February 8, Orlando Sentinel

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is considering putting Disney-themed hotels and nightlife districts into downtown areas of major cities that don't currently have Disney properties.

Disney is not yet making any commitments to "urban Disney hotels" or stand-alone Disney entertainment districts, Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo told investors Wednesday night. But he outlined them as "some of the ideas our business team and Imagineers are thinking about" as ways to expand Disney's tourism business into new locales. Imagineers are Disney designers and engineers.

In addressing investors, Rasulo said Disney is thinking about developing major "flagship" hotels - such as the Disney Grand Floridian at Walt Disney World - or themed hotels that could be built in large cities that already are tourist draws. He did not cite examples.

He also said the Downtown Disney concept has been so successful at both Disney World and Disneyland in California that the idea could be transplanted into major urban areas.

Disney's also considering increasing the Disney Cruise Line fleet, its Disney Vacation Club properties and its Adventures by Disney vacation-package programs.

Disney also is contemplating small, immersive "niche theme parks" and water parks in other cities, Rasulo said.

"Our relationships with millions of families will enable us to expand to new businesses and new markets," Rasulo said. "We will never stop dreaming."