Originally posted by Mikejakester
was this park acttually proposed to Disney Inc?
woun't a Airfield where aircraft land and depart violate the law of Disney that says aircraft can land but don't take off in disney property??
This idea, is not bad at all.. I actually like it... but im trying to find the Link to disney...
:wave:
Regarding the operation of aircraft over WDW. There is no Disney law saying a plane can land, but not take off as far as I know.
I recently reseached the No Fly Zone over WDW placed by the FAA and at Disney's request just before the war with Iraq started. It means that no one is allowed fly within three miles of Cinderella's castle (3 mile radius) and below 3,000 ft over the WDW. Exceptions are for police and security.
This zone presently ends at the southern boundery of the thee other parks. It will be kept "indefinitely" as quoted by the FAA, although it is actually a temporary flight restriction (TFR) order.
Exception could be made such as if Disney wanted airspace clearance for the proposed "DisneySky" airport But lifting of the NFZ would probably be necessary for Disney to realistically proceed with the airport and related theme park plans.
As for your question if this park idea was actually proposed to Disney - no. Wish I had the opportunity after 20 years.
However, I think there is a chance that Imagineering and some Disney executives might know of the proposal. For several reasons. First, I should repeat that Disney does not solicit ideas outside the company. Disney has to approach you to discuss your idea or have you develop an idea for an attraction for them.
I don't know of a entire park whose theme was created by an outside source. This is to avoid being accused of stealing an idea. Some years ago, a man met with Disney and showed WDW a plan for a sports complex. They did not buy the man's idea, but sometime later, as you know, a similar sports complex was built? Did Disney steal the idea?
My feeling is that you cannot steal a general idea, it has to have a name, a specific layout, specifically named attractions, etc.
Anyone can build a marine life amusement park, but you can't call it SeaWord, have whale named Shamu or have a too similar looking logo for the marine park.
Back to my proposed "DisneySky" aviation theme park which is my name by the way unless Disney copyrights it which actually would be a real good sign!
Although all Disney executives are closed lip about discussing unsolicited ideas like my concept, I did have an opportunity to very generally discuss Disney's possible interest with an executive as far back as 1980 while looking for a financial partner for the San Diego park project. I was told that the company was too busy with Tokyo at the time and likely would not be involved in a non-Disney park project unless designed and built from scratch.
Next attempt was in the early 1990's when I wrote several letters to Burbank Corporate to different executives from Eisner on down, but couldn't get through the "candy curtain" as I called it. All letters were returned unopened (?) with a cover letter saying Disney did not accept outside solicitations, but thank you very much.
In 1999, I toured Walt Disney World and managed to talk with some middle managment types who politely listened, some looked at the plans saying the concept had potential, but remarked that I would have to convince Corporate Disney. Round in a circle.
I think someone in Imagineering is aware of the concept since the San Diego proposed park was public information having been covered by newspapers in the late 1970's (pre-Eisner) including the LA Times. Also, once when I applied to Imagineering in Glendale in 2000, I was asked for some artwork and I sent the color brochure on the old San Diego project as part of my resume.
That artwork was never returned. It probably is sitting in a file marked "aviation" or "aviation theme concepts."
Interesting, Disney's America Victory Field is very similar to my old Silver Wings Field section, both WWII air bases with hangars and airplanes, but why wouldn't they be?
As for 2003, guess all I can do, aside from marrying one of Michael Eisner's kin, is keeping trying including using this relatively new medium of the Internet. Word might slip into someone's ears, but its a real long shot.
I plan to establish my own website with details on the proposed park be it "DisneySky" or one of its original names such as Aero World or Aero Park America. As this stage, it is matter of luck perhaps being at the right place at the right time, one of the reasons I'm moving back to Los Angeles from Palm Springs to be near DLR and Corporate Disney.
If Michael Eisner ever saw the concept plans and thought it had potential, all he would have to do is snap his fingers and it would at least become a planning exercise for Imaginnering.
Meyers
"DisneySky," Walt Disney World, 2010
