Disney plans themed hotels for major U.S. cities

napnet

napnet

Active Member
Original Poster
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is considering putting Disney-themed hotels and nightlife districts into downtown areas of major cities that don't currently have Disney properties.

Disney is not yet making any commitments to "urban Disney hotels" or stand-alone Disney entertainment districts, Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo told investors tonight. But he outlined them as "some of the ideas our business team and Imagineers [Disney's term for designers and engineers] are thinking about," as ways to expand Disney's tourism business into new locales.

In addressing investors, Rasulo said Disney is thinking about developing major "flagship" hotels -- such as the Disney Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World -- or themed hotels that could be built in large cities that already are tourist draws.

He did not cite examples.

He also said the Downtown Disney concept has been so successful at both Disney World and Disneyland in California that the idea could be transplanted into major urban areas.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disneyhotels020707,0,5603094.story?track=rss
 
jedimaster1227

jedimaster1227

Active Member
Watch Fisher manipulate this news to fit his own Texas Disney rumor... :rolleyes:

But, this is a risky step for Disney as the DisneyQuest franchise has proven. They will definitely have to be careful when creating unique environments (which with the right budget can be done).
 
Chevross

Chevross

Active Member
I say this is going to end up being another "DisneyQuest" like deals. It will work but than slide downhill. Unless it is going to be an actual hotel and not just a hotel/a piece of magic thing then it could work. But I seriously doubt it will make it to the breaking grounds.
 
Chevross

Chevross

Active Member
If it does happen I say it will only be in L.A., NYC, Detroit and probably Bakersfield. I wouldn't even doubt Myrtle Beach, Richmond (VA) and Seattle. I say it won't get too big because of other construction plans.
 
Connor002

Connor002

Active Member
Interesting concept.
I don't suppose Philadelphia is on the list.
After all, that DisneyqQuest never finished construction...
 
Chevross

Chevross

Active Member
I can see a regular (Disney theme) hotel working. I just can't see Disney making one without some "attractions" so people can get a glimpse of what they are missing, which was exactly the point of a DisneyQuest and why it failed.
 
phichi17

phichi17

New Member
I think the hotel idea is a wonderful thing, as long as it is done right. By that I mean don't over "Disneyfy" it. That may sound like blasphemy on this site, but the average consumer may not take to the same level of Disneyana we do here. Themeing is one thing, turning the hotel/entertainment district into a local theme park I think is doomed to failure (think DQ).

One topic I would like to bring up....here in Mobile, AL a HUGE facility is being built for NASCAR (NASCAR has not promised any dates, they never do until facilities are constructed), however there are also plans to build what was called the second largest amusement/theme park in the country adjacent to the property. I wonder if Disney would be involved in some way with this, such as themed hotels (think title of this thread) or an entertainment district.

Thoughts?
 
Chevross

Chevross

Active Member
That would be a perfect partnership (NASCAR and Disney). Disney already has some sponsorship from GM (Test Track). I wouldn't be surprised if the Disney Racetrack would tie in with NASCAR someday.
 
E

Erika

Moderator
I love the sound of this, but I am also afraid it might go the way of Disney Quest. I visited the one in Chicago, first when it opened and then maybe 9 months later, by which point it was really looking trashed.
 
phichi17

phichi17

New Member
Chevross said:
That would be a perfect partnership (NASCAR and Disney). Disney already has some sponsorship from GM (Test Track). I wouldn't be surprised if the Disney Racetrack would tie in with NASCAR someday.
Click to expand...
Come to think of it, why not build a motor lodge like in Cars.....now THAT is a themed hotel. Now I am just dreaming......
 
Chevross

Chevross

Active Member
Like somebody else said, "If they over Disneyfy it, it will be a failure." I think they will over Disneyfy it and...well, history repeats itself.
 

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