Disney CFO announces no 5th gate coming soon
It seems that we can finally put the Fifth Gate debate to rest for a little while. According to the Associated Press, via Mickey News, Disney’s chief financial officer Thomas Staggs has announced that Disney has no plans to build another theme park in the U.S. any time soon.
Staggs said Disney will likely increase capital spending to beef up its lagging second gate in California. He added that Disney is unlikely to open any new parks in the United States in the foreseeable future.
So do you feel this is good news or bad news? The idea of another theme park, and all the amazing possibilities that goes with such a plan, is always an exciting one. I am sure we all remember the intense anticipation that surrounded the opening of Epcot, the Disney-MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The hype was extraordinary and we all just couldn’t wait to get there and see Imagineering’s newest achievement for ourselves. I mean, who wouldn’t want that again, right?
But the idea of continuing to invest into the parks that already exist is a much better plan in my eyes. The later part of the Eisner era saw massive cuts in upkeep, fewer and cheaper new attractions, and entire parks rushed to opening. What resulted was an Animal Kingdom desperate for a reason to be there at night, a disjointed Studios park, and a giant mess called Disney’s California Adventure, along with a sometimes less than spotless presentation. Thanks to those years, we now have internet critics making a habit out of chronicling chipped paint and bird-droppings.
Just in Florida alone, the benefit of directing funds into the existing parks has been easy to spot. Since 2005, we have seen Soarin’, Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Finding Nemo-The Musical, and Expedition Everest all make their debuts at Walt Disney World. There have also been terrific refurbishments to Pirates of the Caribbean, Spaceship Earth, the Haunted Mansion and the Gran Fiesta Tour. This is what Disney World needs. There is plenty of space in the existing parks to make them even more worth the $70-plus a day then they already are. Let’s keep moving in that direction.
I have set up a poll on the DNN forums about this subject. Head over and vote.
We urge you to discuss this more and leave your comment below, or feel free to come over to the Disney News Network Forums where we discuss this and many other topics in the Mouse Extra Forums.
Matt said,
September 20, 2007 @ 7:51 pm
I don’t think we can really put this rumor to bed for a while because let’s not forget that earlier this year Disney officials commented that the name of the Studios wouldn’t change and then a few months later, poof! We have a new name. So I’m not exactly convinced.
Mike said,
September 21, 2007 @ 2:22 am
I just don’t see the point of a 5th park. It won’t generate money. All it will do redistribute people from their other parks. So there is nothing to gain from a 5th gate
David said,
September 21, 2007 @ 12:47 pm
Well, that depends on the park. If Disney feels they are not getting the teen crowd, and then build a thrill ride park, then numbers may increase. I’m not suggesting they do that, only offering a scenario
Raidermatt said,
September 22, 2007 @ 1:51 am
I agree 100% with Matt. I think the phrase Mr. Staggs actually used was “foreseeable future”, and when it comes to public statements, foreseeable future means until 5:00.
That said, I don’t think they will move forward on a 5th gate anytime soon. On that, I’m in complete agreement with David that the wiser investment at this point is to work on the existing parks. I happen to think all four need some work, with AK and MGM needing the most. But MK and Epcot aren’t what they could/should be either.
As for whether a new park would increase overall visitation or just redistribute guests, I think that all depends on the park. If they open it before it’s anywhere close to being a full park, like they did with the last three domestic parks, then yes, I think it will only serve to redistribute.
But if they actually build something unique and original, and do it on a scale that provides good value to the guest, then I think they can most definitely attract new visitors and extend current guest stays.
Incidentally I don’t think building a thrill park aimed at teens is the way to do that.
Jon said,
September 22, 2007 @ 6:30 am
Not getting the teen crowd? What the hell? Are you implying that Universal and Sea World are getting the teen crowd? Is there some mysterious demographic that isn’t being serviced by all the parks already? How is Disney going to build a bunch of thrill rides when they take great efforts to hide their roller coasters in fake mountains?
David said,
September 22, 2007 @ 11:46 am
Jon, let’s review the sentence shall we…
“If Disney feels they are not getting the teen crowd, and then build a thrill ride park, then numbers may increase.”
This is a hypothetical. Believe me, I don’t imply much
New WDW park???? - Page 6 - Disney World Trivia .com Forums said,
September 25, 2007 @ 1:53 am
[...] to answer all your questions and theories, this is from Mouse Extra: Quote: Disney CEO announces no 5th gate coming soon September 20, 2007 at 1:34 pm It seems that we can finally put the Fifth Gate debate to rest for [...]
Mike said,
September 25, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
I still say it makes absolutely no sense to ever build a 5th gate