Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea to get $4.6-billion expansion

[crazy4wdw]

From the LA Times:

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea to get $4.6-billion expansion
By Hugo Martin

October 30, 2014, 5:34 PM

Oriental Land Co., the owner of Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, has announced plans to invest $4.6 billion to expand and improve the two theme parks in Japan over the next 10 years..

A big part of the investment will go to redevelop and expand Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland, which last year surpassed Disneyland in Anaheim in attendance.

At Tokyo DisneySea Park, the companion park to Disneyland, Oriental Land said it plans to develop a new themed port and add new attractions, restaurants and shops, according to a statement released by Disney.

The announcement follows a trend of major theme parks construction and expansion in Asia, where the growth of the middle class has created a demand for weekend and holiday activities.

20th Century Fox announced plans this summer to build a $3.5-billion theme park in South Korea.

In April, Walt Disney Co. and a Chinese partner announced plans to add an extra $800 million to the $4-billion price tag of a Disney resort they are building in Shanghai.

 

[crazy4wdw]

More Info:

On Oct. 30, Oriental Land Co., Ltd. owner of Tokyo Disney Resort, announced plans to develop its two theme parks. The plans call for significant expansions for both its theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo DisneySea, and the addition of a “Frozen” attraction.

The Oriental Land Co., Ltd (OLD) will invest 500 billion yen over ten years, or approximately $4.5 billion USD from fiscal year 2014 through 2023. These plans for Tokyo Disney Resort focus on the redevelopment and expansion of Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland Park and a new port for Tokyo DisneySea. About 80 percent of the funds will go directly to theme-park additions and onstage developments, with the rest earmarked for backstage functions.

Under the current plans, Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland will expand to nearly double in size in addition to plans to renovate the exiting land. Plans under consideration include new attractions, restaurants and shopping as well as the development of special events and entertainment programs. The investment for Fantasyland is expected to the largest ever for the Tokyo Disney Resort’s theme parks. Parts of Tomorrowland will be developed as part of these plans, and a new restaurant that offers views of the park’s parade route is also under consideration

Tokyo DisneySea will receive an eight themed land, called a port in that park, to be located south of the Lost River Delta area. The port will feature attractions, restaurants and shops as well as other elements. Once completed, this new land will be comparable in scale to the park’s Arabian Coast.

Tokyo DisneySea will also receive a moveable stage installed at Mediterranean Harbor. It will offer increased viewing areas for shows and will open March 1, 2105.

The OLC has not revealed details about Tokyo Disney Resort’s “Frozen”-inspired attraction, noting these developments are still in the planning stage and subject to change. Nikkei Asian Review reports the attraction will feature a reproduction of the castle from Disney’s animated hit. It also claims that one leading proposal puts the attraction in Fantasyland, located in the spot currently used by the Disney boat ride, “it’s a small world.” That classic attraction would be relocated, according to Nikkei.

In addition to renovation and expansion, OLC announced Tokyo Disney Resort will invest in continued improvements to infrastructure and entertainment programs. Other plans for a portion of the 500 billion yen include measures to offer guests a “more comfortable environment” with regards to weather; strengthening backstage functions and operations, and a continued focus on improving the level of guest service and Cast Member satisfaction.

Tokyo Disney Resort will start these expansions in March 2015. According to The Walt Disney Company, with whom Oriental Land Company has a licensing agreement for the Tokyo Disney Resort, the expansion and development plans will increase the resort’s capacity and help sustain the parks’ long-term growth.

 

[DanBoris]

But WDW is getting Big Hero 6 Magic Bands! I bet that will make the Tokyo guests jealous.

 

[superme80]

I told DH I was going to tour all the Asian Disney Parks after our last kid is out of high school. He can come with me or I was taking a friend, but I am going! This excites me! Sadly I have a 17 year wait!

 

[kastoney]

Maybe oriental land co. will buy out disney and out this kind of investment into WDW too. A girl can dream ; )

 

[101disneyfan]

Looks like The Wizarding World: US Japan is getting to them...

 

[AnneK]

I totally believe in the fact that Tokyo Disney surpassed the original Disneyland in California in attendance. I attended Tokyo Disney for a day in 2008, and it was a disaster. All fast passes were gone as soon as the park opened, and the rides have 4+ hour waits. For the whole day we only got to ride It's A Small World, Peter Pan and Pirates of the Caribbean. I couldn't believe the massive crowds, it was just a sea of people. Just words of advice to anyone considering it. :/

Hopefully this expansion will help spread out the crowd a bit, but I doubt it.

 

[wallrock]

Orlando gets attraction closures and Tokyo gets billions to expand. Granted Disney doesn't have ownership of Tokyo so it's not their billions, but it's hard to turn cartwheels for a possible third track at Toy Story Mania while we see other parks talk of 'expansion' and 'improvement'.

Even if Disney Hollywood Studios gets as large of a financial infusion that's been discussed it's not for an expansion, but just a replacement for all that they've closed down.

 

[umichigan10]

Orlando gets attraction closures and Tokyo gets billions to expand. Granted Disney doesn't have ownership of Tokyo so it's not their billions, but it's hard to turn cartwheels for a possible third track at Toy Story Mania while we see other parks talk of 'expansion' and 'improvement'. Even if Disney Hollywood Studios gets as large of a financial infusion that's been discussed it's not for an expansion, but just a replacement for all that they've closed down.

keeping in mind tho that much of what closed needed to go. And Hollywood doesn't have a lot of expansion room. Get where you're coming from but there's other factors at play too

 

[rteetz]

keeping in mind tho that much of what closed needed to go. And Hollywood doesn't have a lot of expansion room. Get where you're coming from but there's other factors at play too

DHS does have expansion room you move the entrance push back some parking lots lots of room. Disney can build on a parking lot they built DCA on one.

 

[circus4u]

DHS does have expansion room you move the entrance push back some parking lots lots of room. Disney can build on a parking lot they built DCA on one.

They also built the race track at WDW on a parking lot.