I remember reading somewhere about the complicated contract deal that Disney/Universal has with the Marvel characters. Some kind of time limit until Disney can use them in a park. Can't remember exactly what it is (and there are probably very few people who actually know for sure what that is...) but I'm wondering if they're waiting, biding their time for when they're able to use Marvel and Star Wars - and just one-two punch the Studios. It would be enough to draw people down to WDW just to see all the new stuff (think New Fantasyland), plus Avatar Land at AK (*ducks to avoid tomatoes being thrown*). I also remember reading that Universal has exclusive rights to the Harry Potter FJ ride technology, but only for a certain time - after that, it's up for grabs for Disney (or anyone else) to use. Perhaps saving money now and spending strategically later is a better strategy, when they have better things to spend it on. Plus, they can minimize total construction time by doing everything at once. Close your eyes, and ta daaa! New HS.
And the idea of a new resort is interesting. AoA was a "premiere" Value resort, so now you have 5 Values, 8 Deluxe, 9 DVC, and only four Mods (did I forget one?). No Mods are currently walkable to a park, so if they put it across World Drive, it'd be awfully close but hard to make it "walkable -" most likely another "premiere Value" or Mod would be put in, and themed for boys (as was AoA in many ways with Lion King and Cars) would be wise, as you mention mvk.
Hope that's not wishful thinking