For those of you who have not heard yet, on March 1st the Walt Disney World Resort announced two new projects as part of an expansion plan: a new 900-acre luxury resort anchored by the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel and a 450-acre retail, dining and lodging district on the western edge of the Disney resort. 

Four Seasons

Along the northeast border of Walt Disney World, Disney plans to convert its Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge golf courses into a luxury resort and golf community. The development will include a luxury hotel, 18-hole championship golf course, single- and multi-family vacation homes and fractional ownership vacation homes.  Work could begin as early as this year, with a projected opening date in 2010.

West Property Mixed-Tourist District

            On the western side of the property, Disney is planning a mixed-use tourist commercial district just outside Disney’s gateway entrance.  According to allears.net, “the project combines third-party branded lodging, retail and dining in a pedestrian-friendly environment.”  Early development plans include 4,000 - 5,000 low- to mid-rise, value-priced lodging units and 300,000 - 500,000 square feet of commercial space.  Designed around a retail village, the development will become a convenient shopping and service center for Cast Members, nearby residents, and Walt Disney World guests. 

Artist Rendering of the Western Mixed-Tourist District

View from above of the Western Mixed-Tourist District

My Two Cents

            As Disney fans, we are often critical and skeptical of plans and changes to the WDW resort, and rightly so.  As frequent guests to WDW, we expect our favorite vacation destination to be as close to perfect as possible.  When I first heard that the Four Seasons was going to build their own hotel and spa on property I was dubious and afraid that the WDW I had grown to love would be harmed by this encroachment.  Why would Disney need a high-end hotel to come on property when it already had the Grand Floridian (WDW’s flagship hotel and most expensive establishment on property)? 

After thinking it through however, it made perfect sense.  To attract guests that will spend a lot of money, Disney needs to cater to upscale, rich clientele that associate high-quality service and luxury with a name like Four Seasons.  What might have prevented such guests from coming to WDW might have been the uncertain quality of Disney’s hotels.  If they were unsure about the level of service and luxury at the Grand Floridian, why would they risk going to WDW when they could go somewhere they would know they would be pampered and taken care of.  By fusing a name like Four Seasons and WDW together it may be what the Disney Company needs to attract the kind of guests that are willing to spend large sums of money on property.  Allowing the Four Seasons to move in is just common sense.

            This is not to say that the Grand Floridian will be left out in the cold.  There is something to be said for staying at the Grand Floridian, mainly its location.  Being able to open up your shades, stare out your window, and see Cinderella’s Castle and the Seven Seas Lagoon is something magical and wonderful to behold.  Also being on the resort monorail line is a convenient and easy way to access the Magic Kingdom and the Transportation and Ticket Center.  While the hotel may not compare to the Four Seasons in terms of service or size, the Grand Floridian will still be an excellent alternative for guests who want to benefit from some of its many perks.  Perhaps the competition will be good for the Grand Floridian in the long run.

            As far as the mixed-use commercial district on the western end of property is concerned, its apparent that Disney wants to create a one stop shop for guests, locals, and cast members.  Convenience is something many guests look for in choosing a vacation destination.  Sooner or later guests will stop going to other parks, shopping centers, and attractions in Orlando when they can get it all from WDW.  Why shop at some offsite outlet if you can take advantage of Disney’s free transportation and find what you need at this new development?  If Disney can keep guests onsite the more money they may spend.  Moreover, local residents and cast members are likely to make a trip to this new development if it enables them to purchase necessities and other merchandise that they might need.  While it may sound harsh, you really can not blame Disney for attempting to maximize its revenue.  Disney is ultimately a business, and a change like this would be extremely advantageous for it. 

Criticism at this point is much too premature.  It can reasonably be assumed that Disney will make sure that these new projects will be tastefully done and executed to perfection.  Of course, only time will tell . . .

Agree with what I said? Disagree? Have a story to share sparked by this column? Share your own idea by posting a comment below.