Originally Posted By dshyates Its official: Its Dubai <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ypujsw" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/ypujsw</a> I logged on to the site at 10:30am est. and the link for the press release was already posted. I haven't read it yet. But here it is
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Interesting. I wonder what they will theme the BG park to, since Africa and Europe aren't all that exotic in the Middle East, especially in an area as affluent as Dubai. I also can't help but wonder if this is a good move. There's been a ton of stuff pouring into Dubai recently, and at a certain point it will all hit saturation, and business will become stagnant. I don't know how well it will attract outside visitors, but from some things in the other thread it sounds like it would be difficult for many people to make it there. And what happens when they run out of oil? I'm sure they've thought about this for a while, but it just seems a little like they're just jumping on the bandwagon here.
Originally Posted By dshyates Especially since there is this other $64 Billion EPCOT-type Dubailand coming with, I believe, 5 other theme parks (Uni/Dreamworks/ Formula One Park,HIT Ent., and a Dinosaur park). <a href="http://www.dubailand.ae/home.html" target="_blank">http://www.dubailand.ae/home.h tml</a>
Originally Posted By dshyates Oh, and ferret, I dug up some more stats on Myrtle Beach. They are very interesting in their direct comparison to Hawaii. I posted them over on the Other Disney Destinations thread.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy I always thought Sea World in Orlando was miserable in the summertime -- not many places to escape the heat. I can't imagine this place being comfortable in the middle of a Persian Gulf summer. Also, I find it interesting that UAE would be so accommodating of the entertainment arm of the world's largest beer company. The last time I checked, the laws on consumption of alcohol in UAE were pretty strict -- even at some of the "western" venues.
Originally Posted By dshyates Screamscape has some artwork of Palm Island. Worlds of Discovery will be located at the crest of the Palm shaped island on its own island shaped like a killer whale. <a href="http://www.screamscape.com/html/worlds_of_discovery_-_dubai.htm" target="_blank">http://www.screamscape.com/htm l/worlds_of_discovery_-_dubai.htm</a>
Originally Posted By xrayvision Looks fun for people in that part of the world. Since we already have all those parks in FLA, it's not very exciting news here in the U.S. A Worlds of Discovery resort near TDL to enhance my Tokyo theme park visits would be more interesting. A new rollercoaster in the U.S...even better.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I have no interest in visiting Dubai -- for Sea World or for any other reason. What's wrong with me? *sob*
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I think it's interesting that the Screamscape article says that last year Dubai got 7 million visitors, and is expected to get up to 15 million by 2015. While these may sound like impressive numbers, remember that the "failure" that is DCA gets around 7 million guests each year, and DL gets around 16-17 million. While I'm sure there are also locals who live in Dubai who will help drive the numbers up, there aren't that many. Unless they can find a way to make these parks appeal to every single person who visits Dubai (which I think would be a first anywhere), they won't have that many people visiting them, at least by US standards. I don't know how they plan on working that out, unless they just cahrge an arm and a leg to guests. I just don't see this as the best idea ever...
Originally Posted By FerretAfros For what it's worth, here's a link to what the site looked like the last time they updated Google Maps. I think it's interesting that they are making all these islands, when there really doesn't seem to be a shortage of existing land to use. Maybe it has to do with keeping a cooler temperature? <a href="http://tinyurl.com/2lo3ba" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/2lo3ba</a> It also seems to be near a place where they are making a map of the world, out of smaller islands. I just don't get why they are making islands, when the same distance inland is completely empty... <a href="http://tinyurl.com/3e4w4e" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/3e4w4e</a>
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh wow, I cannot wait. Another great reason for us to go back to Dubai. Since they are not likely to ever build a Sea World in Europe due to the ante sea life park lobby being so strong. And Busch sold their stake in Port Aventura years ago, this will make it our nearest Busch Park! I am sooo looking forward to this, especially since the MArriott vacation club dubai should be open by then!
Originally Posted By Bob Paris "And what happens when they run out of oil?" Uuuuuuuuummmmmmmmm..............this is EXACTLY why they are building as much of this stuff as possible NOW. They realize the future for the region is not with oil and are leveraging things NOW so they can have a new industry(tourism)ready for when the wells runs dry.
Originally Posted By Bob Paris And we'll all fly over for a meet in our Mr Fusion garbage powered hover cars. Just don't exceed 88 miles per hour!!!
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 "It also seems to be near a place where they are making a map of the world, out of smaller islands. I just don't get why they are making islands, when the same distance inland is completely empty..." Those are luxury homes. Each little "island" has (or will have) a nice, big house on it. Supposedly there are already celebrities who have bought homes there. It's just a huge novelty, and vanity project though. The issue I would have, is each island is only accessible by a boat. It's sort of cute and all, but do I really want to hassle with strange access just to get home? I watched a special on the palm island, and these "World" islands on TLC or Discovery, and it was interesting from an engineering standpoint, but it's such a novelty...
Originally Posted By gurgitoy2 Oh, and the special made mention that tourism was the potential big business after oil. So, yeah, they're hoping people will flock to Dubai on vacation so they can keep the economy going.
Originally Posted By jonvn Ah yes, Dubai. Right on the Persian Gulf. The first place I'd think of for a vacation....
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo One of our best vacations ever was in Dubai. It is a fantastic place.
Originally Posted By jonvn I'm sure it is just lovely. What, about 100 or so miles from Iran? Borders on Saudi Arabia? Perfect.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo That's like saying Rome was horrible in the 90's because it was 100 miles from Yugoslavia during the war. Dubai is an increadible place, with innovative design, and amazing mix of modern and ancient cultures, a real melting pot.
