Quickies: Jay Rasulo talks to the Orlando Sentinel

The Orlando Sentinel has a short interview with Jay Rasulo, the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, in which he touches on the recently discussed urban hotel and nightlife centres away from the current parks and resorts.

From the article:

Jay Rasulo, 51, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and chairman of the Travel Industry Association of America. The association helped create and submit to Congress the Blueprint to Discover America report, recommendations for how the tourism industry and government can promote international tourism to the United States. Rasulo spoke with Beth Kassab of the Sentinel staff.

Links:
- Rasulo says U.S. can treat visitors more efficiently - Orlando Sentinel

Walt Disney World to introduce new resorts

Walt Disney World yesterday announced plans to expand its resort. The plans, announced by Meg Crofton - The President of the Walt Disney World Resort, include a luxury resort and a value resort and will be built in phases over the next 8 to 10 years.

Disney has signed a letter of intent with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to develop a luxury resort, forecast to open in 2010, on the north eastern side of the Walt Disney World property on around 900 acres of land.

The value resort will be built on 400 acres on the western side of Walt Disney World property where the Western Beltway connects to Western Way.

Groundbreaking is expected to happen later this year for the value resort, and if things go ahead as planned for the luxury resort, ground could be also be broken there within this year.

The value resort will also include 300,000-500,000 square feet of commercial space containing shops, restaurants and entertainment as well as 4,000-5,000 value priced lodging units.

Further information and more early pictures are available on the Walt Disney World Public Affairs website.

Links:
- Official Walt Disney World Press Release
- Walt Disney World Resort
- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts