WDW 5th Park - 2015?

[Sarangel]

From MiceAge:

A little bird (who claimed to have heard third-hand) whispered in my ear this week: Walt Disney World (WDW) may have identified where its fifth theme park would go. Now keep in mind that Michael Eisner has declared an end to capital investment for the time being, with 2010 being a reasonable date to again start expanding WDW. So whatever change we’re talking about is very far down the road. And as for a theme to this new theme park, I’m completely in the dark.

But the location just may be starting to take shape. This fifth theme park would go right where the current giant surface parking lot and Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) are located. It makes perfect sense. The TTC functions as the hub for the monorail system to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, so having a fifth theme park right here would instantly create monorail connections to two of the other parks. The parcel is the last giant stretch of land along the Seven Seas Lagoon which could easily be converted to a theme park.

Where would the parking go for the Magic Kingdom and this new theme park? Again, these are whispers and rumors, but what I’ve heard points to an enormous parking structure out by the Shades of Green hotel used by military visitors to Disney World. For those who don’t know the area, it’s basically that undeveloped parcel of land behind the Polynesian Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort.

All this could end up being wrong. It will probably be years before we hear for sure either way. I was able to verify that the Reedy Creek Improvement District (a semi-autonomous, semi-public agency that regulates the permits and zoning for Disney projects) has not received any permits for a parking structure in the department of Building and Safety, which would be the first step to construction. Maybe that means the project is still "blue-sky" wishful thinking. Or maybe it means it’s just too soon. Possibly it means all this is just a rumor with no basis in fact.

But I am intrigued by the idea that the Seven Seas Lagoon might be home to another full-sized theme park someday. The little bird who whispered in my ear claims that the person with first-hand knowledge actually saw the applications which were submitted for a new parking structure. We’ll just have to see if this one pans out. We’re all waiting with bated breath for more info!

 

[DancingBear]

Given all of the land they own, I'd be shocked if this were true. To start with, structured parking is like 5 times more expensive to build than surface parking (probably even moreso given Florida water tables).

 

[BRERALEX]

That would be a logistical nightmare to end all logistical nightmares. There no way they can put one there. They have plenty of room to put it somewhere else and more strategic then there.

 

[Bstanley]

Sort of begs the question - Why?

Let's skip over the argument about whether AK or the Studios are 'full day' parks for the moment and just focus on length of stay.

I mean really - if there was a fifth theme park on property would anyone extend their visit?

My visits to The World are 9 days long now (one week plus the weekends) - does Disney really think that I'd extend it to go an additional week because of a new park?

Or

Will people go to attractions outside of Disney one day less if there was an additional Disney park?

It would need to be one HECK of a park...

Just doesn't make sense.

 

[WDWHound]

I think there will be a 5th park someday, but not in that location. I agree with the reason previously stated and I add one more. This would completly destroy the atmosphere at the Poly. The park would be right across the street from them.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Ok I have to chime in here a little. Disney has so much unused land available to them they do not need to build ontop of what they already have.

http://www.terraserver.com/imagery/...9&cpy=28.37914108&res=8&provider_id=305&t=pan

Thats a satelite view of the area between Coranado Resort and Magic Kingdom Speedway. Now if you zoom out you can clearly see they can fit a MK, EPCOT, MGM, AK all in that area alone.

Only reason why Universal has multi level parking is the close amount of space they have. There has been rumors for years that they plan to move over closer to Seaworld to allow them more room for expansion.

Its amazing how much land there is whenyou get a satelite view of it all.

Doug

 

[raidermatt]

I'm no expert on their geography, but I don't think having the land elsewhere makes it the best choice, DEPENDING ON THE CRITERIA THEY USE.

For example, they had the land to build the Eagle Pines DVC, but found using some of the existing stuff at the DI was a better choice. Don't look for too many flaws in the analogy, because I know they are there. I'm just saying there are other factors to consider, and having transportation already in place would certainly be one factor they might look at.

It would need to be one HECK of a park...

Well, to me, that's the kicker.

I know you said to leave the state of the newest two parks out of it, but its impossible in this case.

I believe that if Disney truly offers compelling entertainment options, people will come. Whether its through extended stays, fewer off-site stays, more frequent stays, or through new guests altogether.

But by compelling, I don't mean another MGM or AK, regardless of how you view it. Even those who view these parks as the best thing since sliced bread have doubts about Disney's ability to make a 5th park work.

My point is that I think you're right about the possible inability to get more people in the resort by offering more of the same. Maybe they could. In 10 years there will be more people in the US, and in Florida, so maybe.

But I think they would be much better served by offering something either very different from their current parks, or something so grand it makes people start to at least question whether its better than MK.

 

[KNWVIKING]

..... I don't think people will extend their trips a couple days to try and fit in a 5th park.

I think before a 5th park is considered major improvements and additions should be made to the four existing parks.

As for a possible location: I like the idea of Disney reporpusing land ala DI & SSR. Sure WDW has huge amounts of land, but it isn't limitless and IMO part of the magic of WDW is it's thousands of acres of unspoiled, undeveloped land.

Rodney Dangerfield said in Caddy Shack that the two biggests wastes of realestate were golf courses and cemetaries. I think parking lots are the biggest wastes. I actually like the parking garages USF build.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I don't see the point in building a whole 'nother park when increasing the size of the ones they have would do the same trick. As an earlier poster pointed out most people have a maximum of 9 days to do Disney...and I suspect the average days available to do parks is a maximum of 5 to 7. I can't quite see how adding another park that would have to duplicate CM functions would make financial sense.

 

[John Dobbertin]

Rumors have been rattling around for a while that the next WDW theme park would focus on "hot-rides" -- heavy-duty roller-coasters, etc. If that is going to be the main thrust, the existing TTC parking area would be a disaster. Noise from the speedway is already an item of complaint at the Poly. Also, the TTC parking area has the "Anaheim problem" -- it is landlocked by roads; no expansion potential.

 

[Bork]

Only reason why Universal has multi level parking is the close amount of space they have. There has been rumors for years that they plan to move over closer to Seaworld to allow them more room for expansion.

Universal had 2000 acres for expansion, but that has been sold. So Universal just has the current land, which probably has room for 2 more hotels and that's it.

I can't see Orlando supporting a new theme park anytime soon. IOA and AK mainly just cannibalized the existing theme parks. They didn't really cause people to extend their stays.

 

[John Dobbertin]

Adding attractions -- or complete theme parks -- will be done by WDW to keep folks coming back. Repeat-business is a huge part of the WDW business plan, and a reason they do want to keep present customers happy!

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

Your right I dont think it would extend there stay. But if they built more of a thrill ride park, they wouldnt lose guest to US or IOA. Cause right now most familys spend atleast one day at these stuidios even while staying at disney.

So I would think they would try and add another park to prevent the loss to competitors park.

Doug

 

[JQuatt21]

A couple of points that I saw posted here I agree with. I think that building on the TTC lot would be a bad idea. First of all, it would totally violate the "Magic Kingdom Area" with a 5th park built there. Secondly, I think that they do need to make renovations to the existing parks before building again. And also, the one thing I love about staying in the Magic Kingdom area resorts is that is has that quiet realm about it. I was disappointed when they built the raceway there because it seems like they are trying to cram so much stuff into a small area. If they wanted to make any sort of improvement, fix up the existing parks and hotels, and make plans to extend the monorail lines to all parks and hotels. Even if the Mark company is out of business, I am sure disney will think of something.

 

[indytarheel]

I agree that people may not extend their stay. For many people a 7-9 day stay is the most they can do with vacation days, etc.

I do think, however that it could keep people from going outside the park. I know I would be a lot less likely to go to Universal (either one) if there was a 5th park for a couple of reasons. First, if I'm staying on site its just easier. Second, I like Universal but it just doesn't have the same feel/aura/organization/service that Disney does. I may still leave to take my small son to Sea World but I'd be unlikely to leave for Universal if the 5 Disney parks were "on my schedule" instead...

 

[Bork]

Disney has been trying to keep people from going to the competition, but it hasn't really worked. Remember that Disney rushed to open MGM, so they would beat Universal. People still go to Unviersal Studios.

AK was supposed to keep people from going to Busch Gardens. I also think that AK was originally supposed to be a thrill park to compete with IOA. That hasn't happened yet.

Improving the existing parks could do more to keep people on site than a 5th gate. Add more attractions to make people spend a second day at AK or MGM to see it all.

 

[daber]

Hmmmmmm...turn a parking lot into another park!

Why not?? It worked soooooo well for them in CA

(sorry couldn't help the heavy sarcasm)

But I can see how this idea would get bounced around the Executive Suite and how they wouldn't learn from the DCA lesson.

 

[mega13]

My boyfriend and I are going down to Orlando for 10 days. But we're staying half the trip in WDW and half in Universal. Why do that, you ask, when WDW has 4 parks and Universal has only 2?

Simple - it's just my boyfriend and me. We have no children. We have no desire to see Lilo and Stich or Simba or any of the other "cutesy" Disney stuff. Granted - we're gonna have a great time. But we're adults, and we're much more turned on by the more adult rides. Universal offers all of the more "grown up" themes. Universal has the oh-so-cool 3-D movies. The new generation of those offer great motion, exciting sound and even interactive sensory extras. We want high-tech, space age, and mindblowing. We've done the Cedar Point thing, and yeah... it's great for teens and wonderful if you want whiplash and an upset stomach. Been there... done that. We love it that we come out of a US ride and think, "Wow... that was unbelievably cool. Let's do it again!"

IMHO, Universal Studios brings the best in entertainment experiences for adults. Now if Disney could build a park that was all 3-D, space agey, high tech, VR and more, then I would spend my time there. We thought Epcot was going to be like that, and it wasn't.

 

[lenshanem]

I would prefer the existing parks to be worked on and improved instead of adding another park into the mix. JMHO

 

[reedycreek]

i agree...they need to improve the current parks before building a new one...Epcot and AK need a lot of work (more so AK). its not nearly finished yet.

also, wouldnt making a "hot rod ride" park at disney be the equivalent of California Adventure, which was a complete flop!?!?!? not in MY back yard!!! (disney world)