Disney Springs Plans: What do they mean?

[Gabe1]

I think an argument for public money can be made, but I wouldn't want to make it in this economy with TWDC basking in record profits and an allt-time stock high. The traffic is caused by their development and they really should just pay for the whole thing ... WDW may be doing well, but Central Florida is in no way recovered from the economic slide that began in 2007. Public money should not go to multi-billion corporations that want a more convenient way for guests to bypass outside businesses and come right into their new parking garages.

Could not have said that any better! Woot!

 

[Buck]

OP seems to be an insider for sure, but is he always such a d-bag? Serious question.

 

[WDW1974]

To an extent this seems true, tho I think the rates at WDW hotels are the best proof yet that the "rubes" and "1%ers" aren't mutually exclusive. That said, WDW still draws a huge convention business. And convention-goers want nightlife. So buses are chartered to CityWalk, and hotel bars get stuffed to double their maximum occupancy, and I'm sure minibars are raided as guests crumble there's nothing good on Orlando TV ... but it seems like there could be a better way, one that would ultimately prove more profitable to TWDC.

Disney almost has no night life whatsoever. Most resort bars are closed up by 11 or 11:30 ... Rix at CS, which I haven't been to, is apparently quite successful because of all those trapped conventioneers. I'm not saying WDW should be Vegas, LA or SoBe ... but having resort bars open until 1 or 2 a.m. seems fair.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Well Tom is in town as well, if that means anything.

Can we leave Tom Corrliss out of this for once? There's NO NEED to go there.

 

[WDW1974]

This post is a fail. I mean, after all, aren't we supposed to believe nobody will flock to a glorified TDO inspired outdoor mall?

We need a face palm smiley as simple sarcasm just does not cut it.

No, JT. You are confused as usual.

People have been visiting 'the Village' since 1975, locals and tourists. Why wouldn't they visit this new version? I was speaking of failure in traffic congestion because the area is quite popular ... that is why they really need an interchange from I-4 directly into the new garages just as they have in Anaheim.

 

[PhotoDave219]

And with Florida Sunshine laws, all those talks have to be public.

Public & openness are interesting concepts in Orange County. By law, yes, they have to be "open"... but they do everything in their power to fight that; both the local county commission and the lobbysts from the mouse house.

 

[Gabe1]

Disney almost has no night life whatsoever. Most resort bars are closed up by 11 or 11:30 ... Rix at CS, which I haven't been to, is apparently quite successful because of all those trapped conventioneers. I'm not saying WDW should be Vegas, LA or SoBe ... but having resort bars open until 1 or 2 a.m. seems fair.

I was at CS for a week and I never saw anyone in the Rix Lounge, ever aside from eating a snack they bought from next door, the little quick stand. Now out by the lake, right outside the doors was a Margarita bar and that puppy was packed everyday.

 

[Genie of the Lamp]

Can we leave Tom Corrliss out of this for once? There's NO NEED to go there.

I think he/she meant Tom Staggs, not Tom Corliss. Not sure if you're joking/messing around or not. Although they are both in the Orlando area now so go figure. But yeah I got conformation on this site, specifically from Travis and @wdwmagic that indeed Tom Staggs is in O-Town and will be present at this event tomorrow.

 

[WDW1974]

It will never be "special" to many here unless they rebuild PI. Even if they end up impressed they will never admit it and will look for things to find fault with. Just like they did with the amazing Rapunzel add at the MK. 74 even called for people to hate it even before finalized plans are released.

Crowds do not flock to malls like they once did. At least that demo over 21 years of age. But people will flock to a fully built out DTD.

Really, JT.

Back less than a week and flat out LYING as usual. I never called for people tp hate this or anything. They can make up their own minds, one would hope. And I sure hope to like it considering how much is being spent and how little is being done in the parks (you know, the reason why DD exists?)

Oh, and there is no 'amazing Rapunzel add' at MK. They added some nicely themed toilets and a small number of electronic charging stations that don't appear to be clearly marked and aren't nearly enough when they hope every guest comes in with an iPhone on them.

And where do you make up crap that people don't flock to malls anymore? Do you just pull it from between your buttocks?

 

[lazyboy97o]

I think an argument for public money can be made, but I wouldn't want to make it in this economy with TWDC basking in record profits and an allt-time stock high. The traffic is caused by their development and they really should just pay for the whole thing ... WDW may be doing well, but Central Florida is in no way recovered from the economic slide that began in 2007. Public money should not go to multi-billion corporations that want a more convenient way for guests to bypass outside businesses and come right into their new parking garages.

Universal Orlando Resort sought to leverage the City's ability to issue bonds in getting their interchange improvements built in the late 1990s. They agreed to a scheme where they pay back the debt and then some. Walt Disney World has the financial resources and the Reedy Creek Improvement District. I see no reason assistance is needed.

 

[WDW1974]

I am of the opinion some of the negativity is mouse inspired. Possibly internal social media types. Negativity killed off another place and some of the same people now practice the same tactic here.

I think people would be shocked if they knew some of the people here who are mouse house employees. I know this because certain posters respond to me no matter what time a day I am here. No individual is on these boards 24/7.

So, JT, who here is a Mouse House employee and why do they respond to you?

I am nowhere near as prolific as a certain spirit. Perhaps you posted in error.

Really? By my take you have about 4,000 more posts here than I do. But I am more prolific when it comes to putting out substance and information that makes sense.

BTW, interesting that you are here trying to stir up trouble. Why not go play in Steve's thread, I'm sure he's missed you as much as I have.

 

[WDW1974]

You attack me and 33 minutes later Disney breaks the news through Steve. My optimism is not without cause.

Are you saying Disney leaked the news to Steve? Or that he was the only one who knew this was coming? Take a look at who started this thread, old buddy. ... And I was told there's info on the Hub regarding this announcement, so every CM and their friends and families and bloggers should know.

So let that be a lesson to you and those who think as you do.

Now if you will excuse me I am off to celebrate in VindicationLand.

OK, that is my gloat of the week. Heh.

PS- Hi certain spirit.

Yes. Since you've been saying that something will be done to DD since 2008, you are so right. Boy, you nailed this one. Sorta like the guy in the desert that says it's going to rain every day ... eventually, he'll be right. It just takes a while.

Hi Frank!!!

 

[PhotoDave219]

I think he/she meant Tom Staggs, not Tom Corliss. Not sure if you're joking/messing around or not. Although they are both in the Orlando area now so go figure. But yeah I got conformation on this site, specifically from Travis and @wdwmagic that indeed Tom Staggs is in O-Town and will be present at this event tomorrow.

Ah. Sorry to all Toms involved. Its just that lately this site seems to have a giant attraction to Tom C - for reasons unknown.

 

[WDW1974]

@Lee, @WDW1974, and @wdwmagic, thoughts I just had today regarding I-4 access and a second garage, also addressing the tendency to want to park as close to Marketplace as possible.

I remember having several back-and-forths/conversations on here with @raven about the I-4 exit solution to DTD, and I think @Lee chimed in on those as well. If I recall correctly, the consensus seemed to be that I-4 access would be into DTD only, and would be via the current 536/Epcot ramp with a third branch running to the BVD intersection at entrance #2, running between TDO and Typhoon. At that time we were discussing access from I-4 into a DTD without garages, or at least one on that side. With two garages, this second one can be fed directly from I-4 via the new branch off the existing exit using a flyover (with an intersection option ramp, I would think). Depending on the location of the second garage, they could possibly "link" the two if they design the traffic flow correctly to encourage parking in the other by making it feel more like one large garage. Regardless of that, though, the direct access from I-4 not only helps reduce congestion on 535 and BVD, but would also provide a potential boost to the West Side tenants with direct "natural" traffic, instead of "forced" traffic that parks down there now, also making those units more lucrative.

Is what I've laid out above similar to what is in the plans, or am I completely off the mark on how they plan to handle it?

Hope so. But won't be sure until they say so!

 

[WDW1974]

George, Tom, Tom and Keith should all be there.

Finally, a public sighting of George. I wonder if he's had any plastic surgery done ... or maybe some BOTOX being that he's been living the REAL OC lifestyle for three years.

What I wonder is have the bloggers and social media parasites been invited. Since this is being run by the Burbank gang, one would hope not.

First Question -- Lou Mongello, WDWRadio -- ''You guys have done such a MAGICal job in reimagineering Downtown Disney and everyone from 9-99 is just gonna love it ... Heck, this project practically sings Disney showtunes. Speaking of which, do you prefer 'Under the Sea' or 'Be Our Guest'?''

 

[NoChesterHester]

And where do you make up crap that people don't flock to malls anymore? Do you just pull it from between your buttocks?

Man... I can't believe I am about to defend JT...

I can verify that traditional mall traffic and sales per square foot has dropped steadily over the past decade, perhaps longer. The traditional mall as a model is well on its way out. Sure there are exceptions... It isn't just due to the Internet either. Lots of factors have contributed.

Lifestyle Centers dominate the retail business now, but their numbers aren't always spectacular either, partially due to the predominance of unrealistic price points. This will be no exception. They want people to shop here that are interested in maxing out the credit cards.

 

[WDW1974]

OP seems to be an insider for sure, but is he always such a d-bag? Serious question.

Yes. He is. And he loves to step on insignificant little bugs. Thanks for asking! Oh, and have a MAGICal night!

 

[WDW1974]

Can we leave Tom Corrliss out of this for once? There's NO NEED to go there.

Um ... not talking about THAT Tom ... there are plenty out there with real significance like the head of Disney P&R and the head of DD just to name two ... those are the two we were talking 'bout!

 

[WDW1974]

Ah. Sorry to all Toms involved. Its just that lately this site seems to have a giant attraction to Tom C - for reasons unknown.

Nah, I much prefer Merfie.

 

[WDW1974]

Man... I can't believe I am about to defend JT...

Then, you shouldn't!

I can verify that traditional mall traffic and sales per square foot has dropped steadily over the past decade, perhaps longer. The traditional mall as a model is well on its way out. Sure there are exceptions... It isn't just due to the Internet either. Lots of factors have contributed.

Lifestyle Centers dominate the retail business now, but their numbers aren't always spectacular either, partially due to the predominance of unrealistic price points. This will be no exception. They want people to shop here that are interested in maxing out the credit cards.

People have always enjoyed going out to shop and I see nothing that says differently. Sales being down, which is quite true, is more a reflection on the economy going back a good 5-6 years than people not going to malls and lifestyle centers.