Disney expansion appeals to luxury and moderate tourist market
Walt Disney World’s major expansion plans on its 43-square mile property in Central Florida is an indication of the growing luxury trend for hotels and the US tourism market in general.
The new expansion is significant because it will be the size of Animal Kingdom.
The company said plans for its Orlando resort include a 900-acre Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts property, and a 450-acre retail, dining and lodging district.
The plan involves converting the Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge golf courses into a luxury resort and golf community that includes a hotel, 18-hole golf course and single- and multi-family vacation homes, as well as fractional ownership vacation homes.
Disney said site work could begin later this year and, if everything goes according to plan, predicted the hotel would open in 2010.
“Combined, this is a huge win for devotees of both brands and for Central Florida,” she said Meg Crofton, Walt Disney World President.
Four Seasons currently has 74 hotels in 31 countries, and more than 25 properties under development. Four Seasons operates two properties in Florida — Four Seasons Hotel Miami and the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.
“The Resort will have all the ingredients needed to create memorable vacations: gracious and caring staff; beautiful surroundings that are thoughtfully designed; and services and amenities that make every experience one to cherish,” said Kathleen Taylor, president and chief operating officer,
Also in the works is a mixed-use property just outside Disney’s gateway entrance that involves lodging, retail and dining in a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Disney said early plans include 4,000 to 5,000 low to mid-rise value-priced units and 300,000 to 500,000 square feet of commercial space.
The expansion means that Disney is developing one tract aimed at high-dollar luxury guests and the other designed to appeal to a more moderately-priced audience.
“By signing Four Seasons as its operating partner, Disney plants its foot firmly in a binge of hotels with five-star aspirations spreading across Florida,” wrote The St. Petersburg Times. ”The trend hit Orlando a few years ago with the arrival of the 1,584-room Ritz Carlton/J.W. Marriott complex.”
But Disney lost the stomach years ago for the staggering expense of keeping a fifth star at its own hotels, like the high-end Grand Floridian Resort, said the newspaper.
Ms Crofton acknowledged the late arrival of Orlando, the nation’s second biggest tourist city behind Las Vegas, to the world of luxury hotels.
”Orlando is now ranked No. 6 as a luxury destination,” she said. ”I think we can improve on that pretty quickly.”
While still in the design stage, the company expects work to begin on the site later this year, building in phases over the next eight to ten years.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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