Originally Posted By dshyates Screamscape is reporting today that there is a STRONG rumor that Disney is looking to build a second Disney Resort (Not DVC related) in Myrtle Beach.
Originally Posted By dshyates Here is the screamscape link: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3e34hz" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/3e34hz</a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I would be quite surprised if this was real. Myrtle is just generally a gross and very very tacky town (think of Anaheim about a decade ago). The difference would be that Disney wouldn't have nearly the pull in Myrtle as they did in Anaheim, and would most likely have to basically wall in anything they did (figuratively speaking, of course). On the other hand, they already own a resort in Hilton Head, which is a much much nicer place to go on a vaction (never heard a complaint about it, and I've heard few compliments of Myrtle). It would make a lot more sense, to me at least, that they would expand the resort they already have rather than building another one so close. Hawaii has a really good draw for folks across the country, here Myrtle is more of a regional thing. I don't think Disney would really have the pulling power needed to get people to travel large distances to get there, and it just generally seems like a bad idea to me (if you haven't gathered that already). Whether or not it's true, I have no idea, but I don't know why Disney would be all that interested in Myrtle to begin with.
Originally Posted By dshyates How long has it been since you've been to Myrtle Beach? Southern Living has it listed as the #2 Family Vacation Destination in the south, with WDW being #1. The Hard Rock Park is opening in May. In general, Myrtle Beach is in the middle of a renaissance. They have completely cleaned up the Atlantic Ave. area. Its still Myrtle Beach, but I wouldn't be surprised if Disney, since they are expanding into the resort hotel business, moves a really nice place into the area.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy Myrtle Beach was one of the worst beaches I've ever visited. The absolute worst is Virginia Beach.
Originally Posted By dshyates I don't know. They both used to be pretty sad, but I have been to both in the past year, And I think they are getting better. I'll take either over Daytona any day.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I just don't see why Disney would open up shop in Myrtle when they already have a place in Hilton Head. Sure, more people know of Myrtle Beach, but I think the folks that they will try to attract (people who want fancy all-inclusive resorts and have tons of money) will probably know about Hilton Head as well. It just doesn't make sense to have the two properties so close together, but still several hours apart.
Originally Posted By dshyates The new resort they are building in Hawaii isn't part of the DVC unit. They will have exchanges, but it will be a new type of Disney Resort. The rumored Myrtle Beach resort I imagine would try and appeal to the affluent famly demo. I also wouldn't be surprised if it included an indoor/outdoor waterpark.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros While it would be great to have an indoor waterpark in the winter, I can't help but think it might be a little uncomfortable in the summer. I guess they could just blast it with the AC, but that seems a little less than ideal. Does Myrtle get much traffic during the non-summer months? I would be interested to see how those numbers compare to those of, oh say, Hawaii.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy Myrtle Beach has about 4 months of tourism. The rest of the year is dead. I can't imagine Disney would dump a lot of money into someplace that doesn't attract visitor for 2/3 of the year.
Originally Posted By dshyates As far as the indoor waterpark, the inside section would be more like an indoor pool and lazy river with a few slides. The outdoor waterpark would be much larger. As far as the winter numbers. I was there the first week in Dec. The Holidays there seem pretty popular. Dolly's Dixie Stampede Christmas Show sells out most shows. I only know this because thats what the girl I was getting tix from told me. There is a rumor that Hard Rock may put in a resort hotel next to the new Hard Rock Park.
Originally Posted By brotherdave I think Myrtle Beach is attracting a more older crowd in the spring and fall months, similar to Branson and Pigeon Forge. It's possible that Disney may be looking at tapping that market there. With the opening of Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach is becoming more of a well rounded destination than just a beach with a 'honky tonk' area.
Originally Posted By dshyates To answer some Myrtle Beach questions. Visitor Characteristics Grand Strand leisure travelers spent an average of $118.80 per person per day, and group business travelers spent an average of $208.11 per person per day. Furthermore, visitors typically use their own car as their primary transportation (89.5%). Most Grand Strand visitors (59%) stayed in hotels, while 25% stayed in condos and villas. Tourist Population Estimates 1999 13.7 million 2000 13.8 million 2001 11.9 million 2002 12.7 million 2003 12.8 million 2004 13.2 million 2005 13.8 million Visitor Age The Grand Strand attracts a wide range of travelers; approximately 91% of visitors were under the age of 65. Visitor Income The Grand Strand attracts middle-to high-income travelers; visitor income has steadily increased over the years. $100,000 + 12% $ 75,000 - $99,999 18% $ 60,000 - $74,999 18% $ 45,000 - $ 59,999 18% $ 30,000 - $44,999 21% $ 30,000 or less 13% Visitor Length of Stay The average length of stay along the Grand Strand was 5.0 days for leisure travelers and 3.6 days for business travelers. Visitor Origin Along the Grand Strand, 20% of our visitors came from North Carolina in 2005. Another 25% percent traveled from New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. The following are the 2005 top 10 states of visitor inquiry origin: North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennesse, Georgia, Illinois and Michigan.
Originally Posted By dshyates Here is an interesting article in the NYTimes. I have pulled out the most significant paragraph: "On a summer day, the population here exceeds half a million people. The Grand Strand hosts more than twice as many visitors each year as Hawaii. The beach is not the only reason people come -- shopping, golfing, sightseeing, and live theater are also draws. In the past few years, Myrtle Beach has grown into a year-round destination, and as a result, South Carolina now ranks second only to Florida as a vacation destination, ahead of California, New Jersey, and North Carolina. The Travel Channel has voted it the "Best Family Beach."" I find the part about "The Grand Strand hosts more than twice as many visitors each year as Hawaii." interesting. The emphasizing the family tone and Disneyland meets Las Vegas feel is true. It feels very much like driving aroung the resort Disctrict of Otown. But lack lack of a park was evident. The Hard Rock Park should fill the bill. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/367knw" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/367knw</a>
