Disney Location-Based Entertaiment

[WDWFigment]

For lack of better rumors here, I'll post on the LBE initiative reported on today at MiceAge. Looks like Disney might be planning on building a hotel, an indoor water park, a shopping area, and an E-Ticket ride all bundled together and themed into one seamless region. Previously, reports indicated they were only researching building themed hotels. Wonder what implications this might have on the current parks. If Disney attempts to undertake this, will it cannibalize the other parks? More importantly, will it consume resources that could be used to build new attractions at WDW?

http://www.miceage.com/kevinyee/ky061907a.htm

 

[DisneyJoe]

Couldn't you consider this doing something like taking the Great Wolf Lodge concept and "plussing it" ??

 

[shoppingnut]

These hotels sound very interesting and the fact that Disney will be operating them, you will be assure of their being clean rooms and it will have magic in the details.

 

[Hummer1676]

I have to agree with WDWFIGMENT on this one. It sounds awesome and all but are they going to spend money on items that could be better used elsewhere. I agree in growing the business, but fix those things internally first and press on to new ventures. This is a big risk if they go through it.

 

[WDWFigment]

These hotels sound very interesting and the fact that Disney will be operating them, you will be assure of their being clean rooms and it will have magic in the details.

Yeah, just like the All Star Resorts. :lookaroun

But really, I think it is a neat idea, but I think it's still huge blue sky. Are they really ready to make this kind of an investment after the failure of the DisneyQuest in Chicago? Granted, that's different, but still...

 

[shoppingnut]

Yeah, just like the All Star Resorts. :lookaroun

But really, I think it is a neat idea, but I think it's still huge blue sky. Are they really ready to make this kind of an investment after the failure of the DisneyQuest in Chicago? Granted, that's different, but still...

There are many other successful indoor waterparks, so adding a hotel and a ride will make it more of a vacation destination and being indoors means year-round. I think this is a better investment than DQ or ABC.

 

[CTXRover]

From what I've been led to believe, this initiative, along with Adventures by Disney, gained momentum with the immense success they have had with Disney Cruise Line. They have learned that there is a real market for families who are interested in traveling to non-Disney locales but at the same time are interested in the idea even more if it is Disney taking them there. Hence DCL branching out from its very successful Caribbean vacations and doing West coast cruises, the successful Mediterranean cruises this summer (which I just got back from 2 weeks ago, trip report and pics hopefully coming soon) and talks of future cruises to Hawaiil, Alaska, the Baltic Sea and even North East US and Canadian ports which will likely become even more of a reality once the two new larger ships join the fleet in 2011 and 2012. It was said by DCL officials on our ship that DCL brought more families with children and teens to some of the biggest ports in Italy, France and Spain than all of the other cruise lines that sail the Mediterranean combined.

Thus, the concept of Adventures by Disney was developed where Disney could take families to locales impossible for a cruise ship to dock at and now the concept of immersive Disney hotels and experiences inside major cities and popular non-Disney tourist destinations where families could use a Disney based resort as their home base as they explore these tourist destinations, the same way the DCL ship is used as a home base when visiting a port to Rome or Pisa. Its a very intriguing idea to further expand the Disney resort brand.

I don't think it will halt new developments at WDW or DL. The last thing they would want is for WDW or DL to drop in the tourist market. They will always be adding and expanding as needed to insure continued success with these resort destinations.

 

[WhyteAL]

As much as I love Disney and there brand and being from Miami a (major tourist destination)...I would not like to see a disney hotel down here nor if I take a trip to NY, LA, LV or any of those places.

Maybe a place like the Bahamas, or Jamacia would be nice to visit some sort of Disney resort. At least I know the resort would be top notch family resort. But besides that? Not really sure about it.

 

[bearboysnc]

As much as I love Disney and there brand and being from Miami a (major tourist destination)...I would not like to see a disney hotel down here nor if I take a trip to NY, LA, LV or any of those places. QUOTE]

You're probably going to see them pop up in Kansas and Minnesota, rather than NY LA and LV. There are families there too. Families with vaction money to spend, but not enough to get to WDW or DL.

Look where Wolf Lodge is placing there facilities. FAR away from either of the Disney parks and tourist locations and making a fortune.

 

[hack2112]

From what I've been led to believe, this initiative, along with Adventures by Disney, gained momentum with the immense success they have had with Disney Cruise Line. They have learned that there is a real market for families who are interested in traveling to non-Disney locales but at the same time are interested in the idea even more if it is Disney taking them there. Hence DCL branching out from its very successful Caribbean vacations and doing West coast cruises, the successful Mediterranean cruises this summer (which I just got back from 2 weeks ago, trip report and pics hopefully coming soon) and talks of future cruises to Hawaiil, Alaska, the Baltic Sea and even North East US and Canadian ports which will likely become even more of a reality once the two new larger ships join the fleet in 2010 and 2011. It was said by DCL officials on our ship that DCL brought more families with children and teens to some of the biggest ports in Italy, France and Spain than all of the other cruise lines that sail the Mediterranean combined.

Thus, the concept of Adventures by Disney was developed where Disney could take families to locales impossible for a cruise ship to dock at and now the concept of immersive Disney hotels and experiences inside major cities and popular non-Disney tourist destinations where families could use a Disney based resort as their home base as they explore these tourist destinations, the same way the DCL ship is used as a home base when visiting a port to Rome or Pisa. Its a very intriguing idea to further expand the Disney resort brand.

I don't think it will halt new developments at WDW or DL. The last thing they would want is for WDW or DL to drop in the tourist market. They will always be adding and expanding as needed to insure continued success with these resort destinations.

You're correct on every point here. I applaud you. :sohappy: I'm actually going on an Adventure By Disney in July/ August. We're doing the longer Italy tour. I think that immersive Disney hotels like this are a good idea. They bring the Disney magic to people who can't or don't want to make the trek to a park in the first place. Also, if you're worried about taking money away from WDW parks, think about this. When these places are built and become a big success, Disney will make more money so they can build things in their parks. Then, the parks will make money for the resorts. It's a never-ending cycle of Disney love! :lol: :animwink:

 

[Champion]

As much as I love Disney and there brand and being from Miami a (major tourist destination)...I would not like to see a disney hotel down here nor if I take a trip to NY, LA, LV or any of those places.

Maybe a place like the Bahamas, or Jamacia would be nice to visit some sort of Disney resort. At least I know the resort would be top notch family resort. But besides that? Not really sure about it.

Vegas is out of the question. Disney's family atmosphere wouldn't jive with the LV atmosphere. However, I could see them doing something ESPN based in Vegas.

Here are a couple questions for New York and Los Angeles.

1. As a Disney fan, if you were taking a trip to NYC or LA and had to stay in the city, would you rather stay in a Disney themed hotel or something like a Radisson or a Hilton?

2. As a Disney stockholder, if you were taking a trip to NYC or LA and had to stay in the city, would you rather stay in a Disney themed hotel or something like a Radisson or a Hilton?

3. And most importantly, as a family, f you were taking a trip to NYC or LA and had to stay in the city, would you rather stay in a Disney themed hotel or something like a Radisson or a Hilton?

The answer should be obvious to all three. Also, note that anything in a major city like NYC or LA wouldn't have to include a water park. A lot of the other things, yes, but not all of it.

You're correct on every point here. I applaud you. I'm actually going on an Adventure By Disney in July/ August. We're doing the longer Italy tour. I think that immersive Disney hotels like this are a good idea. They bring the Disney magic to people who can't or don't want to in the first place.

Thats not quite the idea behind the hotels. They aren't necessarily for the people who can't or don't want to go to WDW or DLR. They are more for people who love Disney and want a little bit of that magic while taking a trip somewhere other than WDW or DLR. Yes, part of it will be to whet the appetite of people who haven't been to the parks before, but the hotels aren't going to be priced that inexpensively that people who can't go to the parks will be able to afford the hotels. Think WDW moderate pricing and up.

 

[WhyteAL]

Vegas is out of the question. Disney's family atmosphere wouldn't jive with the LV atmosphere. However, I could see them doing something ESPN based in Vegas.

Here are a couple questions for New York and Los Angeles.

1. As a Disney fan, if you were taking a trip to NYC or LA and had to stay in the city, would you rather stay in a Disney themed hotel or something like a Radisson or a Hilton?

2. As a Disney stockholder, if you were taking a trip to NYC or LA and had to stay in the city, would you rather stay in a Disney themed hotel or something like a Radisson or a Hilton?

3. And most importantly, as a family, f you were taking a trip to NYC or LA and had to stay in the city, would you rather stay in a Disney themed hotel or something like a Radisson or a Hilton?

The answer should be obvious to all three. Also, note that anything in a major city like NYC or LA wouldn't have to include a water park. A lot of the other things, yes, but not all of it.



Thats not quite the idea behind the hotels. They aren't necessarily for the people who can't or don't want to go to WDW or DLR. They are more for people who love Disney and want a little bit of that magic while taking a trip somewhere other than WDW or DLR. Yes, part of it will be to whet the appetite of people who haven't been to the parks before, but the hotels aren't going to be priced that inexpensively that people who can't go to the parks will be able to afford the hotels. Think WDW moderate pricing and up.

It would really depend, but there is a good chance I might not...and alot of people might not either the hotel buisness is a whole other arena. IMO

 

[dizneycrazy09]

Not really too sure how I feel about the Location Based Hotels yet, but the article was a good read. I really hope that a LARGE area is devoted to Pixar in the Studios, and is really utilized to showcase Pixar characters. I think it would be just what the Studios needs to get it out of its slump.

 

[Champion]

It would really depend, but there is a good chance I might not...and alot of people might not either the hotel buisness is a whole nother arena. IMO

Yes, because it would be Disney's first entry into the hotel business. :dazzle:

What would it 'really depend' on?

Don't forget, besides the on site resort hotels at WDW and DLR, Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island already do decently well despite not having any of the extra amenities which are discussed here.

One more question since you basically ignored the three I asked.

Would you rather stay at a Hilton for, say, $180 a night, or a Disney resort for $195 a night that includes experiencing a couple of attractions with your room rate.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Think WDW moderate pricing and up.

Have you ever priced the Great Wolf Lodge??? Better think higher than a moderate.

 

[Champion]

Have you ever priced the Great Wolf Lodge??? Better think higher than a moderate.

I will stand by my original statement. Moderates and up.

 

[sniggle74]

Here in Cincinnati, we have a Wolf Lodge - right next door to Kings Island. Is it doing good business? Nothing all that noticible. It hasn't brought in any more tourism than the park does already. Granted, it did have a little "pool potty" scare when it first opened - but what's a little "accident" among strangers?

I guess my fear - or concern - is why not finish the resorts that are already in need of completion? Pop Century has an entire half to fill. Plus, with the construction of the Contemporary addition, is it necessary to build outside of the "Happy Place"? Besides, how long of a fad will these indoor water entertainment resorts last. Did somebody say Holi-dome?

 

[DizFanatic]

Kind of a tangent, but has anybody here stayed at a Great Wolf Lodge? We were thinking of going to the new on in the Poconos, PA this summer. It looks nice. Not cheap, but it it is a great experience it would be worth it. Any input?

 

[WhyteAL]

Yes, because it would be Disney's first entry into the hotel business. :dazzle:

What would it 'really depend' on?

Don't forget, besides the on site resort hotels at WDW and DLR, Vero Beach and Hilton Head Island already do decently well despite not having any of the extra amenities which are discussed here.

One more question since you basically ignored the three I asked.

Would you rather stay at a Hilton for, say, $180 a night, or a Disney resort for $195 a night that includes experiencing a couple of attractions with your room rate.

For instance if I were going to NY and the hotel I was staying at would be a choice between contemporary (in NY) or 20-40 bucks cheaper at a Hilton I would chose Hilton, because it's 20-40 bucks cheaper and the contemporary style dosen't offer as much to me (* edit there is not going to be a full disney park experince attached to this including a downtown diseny). Now with and if they had a "themed" resturant at the NY contemp we would be able to make reservations for anyways and just go in and see the hotel that eveneing and dine with characters and head back to the Hilton. That is what I am saying that I might not spend 195 a night and it most likely will be some where within the 200-295 range if they are to have all those amenities. I live in Miami and a nice hotel in Miami The Lowes would run like 300 a night. So a Disney Hotel on S. Beach if they could find space would be a bit more (close to 400) because of the extra amenities. and for what 1 e-ticket ride. A water park maybe, but just one ride and themeing. I don't know? I have nothing to compare it too. What I don't want happening is a chain of hotels across the US and cheaping of the Disney brand kinda what started to happen with the disney store until they consolidated locations. I can see it being profitable in the short run, but maybe not in the long run. If the theme parks are an example of anything is of how disney needs to stay at the forfront of enginering and maintence to maintain attendence levels and we do know that from time to time either the budget falls short or maybe management for that matter. Then imagine a hotel with an e-ticket ride, lets pretend it's Soarin' the e-ticket found at a disney destination NY hotel. How long will the life span (synergy wise) of that ride and it's ability to draw audeinces be? They can't just do a SSE and neglect it for a while till they find a budget/sponsor because there is so much more to do at the park. That is what as a shareholder I am afraid of. I know that it will be short term success, but I am tring to see how that effects stocks as a long term investor. I don't know if you get what I am tring to say, but I am worried of those outcomes now if and when they decide to persue this buisness then maybe when they present to us custoemrs/sharholders maybe there ideas would be more appealing because we will know more of there buisness plan.

*edit agian: sorry: but maybe I am not the target cosumer for this we are a middle class family with an average income of about 100,000 maybe this is luxary resort idea in which case money would not be the major issue

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Umm...what will separate this from most of the hotels on the Vegas Strip?

New York New York: Hotel, Casino, Restaurants, Shopping, E-ticket
Stratosphere: Hotel, Casino, Restaurant, Shopping, E-ticket
Caesar's Palace: Hotel, Casino, Restaurants, Shopping, E-ticket

:lol:

Not really "breaking the idea mold" with this one.