Disney Casino?????

[Peter Pirate]

Yeah, a joke, but fun to argue about anyway!

 

[Mickmse2002]

Yeah, a joke, but fun to argue about anyway!

I agree. Nothin' better then a "what if......." argument.

 

[Deep-Thots]

NYC may have pornoplenty, but the city has done a great job of erradicating it from the major tourist sections of the city.

Have you been to, say, 8th Avenue and 42nd Street -- the great intersection (right around the Port Authority Bus Station) through which many people coming from NJ pass to get into the city -- lately??? Girls, Girls, Girls!! Or how about the area around Penn Staion? Even Greenwich Village has a "bust"ling porn industry. Just look around....

Vegas tried several years ago to market itself as a family friendly destination. The casinos invested billions to try and lure mom,dad and the kids. They failed miserably. They scrapped the whole idea. What's their slogan now ? "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". Hardly the image I want of central Florida.

Now this is a funny thing. I happen to think that kids don't belong in casinos. But I am continually astounded by the numbers of children that I do see in casinos. I don't actually stop to watch, so these are just my observations. However, it seems to me that there are always lots of parents with their children at least in tow (if not necessarily parked next to them at the tables. At the slots sometimes, but not at the tables). There do seem to be a fair number of them stranded in the hallways.

Re: central Florida. You made some statement regarding having a "Checks Cashed Here" store next to the CR. Come on, now: That's puerile. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Disney has a ton of property in LBV. They could easily establish a casino somewhere on the Disney property, completely away from the WDW-themed parks and resorts. They don't even have to use the Disney name. They could simply hold the place to a Disney style and standard of service (thus eliminating the "Checks Cashed Here" threat you -- and frankly I -- would so dread). What would really be the harm in that?

 

[Plus4206]

My "Check Cahing" comment was directed at the poster who suggested CR & CS would be good locations for gambling because of the convention traffic. And of course my entire point is all a bit tongue-in-cheek, so to speak , but that's what we do here in "what if" threads.

Disney - regardless of how some feel the brand has been cheapened - still stands for family. Families are willing to forgive all the issues brought on by ME because in the end,after all is said and done, Disney is still the leader in family entertainment.

When you factor in all the social ills that are associated with casinos I see no reason why Disney should risk offending their core customer base.

 

[blacklily]

With regards to the outsides of vegas and AC I would agree that there are alot of direlects and porn flyers and pawn shops etc.. but that is because the casinos don't own that property and there have been lots of legal battles over what is public and private and what demonstrators can do and hand out in front of the casinos. Disney has control of the property and could control the outsides of the casinos. Pawn shops and strip clubs wouldn't pop up on Disney property nor would people handing out flyers. In connecticut we have two casinos (one is the largest in the world) and there are not derilects and porn outside of them because they are Indian casinos and the surrounding property is controlled by them. Certainly inside the casinos you see some interesting characters but this is an adult environment and would be visited by choice (we still have that in the US). Therefore I think Disney certainly could run casinos and not have it impact Disneyworld since the adults would choose to go there. Also, on all the cruises I've been on I haven't seen the casino's detrimentally effect the environment. Remember the whole key to Disneyworld is controlling the environment to control the experience. So I think they could do it but I don't know if they will. Also, I love to gamble but I doubt I would play in Disneyworld since there is sooooo much else I'd rather do.

 

[Deep-Thots]

Also, I love to gamble but I doubt I would play in Disneyworld since there is sooooo much else I'd rather do.

I agree that there is much more that I'd rather do at WDW during the day. It's the evenings that DH and I (late-30-something DINKs) find a bit more problematic. We're a bit past the prime clubbing age (at least, our bodies inform us that we are a bit past the prime clubbing age!!), Disney Quest can be done only so many times, and there are only about two or three movies out at a time that we're interested in seeing (though we do try to "save them up" for our Disney trips). We also don't like to eat heavy "California Grill"-type meals much past 9:00 PM. Yet, we like to be "out and about" on our vacations, even during the evenings. If the parks were consistently open later, this wouldn't be a problem. But, they're not. So, to my way of thinking, a casino --"offsite"" -- would be a fun evening diversion.

 

[Aidensmom]

I think it would be great if they put casino's on their cruise ships....I have been on several other cruises, and we would like to go on another soon. We got the DVD on Disney cruises and everything looked so wonderful with the exception of that there is no casino. To me, that is one of the 'special' things to be able to do on a cruise (I don't gamble away all our money, but I do love to play the slot and poker machines). Other cruise lines have family oriented things and still have casinos and it is not a problem.

As far as casino's bringing in other things such as pawn shops, porn, and check-cashing establishments...have you been to any parts of FL outside of WDW? That stuff is already here.

 

[mking624]

I personally would not like it if casinos were brought in. There are plenty of other vacation spots where folks can go do that without having to add it to a family-friendly spot.

As for the cruise ships, I don't like the idea of it going there either. Disney Cruises are the only ones who do not have a casino on board, making it even more family friendly than other lines. We love that about the Disney Cruise Line. They're not going to drop in reservation numbers because of a lack of a casino.

I think Disney would risk upsetting a lot of their guests if they considered this.

 

[manning]

Everyone place your bets

 

[Plus4206]

***" As far as casino's bringing in other things such as pawn shops, porn, and check-cashing establishments...have you been to any parts of FL outside of WDW? That stuff is already here."***

Thank you. That's my point. It's "outside" WDW. I-Drive and I-192 are the two main tourist areas outside the boundaries of WDW and by and large they are still family friendly areas. While I haven't searched for them, I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a pawn shop or two on those roads but at least they don't stick out like a sore thumb the way they do in AC. If WDW put a casino on property I have no doubt that we wouldn't see pawn or porn shops on property but I'd bet a bundle the landscape of the surrounding area would change dramatically.

A couple years ago we decided to check out Church Street Station. We made the mistake of getting here by driving up Orange Blossum. Not too many miles north of WDW/I-Drive area is a war zone that doesn't appear to be migrating south. IMO casinos would change that.

 

[ShadowWind]

Orlando and the area is a unique place, in that it has avoided most of the big city problems because of a very tightly controlled system. Disney has a large say in what goes on in the area in the general, not just within their boundaries. The commissions of Orange and Osceola Counties are very aware of the atmosphere necessary to keep the area family friendly. Even those strip clubs on OBT are tame compared to other places, because of the strict family laws that are in place. BTW, when did you go down OBT, because I've travelled that road a lot, and in recent years, it's been much quieter and nicer. I'd hardly describe it as a war zone. It's certainly not the same as Atlanta's downtown (or even Tampa's).

We have Indian casinos in Florida and they have very little problems or the downfalls you have stated, because again, they are in a controlled atmosphere. I don't think Disney would be much different. I believe they could mesh a casino into the family atmosphere, just as they meshed Pleasure Island into Downtown Disney. I'm not talking a full fledged casino that bases it's existance on gambling, I'm talking about a single lounge type room that has a few casino games for conventioneers to enjoy while they are staying there. I seriously doubt that would change anyone's mind about booking that trip. Heck, if putting McDonalds in every location they could find didn't, then I don't know what would. To me, that ruined the landscape of Disney's unique atmosphere more than a casino would. A similar room on a cruise ship wouldn't either. And maybe some of that new income would allow them to get better imagineers and rides that they are willing to spend money on.

Even though it was an April Fool's Joke, it wouldn't surprise me in the least that Disney would consider such a move. They are no longer the family company who's image is untarnished like in the days of Walt. They seem to go more for what they can get away with and still keep the status quo than whether people like us (their core audience) want or would tolerate. There are millions that are not Disney fans that see it as just another theme park and to them, Disney seems to want to cater to because it works for Universal. Just look at their movie companies. I think the whole idea that Disney is fundamentally a family company has sailed...

 

[mking624]

I seriously doubt that would change anyone's mind about booking that trip.

I work online with wives of addicts...part of the group being wives of gambling addicts. Believe me, it WOULD change their mind in a heartbeat to not book a trip to WDW or the cruise line if this was offered. So maybe it wouldn't change some peoples' minds, but to say it wouldn't change *anyone's* mind simply isn't true.

 

[Plus4206]

.... it's been 5-6 years since we travelled north on OBT. My "war zone" comment was probably a little over the top - at least as I'd compare it to Camden up here in S.Jersey - but compared to tourist area we drove thru to get there it was pretty bad.

I also don't believe an Indian casino is a fair comparison. They have a loophole that allows them - and just them - to build A casino on their property. If Disney were to put up a casino on property you know the surrounding area would also demand them. While Disney could maintain control of their property the local governments in the surrounding areas would face major legal battles in preventing strip clubs & the like from opening up.

While I'm not a huge fan of casinos I'm not totally against them either. I just feel there is a right and a wrong place for them and I definitly feel that WDW and surrounding area is the wrong place.

 

[ltp74]

If Florida ever passed full scale casino gaming Disney might hold it off for awhile but they would break down and put a casino on property. The big gaming companies would set-up shop somewhere in the Orlando area and build hotel/casino resorts that will take away vistors from Disney's hotels and I don't thing anyone will argue that Disney will stand for that. If they do break down and put casino's on property I agree that they would be riverboats that travel around the lagoon as you they would be away from the kids staying in the hotels and that might deflect some of the heat they will get. I don't really know whats going on in Florida gaming wise but I don't think they are anywhere near approving full scale casino gaming so its reall a moot point.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Since our only DS is an adult, we simply do not consider DCL for our cruising needs. If they added a casino, it would make us more likely to consider DCL.

As for a casino on-site at WDW, I see absolutely no reason why one couldn't be integrated into the PI area. Take a stroll through PI at 11PM or so, then tell me that everything at WDW is "Family Friendly" - unless you regularly buy your children shots o' booze from a somewhat.scantily.clad "nurse".

PI already has 21.and.over clubs; a casino would fit in nicely. And if the CWs happened to be Disney gals, well, I wouldn't mind getting a drink from Jessica Rabbit (PI's "figurehead") while at the craps table.

To those who mindlessly associate casinos with unsavory behaviour, remember this: before Walt did his magic, amusement parks - with their rigged games, freak shows, "snake-lady" dancers and rickety rides - were also considered family-UNfriendly. Maybe it's time to work Walt's Disney magic on another facet of society....

 

[Plus4206]

Get back over to the DVC board where you belong.... and take your stinkin' casino widya !!!

Just kidding of course ;-)

 

[raidermatt]

Ok, when Florida leagalizes widespread casino gambling, we can revisit.

Until then, its got to be one of the most ridiculous ideas I've heard.

1- Without widespread legalized gambling (not just Indian casinos), Disney would have to push the envelope in order to do it on property. Can you imagine the kind of negative publicity this would generate? This is a company that's been afraid to release Song of the South for years because of its fear of a backlash. They balked at releasing Far. 9/11 under the Miramax name, even though Eisner's personal politics "lean" to the left. Many in Florida already regret some of the freedom that Disney was given. How would they react if Disney announced it would utilize that freedom by building a casino?

2- Gambling does attract a negative element, and Disney would not be able to completely control this. Not to the standard they control things now.

3- Despite the kids we see in Vegas, its absolutely true that the idea of families and gambling did not work for them at all. MGM's themepark was a colossal failure. To maximize profits in casinos, you have to go after the serious gamblers, and that doesn't mix with WDW.

4- Disney has a limited amount of capital they are willing to invest in WDW. Is anyone seriously going to suggest that the BEST use of that capital would be to launch an effort to build a casino? Not another park, or beefing up the existing parks, or another hotel, or transportation infrastructure, or some other more family oriented attraction, but a casino?

 

[crusader]

To maximize profits in casinos, you have to go after the serious gamblers, and that doesn't mix with WDW.

You're kidding right? I suggest you visit Atlantic City sometime to see exactly what type of clientele is maximizing profits. They're luring them in by the thousands with a cheap buffet and a few bucks in vouchers.

Now who does that sound like at Disney?

but I do agree with you - the company is not ready for this.

 

[raidermatt]

Just visited Vegas a few weeks ago...

Serious gamblers means they came there to gamble, not spend money on food and amusement parks. Doesn't mean everyone of them is a "whale", thought certainly they have to go after those as well.

 

[goin2disneyagain]

I would love to see a casino on the ships, but not at WDW.