5th Gate Announced for 50th Anniversary?

[Disneyhead'71]

So you're saying that they are going to finish Potter 3 (or is it Pott3r ?) in less than two years? They haven't even started anything on it yet. I very much doubt that is the case.

Super Nintendo World isn't going to open in Florida in 2020. The Japan version is opening early 2020 (so its open for the Olympics in the Summer) and it is exclusive to Japan for at least a year, possibly two. So thats 2021 or 2022.

And if they ARE planning on a third gate, it makes no sense to tear down an area of either existing park to put Nintendo in when they could build from scratch for the new park if they are looking at 2022. What I mean is - if the earliest they could open Nintendo land is 2021, and they want a park for 2022, it doesn't make any sense to overhaul and open a section of an existing park a year before you open a new park. You would save that land and that hype for the new park.

I know you're a Universal fan, but none of these things you laid out here will be accurate in terms of timing. And at least one may never happen.

When the Potter coaster was announced they said 2019. They have been preparing this project for a while, so I can see them opening it in 2019....ready or not. That's kinda become a Universal thing.

As far as I know, there is no exclusivity deal for SNW for Osaka. They broke ground 2 months ago in Osaka and I bet Curious George goes down also on Sept. 4th. There are already construction walls up around the end of the E.T.'s queue, so it won't be too far behind Osaka.

And Universal is still in negotiations for over 500 more acres surrounding the 475 they already bought across from the convention center, so these plans are in flux, but they hope to have it sorted soon.

 

[Kamikaze]

When the Potter coaster was announced they said 2019. They have been preparing this project for a while, so I can see them opening it in 2019....ready or not. That's kinda become a Universal thing.

Ok, you get me here. I missed the announcement last week.

As far as I know, there is no exclusivity deal for SNW for Osaka.

There is. The only part I don't know is if it was 1 year or two. But it will be the only SNW for at least a year.

And Universal is still in negotiations for over 500 more acres surrounding the 475 they already bought across from the convention center, so these plans are in flux, but they hope to have it sorted soon.

Again, if they are planning a true third gate, it doesn't make sense to open SNW in an existing park.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Ok, you get me here. I missed the announcement last week.



There is. The only part I don't know is if it was 1 year or two. But it will be the only SNW for at least a year.



Again, if they are planning a true third gate, it doesn't make sense to open SNW in an existing park.

You think Comcast/Universal is buying over 1000 acres across from the convention center to not build a theme park? This property will be over twice the size of their existing resort. Large enough for 2 theme parks, a water park, resorts, CityWalk 2.0, and a 4 star NBC/Golf Channel Resort with a state of the art 18 hole golf course. All within walking distance of the 2nd largest convention center in the U.S.

If they did all that, they would have 5 theme parks and 2 water parks. Anyone still think Universal hasn't gotten Disney's attention?

And as far as saving Nintendo for the south campus. One word, Pokemon. I expect our editions to actually be something like Super Nintendoland: Mushroom Kingdom at USF. Super Nintendoland: Legend of Zelda at IOA. And Pokeman in the south campus.

 

[Kamikaze]

You think Comcast/Universal is buying over 1000 acres across from the convention center to not build a theme park? This property will be over twice the size of their existing resort. Large enough for 2 theme parks, a water park, resorts, CityWalk 2.0, and a 4 star NBC/Golf Channel Resort with a state of the art 18 hole golf course. All within walking distance of the 2nd largest convention center in the U.S.

Until they announce something, then we don't know what its for. Probably a theme park, sure, but right now its nothing.

If they did all that, they would have 5 theme parks and 2 water parks. Anyone still think Universal hasn't gotten Disney's attention?

TDO still doesn't care.

And as far as saving Nintendo for the south campus. One word, Pokemon. I expect our editions to actually be Super Nintendoland: Mushroom Kingdom at USF. Super Nintendoland: Legend of Zelda at IOA. And Pokeman in the south campus.

Nintendo doesn't fully own Pokemon, so creating an entire land based on it might be tricky without other deals being worked out.

Anyway, this is about WDW's 50th, not Universal.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Until they announce something, then we don't know what its for. Probably a theme park, sure, but right now its nothing.



TDO still doesn't care.



Nintendo doesn't fully own Pokemon, so creating an entire land based on it might be tricky without other deals being worked out.

Anyway, this is about WDW's 50th, not Universal.

Right, so because of everything I said, I can see Disney announcing a 5th theme park at the 50th Celebration. All the WDW parks should be banging on all cylinders at that point except DHS which will still have significant work going on. And setting a date for 2027ish seems reasonable.

 

[Kamikaze]

Right, so because of everything I said, I can see Disney announcing a 5th theme park at the 50th Celebration. All the WDW parks should be banging on all cylinders at that point except DHS which will still have significant work going on. And setting a date for 2027ish seems reasonable.

I just don't think one follows the other. Disney has room at 3 of the 4 parks to expand them easily. MK is a little harder but doable. The problem with building entirely new parks is that the infrastructure has to support the park. You're spreading everything even thinner. And if you're even a little correct with Uni's plans, it makes it even harder to find another huge group of CMs to fill a fifth park when Uni is hiring in large numbers as well.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I just don't think one follows the other. Disney has room at 3 of the 4 parks to expand them easily. MK is a little harder but doable. The problem with building entirely new parks is that the infrastructure has to support the park. You're spreading everything even thinner. And if you're even a little correct with Uni's plans, it makes it even harder to find another huge group of CMs to fill a fifth park when Uni is hiring in large numbers as well.

Pandora and Volcano Bay opening at the same time stressed the labor market. If both resorts plan on expanding they will have to come up with solution. Usually throwing money at a labor issue is the solution.

 

[Master Yoda]

Pandora and Volcano Bay opening at the same time stressed the labor market. If both resorts plan on expanding they will have to come up with solution. Usually throwing money at a labor issue is the solution.

I have a feeling that might be what they have to do. Eventually the labor market is going to get tapped to the point where they are going to have to start paying more to attract other people from other industries who want to work in the parks, but can't afford to take the pay cut that would typically result from doing so.

 

[Kamikaze]

Pandora and Volcano Bay opening at the same time stressed the labor market. If both resorts plan on expanding they will have to come up with solution. Usually throwing money at a labor issue is the solution.

And those are relatively small increases in labor. Park(s) cause far more disruption. Especially when a lot of that can be limited on Disney's side by expanding current parks.

 

[Kamikaze]

I have a feeling that might be what they have to do. Eventually the labor market is going to get tapped to the point where they are going to have to start paying more to attract other people from other industries who want to work in the parks, but can't afford to take the pay cut that would typically result from doing so.

Which is more than fine - higher pay usually leads to employees that are more motivated.
Except for one thing - higher pay would absolutely lead to increased prices.

 

[Master Yoda]

Which is more than fine - higher pay usually leads to employees that are more motivated.
Except for one thing - higher pay would absolutely lead to increased prices.

or lower profits.

 

[Kamikaze]

or lower profits.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

 

[Master Yoda]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha

More parks will equal the need for more volume. If prices climb too high that volume simply will not be there. Overall they would be making more money, but less per guest. Granted, this seems flies in the face of Disney's current strategy of lover volume and higher profit per guest, which is why I just do not seem them opening a 5th regular park anytime in the near future. High dollar boutique park like Discovery cove, maybe, but I just don't see another DHS, Epcot or AK anytime soon.

 

[Matthew Hiester]

Welcome to the boards!! I never say never with WDW (for better or worse), but logistically, I don't think it would be possible to build a 5th gate before the 50th. If they were going to do it "because it's the 50th," they would not open it after the 50th- it would open contemporaneously. The fact that we haven't seen any permits, ground clearing (massive ground clearing), etc., pretty much solidifies it's not happening for the 50th

Just to be clear, my original post speculated about the possibility of them announcing a 5th gate during the 50th celebration. I realize there's no way they could have one built by the 50th.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

Ugh a 5th gate. While I find it exciting to think about what it could be and when if ever, I'd much rather see them rehab and polish up what they already have, add to what they already have, and then take care of it better than they have been. Add resorts, add restaurants, add rides. A whole new park, no thanks.

 

[Matthew Hiester]

Ugh a 5th gate. While I find it exciting to think about what it could be and when if ever, I'd much rather see them rehab and polish up what they already have, add to what they already have, and then take care of it better than they have been. Add resorts, add restaurants, add rides. A whole new park, no thanks.

Great point. I would absolutely not want any new park to come at the expense of the existing parks (and other infrastructure). I'm heartened that they finally seem to be making major investments in what already exists. If that's as good as it gets, then ok.

 

[MurphyJoe]

I don't see a 5th gate happening anytime soon simply due to the increased labor costs and availability of staff.

Now an expanded roster of premium up-charge experiences if/when the Star Wars resort mints money doesn't require a crystal ball. Less investment required to build and operate than a full park, with guaranteed spending per guest beyond the typical price of park admission. Maybe they'll finally get around to doing something with Discovery Island with a Pirates themed experience? A regal European estate for the Princess/knight LARP? If the public loses interest in the complete experience, it'd be easy to change over to a premium hotel that's charging deluxe rates for the accommodations.

 

[Tavernacle12]

I imagine a 5th gate is inevitable, but a LONG way out, and perhaps they'll allude to planning one at the 50th celebration, even if it it doesn't open until after the 60th. I fully expect the full Epcot rework, at least two more large additions to HS and AK, and another expansion of MK before they do anything for a new park (I'd imagine Shanghai would get a second gate before we got a 5th too).

 

[KCheatle]

Just to be clear, my original post speculated about the possibility of them announcing a 5th gate during the 50th celebration. I realize there's no way they could have one built by the 50th.

I know that's what you meant. I was saying that I don't think they would announce a 5th gate for the 50th. I was saying if they were at all looking into a 5th gate to be a part of the 50th, it would only be to open it for the 50th. I don't think they have interest in announcing big things for later at the 50th. I think they want things tied to the 50th to be done for the 50th.

 

[Tom Morrow]

Unless the new trend of creating IP-rich immersive lands rather than an all-encompassing cohesive theme for an entire park dies out, it doesn't even make sense to build a fifth park. At this point it would just be another dumping ground for whatever IPs they choose and for the forseeable future, they would be wise to just continue beefing up the current parks and increasing admission prices.j

I do think at some point we might see a smaller, more niche' "gate" though, something like the business model for Discovery Cove at SeaWorld.