The Walt Disney Co. is thinking about creating smaller theme parks, as well as stand-alone hotels, retail, dining and entertainment centers in urban areas where families already travel. The ideas are "blue sky concepts" that will not be executed unless the new businesses could achieve a high return on invested capital, says Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney's Parks and Resorts.
Disney could locate versions of its Downtown Disneyland--a high-end retail, dining and entertainment district--in urban areas far from its parks. They would give Disney the chance to reach out to parents who feel their children are still too young to appreciate a trip to a Disney theme park.
The company also is exploring alternatives to full-size theme parks, including "a smaller, deeply immersive park" that would offer consumers a more interactive experience -- at higher prices. It's also looking into expanding its water-park offerings beyond Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and possibly adding ships to its two-vessel cruise lines.
Disney could locate versions of its Downtown Disneyland--a high-end retail, dining and entertainment district--in urban areas far from its parks. They would give Disney the chance to reach out to parents who feel their children are still too young to appreciate a trip to a Disney theme park.
The company also is exploring alternatives to full-size theme parks, including "a smaller, deeply immersive park" that would offer consumers a more interactive experience -- at higher prices. It's also looking into expanding its water-park offerings beyond Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach and possibly adding ships to its two-vessel cruise lines.
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