Disney's looked at this before, most notably with their DisneyQuest project from a few years ago. They opened a few of them around and then closed most of them -- except for the ones that were in their parks. It is somewhat surprising that a company that can create such incredible experiences in theme parks, doesn't seem to be able to create smaller experiences outside of the theme parks. Well, except for ESPNZone, which always seems to be doing well, and their work on Broadway. They have some of the best creative folks around, so it would be great to see them put their creative energy to creating more Disney experiences not attached to theme parks.
The Walt Disney Co. is considering “blue sky concepts” of creating smaller theme parks and stand-alone hotels, retail, dining and entertainment centers, Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney’s Parks and Resorts told analysts at a conference on Wednesday.Building stand-alone hotels in urban areas where families already travel would give Disney the chance to reach out to parents who feel their children are still too young to appreciate a trip to a Disney theme park, Rasulo said.Along those lines, Disney could locate versions of its Downtown Disneyland, a high-end retail, dining and entertainment district, in urban areas far from its parks, he said.
Link: Disney mulls stand-alone urban hotels - U.S. Business - MSNBC.com.
Link: Walt Disney World Resort - DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park.
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