Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/News-ID10031070.asp" target="_blank"><b>Latest: Disney Finalizes Deal with Four Seasons to Anchor New Luxury Resort</b></a> <font face="Arial" size="2" color="#000000">Walt Disney World Co. has finalized the sale of 298 acres of land to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts for a hotel and golf course that will anchor the new luxury resort announced last year as part of an expansion of Walt Disney World Resort. “This is an important milestone for a project that will</font><font face="Arial" size="2"> enable our company and our community to further tap into the luxury travel market,” said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “Working together for the first time, Walt Disney World Resort and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will create a world-class family resort destination that offers the exceptional service and amenities and one-of-a-kind guest experiences that are the hallmark of both our brands.”</font>
Originally Posted By MPierce I can see it all coming together now. In just a few short years we will have the WDW Symphony, followed by the WDW Opera, and then the WDW Ballet. Now that's my kind of entertainment. I won't even have to go to the Parks to amuse myself. I could just hang around with my upper crust friends, and not have to mingle with the unwashed masses. Thank You Ms. Crofton for going after the luxury travel market.
Originally Posted By Sport Goofy I didn't realize this deal was going to involve a land sale. This just further cements the idea in my mind that WDW isn't making any money without real estate sales anymore. First Celebration, then DVC, now selling off parcels here and there to whoever is interested. I wonder how much money they are losing each year minus the real estate proceeds?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I have to agree to some extent. Their most valuable 'commodity' when purchasing WDW according to Walt was the land - the opportunity to do whatever- basically forever. Being parceled out tells me there are some serious profit issues going on.I understand the cash cow that is DVC - bottom line is it is still in the Mouse's pocket today, and back to themouse in either 2042 or 2055. - but this certainly is not. I am sure there are a lot of stipulations - but what happens if Four Seasons decides in 10 years there's just notenough of their clientele that wants to go there- and sells to someone - anyone ( Walmart !!!! ) - Some serious concerns here
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub I am assuming WDW has promised (although not officially announced) theme park/adult entertainment additions,etc to accomodate the Guests. Does anybody know how many rooms the Contemporary will be adding? Four Seasons Hotel will be opening in 2012 on the Northeast border with timeshare phasing in over a span of 8-10 years. Also the Hilton/Waldorf Astoria Golf Resort/and Convention Center on Bonnet Creek Lane off Epcot Drive will be adding 1000 rooms.This is scheduled to be opened by Sept. 2009. Surely Disney has made Theme Park expansion promises...Poor DL needs a golf course too!!!
Originally Posted By sharon2 <<I am sure there are a lot of stipulations - but what happens if Four Seasons decides in 10 years there's just notenough of their clientele that wants to go there- and sells to someone - anyone ( Walmart !!!! ) >> I sure Disney wrote up some sort of contingency with the purchase & sale agreement that they (Disney) would have first right of refusal if whoever wanted to sell later on.
