Disney to begin selling land for Western Way’s Flamingo Crossings
According to a report in yesterday’s Orlando Sentinel, Disney will soon begin selling off parcels of land for the upcoming Western Way construction, an area now being termed by Disney as Flamingo Crossings (Not too catchy, eh?). The parcels will go to the third party merchants who will run the businesses in that development.
The news is not that Disney is allowing third party companies on property. They have been doing that for years. The news is the way in which it is being it is being carried out.
That prospect creates a first chance for third-party owners to buy and develop land inside Reedy Creek. Disney has previously allowed numerous private developments of hotels, stores and restaurants within Reedy Creek, but always through long-term land leases that have kept the real-estate deeds in Disney’s hands.
Now I know this news truly bothers some Disney fans, but I have to admit that it means absolutely nothing to me that they are selling off a percentage of 450 acres. For a property that is 25,000 acres, the lost land will barely be noticed. This sounds more like a way for Disney to develop something it feels is needed by guests without having to do it all on their own.
The 300,000 to 500,000 square feet of retail space at Flamingo Crossings would target merchants of practical wares and services that tourists, Disney employees and area residents might need, such as groceries, toiletries or basic clothing — thereby competing with area shopping centers and outlet stores that draw many visitors off Disney property. The restaurants might include a mix of fast-food and casual-dining franchises not common on Disney grounds.
“Generally speaking, it’s your typical shopping center that you see along the interstate,” Reedy Creek Administrator Ray Maxwell said. “It’s the value end of the market.”
Believe me when I tell you that the “value end of the market” is simply something Disney can not comprehend. They have never sold anything for a “value” for as long as I can remember. Even their value hotels are pricey compared to outside chains. Many people who stay on property have to go off property to buy food and eat out because they can’t afford Disney’s rates. And many who come to the Mouse need to stay off property to afford their trip. If this brings all of that a little closer to the “bubble” then I am all for it.
But all of this is predicated on whether these outlets serve Disney’s market and their guests that can’t afford the “magic” in its entirety. We’ll have to wait and see.