago. The two people we talked to knew a lot about the parks. One was a chief Engineer that had been there since 1970 before the park opened. I don't usually listen to rumors very often but they seemed sure of this. They even gave me some literature that no one is supposed to see but I can not discuss any of that in here.

Steve

[Captain Crook]

...but I cannot discuss any of that in here.
What're you doin' to us, Tikiman???...You do know my email address don't you?;) ;)
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

[johare]

...and why can't you discuss it here? Did you sign a non-disclosure agreement? :)

I doubt Disney has any immediate concrete plans for a 5th park right now and if they did, there certainly wouldn't be any secret literature out there being handed out by mysterious staff members.

[carterman_12]

I stayed a few weeks ago at AKL, and during the day while waiting for the buses to the parks we freqently noticed construction machiery going into the restricted area. Plus, the road was completey blocked off and covered from sight from AKL...........

[Tikiman]

I don't want to get anyone in trouble. They did a lot for us while we were there. We even got our brick replaced in the walk around the world and got to take the original one home. After all they did for us I will not say the things they did not want me to talk about.

I agree that I was surprised to hear they were so far in the planning of the new park and the thing they gave us was not something they hand out to anyone usually. I guess they just trusted us. Why I don't know. Like I said I am not much for believing rumors myself (that is why I am not in here much) but they seemed sure of this. You don't have to believe me. Next time you go to AKL and see the roads I was talking about you will understand. There were two lanes in each direction with an island but only one side is being used for both directions of traffic and they cone it off where you turn to go into the AKL. The large roadway (too large for just the resort) goes past the AKL which seemed strange and is the reason I asked about it. I guess time will tell.

Steve

[JeffJewell]

...Disney's Animal Kingdom's Beastly Kingdom.

Disney buys some racier rides from Intamin or Vekoma and sequesters them in a hard ticketed section of the Animal Kingdom complex.

Jeff

[anim8or98]

DAKhas land cleared out behind Camp Minnie Mickey for Beastly Kingdom (which is a go) and it is enclosed by a cast access only road. They recently put up fences around this land (which is also behind Rainforest Cafe). The cranes everyone has seen are for building the parade float holding pens behind other Animal Kingdom buildings. Yes, there are roads that lead to nowhere near DAK Lodge, but they are heading towards backstage DAK and not to open fields. The original idea for DAK was to have two resorts adjacent - DAK Lodge and the Safari Lodge (if anyone remembers the rumors from a couple years back), so maybe these roads were just in case. Any theme park that would be built that close to DAK would disrupt the animals, especially with rides by Vekoma and such. I think this is all just a big story.

[mrgoofy]

I'm not too sure about a whole theme park devoted to thrill rides. That is VERY un-Disney. Disney parks are places for the whole family. If people wanted a thrill ride park so badly in central Florida, we would have seen the oft rumored Six Flags Orlando by now. I can see the Beastly Kingdom (infact I hope that is what they're building). If Animal Kingdom is having attendance woes, what better way to boost the numbers than by adding a large new land? It wouldn't make financial sense to build a new park now because new parks canibalize attendance from the existing parks, and more of a drop in attendance isn't what the bean counters want to see happen at the Animal Kingdom. And besides, it has already been announced that Animal Kingdom will undergo expansion within the next few years. I don't remember the time frame I heard, but it extends past the opening of Dino-Rama.

[Another Voice]

An all thrill ride park would generate a tremendous amount of noise - just stand near any roller coaster or think how far you can hear the screams from the 'Tower of Terror'.

Why would they put a noisy park like this right next to their animals when they have spent so much time and effort to avoid all of the other noise distractions?

Just a thought...

[ozmo19]

Disney can't even replace lightbulbs any longer and they have AK lacking in well, attractions. A decaying Future World, and ride removals all over the place. I think to hear of a 5th park rumor at this point in time is now laughable. We sit here and contend that if Epcot didn't have so many dining spots, management would be glad to close the point at this point in time. :)

[Ocean]

Originally posted by Another Voice
An all thrill ride park would generate a tremendous amount of noise - just stand near any roller coaster or think how far you can hear the screams from the 'Tower of Terror'.

Why would they put a noisy park like this right next to their animals when they have spent so much time and effort to avoid all of the other noise distractions?

Just a thought...
This is an interesting point. Shortly after the Animal Kingdom opened, I was riding a bus from the hotel to the park when another guest asked the driver if there were fireworks at AK. The driver replied that the park would not have a nightly fireworks display because they were concerned for the animals. However, didn't the Animal Kingdom have some type of fireworks on New Year's Eve during the millenium celebration? If memory serves they were supposed to be out in the parking lot. I wonder if they have determined a certain "safe" distance from the animals that Disney feels will be acceptable for more thrill rides?

[Ocean]

Originally posted by mrgoofy
I'm not too sure about a whole theme park devoted to thrill rides. That is VERY un-Disney. Disney parks are places for the whole family. If people wanted a thrill ride park so badly in central Florida, we would have seen the oft rumored Six Flags Orlando by now. I can see the Beastly Kingdom (infact I hope that is what they're building). If Animal Kingdom is having attendance woes, what better way to boost the numbers than by adding a large new land? It wouldn't make financial sense to build a new park now because new parks canibalize attendance from the existing parks, and more of a drop in attendance isn't what the bean counters want to see happen at the Animal Kingdom. And besides, it has already been announced that Animal Kingdom will undergo expansion within the next few years. I don't remember the time frame I heard, but it extends past the opening of Dino-Rama.
I've hashed this one over a bit, and I'm not sure that it is all that un-Disney. While it is certainly true that the current parks consist primarily of attractions that the entire family can do together, there are some notable exceptions. Even within the parks there are several rides that carry minimum height requirements. What about the Richard Petty Driving Experience? That certainly isn't a family attraction. And at a certain point each evening, Pleasure Island certainly becomes an adult entertainment complex that is somewhat less appropriate for families. To be sure, there are many things that familes can do in the DD area, but the Pleasure Island Jazz Club, Adventurer's Club, Motion, and Mannequins Dance Palace stand out as things that are definitely geared towards a somewhat older crowd.

There comes a time for many kids when "It's a Small World" just isn't cool anymore. And I think it would be very Disney-like to continue trying to provide a resort that meets the vacation needs of the entire family. To that end, a park with thrill rides is definitely needed. I'm sure that even in a park containing mostly thrill rides, the Imagineers can still manage to create something for everyone in the family (provided that their budgets don't get slashed when construction time comes up).

[johare]

There is no 5th park being built behind AK. Castmembers ocassionally start or fuel these rumors. Without an official announcement you would never (or very rarely) find castmembers giving out confidential information to the guests.

[larworth]

Tikiman

You can understand some of our skepticism. If we had a nickel for every time someone claimed to have an inside source....well we’d all own a suite at AKL. Sure don’t want you to do anything you feel uncomfortable with, but take a second look at what you got. There is probably something more you could share without violating any trust.

Anim8or98

The only recent thing I recall about BK was a comment some WDW rep made last year that he was sure there would be expansion at AK sometime in the future (dah). I think some people interpreted that this might be signaling BK. Of course, it could also just be the family coasters going into Dinoland. Just curious what you base your comment on “which is a go”.

Thrill Park

The sound issue seems logical, but when I think about being at a SF or CP I don’t recall really noticing the roar/screams of a particular coaster until I get fairly close. If I was on one side of say SFGAdv I don’t notice the noise from a coaster on the other side of the park. Maybe all of the other ambient noises, which wouldn’t be there if located close to an animal preserve, drowns it out? Would be interesting to know just how far away you can hear the TOT screams, and just how much distance one really needs to buffer the sound of a coaster.

From a land use perspective (wet lands, traffic flow) where is the most logical piece of real estate for them to center a 5th gate?

The “for the family” principle is an interesting one. Today, many people are afraid to ride what I often consider some of their best rides (Splash, TOT, Space Mtn). I haven’t heard anyone complain (yet) that SPACE will probably not be a ride for the whole family either.

I can’t see Disney opening a park that catered to too small a demographic. They need to have enough broad appeal to get the numbers through the turnstiles to get their ROI. However, if they opened a park that had a higher percentage of Disney type thrill rides, I don’t have a problem with that. If that was the direction they took with a 5th gate, maybe it would make more sense to put the BK attractions in the new park and put attractions in AK more in keeping with it’s rhythm.

[Bugster]

Tikiman, thanks for the info. I am curious about the "secret" information that you were given. Are you a shareholder? If so, be careful about this so-called secret information. It could be considered inside information, and we all know how touchy the SEC is about that.

[All Aboard]

I have read alot of posts by Tikiman on the Resorts board. He is a great guy that is very helpful over there. I don't think for one second that he is trying to deceive anyone.

I would be suprised if WDW was physically developing a 5th gate right now. The cannibalism effect of an undersized AK is an indicator that saturation may exist right now. On the other hand, someone could get the crazy idea that another park is required to support occupancies at the rapidily growing number of room keys on property.

But, some major additions at AK could assist with that at a much lower cost (putting on my Eisner thinking cap here) than developing an entire new theme park.

There is no escaping that fact that a big subset of guests want to be thrilled. As I have said before, I evesdrop periodically on exit interviews, and this is a common complaint. And I think it is warranted, that's what alot of people want. The existing offerings provide a great deal of magic to guests that don't want thrills. But, in order for WDW to continue to attract new guests and repeat visits from folks that are not "wowed" by Pirates of the Caribbean, somebody is going to have to step up to the plate and develop some amazing attractions.

So, my guess is that the construction is more likely the development of an AKL expansion, or perhaps (less likely) a premium park (ala Discovery Cove) that is centered on animals.

[disneyboy21]

Disney, first of all, would never close Epcot, it would'nt, and ain't never gonna happen!
In my opinion I think that AK needs just a few more rides, maybe something like another in door rollercoaster, almost like rockin' but instead of going through the city you are flying through the jungle and the point could be that you have to find some animal that in almost extinct to save it, and it would be a fun ride and it would make a point like the rapid ride in asia. Just a thought (guess i have to much time on my hands) Also if disney were to build a 5th park i think that it would do great, the 5th park should be something totally wild and have amazing thrill rides like indoor sky diving and free falls from 350FT.

well it was just a thought

1988-Marriott
1993-Mk only
1994-epcot only
1999-Disney institute
2000-All star movies
2001-Fort wilderness cabins(will be arriving 7/29-8/4):bounce: :pinkbounc :bounce: :pinkbounc :bounce: :pinkbounc :bounce: :pinkbounc :bounce: :pinkbounc :smooth:

[Tikiman]

I figured the 5th park was not that big a secret. I did not realize that it would start such a discussion. I agree that it does not seem reasonable that the 5th park would go back behind the AKL but we don’t know how far those roads go with out an airplane. I realize many CMs start rumors and most of the rumors I ignore but this was not information that was given up easily and this Disney Employee was not just a ride operator or popcorn vendor. This guy was a Disney Engineer. It may or may not be true. I am still on the fence as to weather I believe it or not but I thought the rumor board was a good place to post it. I don’t think it is a far fetched idea of Disney building a thrill ride park. Look at California Adventure. It is not your typical Disney park.

Yes I am a share holder but I don’t think the info I have would get me in to trouble. Just some interesting things that are in development for the 100 celebration and the future. Mostly ideas but still things they may not want everyone to know.


Steve

[YoHo]

To the best of my knowledge, Disney has never Done major land development on a park before it was announced. More importantly from a Thrills park perspective, Look at DCA. DCA is tanking worse then AK (AK is a good idea perhaps underexecuted, DCA is a weak Idea done as well as could be expected (MHO). DCA is in manyt respects a Thrill park. The major complaint...... NOT ENOUGH FOR CHILDREN TO DO!!!

Somehow, While I don't question gcurling's overheard exit interviews, I suspect that Thrill park is not #1 on Disney's agenda any more.


Not to mention that adding a 5th gate right now doesn't fit in with the oft mentioned (although rumours themselves) Timelines.

[larworth]

Tikiman

How about we all certify that this rumor it totally false. That way you would not have any qualms about sharing some of the details to this cleary ridiculous rumor. Of course, any mention of the source would still be redacted. I think you said it was from a monorail captain, right (hey what happened to the winking guy?)

Awhile back didn't someone post an aerial view of the property. Seems this would show if there was enough room back there and where the recent excavations are or are not.


Yoho

I would have never thought to classify DCA as a thrill park. I guess we need a whole thread to define what a thrill ride is. From what I can gather there are only two rides that I would consider thrill rides (Screamin and Maliboomer). Maybe, you can throw in the mouse coaster on a technicality. If the intention was to be a thrill park than no wonder it has failed miserably, because it is a very poor version of one.

Oh, I forgot to include the tortilla experience. There is the danger of getting burned from too hot a tortilla. I know it was a cheap shot, but it is just so hard to resist.

It seems to make more sense to put new rides in existing parks than open a 5th footprint. The only thing that would be good about a 5th park, the half we would get when it opened would probably still be more attractions than we are going to get from the IV they have the existing parks attached to now.

[All Aboard]

Defining a thrill park...

Hmmm, how would I do it? Let's start by defining a thrill attraction. I would say that any attraction on which the primary entertainment value (or at least a major portion of it) is derived from the motion of the attraction vehicle AND that vehicle motion involves significant acceleration, falls, inversions or some combination of similar motions, is a thrill attraction. At WDW I would classify Spa M, Spl M, BTMR, TT, BW, RnR, ToT, ST, Kali & Dinosaur as definite thrill attractions (some with higher thrill factors than others, of course.) While the motion is the primary entertainment factor on Dumbo, Aladdin, Astro Orbiter, Mad Tea Party, Speedway... they do not qualify under the second half of the formula. The Barnstormer and Maelstrom are low level thrill attractions that could go either way based on the definition.

Now, if within a theme park, 40% or more of its major attractions fit this description, then I'd call it a thrill park.

[johare]

gcurling,

What about Alien Encounter? I would rate that as a 'thrill attraction'.

[wdwguide]

Originally posted by larworth


The sound issue seems logical, but when I think about being at a SF or CP I don’t recall really noticing the roar/screams of a particular coaster until I get fairly close.

Two words to illustrate that the "sound issue" is in my opinion very overreated: Tarzan Rocks! You can hear it across half the park, without any apparent ill effects in the animals. Of course there is also the background noise of 8 million visitors each year, safari trucks, trains rolling past enclosures, etc. The AK is definitely no dream land for the average wild animal, but some thrill rides in the vicinity should not bother them. After all, there was supposed to be a big wooden roller coaster right where they are building DinoRama right now. And woddies are infamous for being noisy!

[larworth]

gcurling

At first pass it did seem like a good definition and list, but there are some gray areas for me.

The first thing I started to question were the motion simulators. The motion simulators don't actually have significant speed, drops...but they do fool the mind on that score, so maybe they qualify. And I guess this is their primary show effect?

Could we say the same thing for Splash. I would still ride it even if it didn't have the final drop. That thrill is only a secondary, not a primary show element. But since this thrill does inhibit someone from riding it would get classified as one by many.

Now, where do we put Alien Encounter? There is no motion, but it does intend to produce most of its' attraction value based on the thrill of fear.

Kali rely on motion, but really the fear of getting wet is the real element here. If riders didn't get wet would people really find the motion thrilling or fearful?

Maybe, a medical person would say a thirll ride is anything where most of its amusement comes from the amount of adrenaline produced, or elevated heartbeat. Hmmmm have to think about this some more.

I've never stopped to think about what percentage to apply. I guess we could take your average SF park and see what their percent is as a starter. If some of the Disney spinning rides don't enter into the count, than neither would many of their flat rides, so they would have to be well below 70%.

We can sure get off on tangents can't we.

[beattyfamily]

Thanks for sharing this rumor with us! That's what this board is for!

I, too, heard this rumor back in 1998 from a bus driver; that there would be a 5th park and it was to compete with IOA and other "thrill ride parks"

I'm all for it. I would love it to be something like IOA or Six Flags with stuff for the family but also about 4 or 5 "thrill" rides for the older child/adult.

Thanks again!;)

[Captain Crook]

You know, the more I mull it over, the more I can see Disney doing a seperate Thrill Park. They already have 4 gates, the thrill Park could concievably be smaller (like DCA) because the demographic being pursued would be smaller. The price would be the same as the other parks, merchandise sales, restaurant sales, etc. would all be size relevent. My only concern is the upkeep. Would Disney be willing to compete in the rollercoaster wars which seem to require new rides on a yearly basis? I also believe AK must be finished (in some manner) before this Park could be built, as the cannabilization effect could turn the current AK into a downright loser.
:smooth: :smooth: :bounce: :smooth: :smooth:

[disneyboy21]

that disney should open a 5th park! They have so much land, as of now they are only using 1/3 of their land. They could put up a few more huge resorts and another park or 2 or even 3 depending on size. It would make Disney the hugest resort in the world.


:p :p :pinkbounc :p :p :bounce:

[Safari Steve]

1. Most of the staff at WDI FL, as well as the WDW art director were let go recently. There will be no fifth park for quite some time, and it will not be behind DAK.
2. Lightbulbs are replaced quickly when the department in charge is notified. Burnt out lightbulbs have no connection to reduced budgets or lax maintenance. There are a lot of bulbs, and it's very hard to keep track of them all. Every time I have called central engineering about a lighting problem, it has been fixed within mere minutes. Correlating burnt out lightbulbs with the company being incapable of anything meaningful or of high quality is the work of a small mind that A)doesn't know how things work at WDW and B) is prone to cynicism, the closest thing to cancer of the psyche and of the soul...
Wha? Huh? Oh, gee, it's time to take my medicine again...

Kungaloosh!

[larworth]

Steve good to see you back in the fray.

Enlighten me on the role of WDI FL. I thought major WDW projects were not run out of WDI FL. I agree that downsizing of WDI in general is not consistent with any near term plans for a new park or a major WDW renaissance.

I don't know what medicine your taking, but it might be having some side-effects. I had to search really hard to find the original crack about the lightbults.

[Tikiman]

This person we met spoke with us for quite awhile about the layoff and he said it was sort of a "cleaning the house" or getting rid of the dead wood sort of layoff. It sounds like that would save Disney some money and do nothing to productivity. When we had a similar layoff in our engineering group it saved us enough money to start new projects.

Thanks for the input Steve. We looked for you at the Jungle Cruise last week.

Steve

[Safari Steve]

For WDI FL to go from half-a-dozen show writers to two (one of whom spends most of his time in CA), most clerical support gone, and virtually the entire documentation department (who were in the middle of two projects) to be trimmed seems like a bit more than "cleaning house", imho. Also, it should be noted that there is a distinct difference between an engineer and an imagineer. Engineers handle audio, technical, and mechanical problems on property, and are not a part of WDI, but cast members at WDW. They play a very important role, don't get me wrong. (I wouldn't be able to do my job were it not for the support of central shops, central engineering, central audio, and DACS, but they are no more "Imagineers" than I am.) I also don't consider the WDI art director for WDW "dead wood".

[anim8or98]

The only "major" project WDI Florida has done by themselves is Alddin's Magic Carpet Ride. Other than that, WDI Florida's main job is enhancements, atmosphere, rehabs, and such. They do a great job, too! And I back Safari Steve with his comment. If a cast member knows about a lightbulb being burnt out, it is called in and replaced when there are no guests around that night or the next morning before the park opens. With the amount of lightbulbs WDW uses in a day, some are bound to go out.

Does anyone else think Reign of Fire (Disney's big budget movie for next summer) will have anything to do with Beastly Kingdom (I do)?

Anim8or98

[Tikiman]

I think I have said enough on this topic. Sorry I brought it up.

Steve

[Testtrack321]

Maby the CM's were confused between BK and a 5th park because BK was suposed to have at least 2 thrill rides...

[wdwguide]

Originally posted by Tikiman
I think I have said enough on this topic. Sorry I brought it up.

Steve

Don't feel sorry. Rumors are always welcome, and just because they turn out to be highly unlikely doesn't mean you did something wrong by mentioning it.

[JeffJewell]

Sorry I brought it up. ...please, don't be. Your post was fun and on topic, and I'm glad you posted it.

Jeff

[Tikiman]

Thanks Jeff. I am not upset. Sorry if it seemed that way. I just felt I had said enough on this subject. I have never been much for rumors but I think there is a lot of good information on the rumors board along with some off the wall stuff, but that is what makes it a good posting board.

Steve

[disneyboy21]

When i am in disney next week, I plan on going to see the new AK lodge, And while I am there I want to check out these roads everyone is talking about, everyone talked about them so much i feel like it is an attraction itself! So if someone could tell me what I am looking for when I go there that would be great. Thanks :bounce:


J :)

[Testtrack321]

I'm goin August 10th so tell me too!!!!:)

[DVC-Landbaron]

Well!! What do you know!! I'll be there from the 2nd of August until the 16th. Maybe I'll see you there. OWTS and Steve!! Watch out. I'll be looking for you two!! ;)

[JeffH]

We have heard that BK was a go not too long ago.
And it was spost to be 'based' on thrills based on imaginary animals (ei:Dualing Dragons).
I also noticed the blocked off road (when I toured AKL last June).
These roads would be the most likely 'hidden' access to the parimeter of the AK.
From what I understand, Beastly Kingdom will go in behind Camp Minnie Mickey.
Camp Minnie Mickey (characters are) actually are part of the theme, since they are 'imaginary' animals themselves. Although, Lion King and Pocahantas aren't, they would serve as a good shield/distraction for the new Beastly area being built behind it. Considering the continuing popularity of the Lion King and Pocahantas shows, I imagine new stages will be built for them in Africa and Conservation Station respectively. Then, during the 'month', that the new Beastly Kingdom is soft opened, the LK and P shows will move to their new stages and a new Beastly based show will begin rehearsals in the Lion King Stage. The Pocahantas 'stage' stuff would be easily moved to the new show area and the site will either be 'buried' or become something new for the kids (play area, more meet and greet, more permanant shops) in the 'friendly/kids' part of the new Beastly Kingdom. The current cookie hut at the end of the trail will probably magically disappear and become the trail to the new Beastly area behind.
I imagine that a new show in the Lion King 'playhouse' could follow the same theme as the Festival of the Lion King, where our lovable characters battle and defeat some scary beasts, with the help of some Mickey Magic (or simply incinerated by a dragon...that would have to be a night show to get the full effect of the flaming Pooh).

[d-r]

Honestly, I wish that they would use the land that camp minnie mickey is on to have some new lands like australia and south america. I agree, the lion king show should be moved to Africa - the camp show place is lame - and that pocohontos should be moved to rafiki's planet watch. I'd like to see the charecter things moved to discovery island or something. Camp minnie mickey seems like such a waste of space. But since beastly kingdom was already built a couple of years ago, I wish they'd let that go (or maybe keep some small ode, like a dragon in the river to boat by or something) and use the land for austrialia (people would really love to see kangaroos, koalas, etc.) and south america (think of a dca-like "soarin over the amazan") plus other cool attractions. That would make AK seem more complete to me.

DR

[Safari Steve]

Don't get me wrong, it can be done, but it would take quite a bit of work and $$. The animal holding areas, home to porcupines, skunks, racoons, turkeys, and a few others are right behind the stage and take up quite a bit of space. It takes a while for many of these animals to get used to new surroundings, as they identify with their 'territory' by smell (and smell it does!)....

Gee, I thought I had something else to say, but I forgot. Oh well, if I remember, I'll post again.

Kungaloosh!

[mom23guys2]

I heard the same rumor about a fifth park from a bus driver this past spring.He also talked about a new luxury hotel.
Just a question. When you spoke of a blocked off road is that the one that goes right in front of the AKL. If it is I think that used to be a road for employees that went out to 192 by Publix. Friends used to take that as a shortcut when they visited us when we were at Disney. They can't use it anymore, it just seems to end at an employee parking lot.

[wdwguide]

There are still shortcuts back there, I was an idiot of not taking it last night - that mistake cost me 30 minutes.

From 192, take Black Lake Road to Sherberth, then take a right at the stop light, and you are on Osceola Parkway right next to the AK.

[swinginevilmike]

Hey Landbaron what am I chopped liver??...Look for me too :D

[cindala]

We also saw the blocked off roads by AKL that Tikiman described (beginning of July), and we thought it was strange that the road just ended with a barrier. We never asked anyone about it, but something is definately going on there.







:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[DVC-Landbaron]

swinginevilmike!!!

I'm so sorry!! I didn't know you are a CM!!! :eek:

PLEASE!! Give me a PM or an e-mail or just post on this where you work so I can find you!!!


:D :D :D

[airlarry!]

Let me second the person who is waiting for Australia and South America. Now that would get me back into car #2!

Two big themed lands, announced but built 2-4 years after one another, one anchored by a Soaring type attraction, the other anchored by a Big Thunder speed of coaster/attraction through the animal areas of Australia. Awesome.

[Janet2k]

Add me to the group that thinks that they’re working on an addition to the existing park (as in the completion of an area that was in the original plans but hasn’t been built yet) as opposed to a new park.

I was able to attend a Sneak Peak at the Animal Kingdom before it opened. I just pulled out my “A Sneak Preview” book from my very first visit to the theme park. The copyright is from 1997. I thought I would post a few paragraphs from “The Big Idea” section (the first chapter in the book). There is also a drawing of the proposed theme park that I will try to scan and post sometime soon (it’s a small picture but maybe it will shed some light on the happenings that Tikiman heard about).

- - - - - - -
“…Extensive research showed that Disney in association with animals was appealing to theme park guests. By January 1990, a small team of Disney Imagineers was hard at work in a tiny cluttered office strewn with three-by-five cards and artists’ sketch pads.

These artists, architects and writers were part of a long tradition of theme park creation at Walt Disney Imagineering, the renowned division responsible for dreaming up and building Disneyland and the five Disney theme parks in Florida, Tokyo and Paris. From the beginning, the Animal Kingdom team drew on over forty years of experience in creating exciting stories, inventing the latest in attraction technology and constructing entertaining environments.

Brainstorming, book reading, research and soul searching led to a clear consensus – the park could not be simply about live animals. The themes would be derived from humankind’s emotional reaction to animals. Our love for animals of all types – our enduring fascination with living, extinct and imaginary creatures – is the core of what would become Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The earliest concept drawings illustrate a three-part experience combining traditional, fantasy-based theme-park attractions with a zoo-like component and an Epcot-style pavilion. The team likened these three elements to the three stages of love for animals that humans experience – the early, childlike love of animals experienced through stories and myths; the youthful adventure of going on safari to encounter live animals or even dinosaurs; and the mature, respectful love of animals that comes from knowing and appreciating them as fellow creatures of power, grace, and beauty.

Unlike other Disney theme parks, architecture would be downplayed. One index card read, “nature is more powerful than human effort.” Barriers between humans and animals would disappear – literally as well as figuratively. Proximity equals excitement, the team believed, as they created an entirely new type of park where free roaming herds of wildlife immerse guests in a real-life narrative adventure. Encounters with living animals, as well as recreated creatures from myth and animals resurrected from extinction, were vital to preserving and enriching our emotional connections with animals. The designers knew this approach would ultimately lead guests to a fuller understanding of animals, ecosystems and their plights. As one Imagineer put it, “Disney’s way of standardizing, broadening and disseminating information goes beyond entertainment, beyond business, beyond making money. It’s giving something back.” ”
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[AllanJ]

I think the blocked off road near AK is going to be a West Gate grand entry, sucking the 192 traffic from the west into Disney World. Or you can think of it as a continuation of Osceola Parkway westward to 192.

There is also a plan (not Disney) for a north south freeway further west, jusst before Orange Lake resort, with an interchange at 192, thgis new Disney road would be perfectly positioned to capture traffic from that as well.

More Disney tips:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

9/65 Disneyland
3/75 (World Inn* off I4 near DD)
4/85 (Kon-Tiki* on 192)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 PORiv
9/97 ASMu
11/98 ASMu
12/98 (Knights Inn on 192)
9/99 ASMo
12/00 ASSp
11/01 ASSp planned
*no longer exists

[swinginevilmike]

It's no problem Landbaron...I hope you have fun on your trip!!

WOW some of you guys have great imaginations but I can assure you it's nothing as grand as what's been mentioned here. I'm shuting up now..... :D

[goofyfanatic]

When we were in Disney three years ago DW and myself did the Keys to the Kingdom tour. At that point our guide mentioned that the plans were for two more parks to be opened both containing more thrill rides.

He had mentioned that the first of the new parks would be near the AK and that they were hoping to have it open around 2005 or so. Sounds like he is pretty close.


Seth C. Berman
goofyfanatic

[Channel1tv]

There are still shortcuts back there, I was an idiot of not taking it last night - that mistake cost me 30 minutes.


SHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't tell every one about the short cuts or we will never get home!
I don't think they will ever finsh 192

[Channel1tv]

There is also a plan (not Disney) for a north south freeway further west, jusst before Orange Lake resort, with an interchange at 192, thgis new Disney road would be perfectly positioned to capture traffic from that as well.

I don't think so, There is US 27 at the end of 192 that already goes north/south they have plans to expand it to 3 lanes in the future....

[disneydude]

Road going past AK is for a new enterence off of 192. Sorry to kill the excitment.:jester:

[PamOKW]

However, didn't the Animal Kingdom have some type of fireworks on New Year's Eve during the millenium celebration? If memory serves they were supposed to be out in the parking lot.

Just thought I'd answer this. They did have a NYE celebration in 1998 and 1999 that was held in the parking lot area. However, the "fireworks" were not real fireworks but some type of pseudo-firework. I'm assuming a confetti and lights shooting out of tubes type of thing. (I wasn't there so I can't tell you for sure how it worked out.)

[AllanJ]

>>>There is US 27 at the end of 192 that already goes north/south ...

The proposed freeway east of US 27 and west of Disney World was mentioned to me in a tour of the Orange Lake resort (at which I got a free ticket to Universal Studios). Anyway a north south freeway here would be an advantageous alternative to US 27 in that there would be no traffic lights.

[mikek]

if you find the maps of the 'master plan' at wdwmagic, it shows the new highway with connections to current wdw roadways.

[daannzzz]

You can also see the proposed highway in the Orlando section of the AAA Florida Guide.

[craiggers]

I just got back from a 7-day stay. I have a friend who has been there for years. He told me that there are real concerns about AK. With everything else being slow right now, a 5th park is out of the question. They want to build up what they have, especially AK. I even heard this confimed at a recent press conference with one of the big wigs down there....

My vote is for the beastly kingdom...seems to go with all the other rumors.

[Channel1tv]

Anyway a north south freeway here would be an advantageous alternative to US 27 in that there would be no traffic lights.


There isn't any traffic lights on US-27 near 192 for 12 miles in either direction.
It's 65 mph 4 lane divided highway. Besides, US 27 has little to no traffic, and there is only 6 miles between Main Gate and US 27.