Disney Buys Land for Future Resort Hotel at National Harbor

[Mindy5767]

A Metro extension would be nice...there was talk about one in the past, as well as extending North of Silver Springs, up towards Frederick. I'll believe it when I see it though!

I can say that if this hotel IS built, I will go...it will be great to get a "Disney fix" kinda close to home.

ETA: They could also be going for a "destination resort" idea, kind of like Great Wolf Lodge. GWL is a destination in and of itself, and most of those are not right in the "tourist section" of the towns they are in. 15 acres is plenty big for something like that.

I'm sure that's what they're doing. The Hawaii resort isn't that big either. I'm sure they'll do something like GWL but maybe not with water park. I'm sure it'll be nice. I wouldn't probably stay overnight there myself cause its too close, but I certainly would eat and shop there.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'm sure that's what they're doing. The Hawaii resort isn't that big either. I'm sure they'll do something like GWL but maybe not with water park. I'm sure it'll be nice. I wouldn't probably stay overnight there myself cause its too close, but I certainly would eat and shop there.

As I said earlier, Iger mentioned Theme Parks in a Box a few years ago. 15 acres seems like enough to do a hotel and the TPIB ideas... I hope better than GWL, but we shall see. Personally, I'd love to see the concept be successful and Disney build several of these around the country if they are DVCs... Be nice to see an even greater value to my DVC.... Although I wonder if they did this, if they'd adjust the booking times... Like Home gets 11, WDW and DL get 9 months for WDW and DL resorts as the Independents like Hawaii could get 9 months for the other indies, every one can book at 7, etc. Don't know just throwing out ideas.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

There are water taxis there and back...

You never know... maybe we'll see a Metro extension.

Don't bet on a Metro expansion for a long time.

Water Taxis? It's not like a ride on a quiet lake from the Wildie to the MK...this would be a long-long ride.

8 miles from the Mall is a long way on the water - especially in the winter.



But hey, disney has such good judgement of late.......they won't spend the $$$ for fix the Yeti or keep up with other parks .... but they will build a Washington DC hotel......that's not easily accessable to DC.


And one more idea to consider......I made a comment a few months ago about traveling OUTSIDE WDW for vacations.......and incuded the history available at Washingnton DC.......talk about needing a FLAME SUITE.

I was basically told - overwhelmingly - that a trip to WDW was far less expensive than Washington DC and besides, history abounds on World Showcase with so much more to do at WDW.

So where is the interest?

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I'm sure that's what they're doing. The Hawaii resort isn't that big either. I'm sure they'll do something like GWL but maybe not with water park. I'm sure it'll be nice. I wouldn't probably stay overnight there myself cause its too close, but I certainly would eat and shop there.

I would love it if they had a character meal there. Do HHI and Vero Beach have character meals?

As I said earlier, Iger mentioned Theme Parks in a Box a few years ago. 15 acres seems like enough to do a hotel and the TPIB ideas... I hope better than GWL, but we shall see. Personally, I'd love to see the concept be successful and Disney build several of these around the country if they are DVCs... Be nice to see an even greater value to my DVC.... Although I wonder if they did this, if they'd adjust the booking times... Like Home gets 11, WDW and DL get 9 months for WDW and DL resorts as the Independents like Hawaii could get 9 months for the other indies, every one can book at 7, etc. Don't know just throwing out ideas.

I hope they keep it so that others can go too...it seems hard to get a Non-DVC ressie at HHI and Vero Beach, and if you can it's really expensive.

 

[Mindy5767]

I would love it if they had a character meal there. Do HHI and Vero Beach have character meals?


I hope they keep it so that others can go too...it seems hard to get a Non-DVC ressie at HHI and Vero Beach, and if you can it's really expensive.

There are no current plans that this is DVC. There is nothing mentioned in my latest DVC Magazine that I just got.

I'm sure the water taxi can go faster on the Potomac than it can on Disney's lakes. Whites Ferry runs in the winter across the Potomac (unless the water is frozen over), so I don't know why this water taxi wouldn't. It can be enclosed like the ones in Alaska.

And since I am not a tourist to WDC I dont' understand why people would think that its way cheaper to go to Disney than to DC. Airfare depends on where you're coming from. Restaurants are priced similarly (I know.. we eat out alot). Souviners aren't any more expensive. There would be no park admission. The DC museums and monuments are free. Mount Vernon is pretty affordable. What am I missing?

 

[Uncleromulus]

Disney Cruise out of Baltimore--the Queen City of the Jones Falls drainage basin.
Sounds good, but I can't see it happening.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

There are no current plans that this is DVC. There is nothing mentioned in my latest DVC Magazine that I just got.

I'm sure the water taxi can go faster on the Potomac than it can on Disney's lakes. Whites Ferry runs in the winter across the Potomac (unless the water is frozen over), so I don't know why this water taxi wouldn't. It can be enclosed like the ones in Alaska.

And since I am not a tourist to WDC I dont' understand why people would think that its way cheaper to go to Disney than to DC. Airfare depends on where you're coming from. Restaurants are priced similarly (I know.. we eat out alot). Souviners aren't any more expensive. There would be no park admission. The DC museums and monuments are free. Mount Vernon is pretty affordable. What am I missing?

I agree...if you have to fly to WDW, that's a good portion of your trip cost right there. If we could drive there in 5-6 hours or less, I'm sure we would go a whole lot more. This resort will be great for people like us, who want a touch of Disney but can't afford a full on WDW trip. Is it the same? Heck no. Would I still rather go to WDW or DL? Heck yeah, but this is a great alternative for when I can't. If this is done right, Disneyfreaks like me will come and never even leave the resort, and many families will use it as a base of operations when visiting the area. I'm sure Disney will run some sort of shuttle bus down to the Mall/Smithsonian area. THey already have an Aventures by Disney DC trip, so I'm sure this will be used as the hotel for that. They already bus for that, so what's a few more busses at that point?

 

[deej696]

And since I am not a tourist to WDC I dont' understand why people would think that its way cheaper to go to Disney than to DC. Airfare depends on where you're coming from. Restaurants are priced similarly (I know.. we eat out alot). Souviners aren't any more expensive. There would be no park admission. The DC museums and monuments are free. Mount Vernon is pretty affordable. What am I missing?

I too dont understand the logic that DC is more expensive than Disney. My wife and I just returned from a 3 night stay visit to DC, and we spent $1200 including airfare, 4 star hotel in the District, and all meals/souveniers. Not to mention that $200 of that was one dinner alone. I just priced 3 nights with hopper at WL and its $1275, no flights, no souveniers....

 

[KYMickey]

There are no current plans that this is DVC. There is nothing mentioned in my latest DVC Magazine that I just got.

And your point is? Other than rumors no information has ever been released for any DVC construction project (other than Hawaii) until the project is well underway or almost completed. Take the new building at the contemporary for example. It was nearly complete before any announcements were made that it was going to be a DVC! I'm sure there would be a formal announcement before anything was written for the DVC magazine.

 

[Mindy5767]

And your point is? Other than rumors no information has ever been released for any DVC construction project (other than Hawaii) until the project is well underway or almost completed. Take the new building at the contemporary for example. It was nearly complete before any announcements were made that it was going to be a DVC! I'm sure there would be a formal announcement before anything was written for the DVC magazine.

Yes, you do have a point. I guess I wasn't feeling a DVC vibe. In order for it to go DVC, they'd have to make a declaration filing for a Time-Share. When Disney was trying to build in Manassas, they used the same law firm as I do. Maybe they'd use the same firm (specfically Anthony Calabrese---he's tops in real estate law---they used him before) . Rumors would be hard to contain.

So... we shall see..... It wouldn't matter one way or another to me because I wouldn't stay there probably... too close... but I'm excited for the shopping and dining and whatever else they plan for.

 

[Etoile]

I'm a little bit closer than Mindy but I'd probably stay there at least once. Just for the experience.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I too dont understand the logic that DC is more expensive than Disney. My wife and I just returned from a 3 night stay visit to DC, and we spent $1200 including airfare, 4 star hotel in the District, and all meals/souveniers. Not to mention that $200 of that was one dinner alone. I just priced 3 nights with hopper at WL and its $1275, no flights, no souveniers....

I AGREE completely.

DH and I had just returned from a long weekend in DC over Valentines Day. I had (God forbid) suggested, when people were talking about the great historical value of EPCOT, that people may want to go and see the real thing...like Washington, DC or even a National Park. DH and I have become so thrilled with our holidays which include National Parks, that on our non-Disney trips....they now must include a visit to a Park.

Anyway....I was flatly told by the majority that a Disney trip is so much more experience for your $$$ and flat-out less expensive......including, Washington, Beach trips to the Virginia beaches, North Carolina beaches, etc.

Personally, I think it's great for children to expeirence history first hand.

Last Spring we did a History road-trip and the second stop was Gettysburg. With the new visitors center, movie and personal guilded tour, you are thoroughly immersed into the 3 pivotal days. We did the tours and back at the visitors center we wondered - do children "get it"....what really happened here?

Later that day we tookl a final drive over to the 20th Maine monument (Little Round Top - Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain <--my favorite general). We found a small ribbon, pine branches, coins and little American flags. We called the school when we returned home (school name on the ribbon).

Each year their 5th grade class (from Maine) travels to Gettysburg - they have studied the battle - they actually walk Picketts Charge and they find each monument to place these modest personal memorials - they also locate each of the over 200 Maine soldiers who fell during the battle and were buried in the Gettysburg cemetary to add the memorials to their resting place.

Can you get that experience at World Showcase?


Now having said that, I think National Harbor will be an option for a hotel - one of many iin Maryland outside DC and as long as you have a rental car and are willing to battle to find a parking space in downtown DC, you are all set.

For me, 10 minutes research online will find many more, better located and I can promise you.....far MORE hotel for less $$$ than Disney at National Harbor.

Good Luck Disney!

 

[KYMickey]

Yes, you do have a point. I guess I wasn't feeling a DVC vibe. In order for it to go DVC, they'd have to make a declaration filing for a Time-Share......Rumors would be hard to contain.....

The new DVC building at the Contemporary was well under construction before any of the filings were submitted. I'm sure the same line of thinking could be followed here. No sense in spilling the beans before you have to.

 

[doconeill]

The new DVC building at the Contemporary was well under construction before any of the filings were submitted. I'm sure the same line of thinking could be followed here. No sense in spilling the beans before you have to.

I also think DVC got burned for announcing new developments (or even leaks of future plans) before they even started, and then abandoned the plans. Eagle Pines, Manhattan...was there one in Newport, VA? And DLP?

 

[yitbos96bb]

Don't bet on a Metro expansion for a long time.

Water Taxis? It's not like a ride on a quiet lake from the Wildie to the MK...this would be a long-long ride.

8 miles from the Mall is a long way on the water - especially in the winter.



But hey, disney has such good judgement of late.......they won't spend the $$$ for fix the Yeti or keep up with other parks .... but they will build a Washington DC hotel......that's not easily accessable to DC.


And one more idea to consider......I made a comment a few months ago about traveling OUTSIDE WDW for vacations.......and incuded the history available at Washingnton DC.......talk about needing a FLAME SUITE.

I was basically told - overwhelmingly - that a trip to WDW was far less expensive than Washington DC and besides, history abounds on World Showcase with so much more to do at WDW.

So where is the interest?

They are ALREADY doing Water Taxis from NH to DC, so its obviously not that bad. Please read more closely the articles. Didn't someone also say it was 3, not 8? The 8 was a typo?

I'm not sure who you ran into... but unless they live close, I would agree...WDW is far more expensive than DC, etc. Now, they might claim Value for the money, but if you aren't into history and museums, I could see.... I love going to DC. I lived there for 3 years as a Kid and spend 10 weeks going back and forth on Business a few years ago. It was a great time.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I would love it if they had a character meal there. Do HHI and Vero Beach have character meals?


I hope they keep it so that others can go too...it seems hard to get a Non-DVC ressie at HHI and Vero Beach, and if you can it's really expensive.

It would never be exclusive DVC. Rather like the Hawaiian resort... A mix use of Hotel, DVC, etc. My bet is going forward, any standalone resorts like this and Hawaii will be mixed use or hotel only.

 

[yitbos96bb]

There are no current plans that this is DVC. There is nothing mentioned in my latest DVC Magazine that I just got.

I'm sure the water taxi can go faster on the Potomac than it can on Disney's lakes. Whites Ferry runs in the winter across the Potomac (unless the water is frozen over), so I don't know why this water taxi wouldn't. It can be enclosed like the ones in Alaska.

And since I am not a tourist to WDC I dont' understand why people would think that its way cheaper to go to Disney than to DC. Airfare depends on where you're coming from. Restaurants are priced similarly (I know.. we eat out alot). Souviners aren't any more expensive. There would be no park admission. The DC museums and monuments are free. Mount Vernon is pretty affordable. What am I missing?

Its pure speculation about DVC... but there is a logic too it. It wouldn't be exclusive DVC but rather Mixed Use. I think Disney has seen how much others have made in the Time Share game and is looking to expand. They will never be the size of Marriot, but I think they'll build a nice higher end line around the country.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

They are ALREADY doing Water Taxis from NH to DC, so its obviously not that bad. Please read more closely the articles. Didn't someone also say it was 3, not 8? The 8 was a typo?

I'm not sure who you ran into... but unless they live close, I would agree...WDW is far more expensive than DC, etc. Now, they might claim Value for the money, but if you aren't into history and museums, I could see.... I love going to DC. I lived there for 3 years as a Kid and spend 10 weeks going back and forth on Business a few years ago. It was a great time.

You are right - there is a Water taxi from National harbor. Potomac Riverboat Company $16 each way runs across and slightly up the river to Alexandria. From there you are welcome to buy a boat tour pass to view the monuments .....

but if you want to get into the city.....you will then take a taxi to a metro station or simply take your taxi into the city.

$32 p/person round trip to cross the river above the bridge to Alexandria. Family of 4 = $128 for one day....only as far as Alexandria. Don't forget to buy your tickets in advance in case they sell out !! (obviously during the summer...you have to be NUTS to transit by water taxi in the winter....and the company will shut down for ice on the river).

Average Temperatures in Alexandria, VA - from Weather.com

Date high low

Jan 42 27
Feb 47 30
March 56 37
April 66 47
May 75 56
June 84 65
July 88 76
Aug 86 72
Sept 79 62
Oct 68 50
Nov 57 40
Dec 47 32


After your taxi ride to King Street Station in Alexandria - or you can walk, according to Google maps it's 1.45 miles, you will board the Metro at King Street Station, Alexanria.

According to the Washington DC Metro guide

One-way cash fare (non rush hour) $ 2.70

King Street Station to L'enfant Plaza - 18 minutes

L'enfant Plaza to Smithsonian - 6 minutes



I'm guessing you will be pushing close to an hour to transit onto the Washington Mall from National Harbor with water taxi --- feet (no taxi) and Subway -


Cost - non rush hour $ 37.40 round trip p/person - one day

$ 149.60 - family of 4 - one day

Sounds like a rental car HAS to be less expensive when you are traveling with two or more. I hope you take the Blue Fairy to find a parking space once you arrive!


You can also pickup a National Harbor to DC Metro bus.......good route.....Washington DC bus wth multiple stops. Who else is riding with you? My suggestion --- don't go at rush hour times........


Was that enough reading??

 

[Mindy5767]

Mouseaholic... you sure did your research. Temps must include humidity!! Its like Disney without the Florida! If you rent a car and try to drive into DC.... it takes special skills and talent to find a parking space in DC. Like a magic touch. My DH has that skill. I don't recommend it to others. We found a space to park along Ohio Ave. to see the Cherry Blossoms, and it was crowded too. Out of towners I wouldn't recommend trying. They don't know all the "secret" spots and the parking zones and permit rules that apply in many back street areas might trick them into a ticket.

I'm sure whatever hotel (mixed use or otherwise) will offer a direct shuttle to downtown. Even hotels out here have shuttles. I'm near Dulles Airport.

Water Taxi is nice in good weather. I'm sure they'll use that option too. Disney usually gives you more than one option.

I'm looking forward to seeing what they ultimately do. In the meantime, the economy is taking down restaurants left & right out here!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Mouseaholic... you sure did your research. Temps must include humidity!! Its like Disney without the Florida! If you rent a car and try to drive into DC.... it takes special skills and talent to find a parking space in DC. Like a magic touch. My DH has that skill. I don't recommend it to others. We found a space to park along Ohio Ave. to see the Cherry Blossoms, and it was crowded too. Out of towners I wouldn't recommend trying. They don't know all the "secret" spots and the parking zones and permit rules that apply in many back street areas might trick them into a ticket.

I'm sure whatever hotel (mixed use or otherwise) will offer a direct shuttle to downtown. Even hotels out here have shuttles. I'm near Dulles Airport.

Water Taxi is nice in good weather. I'm sure they'll use that option too. Disney usually gives you more than one option.


I'm looking forward to seeing what they ultimately do. In the meantime, the economy is taking down restaurants left & right out here!

Hello Mindy -

We live in Annapolis so quick trips to DC are routine for us. Luckily it's a scoot down Route 50 to New Carrollton 99% of the time.

When we were in DC for Valentines Day we stayed at the Hamilton (Holiday Inn points so it was free). 1 block from the Metro gave us all the flexibility we wanted until the lastday when we decided to travel to see Mr. Jefferson and his memorial. I agree....parking was a nightmare and the roads kept taking me to places I was not famliar with (thank goodness for the GPS). Anyway, when I realized I had a handicapped tag (from my ankle injury last year), it solved the problem. Without it.....we could still be driving around DC looking for a parking space!!!