Dubailand.
 

Dubailand. Wow. Just wow.

Anyone want to plan a 2018 swanking?

Do you agree with the premise that Walt Disney World will be relegated to second class citizenship by this (and other) global projects?

It really depends. The stuff in Dubai looks BIG, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be charming, or compelling, or have that nostalgic glow that Disney (at its best) can bring to the table. I kind of think of when Vegas was growing crazy fast, and throwing in rides and attractions. It was all bigger than anything you could find at Disneyland, but, if you've been there, you know it doesn't have the same feel, not by half. And for what it's worth, nothing in any of the artwork I saw looks anything as pretty or inviting as Tokyo Disney Sea.

That said, Dubai will clearly be a place to check out, and if it forces Disney to step up its game, all the better.

Yep, DisneyWorld is toast.


Pffft, after a decade-long love affair back in the mid-80's to mid=90's, I don't care if I ever go there again. A valid international competitor will put the nail in DisneyWorld's coffin.


Good riddance, I say.

Should we be placing bets on what Osama will be hitting first? Geeez.

Well that depends. If he's more of a coaster junkie then it looks like Dubailand might have more to offer and of course the heat won't bother him much so he might hit it first. On the other hand if he's a softie for the classics like it's a small world then Disney is the place to be.

I will be interested to see how the competing social factors come into play.

I'll wager heavily that Dubailand is not crippled by litigation inspired "safety" measures that keep Disneylands tea cups from spinning. A definite plus for them.

On the other hand I wonder what influence the Mullahs will have on the project? No casino's is a given.

My reply kind of failed to answer the question of whether or not Dubailand will outstrip Walt Disney World in Florida, specifically. I'll modify my response to add that, no matter what, Disney in Florida has got some work to do to win back its standing as a world class destination. We've been coasting on reputation, cutting corners and lowballing expectations for a long time now. There are scattered signs of hope (dang, but we have a spiffy mansion these days!), but will we ever win back iSm? Sounds like a longshot, but a worthy gauntlet to throw.

I'll need to know more about specific attractions in Dubai, but coasters and giant malls won't really do it for me.

If I read you right, what you want is great theaming along with great attractions, the classic Disney one-two punch. Will Dubailand bring it all together or be as you said, a Vegas (which I often compare to a termite mound).

Given the speed they are putting this all together with, I'd have to guess "yes" and "no". As a whole Dubailand will flow together about as much as Disneyland and Knotts do. While some individual aspects will be quite well done. After all with this many separate projects..... if you toss enough **** at the wall some is bound to stick.

Mmmm, Vegas-y.

Minus the gambling and sex of course.