429 Leading to 5th Park?

[Sarangel]

Kevin Yee over at Miceage.com has an interesting article speculating on some new construction in WDW that will link up to Hwy 429. I'll buy his reasoning, but with the expected grain of salt.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I agree that is an interesting article but why would Disney have to keep such a tight lid on a 5th park? It's not like back in the 60's when the land was being purchased for WDW and Walt wanted to keep things quiet to keep the land prices from skyrocketing. Disney already owns all the land they are building on. And I really don't think Mission:Space was built to keep people from going to Kennedy Space Center. KSC has so much more to see than just a simulation ride.

Then again, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

 

[All Aboard]

Interesting speculation.

Duke Street, if I recall correctly, Disney had cleared the land and made infrastructure improvements before they announced Animal Kingdom. Then, right after the announcement, the construction commenced.

So, it would probably be the case again that they would start visible construction a new park right after it gets announced, thus holding the announcement until they are in that position.

 

[Jason71]

And I really don't think Mission:Space was built to keep people from going to Kennedy Space Center. KSC has so much more to see than just a simulation ride.

While you're right about KSC, Disney may have counted on the average tourist not knowing all it has to offer. Same goes for Living Seas vs. Sea World. Given that MGM was an obvious shot at Universal, AK was an obvious shot at Busch Gardents, and PI was an obvious shot at Church St. Station, I'm inclined to believe the powers that be thought that Mission: Space and Living Seas would keep at least a few guests on property.

While IOA seems the most obvious current threat to WDW in Orlando, I've seen other posts that suggest it's just not that popular--not even as many visitors as AK. Does anyone have hard numbers?

 

[Peter Pirate]

They don't want to announce something and HAVE to stick with it should circumstances arise. Look at the second half of Pop. It sits in limbo because 'things' changed so dramatically during its construction and now its a mostly finished embarrasment.

If Disney announces a new park years out and the economy dies, terrorism impacts travel or the bird flu picks on Florida it'll be easier for them to not have to announce a cancellation, backpeddle or make explanations as to the new parks future if it actually hasn't been announced.

 

[DisneyKidds]

Interesting article. I don't doubt for a second that Disney's participation in making the 429 happen is part of long term strategic planning for future use of the land. Does the activity now mean that there is anything definite on the drawing board? Don't know. Peter is right......Disney has no need to announce anything, and may not have anything to announce, even though they are developing property infrastructure. They have their options open........and Kevin makes some interesting points about what Disney could do with those options.