|
Headline: $2 BILLION DISNEY WORLD EXPANSION IS BEING CONSIDERED
By GERALDINE FABRIKANT
c.1994 N.Y. Times News Service
Walt Disney Co. is close to approving the investment of as much as $2
billion to expand Disney World, its theme park in Orlando, Fla., a person
close to the company said Sunday.
In considering the expansion, Disney is trying to address two problems:
a general slide in attendance at Disney World in the last few years and
increasing competition from another Orlando theme park, Universal
Studios/Florida, owned by MCA.
MCA is planning to add 4,000 hotel rooms at Universal Studios.
Disney executives have been trying to decide whether one or more
additional attractions at Disney World would draw new visitors or simply
steal customers from other attractions at Disney World.
Disney World, which opened in 1971, has three components - the Magic
Kingdom, Epcot Center and the Disney-MGM Studios.
The investment under consideration would include more than $750 million
to develop a fourth component, tentatively called Animal Kingdom. If the
board goes ahead, Animal Kingdom, featuring animals from Asia and Africa
as well as rides, would be built on 500 acres and open in 1998 or 1999.
The Orlando Sentinel, in an article Sunday discussing Disney's plans,
said Disney would also open a water park called Blizzard Beach and
possibly build an additional three hotels.
The Sentinel said the number of visitors to Disney World had declined by
almost 5 million a year, to 28.9 million this year, from a peak of 33.7
million four years ago.
While the company does not release specific attendance figures, its
executives acknowledged the decline, The Sentinel said, and suggested that
the contributing factors were a sluggish European economy, uncertainty
over the American economy and crimes against tourists in Florida.
Others inside and outside the company, The Sentinel said, suggested that
many vacationers found Disney too expensive, noting that a single-day,
adult admission ticket to the Magic Kingdom had increased to $38 from $18
a decade ago.
In addition to Disney World, Walt Disney Co. operates Disneyland, its
first theme park, which opened in 1955 and is in Anaheim, Calif., and Euro
Disney, a park outside Paris in which it owns 49 percent. Euro Disney,
which opened in 1992, has been a money-loser, never generating the
anticipated crowds.
This has been a trying year for the Walt Disney Company, despite the
extraordinary success of ``The Lion King,'' which is likely to wind up the
biggest money-maker in Hollywood history, with more than $1 billion in
profits after licensing royalties and video sales are counted. Such
success can offset a multitude of problems, and that's just as well for
Disney.
The company has had bad news, too:
- In April, its president, Frank G. Wells, died in a helicopter crash.
- In July, its chairman and chief executive, Michael Eisner, underwent
quadruple bypass surgery, which reminded many people that a successor to
Wells had not been named.
- In August, Jeffrey Katzenberg, the chairman of Walt Disney Studios,
who was widely credited with reviving the animated operations, resigned
after the Disney board declined to name him president. Weeks later,
Katzenberg announced he would team with the director Steven Spielberg and
the recording entrepreneur David Geffen to create a Hollywood studio -
including an animated operation that hopes to challenge
Disney's supremacy.
- In September, after months of controversy, Disney announced it was
abandoning plans to build a historical theme park, Disney's America, near
Civil War battlefields in northern Virginia.
The project had won local approval but inspired fervent opposition from
historians and from environmentalists. The company has said it will seek
another site for the park.
In each of the last fourth quarters, the Disney Company has reported
revenues in excess of $2 billion.
The failure of the Virginia plan might have given Disney's board some
incentive to proceed in Orlando, but the contemplated expansion in Orlando
has been under discussion for many months.
|
| Another internet find. One of the internet WDW "experts" maintains this list:
Below you will find the latest Disney Future Attraction List! I
apologize for the delay with this version. If you have any information
that may pertain to this list please e-mail me. I'm in need of updated
WDW info. Thanks!
Sincerly,
Todd D. McCartney
PS - I now have a WWW site for the Future Attractions List!!
Set your WWW browser to: http://jax.jaxnet.com/~wdwms
------------------------------------------------------------------
()_() *** The Disney Future Attractions List *** ()_()
(_) Version 1.6 - June 1995 (_)
By Todd D. McCartney
internet: [email protected]
WWW: http://jax.jaxnet.com/~wdwms
This document is Copyright (c) 1994, 1995 by Todd D. McCartney,
all rights reserved. It is intended for public use, and may be
redistributed, freely printed, or electronically reproduced in its
complete and unaltered form provided distribution is done at no
charge to the receiver. Partial and other distribution means
require the permission of the author.
For internet mailing list information
please send a message to [email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------------
How many times have you said to yourself "Hmm, I wonder what
they are going to build next at Walt Disney World?"... Well now
the answer to that question is right here in the Disney Future
Attractions List! This list contains bi-monthly updated information
regarding new resorts, attractions, theme parks etc. at Walt
Disney World, Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris.
Also as a supplement I have included a list of the new animated
features that Disney is working on, and video release dates for
new and old Disney animated classics.
Due to the nature of this type of list I can not guarantee
that any of the information provided here in is accurate and
dependable. However the majority of information has come from
reliable sources including but not limited to: The Disney
Magazine, The Walt Disney Company Annual Report, Cast members,
newspaper/magazine clippings, rec.arts.disney (Usenet), etc. It
also seems as though there are a few individuals who don't like
this list. They claim it is often wrong, and misleads Disney fans.
If you have any questions, comments, suggestions regarding
this list please contact me at the following internet address:
"[email protected]" If you see a newspaper/magazine
article about any Disney theme park please cut it out and send it
to me at the following address:
Todd D. McCartney
18 Carroll Drive
Somerville, NJ 08876
Thanks and enjoy the list!!
------------------------------------------------------------------
Section I - Walt Disney World (Orlando, FL)
MK=Magic Kingdom EP=EPCOT Center D-MGM=Disney/MGM Studios
Attraction Name Where is it?? When does it open?
----------------- --------------- --------------------
Extra 'Terror'estrial MK, (Replacing "Mission OPEN
Alien Encounter to Mars")
Show featuring "Jungle MK 199?
Book" characters
New show for the MK, Adventureland 199?
Tiki Birds (comical)
Update of:
Snow White's Scary Adv. MK, Fantasyland OPEN
Legend of the Lion King MK OPEN
Circle of Life - An EP, The Land OPEN
Environmental Fable
Honey I Shrunk EP, Journey Into OPEN
the Audience Imagination
Renovation of EP, Spaceship Earth OPEN
Spaceship Earth
New show at The Universe EP, Unvrse. of Energy 1996
Universe of Energy
New ride at World EP, World of Motion Fall 1997
of Motion
Journeys in Space EP, Future World 199?
(proposed replacement
of Horizons)
ReImagineering of EP, Future World Throughout the 90s
all Future World
pavilions
Mountain Themed EP, World Showcase ????
Roller Coaster
Black Box Pavilion EP, World Showcase ????
(Can change themes)
Russian Pavilion Indefinitely on hold. ????
(Plans complete)
Swiss Pavilion Indefinitely on hold. ????
Denmark Pavilion EP, World Showcase 199?
African Continent EP, World Showcase 199?
Pavilion
Spirit of Pocahontas D-MGM, Backlot Stage June 23, 1995
Fantasmic Hollywood! D-MGM ????
(project on hold)
Roger Rabbit's D-MGM, off Sunset Blvd. 199?
Hollywood
Disney Vision D-MGM 1998
(Virtual Reality)
Mickey's Movieland D-MGM 199?
Wilderness Lodge South of the Contemporary, OPEN
Resort NE of the toll plaza.
Wilderness Junction Near Fort Wilderness Fall 1996
Resort
All-Star-Music Southwest of D-MGM OPEN
Resort
All-Star-Movies? Southwest of D-MGM 1998
Resort
Boardwalk Resort Near the EP Resorts July 1996
Mediterranean Resort Next to the Wilderness June 1996
(3000 rooms) Lodge Resort
Coronado Springs West of D-MGM Fall 1997
Resort
West Gate Hotel Near 4th Theme Park Summer 1998
Planet Hollywood Next to Pleasure Island OPEN
Expansion of Pleasure PI, & MK Place 1997
Island and Marketplace
AMC 24 Screen Theater Pleasure Island Late 1996
World of Disney & Team Market Place Early 1996
Mickey Superstore
Blizzard Beach Near All-Star Resort OPEN
(3rd water park)
Wedding Chapel & Spa Island on Seven Seas OPEN
Lagoon
Disney's Boardwalk Near the EP Resorts Spring 1996
Disney's Sport Center North of All Star Resorts 1997
Disney's Wild West of D-MGM, North Spring 1998
Animal Kingdom of All-Stars Resort
(4th theme park)
Celebration; Disney Southern edge of WDW Mid 1996
city for residency
Disney Institute WDW Village February 1996
(learning center)
Disney Cruise Lines WDW, Florida Coast, January 1998
& an Island
The Workplace In Celebration 199?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Section II - Disneyland (Aneheim, CA)
Attraction Name Where is it?? When does it open?
----------------- --------------- --------------------
Indiana Jones Ride Adventureland OPEN
Spirit of Pocahontas DL June 23, 1995
Disney Ice Center Anaheim, CA Fall 1995
Update of Tommorowland Tomorrowland 1997-98
Honey I Shrunk the Tomorrowland 1997
Audience
Transportarium Tomorrowland 1998
Innoventions Tomorrowland 1998
Astro Orbitors Tomorrowland 1998
Submarine Voyage Tomorrowland 1998
-Change of show
------------------------------------------------------------------
Section III - Disneyland Paris (France)
Attraction Name Where is it?? When does it open?
----------------- --------------- --------------------
Disneyland Paris France, (Near Paris) MOST
Phase II
EURO-DISNEY
Disney-MGM Studios Disneyland Paris
Tour-Europe
PROJECTS
Beauty & the Beast and
The Little Mermaid Disneyland Paris
rides ARE
Splash Mountain Disneyland Paris ON HOLD
Discovery Mountain Disneyland Paris OPEN
(Like Space Mtn.)
Indiana Jones Roller Disneyland Paris OPEN
Coaster
------------------------------------------------------------------
Section IV - Tokyo Disneyland (Japan)
Attraction Name Where is it?? When does it open?
----------------- --------------- --------------------
Splash Down Photo Critter Country OPEN
Visionaium Tomorrowland OPEN
Disney Lights New Electrical Parade July 1995
Mickey's Toontown New "land" Spring 1996
Tokyo Sea Adj. to T.DL. NO TIME KNOWN
Second Theme Park in Tokyo Disneyland NO TIME KNOWN
Tokyo
------------------------------------------------------------------
Section V - Other Disney Projects
Attraction Name Where is it?? When does it open?
----------------- --------------- --------------------
Disney's America Who Knows?! 199?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Section VI - Animated Films
NAME NEW OR RE-RELEASE WHEN?
------------------- --------------------- ---------
Pocahontas NEW June 23, 1995
Aladdin & The King NEW Fall '95
of Thieves
Toy Story
Completely computer NEW Holiday '95
Animated movie
Hunchback of Notre Dame NEW Summer '96
(Voices: Demi Moore)
Treasure Island NEW Fall 1996
(Muppets)(Live action)
Mulan NEW 1996
(Chinese Folk Tale)
(1st Florida based project)
Fantasia Continued NEW 1997
101 Dalmations NEW 199?
(Live Action)
Mickey Mouse short, NEW ????
"Runaway Brain"
Song of the Sea NEW ????
Odyssey by Homer NEW ????
Sinbad the Sailor NEW ????
Swan Lake NEW ????
Hercules NEW ????
Aida NEW ????
Silly Hillbillies NEW ????
on Mars (short?)
101 Dalmations Release on Video In Stores Now
Beauty and the Beast Release on Video In Stores Now
The Rescuers Release on Video In Stores Now
The Rescuers Release on Video In Stores Now
Down Under
Aladdin Release on Video In Stores Now
The Fox and the Hound Release on Video In Stores Now
Aladdin II NEW In Stores Now
- Return of Jafar
Snow White and the Release on Video In Stores Now
Seven Dwarfs
Aristocats Release on Video 1995
The Lion King Release on Video In Stores Now
Oliver and Company Release on Video 199?
A Goofy Movie Release on Video Sept. 6, 1995
Cinderella Release on Video Oct. 4, 1995
------------------------------------------------------------------
Warranty Information (A little humor never hurts!)
Do NOT open back panel; no user serviceable parts inside. Use in
a well ventilated area. Pencils, scrap paper, and batteries not
included. Cannot be read by magnetic strip readers. If surface
dulls, dust with a damp cloth and allow to dry; do NOT use
abrasive cleaners. Two Hidden Mickey's have been provided for
your sanity. Vehicles shown on box are not included. If nausea
persists consult your doctor or poison control center. Some
assembly required.
------------------------------------------------------------------
|
| The following is information I received at "Ask Epcot".
EXPANSION PROJECTS AT THE WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
A variety to exciting plans is taking shape throughout the WALT
DISNEY WORLD Resort! A few of the things you can look forward to
are listed below. (Please note: All projects and opening dates
are subject to change without notice.)
THEME PARKS
-----------
Epcot Theme Park. General Motors and the WALT DISNEY WORLD
Resort are in the process of developing an all-new adventure at
the Epcot theme park. The new attraction will replace World of
Motion, also sponsored by General Motors.
Opening in 1997, Guests will have the opportunity to go behind
the scenes of automobile testing. They will experience what it
is like to test cars before they are brought to the market.
The attraction will feature almost every aspect of automotive
testing--acceleration, braking, hill climbs, curvy roads, and
long straight-aways. The turns and corners are anticipated to be
especially thrilling for the Guests.
For a car to survive in America's varied climate, it has to be
made well. The test vehicles are subjected to extremes in
environment. From corrosion tests to extremes in heat and cold,
the new attraction will exhibit exactly what occurs before a new
car is shipped to the dealers.
Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom. Mankind's enduring love for animals
is the genesis for Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom, a new kind of
live-action adventure park which will be filled with the natural
drama of life in the wild, and celebrate all animals that ever or
never existed. The newest Disney theme part will open in spring
1998 at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort. It will be the largest of
all Disney parks in the world, five times the size of the MAGIC
KINGDOM Park.
"Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom will be magical, fanciful, and
fun in the tradition of all of our theme parks, yet it will
incorporate a new dimension of reality with live animals in their
natural habitats," said Michael D. Eisner, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Walt Disney Company. "With a combination
of thrilling rides, exotic landscapes, and close encounter with
wild animals, we are creating an entirely new experience for our
Guests."
Site preparation is nearly complete, and construction begins
in September. Home to thousands of wild creatures, the new park
on opening day will cover 500 acres on the western edge of the
property owned by the Walt Disney World Co. in Orange County.
Centerpiece of the park is the giant, majestic Tree of Life,
14 stories tall (nearly the height of Spaceship Earth in the
Epcot theme park) and more than 50 feet wide at it's trunk.
Intricately hand-carved by Disney artists with a swirling
tapestry of animal forms to represent the richness and diversity
of animal life on Earth, the tree is a powerful symbol of
mankind's respect for nature.
Guests will embark on journeys into three major sections of the
park: the real, the mythical, and the extinct. Live, wild animals
and exotic landscapes set the scene for a thrilling safari that
tells a dramatic story about wildlife today in Africa. Great
herds of live animals, including giraffes, zebras, lions, hippos,
and elephants, will be presented in true-life adventure stories
of mystery, danger, and humor. The Guest is a participant, not a
spectator, and every encounter with animals is an adventure
within the context of a story in this largest land of Disney's
Wild Animal Kingdom.
In the mythical world of unicorns, dragons, and other magical
creatures, Guests will come face to face with make-believe
animals from legends, fairytales, and storybooks which play an
important role in the circle of life because of their powerful
hold on our imaginations. The creatures will come to life through
Disney creative storytelling and theme park magic.
In the park's third region, the focus is on extinction. Guests
will be whisked back 65 million years to witness the end of the
dinosaur era. The most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures will
lead Guests into a primeval forest and allow them to experience
prehistoric life on Earth.
"In Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom, Guests will embark on a
journey into the last wild sanctuaries of our planet, where they
will see the great herds of Africa on the vast savannah," said
Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Director for
Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom. "They will explore fables and
fantasy, where dragons breathe real fire. And they will venture
into realms of prehistoric danger where dinosaurs thunder in the
darkness."
The Company's long-standing relationship with animals dates
back to Walt Disney's original inspiration for founding his
company. "I have learned from the animal world, and what anyone
will learn who studies it is a renewed sense of kinship with the
Earth and all its inhabitants," he said. The Oscar-winning
"True-Life Adventures" series created in the 1950's by Walt and
his nephew, Roy, awakened an entire generation to the richness of
animal life with fascinating documentaries that emphasized the
importance of conserving our natural heritage.
In a commitment to worldwide conservation, Disney's Wild
Animal Kingdom has created Conservation Station, headquarters for
conservation and species survival activities for the park.
Information on conservation organizations worldwide will help
Guests connect back to their own communities.
"Although we are storyteller, the goal is to inform the public
about the factual importance of animal conservation and
preserving their habitats, and to inspire personal involvement
and understanding," said Rick Barongi, General Manager of Animal
Operations for Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom. "The foundation of
this park is conservation ethics." Rick is a nationally
recognized authority on the care of wild animals. He previously
served at the San Diego Zoo as Director of the Children's Zoo and
Curator of Mammals.
The vast majority of animals for Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom
will be born in zoological parks. Others will be rescued form
endangered habitats, or will be orphans that have been saved by
wildlife officials. "Disney recognizes that the need for
awareness of endangered animals and their environments never has
been greater," said Michael. "We believe that, as storytellers
and communicators, we are in a unique position to promote a
deeper understanding and love for all animals."
Nearly three years ago, The Walt Disney Company created an
advisory committee that has shared its expertise and visions for
animal conservation in guiding the design and development of
Disney's Wild Animal Kingdom. "We hope that people will come here
because they love animals and that, when they leave, they will
have a new knowledge and respect for the beauty and complexity of
the animal kingdom," said Michael.
RESORT AREA
-----------
Disney Institute. Construction of the Disney Institute is on
on schedule for a February 9. 1996, opening. The first-class resort
will feature hands-on experiences in a wide range of stimulation
pursuits and activities, and will include an extensive
Artists-in-Residence program. Located within the WALT DISNEY
WORLD Resort, the Disney Institute will provide highly
personalized experiences for adults and families with older
children.
"We live in an age where discovering new things is a lifetime
priority," said Michael D. Eisner, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the Walt Disney Company. "The Disney Institute will
be a resort with a creatively charge atmosphere where you can
engage your body, excite your mind, and expand your horizons.
Guest can take part in programs and activities that range from
animating a cartoon, to creating a topiary, to climbing a rock
wall," said Eisner.
The Disney Institute will offer more than 80 programs in nine
different program tracks:
* Culinary Arts. This area will explore the world's greatest
cuisines and offer a variety of activities that take good
food from garden to table.
* Design Arts. These programs will focus on architecture and
interior design--how to make living spaces more beautiful
and reflective of one's individuality.
* Entertainment Arts. This program will take Guests behind
the scenes and give them first-hand experience in animated
and live-action film, radio, television, video, and
nightclub performance.
* Environment. Programs in this area will take Guests into the
great outdoors for experiences in gardening and landscape
design.
* Lifestyles. Lifestyles activities will explore such areas as
family history, personal development, and community-building
through workshops led by experts.
* Performing Arts. The Performing Arts program will enable
Guests to interact with artists in pop, jazz, and classical
music, comedy, dance, and film through the Artist-in-Residence
program. Guest Speaker Forums will offer perspectives on
topics ranging from politics, business, and science to
technology, sports, literature, and the arts.
* Sports and Fitness. This program track will include
everything from beginning aerobics to cardiovascular training
and advanced clinics in golf, tennis, volleyball, and
basketball.
* Story Arts. These programs will emphasize storytelling in the
Disney tradition--and in traditions from all over the world.
* Youth. Youth programs will include workshops in magic and
comic book creation, as well as an extended exploration of
the Disney Wilderness Preserve.
Artists-in-residence and guest speakers who have already agreed
to participate include, among others, former Senate Majority
Leader George Mitchell; Bill Walton, Bruce Jenner, and Lute Olson
in sports; the movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert; opera
performer Sherrill Milnes; composer Morton Gould; and architects
Robert A.M. Stern, Frank Gehry, and Michael Graves.
In selecting programs, Guests can choose a la carte or from
packages that focus on a particular topic, such as gardening or
animation. Disney Institute Vacation Consultants will be
available to assist Guests as they plan their itineraries, both
prior to arrival and at the resort.
"The Disney Institute will be for adults and older children who
haven't lost their sense of wonder," said Richard Hutton, Vice
President of the Disney Institute. "All our Guests will be able
to design their own vacations, doing as much--or as little--as
they like. No two Guests will have the same experience."
The Disney Institute itself will be a lakeside enclave.
Designed by noted architect Tom Beeby, its facilities will
include 28 program studios, a broadcast-quality performance
center, an outdoor amphitheater, a state-of-the-art cinema, a
closed-circuit television and radio station, a sports and fitness
center with a full-service spa, clay tennis courts, an 18-hole
championship golf course, five swimming pools, and a separate
supervised youth center.
Guest rates for the Disney Institute will be approximately $582
per person, double occupancy, for a minimum three-night stay;
this charge covers accommodation, programs, baggage tips, a
one-day Disney theme park pass, and taxes.
Disney's Boardwalk. The charm and flavor of early-century
Northeast coast will be recaptured at Disney's BoardWalk, a
waterfront resort combined with an exciting new entertainment
district. Scheduled to open in June 1996, Disney's BoardWalk is
under construction on a 45-acre site nestled against the shores
of Crescent Lake in the Epcot Resorts area.
Noted architect Robert A.M. Stern designed this "village across
the water", which will include a lively entertainment district
along the boardwalk; Disney's BoardWalk Resort, a 378-room deluxe
hotel; and meeting facilities. Additionally, a 383-unit vacation
ownership resort will be built adjacent to Disney's BoardWalk
Resort.
The resort, which will have a turn-of-the-century
Eastern-seaboard theme, will sit atop a quaint collection of
shops, clubs, and restaurants overlooking the boardwalk and
village green. Each of the buildings will have shingled rooftops
and clapboard siding.
Three clubs are planned around the boardwalk: Dueling Piano
Bar, "a rip-roarin', foot-stompin'" club with dueling pianos;
Atlantic Ballroom, a 1920's-style dance hall showcasing live music
from the '40s to the '90s, performed by the Atlantic Ballroom
Orchestra; and ESPN World, a sports club offering interactive and
virtual reality sports games, plus light dining fare.
The newest entertainment district of the WALT DISNEY WORLD
Resort will include an exciting array of dining and shopping
opportunities. Dining opportunities to suit any Guest's taste will
include: Spoodle's, a family restaurant serving Northern Italian
cuisine; Pompano's specialty restaurant featuring fresh fish and
seafood and steaks; a brew pub; and BoardWalk Bakery, featuring
ice cream, espresso, and baked goods.
More than 9,000 square feet of retail shops will open onto the
boardwalk. Shopping includes Screen Door General Store for
groceries and sundries; Disney Character Carnival, featuring
Disney character merchandise and clothing for youngsters; and
Thimbles 'n Threads, offering resort apparel for men and women.
Disney's BoardWalk Resort will have an expansive, naturally lit
lobby with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. An eclectic mix of stripes
and florals, fan-back wicker chairs, overstuffed sofas, and giant
palms will create a comfortable setting. Antique-finished,
stenciled flooring with hand-woven floral rugs will complete the
informal theme.
Mismatched furnishings with floral patterns and vibrant colors
will provide a cozy environment at Disney's BoardWalk Resort.
Two-, three-, and four-story buildings will surround private
court-yards and New England-style gardens. Additionally, there
will be 14 two-story garden cottages with private entrances and
gardens. Hotel room rates will start at around $200 per night.
Disney's BoardWalk Resort Guests will enjoy Muscles & Bustles
health club, Little Toot's child-care facility, a video arcade, a
tennis court, a playground, and a lobby lounge. A
roller-coaster-style slide will empty youngsters into Luna
Park--a carnival-themed pool decorated with oversized circus
elephants.
Disney's Vacation Club at the BoardWalk will offer 383-unit
accommodations ranging in size form studios to one- and
two-bedroom vacation homes to three-bedroom grand villas. The
resort is expected to become part of the Disney Vacation Club,
subject to all necessary government approvals.
Adjacent to Disney's Boardwalk Resort will be Disney's
BoardWalk Conference Center, a 20,000-square-foot facility themed
as a New England-style town hall, with outdoor gazebos and
pavilions for intimate gatherings.
Disney's BoardWalk will be the first mixed-use project at the
WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort, offering both hotel and
residential-style accommodations, meeting facilities,
restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and shopping.
A promenade connects Disney's BoardWalk Resort to four other
Epcot Resorts on the shores of Crescent Lake: Disney's Yacht and
Beach Club Resorts, Walt Disney World Dolphin, and Walt Disney
World Swan. Walkways will connect the hotels to the Epcot theme
park; water taxis will transport Guests to the Disney-MGM
Studios.
Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island. Two celebrity
nightclubs, a 1,500-seat performing arts theater, an expanded
24-screen movie complex, two star-named restaurants, and two
Disney superstores will double the size of Pleasure Island and
Disney Village Marketplace by 1997.
With eight projects, the new district is the largest expansion
of its kind at the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort since its opening in
1971. A name of the area will be announced in the near future.
"Combined with Disney Village Marketplace, Pleasure Island, and
the recently opened Planet Hollywood, this exciting expansion
offers an amazing array of entertainment opportunities," said Al
Weiss, Executive Vice President, WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort.
The projects include:
* House of Blues. Inspired by one of America's most celebrated
musical traditions, House of Blues, will feature a
1,500-person capacity restaurant/music venue that will house
a television production facility, multimedia development site,
and radio broadcasting center. The music hall will highlight
an array of live music seven nights a wee, including blues,
rhythm and blues, jazz, and country. The restaurant will
feature eclectic delta-inspired cuisine including signature
dishes like jambalaya, etouffe, and homemade bread pudding.
This concept was conceived by famous entrepreneur Isaac
Tigrett in association with actor Dan Aykroyd.
* Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. The world-famous chef will build his
first Florida restaurant here featuring his innovative
California cuisine in a casual setting.
* Lario's. This restaurant/nightclub created by Latin superstar
Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilo will bring the sizzle
of Miami's South Beach to the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort. Like
its popular Miami Beach sister, Lario's will feature the
flavors and rhythms of Cuba and favorite Latin American
entertainment centers.
* Disney's Entertainment Theater. This performing arts theatre
will feature WALT DISNEY WORLD performances and visiting
entertainers.
* AMC 24-Screen Theater Complex. The most successful multi-screen
theater complex in Florida, Pleasure Island AMC 10 Theatres,
is adding 14 new screens. When completed in late 1996, the
theater complex will be the largest in the state.
* The World of Disney and Team Mickey Superstores. This
50,000-square-foot multi-story building will be underway in
early 1996 and will include tow new Disney mega-markets. The
World of Disney will be the largest character merchandise
shopping emporium in the world. Team Mickey will be national
headquarters for collectible merchandise and information
from Disney sports franchises and events.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. The sunny spirit of the U.S.
Southwest will shine brightly on Disney's Coronado Springs
Resort, tentatively opening in fall 1997 as the first WALT
DISNEY WORLD moderately priced convention hotel.
Guests will find palm-shaded courtyards and elegant haciendas
that provide a romantic escape from the working world. More
than 1,900 themed rooms and suites, designed in four- and
five-story structures complete with Spanish-style roofs and
sand walls, will surround Guests with the traditional beauty
of the American Southwest. Eighty-one of these rooms will be
easily accessible to those with physical challenges.
Meeting space will abound in the hotel's 95,000-square-foot
convention center, which will include a 60,214-square-foot
ballroom, the largest hotel ballroom in the Southeast.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will be ideal for groups with
trade show and exhibit requirements. More than 370 exhibit
booths and 46 break-out rooms will support conventions of
varied size. And nine loading docks will provide trucks with
direct access to ballroom areas.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Guests will have fun in the
"Southwest" sun relaxing on the white-sand beach, renting
watercraft, swimming in one of four themed pools, or playing
on one of the Disney golf courses. Other amenities will include
a health club, speciality shops, dining court, lounge, and
full-service restaurant.
The new resort will be located on 136 acres on the west side
of World Drive, just north of the Disney-MGM Studios
interchange. Rates are expected to be comparable to Disney's
Dixie Landings Resort.
WALT DISNEY WORLD International Sports Center. The WALT DISNEY
WORLD Resort will open its own "field of dreams," a
multi-million-dollar international sports complex covering
nearly 200 acres, in 1997.
The new center will include a 7,500-seat baseball stadium, a
5,000-seat field house featuring six basketball courts, fitness
center, and training rooms; four Major League practice fields;
ten Major League practice pitcher's mounds; eight exterior gang
batting tunnels; four softball fields; twelve tennis courts
including a 2,000-seat stadium center court; two Little League
baseball fields; a track-and-field complex; five multi-purpose
fields; a golf driving range; and concession and retail
facilities.
In its initial phase, the sports center will provide
professional-caliber training and competition sites, as well as
vacation-fitness facilities, for at least 25 individual and
team sports. College, high school, and youth-league teams;
amateur and senior athletic groups; and individual professional
and leisure-time athletes will be invited to share in training,
games, sports camps, and athletic events as participants and
spectators. The center will serve as headquarters for the WALT
DISNEY WORLD Marathon and the many other sports events taking
place throughout the WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort.
Major components will include:
* Multi-Purpose Stadium--adaptable for soccer, football,
baseball, and other field sports with 7,500 permanent
covered seats, plus additional temporary seating, night
lighting, clubhouses, and broadcast facilities.
* Multi-Sports Field House--contains space for six
basketball courts (2,000 permanent seats at the main court);
is adaptable for volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling, etc.;
includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, weight rooms,
racquetball courts, an indoor running track, classrooms,
and broadcast facilities.
* Center Court Tennis Area--a professional-level clay tennis
court with 2,000 permanent seats and expandable temporary
seating, plus broadcast facilities.
* Sports Camps/Practice & Playing Fields--four baseball
diamonds; five fields for football/soccer/field hockey;
four outdoor beach-volleyball courts; outdoor tracks for
running and in-line skating, plus trails for
jogging/walking/distance running/cycling; and concession
and first-aid facilities.
Later phases of the project are expected to add a hockey rink,
an Olympic-size pool for swimming and diving competitions,
multiple tennis courts, a sports dormitory, a cycling track,
a miniature golf course, bowling lanes, and more. The center
also will include classrooms, office space, and media
facilities.
Recently, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) announced its plans
to move its headquarters from Indianapolis, Indiana, to the
developing sports complex by the fall of 1995. In 1997, the
AAU will bring with it more than 40 national championship
contests with aspirations of hosting 60 such events at the
WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort by the year 2000.
Coaches, counselors, and trainers will be among the staff of
more than 100 full-time and part-time Cast Members. The exact
site for the new sports center will be determined as a part
of the architectural design process.
Disney's Mediterranean Resort. Long visualized as a new jewel
in the crown of resorts surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon,
Disney's Mediterranean Resort will occupy a prime location on
the monorail line between Disney's Contemporary Resort and
the Transportation and Ticket Center. Its 1,000 deluxe rooms
and suites will capture the romance of the sunny resorts of
the Greek Islands. It will also provide a luxurious new
convention facility with more than 65,000 square feet of
meeting space and outstanding recreational facilities including
a marina. Hotel room rates will be comparable to the other
"monorail hotels." (No opening date announced.)
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| The following is from the 1995 Walt Disney Annual Report, there
were a lot things that have already been mentioned in here, but
some new things to me as well.
Walt Disney World
-----------------
Walt Disney World's Indy 200 provides a roaring start January 27
when it inaugurates a new racetrack, The Walt Disney World
Speedway, near the Magic Kingdom. The event will be the
first-ever race of the new Indy Racing League.
Disney Development Company will open the Disney Institute in
February near the Disney Village Marketplace at Walt Disney
World. It offers an entirely new kind of vacation experience in
which guests choose from more than 80 participative programs in
an informal environment.
By summer, the Rainforest Cafe in the Disney Village Marketplace
will be open for business. It will feature cascading waterfalls,
tropical rain showers, thunder, lightning and live tropical
birds.
Disney's BoardWalk, a turn-of-the-century seaside hotel and
vacation club resort with extensive entertainment, shopping and
dining facilities, opens in July.
Two new Disney specialty restaurants, one a casual family
restaurant called Spoodle's, the second a seafood restaurant,
will be featured along with a dance club with a 12-piece house
band; Big River Grille and Brewing Works, a pub where five
special beers will be crafted while guest watch; Jellyrolls, a
high-energy dueling piano nightclub; Seashore Sweets, an
old-fashioned soda fountain; BoardWalk Bakery; and BoardWalk
Sports Club, restaurant and bar.
In October, Walt Disney World begins its 25th anniversary
celebration - "A Magical Time in a Magical Place." In addition to
exclusive shows, parades and surprises, a special promotional
package will tempt guests during the 15 months of festivities.
Continued enhancements to the Village Marketplace and Pleasure
Island complex will almost double the size of those facilities by
1998. The AMC Movie Theater will grow from 10 to 24 screens
totaling 6,000 seats.
Included in the expansion will be the House of Blues, developed
by noted restaurateur Issac Tigrett with part-owner Dan Aykroyd;
the Wolfgang Puck Cafe, featuring the cuisine for which that
master chef is famous; and Lario's a Latin dine-and-dance
restaurant created by Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilo.
Disneyland
----------
Disney land will wind down its traditional Main Street Electrical
Light Parade after a 25-year run. A new nighttime event will open
in 1997.
Also at the park, a live adaptation of the summer's much
anticipated animated feature film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame,
is scheduled to coincide with the release of the movie.
But the big news at Disneyland - still on the drawing boards - is
Walt Disney Imagineering's complete reconfiguration of
Tomorrowland. Though it's opening is three years away, New
Tomorrowland will include the best ideas from similar attractions
in Florida and France.
Disneyland Paris
----------------
Disneyland Paris, which made enormous strides in attendance and
hotel occupancy in 1995, has big plans for the next several
years.
Fairytale Festival, lasting through March, pays tribute to
Europe's traditional tales. Guests enter a large house filled
with enticing candy, refuse the temptation to eat a sugared apple
offered by the wicked witch from Snow White and the Seven
Dwarfs, and participate in the marriage of Sleeping Beauty and
her handsome prince.
In the spring, the Far West Festival rides again, and in November
the Fools' Carnival Parade opens to coincide with the European
release of the The Hunchback of Notre Dame. At Festival Disney,
summer will set the stage for the debut of a Planet Hollywood
restaurant, and by year's end an eight-screen theater complex
will be open.
Tokyo Disneyland
----------------
In Japan, the new Toontown will greet guests in the spring. The
Disney cartoon characters and the zany Roger Rabbit and his pals
come to life in this unique land.
Development of a second theme park, Tokyo DisneySea, continues
with Oriental Land Co., owner and operator of Tokyo Disneyland.
Walt Disney Imagineering, working with Oriental Land, has
developed a concept that integrated a 500-room hotel into the
park.
Across the street, Oriental Land is proceeding with the master
plan and design of the Maihama station area, with Disney as its
design partner. Plans include a hotel, restaurants, shops and a
theater complex. A transportation system linking this area to
Tokyo Disneyland is also being discussed.
Walt Disney Imagineering
------------------------
Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is deeply involved in changing the
future - in New Tomorrowland. When the attraction opens at
Disneyland in 1998, it will include a brand-new thrill ride,
Rocket Sled. The Carousel Theater, centerpiece of the attraction,
will become the West Coast home of Innoventions, already a
favorite at Walt Disney World.
Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida, also due to open in 1998,
gives free rein to Imagineers' creative ideas. The result will
be a theme park with live wild animals as well as mythical and
long-vanished beasts. Thrill rides, exotic landscapes and
carefully crafted stories will demonstrate the beauty and wonder
of the animal kingdom - and the perils animals face in today's
world.
Imagineers are redesigning Mickey's Starland at Walt Disney World,
to be completed in time for the resorts 25th anniversary late
this year. The Enchanted Tiki Room is also being reconfigured,
complete with a whole new story line delivered by Iago, the
wise-guy parrot from Aladdin, and Zazu, the fastidious hornbill
from The Lion King.
At Epcot, Imagineering is overhauling the World of Motion,
presented by General Motors, with a pulse-quickening new
attraction modeled after an automobile test track. Ellen
DeGeneres will head an all-star cast in a new show for Epcot's
Universe of Energy, presented by Exxon.
WDI Research and Development is expanding its scope in 1996 to
support all divisions of The Walt Disney Company, including
projects involving data security, information processing,
telecommunication and new business opportunities.
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