What do you think of this?

JD Dis · 01-13-2009

So, we just got back from staying at Fort Wilderness Cabins and continually noticed construction occurring to the East of the Osprey Ridge golf course. And I don't mean a little bit of modification, I'm talking 300-400 acres of clearing land, heavy equipment, construction trailers, etc. It's right at the intersection of Bonnet Creek Pkwy and Vista Blvd. Something BIG going on. I asked one of the cast members at the resort what was happening and she said that Disney has sold the land to a non-Disney developer and they're putting up a 5-star hotel and million dollar houses. She also said that Disney has sold "a bunch" of land in other places around WDW lately and similar development plans are in the works.

I was (and still am) a bit disappointed in hearing this. Assuming the land sales are all around the periphery of property, I would imagine the theme parks and resorts will not be infringed upon too much and wind up with the Disneyland problems of the "outside world" encroaching in on the magic. But I kind of feel like Disney has sort of folded their arms across their chest and said that "Well, we're done developing WDW. No more parks, resorts, etc, so let's sell off some of this land and make a huge profit." Far be it from me to stand in the way of Mickey making his cash, but I had always heard Walt bought up all the land so that WDW would be a constantly evolving and growing entity - a place where all of the dreams they could come up with would come to fruition. And heck, wouldn't a 5 star resort so close to the Magic Kingdom put the hurt on the other Disney resorts??? I don't know. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I sure hope I'm wrong.

Anyone else have any feelings one way or the other?

KittieKChick · 01-13-2009

From what you are saying, I have the same feelings as you! I thought they were holding onto all that land so they can continue to expand.

CarolinaTilt · 01-13-2009

I think we need to consider, some CMs may not know what is going on, or they are keeping a lid on things. I think there will be more to come on this subject...

2nd Star · 01-13-2009

I know they are building a Four Seasons resort to open in 2012.
Orlando Sentinel - Walt Disney World sells land to Four Seasons, releases rendering on Tourism Central Florida

**MissDisney** · 01-13-2009

I had a conversation with the golf guys a while back, when they were closing the Eagle Pines course (where the construction now is), and they said it would be a Disney property. The described it as a villas-type property so I expected to hear it would be another DVC offering.

But they were very certain that it would remain a Disney resort.

Just read the link from 2nd Star, and it mirrors what they guys said -- they did mention it would be managed by Four Seasons, but they were of the opinion that it would remain under Disney ownership. The article makes it sound liek the opposite is true -- that Four Seasons would own the property but disney would be involved in running it?

joseph3947 · 01-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2nd Star

I know they are building a Four Seasons resort to open in 2012.
Orlando Sentinel - Walt Disney World sells land to Four Seasons, releases rendering on Tourism Central Florida

I think 2nd Star has got it right!

KittieKChick · 01-13-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolinaTilt

I think we need to consider, some CMs may not know what is going on, or they are keeping a lid on things. I think there will be more to come on this subject...

I agree. I didn't put it in my post, but yes, even employees don't always know what's going on.

But if you sources ARE true, JD Dis, I would definitely have the same feelings.

JD Dis · 01-13-2009

That link to the Four Seasons story sure sounds like that's what it is. Northeast corner of the property? Check. 298 acres? Check. Site preparations just under way? Check. Luxury hotel with private homes? Check. And that ain't a Disney property - unfortunately.

Totally agree that a bunch of CMs either don't know or they give out disinformation to throw the rumor-mongers off the trail, but this lady sure seemed to nail this one on the head. So, assuming the rest of her statements were correct, that means that Disney has sold other tracts of land around the property for similar projects. As I said earlier, just makes me sad to think they're hacking into Walt's vision for this ever-expanding resort where wonder and magic is continually evolving.

**cinderbella** · 01-13-2009

It is disappointing that they sold off the area. However, I think Disney has more land than we can imagine and if they sold off part of their land I am pretty sure there is a reason behind it. I mean there are already two non-Disney operated hotels on property and they blend in.

dixie · 01-13-2009

This construction work was underway when we were there in August 07. I was told it was the Four Seasons group that had bought the land too.

gatour · 01-14-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissDisney

I had a conversation with the golf guys a while back, when they were closing the Eagle Pines course (where the construction now is), and they said it would be a Disney property. The described it as a villas-type property so I expected to hear it would be another DVC offering.

But they were very certain that it would remain a Disney resort.

Just read the link from 2nd Star, and it mirrors what they guys said -- they did mention it would be managed by Four Seasons, but they were of the opinion that it would remain under Disney ownership. The article makes it sound liek the opposite is true -- that Four Seasons would own the property but disney would be involved in running it?

It is going to be a Four Seasons resorts with villas and timeshares. It will NOT be disney owned or run.

DiZ NeE O8 · 01-14-2009

What that is OUTRAGIOUS!!! lol! it hurts me to know that disney could be doing this type of stuff. but hey I have no say in it and it is their land. Disney personnel probably saw that there was no possibility in using that land for something important.

Justin · 01-14-2009

OMG, i'm outraged! Although it's comment for Disney to sell. You have to be joking? I guess they "want" the money, because i'm telling you they don't need it! I look foward to staying their though LOL.
- Justy

goofy_scotty · 01-15-2009

This is a bit disappointing if Disney did indeed sell off some of their property. I'm not quite sure Uncle Walt would be pleased with the idea of "Million Dollar" homes taking up space where more Dreams are yet to be Dreamt! We'll see what the future holds...

dznygrl · 01-15-2009

That makes me sad. I'm sure they are doing it with the best of intentions, but I still don't think it fits with what Walt would have wanted. WDW was supposed to fix the mistake he made with Disneyland...which means keeping the "outside world" OUT.

01-13-2009	#1 (permalink)
JD Dis Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lenexa, KS Posts: 42	What do you think of this? So, we just got back from staying at Fort Wilderness Cabins and continually noticed construction occurring to the East of the Osprey Ridge golf course. And I don't mean a little bit of modification, I'm talking 300-400 acres of clearing land, heavy equipment, construction trailers, etc. It's right at the intersection of Bonnet Creek Pkwy and Vista Blvd. Something BIG going on. I asked one of the cast members at the resort what was happening and she said that Disney has sold the land to a non-Disney developer and they're putting up a 5-star hotel and million dollar houses. She also said that Disney has sold "a bunch" of land in other places around WDW lately and similar development plans are in the works. I was (and still am) a bit disappointed in hearing this. Assuming the land sales are all around the periphery of property, I would imagine the theme parks and resorts will not be infringed upon too much and wind up with the Disneyland problems of the "outside world" encroaching in on the magic. But I kind of feel like Disney has sort of folded their arms across their chest and said that "Well, we're done developing WDW. No more parks, resorts, etc, so let's sell off some of this land and make a huge profit." Far be it from me to stand in the way of Mickey making his cash, but I had always heard Walt bought up all the land so that WDW would be a constantly evolving and growing entity - a place where all of the dreams they could come up with would come to fruition. And heck, wouldn't a 5 star resort so close to the Magic Kingdom put the hurt on the other Disney resorts??? I don't know. Maybe I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I sure hope I'm wrong. Anyone else have any feelings one way or the other? __________________ JD Dis Ft Wilderness 1976 Ft Wilderness 1984 Ft Wilderness 1986 Off site & Ft Wilderness 1991 Coronado Springs (Grand Opening - First ones in room!) 1997 Off site 1999 Off site 2001 Ft Wilderness Sept 2004 Ft Wilderness Jan 2009

01-13-2009	#2 (permalink)
KittieKChick Big Cheese Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 855	Re: What do you think of this? From what you are saying, I have the same feelings as you! I thought they were holding onto all that land so they can continue to expand. __________________ Brandy - Mommy to a 'May 2007' Princess! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Happiness is having a Disney trip planned. oh yeah, and having the family to go with you. Correction: I now know that the family is optional. Por Favor Mantengase Alejado De Las Puertas **19901997200020052006-Belated Honeymoon2009***

01-13-2009	#3 (permalink)
CarolinaTilt Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 323	Re: What do you think of this? I think we need to consider, some CMs may not know what is going on, or they are keeping a lid on things. I think there will be more to come on this subject... __________________ ~November 2007 Allstar Movies~ ~November 2008 Allstar Sports~ ~November 2009 Undecided (Maybe Caribbean Beach Resort)~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Thanksgiving Trip II 11/23 - 11/27 2009!!! 15 days 8 hours 51 minutes

01-13-2009	#4 (permalink)
2nd Star Big Cheese Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ(Wishing it was Forks) Posts: 964	Re: What do you think of this? I know they are building a Four Seasons resort to open in 2012. Orlando Sentinel - Walt Disney World sells land to Four Seasons, releases rendering on Tourism Central Florida __________________ SHANELL I love pirates AP holder DVC member since 9/07(SSR/BLT) WDW 8/80 10/86- Sheraton Vistana 8/92-GF 8/94- AS Sports 4/95- Hilton 7/99-Radisson 2/07-POP 5/07- AS Music 9/07- CSR 12/07-CBR 5/08-AKV 9/08-OKW1/09-VWL/OKW 5/09-AKV-Kidani10/09-BLT/DCL/OKW Up Coming Trips-5/10-BLT 9/10-1st trip to DL Disney On Ice : Celebrations-11/26 My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Flower and Garden '10 183 days 4 hours 46 minutes

01-13-2009	#5 (permalink)
MissDisney Moderator Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 8,544	Re: What do you think of this? I had a conversation with the golf guys a while back, when they were closing the Eagle Pines course (where the construction now is), and they said it would be a Disney property. The described it as a villas-type property so I expected to hear it would be another DVC offering. But they were very certain that it would remain a Disney resort. Just read the link from 2nd Star, and it mirrors what they guys said -- they did mention it would be managed by Four Seasons, but they were of the opinion that it would remain under Disney ownership. The article makes it sound liek the opposite is true -- that Four Seasons would own the property but disney would be involved in running it? __________________ Disneyland Moderator Disneyland Hotel 1987; Dixie Landings 1993; Dixie Landings 1997; Caribbean Beach 1998; Boardwalk Villas 1999; Vistana Resort 2001; Dixie Landings 2002; Vistana Resort 2002; Marriott Royal Palm Villas 2004; Vistana Resort 2006; Marriott Cypress Harbour 2007; Boardwalk Villas 2008; AKV Kidani 2009; Saratoga Springs 2009 Last edited by MissDisney; 01-13-2009 at 01:10 PM.

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What do you think of this?

01-13-2009	#8 (permalink)
JD Dis Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lenexa, KS Posts: 42	Re: What do you think of this? That link to the Four Seasons story sure sounds like that's what it is. Northeast corner of the property? Check. 298 acres? Check. Site preparations just under way? Check. Luxury hotel with private homes? Check. And that ain't a Disney property - unfortunately. Totally agree that a bunch of CMs either don't know or they give out disinformation to throw the rumor-mongers off the trail, but this lady sure seemed to nail this one on the head. So, assuming the rest of her statements were correct, that means that Disney has sold other tracts of land around the property for similar projects. As I said earlier, just makes me sad to think they're hacking into Walt's vision for this ever-expanding resort where wonder and magic is continually evolving. __________________ JD Dis Ft Wilderness 1976 Ft Wilderness 1984 Ft Wilderness 1986 Off site & Ft Wilderness 1991 Coronado Springs (Grand Opening - First ones in room!) 1997 Off site 1999 Off site 2001 Ft Wilderness Sept 2004 Ft Wilderness Jan 2009

01-13-2009	#9 (permalink)
cinderbella Crackhead Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: south carolina Posts: 7,221	Re: What do you think of this? It is disappointing that they sold off the area. However, I think Disney has more land than we can imagine and if they sold off part of their land I am pretty sure there is a reason behind it. I mean there are already two non-Disney operated hotels on property and they blend in. __________________ WDW Restaurants and Resorts Moderator Bella I Deltaco. My Disney Countdown Counting down to: A baby is coming!!!! The baby is here..or at least it should be soon.

01-13-2009	#10 (permalink)
dixie MB'S BRITISH AMBASSADOR Join Date: May 2002 Location: England Posts: 2,267	Re: What do you think of this? This construction work was underway when we were there in August 07. I was told it was the Four Seasons group that had bought the land too. __________________ STRASBOURG- AUG/SEPT O9 MED CRUISE- NOV 09 NEXT DISNEY?? WHO KNOWS My Disney Countdown Counting down to: POR VACATION AT WDW GONE TO ENJOY THE MAGIC

01-14-2009	#12 (permalink)
DiZ NeE O8 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Miami Posts: 230	Re: What do you think of this? What that is OUTRAGIOUS!!! lol! it hurts me to know that disney could be doing this type of stuff. but hey I have no say in it and it is their land. Disney personnel probably saw that there was no possibility in using that land for something important. __________________ Jan 2007 - All Star Sports May 2007 - Off-site Aug 2007 - Off-site Sept 2007 - All Star Sports Dec 2007 - Pop Century Aug 2008 - Pop Century Dec 2008 - All Star Movies (Purchased DVC) YAY!!! Future trips Feb 2009 - SSR May 2009 - SSR

01-14-2009	#13 (permalink)
Justin Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NY Posts: 310	Re: What do you think of this? OMG, i'm outraged! Although it's comment for Disney to sell. You have to be joking? I guess they "want" the money, because i'm telling you they don't need it! I look foward to staying their though LOL. - Justy __________________ Next Disney Trip: January7-10- Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village Disney trips so far: All Star Movies-0 All Star Music-1 All Star Sports-0 Pop Century-0 Coronado Springs-1 Caribbean Beach-0 Port Orleans French Quarter-0 Port Orleans Riverside-1 Contemporary Resort Hotel-5 Animal Kingdom Lodge-0 Disney Boardwalk Inn-0 Grand Floridian-5 Polynesian Hotel-1 Disney Beach Club-0 Disney Yacht Club-1 Disney Swan Hotel-0 Disney Dolphin Hotel-0 •DisneyFunForums.com• My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Animal Kingdom Villas- Kidani Village 59 days 23 hours 46 minutes

01-15-2009	#14 (permalink)
goofy_scotty Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 57	Re: What do you think of this? This is a bit disappointing if Disney did indeed sell off some of their property. I'm not quite sure Uncle Walt would be pleased with the idea of "Million Dollar" homes taking up space where more Dreams are yet to be Dreamt! We'll see what the future holds... __________________ *Jesus is my Savior , Mickey is my hero , Goofy's a close second!* 1989- Grandparent's House, Jan 2007- AS Sports, Oct 2007- AS Music, Sept 2008, AS Movies, Feb 2009- SS, May 2009- OKW, Upcoming Nov/Dec 2009 AKL- Jambo House Proud AKV Vacation Club Owner-Sept 2008.

01-15-2009	#15 (permalink)
dznygrl aka dizzygirl Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: The breezy shore Posts: 9,324	Re: What do you think of this? That makes me sad. I'm sure they are doing it with the best of intentions, but I still don't think it fits with what Walt would have wanted. WDW was supposed to fix the mistake he made with Disneyland...which means keeping the "outside world" OUT. __________________ Proud former 2-time Disneyland CM Avatar: Moooom, make Alice stop hugging me! 2000 ~ off-site 2002 ~ Polynesian 2003 ~ All-Star Movies 2008 ~ All-Star Music My Disney Countdown Counting down to: The girls' first trip to Disneyland! 56 days 3 hours 46 minutes

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