| # | Author | Message |
1
| CarolinaDisneyDad
Tue 11/18/2008 5:15a | While waiting in line for Nemo In The Living Seas we had a short conversation with a gentleman in line behind us. He said he was a consultant with Disney Imagineering and made a couple of comments we found interesting. First, he said that Disney has to have sponsors for attractions like the Living Seas because without them they couldn't afford to keep the attractions open. I knew Disney used sponsorship but, I didn't realize that the contributions continued after construction is completed. Second, he said that Disney has alot of new stuff in the pipeine including a Little Mermaid ride in MK (which we knew about) and a possible 5th park (which I have never heard of). I know that Disney's expansion plans are probably on hold in today's financial crisis, but, I couldn't help but wonder what a new park would be like. What would the themeing be? Think this was possilble or just a bunch of Hoo Hoo? |
2
| Mr X
Tue 11/18/2008 5:45a | The "5th park" is a concept they've been throwing around which is really an offshoot of Animal Kingdom with a very high entry price and sort of a "boutique" level of service. Search around for "Night Kingdom" and I'm sure you'll find plenty. ;)
(the concept is supposed to be sort of an answer to Sea World with their "Dolphin Encounter" park...have you heard of it? something like that) |
3
| CarolinaDisneyDad
Tue 11/18/2008 6:06a | I have heard of the night kingdom. I didn't realize that was the 5th park. To me that just seemed more of an alternate useage of an existing park... Downer |
4
| Mr X
Tue 11/18/2008 6:14a | I kinda thought so too, CDD.
If there's any other "real" 5th park in the works, I've not heard about it (although I did see plans for the "ultimate" build out of WDW and that makes room for SEVEN parks...some day, and I don't think that includes "Night Kingdom"). |
5
| sjhym33
Tue 11/18/2008 7:34a | As for corporate sponsors. Their contract calls for money for building and installation and then a yearly fee for operations. Many of the contracts run 10 years, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. It is a great deal for Disney and Disney would argue that the visibility in the parks is good for the sponsor.
I don't agree that attractions cant stay open without a sponsor. We have seen many of the sponsors pull out of attractions and stay open. Look at the Country Bears, Living Seas, Norway. They all had sponsors at one time. The American Adventure had 2 when it opened and now has none. What I do think helps with a sponsor being on board is there is someone outside of Disney that has a stake in the quality and upkeep on an attraction. No company wants their name to be attached to an attraction that is run down.
Having said that...Disney has had problems keeping sponsors. I spoke to a sponsor rep about a year ago who told me that Disney was difficult to work with, their contract was very restrictive and the benefits were negligible. They pulled out when their contract ended. |
6
| Scottydem
Tue 11/18/2008 2:05p | I hope they make a 5th theme park to combat Sea World.... another DISNEY SEA!
The park looks amazing and it would be great if they made that one! It could have Crush's coaster. lol, just my opinion |
7
| CarolinaDisneyDad
Tue 11/18/2008 2:15p | Disney Sea would be amazing. From the pictures I've seen of it you almost wouldn't need rides because the themeing is so special. Let's hope Disney pulls in boatloads of money and builds.(fat chance) |
8
| Bob Paris
Tue 11/18/2008 4:26p | "From the pictures I've seen of it you almost wouldn't need rides because the themeing is so special"
True.
On my last day there I spent half the day just walking around, taking pictures and filming. I call TDS one of the most photogenic parks in the world. |
9
| barboy
Tue 11/18/2008 8:13p | ///I hope they make a 5th theme park to combat Sea World.... another DISNEY SEA!///
You know something, thematically Tokyo Disney Sea and Sea World have nothing whatsoever in common, zippo!--- they are as different as 'simulated exploration' is to live 'sea urchins/whales/penquins'
Actually Animal Kingdom thematically is much, much closer to Sea World. |
10
| barboy
Tue 11/18/2008 8:18p | But yes, a Disney Sea done properly like in Tokyo is better than all 4 WDW parks put together in my opinion--- meaning I'd take 1 day at TDS than 4 days at WDW park hopping. |
