Disney plans an adult “Night Kingdom”

by Abha Malpani on

We all know where the mind wanders when a project that includes the words “adult” and “night” is planned. Add the word “Disney” to it and the very meaning of those two words together can go for a toss.

Yes, the beans have been spilled: Disney is planning a $520 million, adult theme park called a Night Kingdom where the only ‘hand job’ on the list entails your hand doing the job of feeding a hippopotamus.

If you fancy getting more adventurous, you will be able to go spelunking, get up close and personal with lions and hyenas, or frolic with penguins. Later you can unwind from your Indiana Jones adventures with a gourmet dinner, a musical performance and, if you’re lucky, a foot-rub from the two hosts who will be looking after you the entire time. Ok, so I added the foot-rub option, but like it or not, you will have two people at your beck and call. Only 2000 people will be able to enter at a time, there will be 4000 hospitality staff in the Kingdom, and opening hours will be from 4pm-12am.

Yes, Disney has found an adult market willing to pay $300 per afternoon for all this so full plans are underway; the theme park will open its gates in 2011 in conjunction with Walt Disney’s 40th Anniversary.

Who would have thought that adults would pay a premium to have exclusive “wild” adventures in Disneyland that don’t include strippers or S&M!? Word is that the project will be officially announced next month.

Disney’s upcoming attraction to simulate “American Idol” experience

by Catherine Bodry on

Disney brainstormers know how much Americans love “American Idol,” and the mouse-eared corporation believes they’ve got a fantastic idea for an attraction they plan to open in late 2008: Disney’s own version of the popular show. In an article from the Associated Press, Disney Parks chairman Jay Rasulo touts the as-yet-to-be-named attraction: “Our goal is to try to recreate the excitement of those 24 people who show up on that ‘American Idol’ stage. We believe many, many viewers want to know exactly how that feels, and we’re going to try to reproduce that feeling for them.”

Rasulo expects around six to eight shows per day, with contestants over the age of 14 auditioning for a Disney casting producer. If chosen, they’ll get their hair and make-up touched up by a stylist and receive tips from a voice coach before heading on stage in front of a live audience.

I don’t watch American Idol and I can’t sing, but seriously? This sounds like fun.

Nickelodeon cruise with Sponge Bob and Dora to set sail

by Catherine Bodry on

If you’re a bit tired of the monopoly Disney has on family cruises, perk up — Nickelodeon has joined the industry with its own themed cruise. The media company rented a ship from Royal Caribbean (the Freedom of the seas, the largest in the industry), which it will sail to Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and a private beach in Haiti. Currently, only one trip is scheduled, though the company remains open to more sailings if tickets go quickly.

Nickelodeon is following in Disney’s mouseprints in more than just Caribbean cruising; its first theme park will open at the Mall of America in March, and after that it will break ground for the first of 20 planned Nickelodeon resorts.

Foreigners get warm welcome from Disney video

by Catherine Bodry on

When the U.S. State Department decided foreigners needed a friendly welcome upon entering the country, they turned to Disney. Disney has long been active in lobbying efforts for more welcoming treatment of foreign visitors, and has expressed concern about the USA’s declining share of international travelers. The company produced the video free of charge.

The short film is a montage of still scenes of the “American life.” Naturally it’s warm and fuzzy. There’s no dialogue, just smiling people repeating the word “welcome.” USA Today also reports that “viewers will see dramatic images of American icons like the Statue of Liberty and the Las Vegas Strip. They’ll also see ordinary cities and farms as well as sweeping outdoor vistas. The video has no shots of Disney property.”

You can view a clip of the video here, or visit some 219 consular offices or airports with customs facilities.

Expect a $1.1 Billion Facelift at Disney’s California Adventure

by Martha Edwards on

Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim is planning a renovation to the tune of $1.1 billion, which is more than they spent building the theme park just six years ago. On the agenda? They’re going to add more shopping, focus on the connection to Walt Disney’s life and develop a new area that will focus on cars, among many other things. For the complete low-down on all the changes that will happen over the next few years, check out this article.

The reason behind the overhaul? Visitor numbers have been disappointing — only 6 million people went last year, even though the park was meant to attract at least 7 million every year. And what’s worse, the price of admission has been on sale since it opened in a bid to lure visitors.

I’ve never been to California Adventure, and honestly I haven’t really even heard about it except in passing, so maybe they should work on the marketing angle too …