Could DW Parks be Expanded?

[Misthunter210]

I was looking at Google Maps the other day and got fixated on the Disney World Parks and it got me thinking. Could some of the Parks be expanding beyond their current Boundarys in the future? I don't want this to turn into a Disney bash but encourage discussions. I'm also pretty ignorant on what disney owns surrounding each park, I image all of it.

Magic kingdom:

East and mostly north of the park are blocked by operation facilities and the roads to them. South for obvious reason is out of the questions. The real only viable options are to the west and northwest and even then it would take work to move some park facilities unless you cut a walk way straight Over the riverboat river.

Hollywood studios:

Looks pretty blocked in unless you can figure out how to cut under the entrance road to the south.

Epcot:

Appears to be the most locked in of the parks but the park itself has a lot of unused space to expand if needed.

Animal kingdom:

The most expansion friendly of the parks it appears. Lots of land to the east of everest. Reroute the road loop.

 

[11290]

Given enough time, enough MONEY and the WILL TO DO IT, anything is possible.

 

[FFMatt12]

Yeah I do believe they will eventually expand but the expansions that come first night just be resorts. I got this bug from the DisUnplugged podcast (heresay of course).

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Yes...they all have ample expansion room...

No...I don't think there's alot of will to spend that money to do such a thing in the near future.

Not when people are lining the pockets as is...

 

[rteetz]

Yes...they all have ample expansion room...

No...I don't think there's alot of will to spend that money to do such a thing in the near future.

Not when people are lining the pockets as is...

Correct all four parks could be expanded in multiple areas. Plenty of room everywhere.

Disney of course isn't willing to do that not do they really need to

 

[Takket]

plenty of room for expansion but I think they have some infrastructure they need to deal with first. the monorails are REALLY run down.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

plenty of room for expansion but I think they have some infrastructure they need to deal with first. the monorails are REALLY run down.

You are more than likely to see them dismantle the monorail than pour alot of money into it right now...

Again...this has been a developing trend for 10+ years.

 

[rteetz]

plenty of room for expansion but I think they have some infrastructure they need to deal with first. the monorails are REALLY run down.

Actually they are surprisingly investing in the monorails. They are currently one by one getting new carpets and soon new seats. Monorail black just got the new carpet that is the only one so far. They are also putting new driverless systems in them.

 

[LeeAndRobin]

You are more than likely to see them dismantle the monorail than pour alot of money into it right now...

Again...this has been a developing trend for 10+ years.

Ummm... Could you expound on exactly what you are basing this prediction on? Or are you just basing it on the fact that Disney has allowed the monorail system to degrade over the last few years?

I would submit that if you are basing your prediction on the latter, that it is a not a valid conclusion. Disney allows all manner of attractions/rides to slowly go downhill before refurbing them. Witness WDW POTC. The fog screen hasn't worked for over a year, boats are leaking, etc, etc. But I highly doubt this means Disney is planning to close POTC and bulldoze the attraction to make way for something else.

The monorail is one of the most, if not THE most iconic symbol of DisneyLand/DisneyWorld. Period.

If they were going to close it down, why install new automation equipment? Why not just close it? You can say that they were "forced" to install the automation equipment on the tracks by "government regulatory agencies" for safety reasons but I have seen no evidence that that is true. Do you have even one reference that states that (other than a blog entry or rumor somewhere?). Again, if these "government regulatory agencies" were forcing Disney to install the automation equipment or close the monorail system, why would they not just close it down vs. spending the money upgrading something that, according to you, they are planning on closing down soon anyway?

Finally, it would seem unlikely that the refurbs that rteetz mentions would be underway unless Disney planned to keep the system in place...

 

[HizMinnie2015]

There has been talk that Disney is going to expand the north side of MK to make room for parking and an entrance area. The casting center and security offices will be moved in a new area at AKL, freeing up enough square feet to make this happen. They are hoping this will help those now living on the north side of WDW, and to relieve the traffix issue now happening from those ppl traveling south to gain entrance.

 

[DDLand]

Ummm... Could you expound on exactly what you are basing this prediction on? Or are you just basing it on the fact that Disney has allowed the monorail system to degrade over the last few years?

I would submit that if you are basing your prediction on the latter, that it is a not a valid conclusion. Disney allows all manner of attractions/rides to slowly go downhill before refurbing them. Witness WDW POTC. The fog screen hasn't worked for over a year, boats are leaking, etc, etc. But I highly doubt this means Disney is planning to close POTC and bulldoze the attraction to make way for something else.

The monorail is one of the most, if not THE most iconic symbol of DisneyLand/DisneyWorld. Period.

If they were going to close it down, why install new automation equipment? Why not just close it? You can say that they were "forced" to install the automation equipment on the tracks by "government regulatory agencies" for safety reasons but I have seen no evidence that that is true. Do you have even one reference that states that (other than a blog entry or rumor somewhere?). Again, if these "government regulatory agencies" were forcing Disney to install the automation equipment or close the monorail system, why would they not just close it down vs. spending the money upgrading something that, according to you, they are planning on closing down soon anyway?

Finally, it would seem unlikely that the refurbs that rteetz mentions would be underway unless Disney planned to keep the system in place...

100% Excellent post. Especially on how illogical it is for Disney to be investing millions in a product that would be soon killed off.

I'd say the monorail is as good as untouchable. I can only imagine all the angry social media posts with pictures of the beams being disassembled, and how much hatred would be spewed Disney's way. It would be a disaster. Plus there's currently no alternative for the monorail. The boats couldn't handle it all.

The contemporary would be a little bit awkward too...

 

[rajak73]

Could they expand...yes..was told by a tour guide, Disney has developed 1/3 of land they own, 1/3 is is set aside for conservation, so they still have 1/3 they could develop in future. If they wanted to.

 

[rteetz]

There has been talk that Disney is going to expand the north side of MK to make room for parking and an entrance area. The casting center and security offices will be moved in a new area at AKL, freeing up enough square feet to make this happen. They are hoping this will help those now living on the north side of WDW, and to relieve the traffix issue now happening from those ppl traveling south to gain entrance.

The casting center has already been moved I believe. Yes this seems to be the plan.

 

[rteetz]

Could they expand...yes..was told by a tour guide, Disney has developed 1/3 of land they own, 1/3 is is set aside for conservation, so they still have 1/3 they could develop in future. If they wanted to.

Exactly of they wanted to but do they want to no because they don't need to.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

It's a theory...

They are at least 10 years overdue on new trains...and that is showing a disinclination to invest in the monorail system...that should be a no brainer.

I can see a scenario where they maximize the DVC conversions at the 7 seas hotels... And then Phase out the monorails.

The problem would be the magic kingdom parking lot there... As there would have to be an alternative built...

But other than that - the monorail isn't that useful...if you're honest.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The casting center has already been moved I believe. Yes this seems to be the plan.

Casting opened across from downtown in 1996...

D U is located behind magic kingdom.

I don't see a "north gate" and parking lot idea going ahead. It would be a huge undertaking...if you're familiar with the area behind magic kingdom.

You would also have to build an entirely new entrance complex back near fantasyland or frontier land.

That's a major investment...

Unless...you want rid of the original parking lot/TTC...which is a logistics problem.

About that monorail...

 

[rteetz]

Casting opened across from downtown in 1996...

D U is located behind magic kingdom.

I don't see a "north gate" and parking lot idea going ahead. It would be a huge undertaking...if you're familiar with the area behind magic kingdom.

You would also have to build an entirely new entrance complex back near fantasyland or frontier land.

That's a major investment...

Unless...you want rid of the original parking lot/TTC...which is a logistics problem.

About that monorail...

I'm just reporting what being rumored. I know they moved some buildings that were supposedly in the way. The next step was the speedway supposedly.

 

[DDLand]

Casting opened across from downtown in 1996...

D U is located behind magic kingdom.

I don't see a "north gate" and parking lot idea going ahead. It would be a huge undertaking...if you're familiar with the area behind magic kingdom.

You would also have to build an entirely new entrance complex back near fantasyland or frontier land.

That's a major investment...

Unless...you want rid of the original parking lot/TTC...which is a logistics problem.

About that monorail...

I still suspect WDWmagic may be off the mark on this one. It seemed to be based off of an idea and not on any contacts.

 

[rteetz]

I still suspect WDWmagic may be off the mark on this one. It seemed to be based off of an idea and not on any contacts.

I have to think that something more than just additional parking is in store. Richard petty driving didn't want to leave disney didn't renew their contract. The experience sold it wasn't something that was unprofitable and they said they want to find a new place in the area because it's been popular here.

 

[DDLand]

I have to think that something more than just additional parking is in store. Richard petty driving didn't want to leave disney didn't renew their contract. The experience sold it wasn't something that was unprofitable and they said they want to find a new place in the area because it's been popular here.

100%

Still I have a hard time thinking Disney would want to have a bunch of guests go right next to backstage areas. It would be a pain for cast members, logistics, and ugly for guests. That area is not show ready and Disney is all about first impressions. The drive down World Drive perfectly sets up the story Disney tells. Seeing the ugly backside of MK not so much.

I think they crossed two different stories here and made them one. Transportation enhancments and improved reams road connection.