Economy takes its toll on Disney World

[trr1]

Economy takes its toll on Disney World development
By Leah Zanolla
Nov 9, 2009

More than three years ago, Walt Disney World announced the development of a new hotel and shopping area on the west side of property. However, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney has been trying to court "hotels, restaurants and shopping centers for two years, but has yet to close a sale."

The area, named "Flamingo Crossings", was Disney's attempt at creating a shopping, dining, and hotel district aimed at the budget-conscious; think of it as "Downtown Disney Light." Most likely due to the recession, developers have been unwilling to financially commit to joining Disney in their new venture. According to the Sentinel, Flamingo Crossings isn't alone in its slowdown. The article suggests "building-permit activity at Disney World has dropped 25 percent during the past year."

Disney contends it is still behind the project; a stance echoed by Walt Disney World spokesperson Marilyn Waters in saying, "I can tell you we continue to have significant interest from hotels, retailers and restaurants." Waters also remains optimistic that the project itself is not in jeopardy. "As the economy recovers," she adds, "we're in good position."

 

[gustaftp]

Meanwhile, a whole gaggle of buildings sit empty on the real estate formerly known as Pleasure Island.

 

[mcjaco]

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=512533

 

[sublimesting]

Well, good thing they got that pesky Adventurer's Club out of the way. It was holding up progress.

 

[LowesChevy]

I feel that the commercial real estate market is on the brink of collapse in most cities. Flamingo Crossings is either going to sit for years or be abandoned all together. There is just too much available retail space for businesses to fill.

 

[RiversideBunny]

WDW would do well to remember what its core business is.

 

[CDavid]

WDW would do well to remember what it's core business is.

That's never stopped them before. :brick:

 

[jmuboy]

Personally, I hope this project remains a field of grass and trees. Was never a fan of this at all. WDW is large enough. Maintain what you have and work on projects that REALLY need the attention.

Economy takes its toll on Disney World development
By Leah Zanolla
Nov 9, 2009

More than three years ago, Walt Disney World announced the development of a new hotel and shopping area on the west side of property. However, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney has been trying to court "hotels, restaurants and shopping centers for two years, but has yet to close a sale."

The area, named "Flamingo Crossings", was Disney's attempt at creating a shopping, dining, and hotel district aimed at the budget-conscious; think of it as "Downtown Disney Light." Most likely due to the recession, developers have been unwilling to financially commit to joining Disney in their new venture. According to the Sentinel, Flamingo Crossings isn't alone in its slowdown. The article suggests "building-permit activity at Disney World has dropped 25 percent during the past year."

Disney contends it is still behind the project; a stance echoed by Walt Disney World spokesperson Marilyn Waters in saying, "I can tell you we continue to have significant interest from hotels, retailers and restaurants." Waters also remains optimistic that the project itself is not in jeopardy. "As the economy recovers," she adds, "we're in good position."

 

[jmuboy]

WDW would do well to remember what its core business is.

At this point I think WDW needs to be reminded what that is. They act more like real estate developers in the last several years than theme park operators.

 

[trr1]

At this point I think WDW needs to be reminded what that is. They act more like real estate developers in the last several years than theme park operators.

:sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

 

[Mr. Tickle]

Disney, like other companies, needs to realize that perpetual growth is unsustainable. If continued they will destroy their empire needlessly all due to greed.

 

[_Scar]

At this point I think WDW needs to be reminded what that is. They act more like real estate developers in the last several years than theme park operators.

They actually built up their resort SO much. They did really great in that aspect within the past decade. They did the right thing in the long run for their resort whether the theme park fans like it or not.

 

[steampunkwillie]

unfortunately

Personally, I hope this project remains a field of grass and trees. Was never a fan of this at all. WDW is large enough. Maintain what you have and work on projects that REALLY need the attention.

I think it's too late for that, I think it's already a field of roads and traffic lights.

 

[COProgressFan]

They actually built up their resort SO much. They did really great in that aspect within the past decade. They did the right thing in the long run for their resort whether the theme park fans like it or not.

Wait, so selling off large parcels of land to private developers is the "right thing in the long run for the resort"?

 

[Boardwalk Joe's]

They should just start lowering their prices and become economically friendly. :hammer:

 

[WDW1974]

They actually built up their resort SO much. They did really great in that aspect within the past decade. They did the right thing in the long run for their resort whether the theme park fans like it or not.

Um, no.

Actually by overdeveloping they put themselves behind the financial eight ball all the time and pretty much guaranteed that WDW's parks will never be what they once were because the place is way too big.

Here's a lesson for you, Scar, but bigger isn't always better. ...

 

[bstiles]

only in texas

 

[KungalooshAL]

yes, and so clearly twas time to increase park admission and parking <eyeroll>. Just as it's time to increase taxes.

just as it may be time for many of us to learn "just say no" to some entertainment expenses.

esp when our favorite venues are being closed.

 

[cblodg]

Meanwhile, a whole gaggle of buildings sit empty on the real estate formerly known as Pleasure Island.

Well, good thing they got that pesky Adventurer's Club out of the way. It was holding up progress.

Both excellent points!

Disney's growth has meant that it has lost sight of it's core (as has been mentioned). They'd be wise to abandon Flamingo Crossing and focus their attention elsewhere on the property.

Now I said "they'd be wise" to do this, but given the choice between doing it and not, they always seem to go with the latter.

 

[Monorail_Orange]

FWIW, Here's my $0.02:

The major expansions at WDW thus far have been mostly well-played. However, they have reached a point now where no further mass expansion is needed in the short-term...i.e. Flamingo Crossing or a 5th Gate. TDO would do well to go ahead complete the Pop Century - Golden Years site. Beyond that, TDO needs to focus on improving/expanding what is already there. DTD - especially the former Pleasure Island - needs a lot of attention. There has been a great deal of discussion on these boards about the needs of all 4 theme parks (MK still has needs that the FL expansion will not be seeing to - AL, to point out a glaring element). And I think, some investment needs to be put in place by TDO to eventually eliminate their intra-resort reliance on buses for guest transport.

So, bottom line: WDW's needs have changed, now is the time to focus on what's already there and make it even better for a great big beautiful tomorrow.