Originally Posted By dshyates The "RUMORED" date is April 26th. But that is based on really bad speculation. On the URO site, the closing hours for IOA are extended past the closing hours of Universal Orlando. Other than that we have no clue what "Spring 2010" means.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I would have thought so. There is one at DL's DTD and Legoland San Diego is an hour's drive south
Originally Posted By Wendy Pleakley >>Were you at IOA today? Because my guess is Disney is thrilled they can get the attendance bump without having to actually build a thing. Folks aren't going to come from across the pond to Orlando without seeing the mouse. They may come for Harry Potter, but they will go to WDW. The same with Legoland. They may bring their ankle bitters to FL, but it will be for the MK AND Legoland.<< Definately agree. I'm not itching to return to WDW, but if Harry Potter sounds impressive, I'll be more likely to go to Florida. When I do, I'll spend a day or two at Universal but I'll still visit WDW for the bulk of my time, and likely stay in one of their hotels. And how much will Disney hurt if guests cut back a day or two from WDW to visit Universal? They won't lose on admission as those "extra" days on the park hopper are all but free anyway. They'll lose some food sales, but possibly not much else. It could hurt if vacationers choose to stay at a Universal or offsite hotel, instead of on Disney property. Overall though, I don't expect it to hurt Disney. I think they'll benefit in fact. That's just Harry Potter though. I expect Legoland to have a negligible effect.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well, there are better hotels in Orlando than the Disney ones. We are most likely to stay in one of them next time, especially as WDW is less likely to get our time too. we may not be the only ones that feel that way.
Originally Posted By dshyates I think I will swing by the Grande Lake Resort tomorrow to take some pics of the MVC Villas. That is one construction update our trusty construction update photog hasn't gotten to yet. But, alas, I am afraid I simply won't be as thorough.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Well, there are better hotels in Orlando than the Disney ones. We are most likely to stay in one of them next time, especially as WDW is less likely to get our time too. we may not be the only ones that feel that way.>> Dave ... I spent 10 nights at the amazing new Hilton Orlando in December for less than the best discounted rate at the All Stars. It's one of many new resorts that have opened recently as O-Town has gotten some truly upscale locations. No ... there was no 'Disney Magic' there. Not even the All Stacey Aswad Channel on the huge TV. But the service was borderline 5-star and the public areas were nicer than some Ritz Carlton's by a wide margin. The pool area was a mini-water park. There are plenty of great places to stay in O-Town for a fraction of what Disney charges, even when it is 'giving away' the product.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I think I will swing by the Grande Lake Resort tomorrow to take some pics of the MVC Villas. That is one construction update our trusty construction update photog hasn't gotten to yet. But, alas, I am afraid I simply won't be as thorough.>> well, it takes a certain level of OCD to properly detail timeshare construction, but I'm sure you're gonna give it the old college try!
Originally Posted By dshyates By the time I made it by Grande Lakes today, it was already dark. I had to go to IOA for that picture update, then I did DtD, and DHS. Then I had to swing by The Loop in Kissimmee. But I will be back down there in the AM, I didn't get the Epcot (Pizzaria/Cantina) update.
