WDW in Branson?

[aubriee]

My aunt just got back from Branson last night and called all excited to tell me they had seen a sign in Branson that says future home of Walt Disney World. She asked someone there about it and the lady said she didn't know much except that the Disney corporation had bought a bunch of land around there and the rumor was that they were going to build a really big park like WDW. Anyone know anything about it or if someone lives in the Branson area can you give us the low down on it?

 

[RockyMtnMaria]

The rumors have been flying for a while now. There are also rumors about TX and a few other places. My inlaws live near Branson and haven't seen or heard anything. In fact, they might be joining us on our week in WDW. They can get airfare for $157 each, and then only have to pay for a 6 day pass. Hotel and dining would already be covered by our package, without costing us a cent.

I just did a search on the Branson Daily News. I would think if there was a sign up, they would have taken pic's and done a huge story. Unfortunately, this is a rumor I will need to see to believe. I wonder if someone is having a bit of fun with people. Anyone can put up a sign that says anything!

And honestly, I'd be rather upset if they built there. Silver Dollar City is a class act, and have been around for a long time. I have a lot of respect for that company and have spent a lot of time there over the years. If WDW moved in, I'd be worried about SDC's survival. If they could build something that was unique and different I'd be happy. It could draw people to the area, and potentially increase SDC's business. Maybe they could do a music themed park??

 

[GarrettJD]

There have been a lot of rumors about Disney buying land and opening a new park here and there, but most what you hear is just that-- rumors. There was a rumor for awhile that Disney was buying a large amount of land in Nirth Mississippi close to Memphis so they could build a theme park. The rumor was false (darn it.)

The only other place I know of that was supposed to get a Disney park was Virginia. Disney had planned to build an American History- themed park there called Disney's America. The plans never went through, and Disney cancelled the idea after a hostile reception from some historians, members of the government, and locals.

 

[joshsmom]

We are Branson regulars since it is 4 hours away. This is a little OT, but if you walk into Celebration City (a new park owned by the same family that owns SDC) you feel like you are walking into a mini Main Street USA. There is a small "hub" and the first shop on the left hand side is the Emporium. At the end of the street on the right hand side is a wonderful ice cream parlor. There's no castle, but instead a beautiful carrousel. The park is also EXTREMELY clean (as is SDC). There's lots of topiaries and trees/flowers/plants as well that remind me of Disney. The rides are not similar at all, but it is a very nice place to go and relax. Since we can only go to Disney once a year, Branson is a very nice diversion. Silver Dollar City is a CLASSIC place to go and we enjoy Celebration City as well.

We've not seen any signs about Disney down there at all and we go at least once a month during the spring/summer/fall.

 

[sbsteel]

Sadly, more rumors. The closest Disney gets to Branson is via the Disney Catalog Outlet store. My parents live down there now and I began traveling down there to visit family since I was knee high.

As much as I love Disney, I, too, would hate to see Disney swoop in down there and take over what Silver Dollar City has quietly built up over the past thirty years. I also don't think the locals would embrace Disney, either - I think it would be akin to the Virginia project.

I love, love, love Disney and all the happiness it has provided me in planning, visits, and memories...but everything would have to be just right for a venture and I don't think Branson would ever be it.

 

[pinseeker11]

I live in Springfield, which is 30 miles away and where the airport is. I havent heard a thing about it. When I go to Branson, I will keep my eyes open for a sign!!

 

[mking624]

If a sign truly existed, something tells me that media would have picked up on the story and some sort of press release would have happened. But it didn't. So that indicates that the rumor is just that...a rumor. Take things like that with a grain of salt.

 

[Lisa0503]

Over on the DVC boards, I think I read that Branson is a RUMORED location of a future DVC resort like Hilton Head or Vero Beach. Again, this is just a RUMOR!!!!

 

[mking624]

Over on the DVC boards, I think I read that Branson is a RUMORED location of a future DVC resort like Hilton Head or Vero Beach. Again, this is just a RUMOR!!!!

Now this I could see happening. But a new park is unlikely.

 

[Mickey1122]

Where exactly is Branson?

 

[mking624]

Where exactly is Branson?

Missouri.

 

[Mickey1122]

Thanks, Mking624.

 

[Nee Nee and Biddy]

I live in Springfield MO. I have heard this rumor (and would love for it to be true), but I heard that Disney doesn't like to build theme parks anywhere that it couldn't be open 12 months out of the year. We have some cold winters here. But, doesn't it snow in Paris? I don't know. If this happened I would have to get annual passes and be there everyday! I don't know how you Florida Diser's have jobs!!

 

[ozarkmom]

We just got back from a week in Branson and didn't hear or see anything. I have to agree with the others Silver Dollar City and Celebration City are wonderful parks. Oh yeah we also enjoy White Water too!

 

[joshsmom]

I have to agree with the others Silver Dollar City and Celebration City are wonderful parks. Oh yeah we also enjoy White Water too!

All the times we've been there, we've NEVER done White Water! But, I've never been to a Disney water park either--so go figure!

 

[Mecha Figment]

I use to work for a SDC subsidary in Atlanta. I sure hope they run things better at the parent company then they did there.

 

[Red Sox Idiot]

I have to be quite honest and speak my mind... Why would Disney want to bring a theme park to Branson? Yes, Branson attracts toursits but the number of toursits they attract doesn't compare to the tourists that go to cities like Houston, Dallas, New York City, Boston, Washington D.C. Id be shocked to see Disney build anything in Branson...

 

[Mecha Figment]

if anything its a land purchased for a possible future DVC resort.

 

[RockyMtnMaria]

I have to be quite honest and speak my mind... Why would Disney want to bring a theme park to Branson? Yes, Branson attracts toursits but the number of toursits they attract doesn't compare to the tourists that go to cities like Houston, Dallas, New York City, Boston, Washington D.C. Id be shocked to see Disney build anything in Branson...

Why not? Because all the cities you listed are fairly near the coasts. Branson is much more central and would be a much better driving destination than any of the cities you listed. And it really is a family place. Their business really picked up after 9/11 when people were avoiding flights. I think the weather is the biggest reason Branson would not work, not the town itself. Although their would need to be major changes to the road systems. It is hot, humid, and buggy in the summer, and nasty and icey in the winter. Not to mention all those hills. Hmmm... maybe they should build in CO instead, lol! We have more sunny days than any other state, and it is rarely too hot or too cold.

I've lived near your neck of the woods (Southern NH), and love the city of Boston (ONLY large city I like, btw) but there is a massive difference between the midwest or south vs the east coast. TX would be ok if it wasn't for the heat, but if they ever built in the North East, they would have to ship all their cast members from other areas of the country, or they would loose their reputation quickly!

 

[MerryPoppins]

Traffic in Branson is already terrible at times if you don't know the tricks to getting around. A Disney park would snarl it so bad that it would be impossible to navigate. I love Branson and SDC in a different way than I love Disney. I'd sort of hate to see the changes Disney would bring to the area. I think it would be a big mistake to build a Disney park there and I could think of much better choices.

It'd make much more sense to put it in Oklahoma. We're central to the whole country. Our winters aren't too bad. You can often go outside without a coat in the winter. Our summers can be hot and humid, but that never keeps the crowds away from Florida. And we're not as hot as Texas. Besides land isn't as expensive here and it'd be great for our economy. In Oklahoma City our only amusement park is Frontier City (a small mom-and-pop park owned by 6 Flags that is currently up for sale). So if Disney is reading this - think about putting it here!