How about Disney on Broadway at Downtown Disney

[PHILCT]

I heard about the Virgin Megastore closing.

It seems that the entertainment area of DTD is getting pretty sad looking.

I always wondered if it would be worth having a rotating schedule of Disney Broadway Shows at Downtown Disney.

Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, others, even a Christmas special show. It could even be other shows not done under the Disney Banner like Peter Pan, Once Upon a Mattress, anything that has a fantasy theme.

They could use the touring production versions to visit Downtown Disney for a rotating schedule of about 3 months or so, and charge something reasonable at around Cirque Soliel seats.

Or maybe I am wrong about the economy/seating capacity of such a show, that you would never get a thousand people a night to watch something like that ? It would be like taking a little bit of NYC or LONDON Broadway to Downtown Disney.

 

[Tink60]

I absolutely love that idea. I think it would be a win for everyone.
The price tag to fly to NY, stay in a NY hotel and purchase Broadway tickets is high. I personally would prefer to spend that money at WDW. I would get more for my entertainment dollar.

 

[Sorahana]

Wow, I really like this idea!

 

[RustManFan]

how about as a dinner theater?

 

[CoP Luv]

A Broadway Theater is a GREAT idea. But are there enough Disney shows that would be able to have a rotation? Or are you suggesting for all types of shows, not just Disney!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I love that idea too. I hate NYC but would love to be able to see the shows on broadway!

 

[PHILCT]

I am suggesting all the current NYC or LONDON Disney Shows that have a TOURING troup, and even the Disney Shows that have shut down on Broadway possibly. Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Little Mermaid.

And in addition Fantasy Inspired Musicals not done under the Disney theme, like Peter Pan, Once Upon a Mattress, Cinderella productions done in the 50s and revived later on.

If they keep rotating these troups, it would probably be enough of a schedule. If not, add on touring troups of say Wicked, Billy Elliot, Oliver, whatever is the hot or recent hot musicals on NYC or LONDON Broadway.
If a travelling troup can go to middle America, it can also go to Downtown Disney. The local Orlando Theatre district might be upset about this idea.

They could offer similar discounts like they do to Cirque Soleil, for say Florida people, DVC, Annual Pass Members, Military, etc.

Why wait for a travelling troup to come to your area or make a trip to NYC or LONDON, just go to Disney, and add some park days to the fun.
I think Florida can pull off the price of Theatre a lot cheaper than NYC or LONDON. Where would I rather see a play in the winter, NYC or near Palm Trees at Disneyworld?

And Disney can merchandise Downtown Disney with all the Disney Musical shirts, posters, etc. Downtown Disney will become a real THEATRE District.
If it were really to succeed, add some NYC styled Counter Service Eateries, like Carnegie Deli, Nathans. I'm even tired of the food offerings at the West End. Maybe it is just me.

It may be too expensive however to make a profit?

Downtown Disney West Side just doesn't do it for me the way it is now, except for the Virgin Mega Store which is going away.

 

[Aburns8]

That is such a great idea! I hope someone at Disney World sees this post and decides to do something!

 

[tflood]

Fantastic idea I'm surprised Disney hasn't already thought of it!

 

[DisFlan]

I think these are all good ideas, and I think it would be very popular - but I can't see Disney spending the required $$$ to do it any time soon. And they may not want something that close competing with Cirque's expensive tickets.

DisFlan

 

[Uncleromulus]

Yes--much too close for competition with Cirque.
And would it be "adult" enough to recapture the fun seeking crowd now headed en masse to City Walk?
I doubt it.
I'd like it though.

 

[Meg13]

I love this idea! I've seen a few musicals on Broadway and absolutely loved it; I would definitely head down at least once a trip to see a musical at Downtown Disney. It's definitely an awesome idea.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I like the idea too but there has to be a reason for not doing it. Currently the travelling groups come to the Bob Carr Auditorium in DT Orlando and I thought Disney had an investment in that venue though I'm not sure (someone will know).

It would be cool to class up the offerings a bit, IMO.