Will there ever be a 5th gate?

[Tink's Tormentor]

I hope the people you know are executives or contractor supervisors. Regular CMs, even managers hear very little of the real plans and hear and spread the same rumors as the rest of us.

Ted

They are not CMs... Not managers... Disney has plans for this area that will bring balance to WDW... But there is something planned for that area, something that Disney World already has.... but, like I said, it will bring balance to the resort... Doesn't mean a 5th park... Unfortunately, I wasn't told exactly what was planned.... But I made a good educated guess with the clues I was given.. But please remember, nothing has been officially announced, nor has it been greenlit... So, these plans could fall apart or change dramatically.

 

[Ted and Holly]

They are not CMs... Not managers... Disney has plans for this area that will bring balance to WDW... But there is something planned for that area, something that Disney World already has.... but, like I said, it will bring balance to the resort... Doesn't mean a 5th park... Unfortunately, I wasn't told exactly what was planned.... But I made a good educated guess with the clues I was given.. But please remember, nothing has been officially announced, nor has it been greenlit... So, these plans could fall apart or change dramatically.

So, what you are saying is that you are guessing and don't know any more than anyone else, but with the guise of "I know people"?

And adding the "things could change" part just covers your backside.

 

[Tink's Tormentor]

So, what you are saying is that you are guessing and don't know any more than anyone else, but with the guise of "I know people"?

And adding the "things could change" part just covers your backside.

Nooo I said I do know people.. and they aren't CMs or managers.... And the friend who knows of the plans wouldn't come right out and tell me.. She instead played a guessing game... even though I guessed what I tought it was, she wouldn't say... She told me what I told you... but I gave less details.. Well, no details as to not give away where my friend works... But, again, she noted that something will be coming in that area and did say just because things are on the drawing board now doesn't mean they will stay the same.... Things change. heck, AK changed... Remember Beastly Kingdom was to be a themed land and was scraped??? See, plans change.... So I am not covering my butt... it is OK if you do not believe me... But don't say I didn't inform ya that Disney has huge plans for this area....

 

[raidermatt]

Nice to see skepticism is not reserved only for those "insiders" who are critical of Disney...

As for the 5th gate, its not happening anytime soon.

I think they think they need to improve the attraction list at the newer parks. Right now, DAK is not a full day experience and the Studios can certainly be done in a day at least in the "off season."

Hey, whadaya know... we agree 100%!

Well, almost. "I" think this, and I think YOU think this, but I'm not sure Disney thinks this, at least not in the sense you and I do. Yes, they have said they are going to pay attention to the existing parks.

But what is their ultimate goal with these parks? I suspect most of us believe they should eventually be beefed up to MK/Epcot/DL levels, or at least something in that ballpark. That's always the justification given by supporters for the small size of MGM/AK/DCA at opening... that Disney is just starting small and building out. Just like Walt did.

That's a myth of course, especially the Walt comparison, but it is true they've made some expansions since opening. But how "big" do you really thing they are looking?

These parks are the result of marketing goals. Increase length of stay by a day or so. (MGM had the added goal of beating Universal to the punch, but that's another thread).

When/if they accomplish that, they are done, scope-wise, based on the current strategic direction. Sure, there will be changes, but expansions/additions will be largely over. MGM is at least near that point. I'm sure they will re-evaluate AK after E:E has been open awhile.

Bottom-line, we aren't going to see these parks "finished" in the sense most of us think of as a complete park. Disney's bar is much lower than ours now.

So they won't go for a 5th gate until they believe that (A), both MGM and AK are achieving their stated goals, and (B), they have the confidence a 5th gate can do the same. Given their struggles with AK and DCA, I think it'll be awhile before they have the cajones to commit that kind of investment again.

And honestly, I'd prefer they didn't until the strategic direction changed significantly. Otherwise, we would be likely to get another park built for the wrong reasons, guided by the wrong people.


I remain commited to the belief that the thought of a 5th gate would be much closer to a reality if the 3rd and 4th gates had been done right from the beginning.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

She told me what I told you... but I gave less details.. Well, no details as to not give away where my friend works... it is OK if you do not believe me... But don't say I didn't inform ya that Disney has huge plans for this area....

Well, I don't believe you, If you really know somthing give the details, this is the news and rumors board, you are not reporting any news or rumor, just vague speculations.

 

[Tink's Tormentor]

Well, I don't believe you, If you really know somthing give the details, this is the news and rumors board, you are not reporting any news or rumor, just vague speculations.

I told you all I know for now.... My friend wouldn't elaborate on it... I tried to get it out of her, but to no avail.. All she said was it would be big... and bring some balance to that area... She said it was something WDW already has... I have no idea what she meant by that... Perhaps this is the 2nd shopping/entertainment district that was rumored... She did tell me when she can tell me more, she will.... Everything is blue sky right now... Believe me, when I know more.. You all will know more...

But, hey, that's ok if you don't believe me.. I didn't believe her at first either...

 

[raidermatt]

If you really know somthing give the details, this is the news and rumors board, you are not reporting any news or rumor, just vague speculations.

Actually, he/she is passing on information, i.e. news. It doesn't have to be confirmed, or even specific, to qualify.

If we waited for specific and confirmed, we'd just be reading the press releases from Disney.

 

[Greg K.]

...that Disney has its hands full right now trying to fix DCA, which is about to undergo a major design overhaul.

There are persistent rumors about Epcot being redesigned as well (aka Project Gemini).

And Disney also wants to invest in a third cruise ship. (I'm hoping it will happen to coincide with DCL's 10-year anniversary in 2008...but at this late date, that may be wishful thinking.)

Given the above concerns, and what Iger has said, I really don't see a 5th park coming anytime soon. If at all.

 

[Jon99]

Just tossing out a question... Would a 3rd waterpark make sense?

 

[Tink's Tormentor]

Just tossing out a question... Would a 3rd waterpark make sense?

There have been rumors of a third water park.. a pirates themed one and a sports themed one.. I heard nothing to confirm that there are any plans for a third park however...

 

[Jon99]

Thanks for the reply, don't really keep up with the rumors but do occasionally read the "5th park" threads and a new water park would seem like a good idea.

Are the water parks big money makers?

 

[wdwguide]

Location of Suitable Land in the RCID:

The largest areas of suitable land are located west of Animal Kingdom [part of which is now occupied by the Animal Kingdom Lodge], between World Drive and I-4 between Osceola Parkway and US 192 [Theme Park #5], around Lake Mable [no plans AFAIK], north of the Magnolia Golf Course [Resort development], east of the Magic Kingdom parking lot [Resort development], and west of Disney/ MGM Studios [Studios expansion area/Theme Park #6]. Other areas identified as suitable are scattered throughout the District on sites of less than 100 acres.

As far as the existing theme parks go, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot do not have readily developable expansion room outside current boundaries, but both have unutilized space and vacant attractions that can be used for future expansion. This is primarily the former 20,000 Leagues area and the unused World Showcase pavilion slots, as well as Wonders of Life.
The Studios have plenty of expansion land, although that west of World Drive is more likely to be allocated to theme park #6. Room for major new attractions exists on Sunset Boulevard between RnRC and the ToT, and in the abandoned production facilities.
The Animal Kingdom has LOTS of land available, including north of the park (although that's unlikely to be used because it is not directly accessible from the existing lands other than Planet Watch), south of Expedition Everest (space for one indoor attraction), loads of already cleared space in northern Asia, and the land allocated for Beastly Kingdom.

 

[MJMcBride]

I'm not sure if a third water park would be a major money maker. They had River Country at one point, although that was real small and old. I must say a Pirates of The Caribbean water park would be pure gold. It might hurt the two they got though.

 

[Ghost]

Location of Suitable Land in the RCID:

The largest areas of suitable land are located west of Animal Kingdom [part of which is now occupied by the Animal Kingdom Lodge], between World Drive and I-4 between Osceola Parkway and US 192 [Theme Park #5], around Lake Mable [no plans AFAIK], north of the Magnolia Golf Course [Resort development], east of the Magic Kingdom parking lot [Resort development], and west of Disney/ MGM Studios [Studios expansion area/Theme Park #6]. Other areas identified as suitable are scattered throughout the District on sites of less than 100 acres.

As far as the existing theme parks go, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot do not have readily developable expansion room outside current boundaries, but both have unutilized space and vacant attractions that can be used for future expansion. This is primarily the former 20,000 Leagues area and the unused World Showcase pavilion slots, as well as Wonders of Life.
The Studios have plenty of expansion land, although that west of World Drive is more likely to be allocated to theme park #6. Room for major new attractions exists on Sunset Boulevard between RnRC and the ToT, and in the abandoned production facilities.
The Animal Kingdom has LOTS of land available, including north of the park (although that's unlikely to be used because it is not directly accessible from the existing lands other than Planet Watch), south of Expedition Everest (space for one indoor attraction), loads of already cleared space in northern Asia, and the land allocated for Beastly Kingdom.

Whaw. we even talk about gate 6 in this one
thans for poiting out the spaces in MGM and EPCOT, interesting remarks. Lets hope the rumors for the AK beastly kingdom that have been popping up might see the day of light (even if it will never be the original plans)

I'm not sure if a third water park would be a major money maker. They had River Country at one point, although that was real small and old. I must say a Pirates of The Caribbean water park would be pure gold. It might hurt the two they got though.

Pirates waterpark. with the movies and the overal success of the ride this might well be a very good idea. Although I do not see a third water park coming anytime soon (I could be wrong)....

 

[Greg K.]

I'm not sure if a third water park would be a major money maker. They had River Country at one point, although that was real small and old. I must say a Pirates of The Caribbean water park would be pure gold. It might hurt the two they got though.

I think the market will bear it. When we visited last summer, BB filled up very quickly. After 11 am, forget it. They were turning away cars and telling people to go to TL instead.

 

[MJMcBride]

I've never been a waterpark guy, so I'll go with what you guys say on the viablity of a third waterpark.

 

[Ghost]

I've never been a waterpark guy.

I said the same untill I visited BB. I loved it so I visited TL... and loved it even more... every WDW visit will include waterpark(s) from now one...

 

[seashoreCM]

>>> developable land

Build parking garages a'la Universal Studios and convert the MK parking lot into another theme park. No more trams.

>>> another water park

Does the single open water park fill to capacity in the winter when the other one is being refurbished?

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[YoHo]

>>> developable land

Build parking garages a'la Universal Studios and convert the MK parking lot into another theme park. No more trams.

Uh, have you seen DCA?
Or for that matter, the Michael Eisner memorial concrete monstrosity and very very long tram ride.


I'd prefer they kept the parking lot thankyou.

 

[dbm20th]

Uh, have you seen DCA?
Or for that matter, the Michael Eisner memorial concrete monstrosity and very very long tram ride.


I'd prefer they kept the parking lot thankyou.

I second that! Could you imagine the eye sore? The CR is rough enough!?!?