New theme park in WDW!

[MJMcBride]

There is really absolutely no reason for Disney to EVER build a 5th gate at WDW. Why would they do that?

The only plausible idea would be one similiar to this. That is, a high end boutique park. But a true 5th gate doesn't attract additional guests just redistributes them

 

[movie77]

sounds pretty lame to me.. how about they update some of the parks that have gotten quite stale?

 

[shmoogrrrl]

Just heard Disney is planning a new theme park in Florida and wanted to share the article with all of you. What do you think?


http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_h...e-the-Disney-theme-park-going-experience.aspx

Bah! I'd rather have the villains.

With the cost of a Disney trip already what it is, I don't think we'd be too likely to pay upward of $1000 for our family of four to go to a park, when the other four are included in our package.

Besides, I really would rather have the villains.

 

[raidermatt]

But a true 5th gate doesn't attract additional guests just redistributes them

Nobody, not even Disney, knows that for sure.

The truth is it all depends what were built, how appealing it would be, and how investment in the other parks was handled.

Build another AK, a park that opens with a dozen attractions and takes a decade to even approach what MOST consider a single-day park and yes, I agree, the most likely result would simply be a redistribution of guests.

Build something that truly raises the bar and you probably would have a completely different result. Just as would have happened with the 2nd gate at DLR and the 4th (and even 3rd) at WDW.

 

[Withacy]

I'd prefer Disney beef up the parks they already have. Especially the Animal Kingdom. That's barely a half-day park as it is. They need a few more headline (and even secondary) rides/attractions. And Disney Studios wouldn't be hurt by more attractions, if they can fit them in.

I'm not sure an "elitist" park is what Disney needs at this moment, especially with the current populist backlash (thanks to the recession and bailouts and stuff like that). I'm not sure the positives of an exclusive experience outweigh the negative (anti-populist) image of the concept. Disney likes to pretend they're for everyone (though we all know how expensive they can get).

 

[skier_pete]

Though this rumor is far from true, this is the only logical way you will ever see a fifth gate in Orlando...the model being Discovery cove...a small park with an ultra-special experience that allows them to charge a huge $$$ per customer, while at the same time servicing limited customer. All that has really happened with these concepts is they have flown the flags to see how the populace responds.

Realistically, as WDW fans, why would we even want another gate? There is plenty to do at Disney world as it is. I would prefer they devote expenses to maintaining the current parks, and continuing to add new shows and attractions to the existing parks. I think it is a little sad that across four theme parks in 2009, all we get is American Idol...yuk! And so far, nothing official announced for 2010, either. Two me each year they should have 1-2 major, and 2-3 minor attractions rolled out. This is the best way to keep people coming back for more.

SkierPete

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Though this rumor is far from true, this is the only logical way you will ever see a fifth gate in Orlando...the model being Discovery cove...a small park with an ultra-special experience that allows them to charge a huge $$$ per customer, while at the same time servicing limited customer. All that has really happened with these concepts is they have flown the flags to see how the populace responds.

Realistically, as WDW fans, why would we even want another gate? There is plenty to do at Disney world as it is. I would prefer they devote expenses to maintaining the current parks, and continuing to add new shows and attractions to the existing parks. I think it is a little sad that across four theme parks in 2009, all we get is American Idol...yuk! And so far, nothing official announced for 2010, either. Two me each year they should have 1-2 major, and 2-3 minor attractions rolled out. This is the best way to keep people coming back for more.

SkierPete

Hey Pete -

I agree. Their current parks can be spruced up with new attractions --NO not americal idol - yuck!

There is a tremendous construction at California Adventure and you know what....Disney completely dropped the ball with that park. Yes, they have the Oh sh-- roller coaster (named that because I scream Oh sh-- through the ride) and now Tower of Terror. The park IS beautiful but never quite clicked. It's still relatively new and they are spending a bundle there to update what should have been done right the first time.

With Disneys pockebook - Disney should try to maintain/upgrade WDW during the DCA construction....but new park? If they use the same people who came up with DCA.....forget it!!!!

 

[Dreamfinder2]

I'd be pretty pumped if the Beastly Kingdom ever came to light. Not holding my breath, tho.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

To me each year they should have 1-2 major, and 2-3 minor attractions rolled out. This is the best way to keep people coming back for more.

Well they ARE doing what you want, Pete.
Here are the two MAJOR attractions Disney is working on:
1. Contemporary Resort Time Shares
2. Animal Kingdom Time Shares

Here is one MINOR attraction Disney is working on and there may be a second:
1. TreeHouse Villas Time Shares

So you see, there is plenty to keep people coming back for more.
I'm surprised Universal is not copying this model. Instead, they're building new rides or other such silly things.

BobK/Orlando

 

[SimonV]

From what we hear, this story is not far from the truth.

1) Disney have been envious of Discovery Cove almost from the word go.

2) They know it will work if it is 'exclusive' enough.

3) They have looked at various proposals to create their own 'exclusive experience' and the Night Kingdom/Jungle Trek idea has gained credibility in the last 2 years.

4) They NEED to build something new. Recent attendance over spring break showed they can still bring in the crowds with good, tactical marketing thah fills their resorts. With Bay Lake Tower and Kidani Village adding to the visitor capacity this year, they have to provide somewhere else for people to go (and the Wide World of Sports ain't going to do it!).

5) The current economy means they will continue to work with what they have for now.

6) But the first sign of an uptick will have them dusting off some plans, as they can't afford Universal to grab ALL the attention in 2010.

 

[KYMickey]

Well they ARE doing what you want, Pete.* Here are the two MAJOR attractions Disney is working on:1.* Contemporary Resort Time Shares2.* Animal Kingdom Time SharesHere is one MINOR attraction Disney is working on and there may be a second:1.* TreeHouse Villas Time SharesSo you see, there is plenty to keep people coming back for more.I'm surprised Universal is not copying this model.* Instead, they're building new rides or other such silly things.BobK/Orlando

I like your sense of humor! If you can call building time shares trading attraction you must have a very comical sense of humor. About the only major new thing is that Disney has an added recently is time shares which are really aren't an attraction. They're only a profit center to give the people a place to stay when they visit the Parks. They don't provide a reason for people to come to the Parks.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Thanks!
The irony is obvious, isn't it!

BobK/Orlando

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Nobody, not even Disney, knows that for sure.

The truth is it all depends what were built, how appealing it would be, and how investment in the other parks was handled.

Build another AK, a park that opens with a dozen attractions and takes a decade to even approach what MOST consider a single-day park and yes, I agree, the most likely result would simply be a redistribution of guests.

Build something that truly raises the bar and you probably would have a completely different result. Just as would have happened with the 2nd gate at DLR and the 4th (and even 3rd) at WDW.

Raider -

How true about "all depends what wre built, how appealing it would be <<---- my reference for that is the changeover to Stitch. What's really funny....they put in FAST PASS machines for this sorry waste of space.

As I have said......

Fire your Talent Pool = Stitch's Waste of Space ride at MK

I said this when Imagineers were urged to pack up their desks a few years ago. Now we have the HOT new attraction everyone is talking about....American Idol....woo hoo. That's going to really bring back all the defectors to US and SW.