A Disney bus driver told us that

[indyanna]

Disney plans to open a fifth theme park in seven years. He said that nobody knows what the theme is going to be, but it's definitely in the works. Anybody else hear about this?

 

[shelleyz]

We also heard this from a bus driver when we were there. He gave us some info on how many more buses they would have and how many more CMs they would have etc. I don't remember any of it just that he said they would have a new park.

 

[MikeWazowski]

I have not heard this yet. But, this sounds very interesting. Maybe a more thrill ride based park (Like a Cedar Point or Busch Gardens). Thanks For The Nws

 

[Horizons16]

Maybe it could be a....


The world is a big place so lets make everything huge to make us feel small... themed theme park


just an idea....

 

[Kimberle]

Yes, a thrill park based on Disney Villians.

S/open in 2008.

Plans on drawingbrd now.

 

[nativetxn]

How exciting!

 

[TLinden16]

I'm for anything that will bring the stock prices back up

Karen

 

[JamesD]

They've averaged a new gate opening every 9 years, so it's not much of stretch to think they'll consider opening another one in this decade. If they're going to keep the pattern, it would be opening in the 2007-08 timeframe, but the economy has put a damper on that ambitous schedule. Bus drivers are notorious for spreading rumors, without much substance.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by JamesD
Bus drivers are notorious for spreading rumors, without much substance.

I agree. The "Villains Park" rumor has been floating about for years, and there has yet to be any concrete proof that it's really on the front burner.

Although I don't think you can really use the economy as a barometer for a new park. I've read that it took 8 years to complete the Animal Kingdom. If that's true, then work began on that park in 1990-91. If memory serves, our economy was a lot less stable back then on the heels of the Gulf War.

But realistically, I don't think the 7-8 yrs per theme park pace can be sustained. That would mean 5 parks in 2008, 6 parks in 2016, 7 parks in 2023...

Opening a new park isn't the only way to gain market share. My understanding is that attendance at AK lags significantly behind the other parks. If true, it would be hard to justify an entirely new park. What if annual attendance is even lower than AK?

A better solution would be to continue to strengthen the current properties. Expedition Everest sounds like a great addition to AK, and hopefully there will be another E Ticket to follow.

 

[Eljay]

They tried a Villain Dinner at the Grand Floridian - it didn't last long. Maybe they were testing the waters. I personally love the villains, but maybe it wouldn't have a broad enough appeal.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Good grief! Why would Disney want t add another park when they still have one that's only half done? I wouldn't be surprised to see this come to pass, but it just doesn't make sense to me

 

[DisneyDude10171]

its amazing how the rumors always start with the bus drivers

<-- thats as close to a bus as I could find

 

[Princess_Eeyore]

It would be pretty cool tho ... mmmmmmm it would mean that I'd need a longer vacation - yippeee

We can dream

 

[JenKatt]

From what my hubby and other cast have told me the 5th park for now is scratched. Disney FINALLY realized that they need to work on what they have. This is the first time many can recall there is a major project in each park, Soarin for Epct, Stunt show for MGM, Stitch for MK and Everest for AK.

Though one of my friends had amonorail full of people believing that the SOG construction was for Warner Bros World, the 5th park

 

[DisneyDude10171]

SOARIN IS BEING BUILT IN EPCOT!?!?!?!

 

[cleo]

Yup. Over by the Land pavilion.

 

[JenKatt]

Originally posted by DisneyDude10171
SOARIN IS BEING BUILT IN EPCOT!?!?!?!

I didn't realize that info hadn't made it this far. Disney announced that they will be building Soarin over California next to the Land in Epcot.
http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_soar.htm

 

[PamOKW]

My experience has been that the bus drivers are usually right -- it's often quite awhile for what they say to come to pass but eventually it does. I've had drivers describe a Southwest themed resort (CSR) and a water park with a ski lift (Blizzard Beach) long before they began construction. I wonder if Disney doesn't have them tell these things to gauge guest reaction?

 

[FatCow]

I thought the next theme park they are building is the one in Hong Kong (HK Disneyland, or something)

 

[Chicago526]

According to the "Keys" park tour guide I had a few years ago, of all the land Walt bought for WDW, only about 40% has been developed so far. They will only develop a total of 80%, leaving 20% untouched. So that means that if Disney want's, they could double the existing WDW. That means up to 4 more parks, two more water parks and double the hotels!

Of course that may never happen, but they do have the space!

I think their next park will have to compete with Universal IOA, i.e. lot's of big thrill mega roller costers. It's the one thing Disney hasn't really done yet. It would also lend itself to a Villian themed park quite nicely, I think!

Whatever Disney has in the works, I'm sure we'll all find out soon enough!