In a recent article by The Honolulu Advertiser, Jeff Stone the owner and developer of the Ko Olina Resort--future home of Disney’s new Hawaiian resort--made comments which help shed some light on Disney’s latest resort project.
Stone is quoted during a meeting of Oahu civic and business leaders as saying; "They [Disney] have decided to come to
“You may also see Disney bringing in more than 1,000 jobs”, said Stone — many going to area residents who will go through an on-resort training program.
Stone also predicted that Disney's move to
If these statements are true, the billion dollar price tag would support speculation that Disney has more than just an 800 room hotel / DVC resort in mind for the Ko Olina property. In 2001, Disney’s 750 room Grand Californian Hotel was built for an estimated three hundred million--substantially less than the reported budget for the Ko Olina project.
Some within the Disney community (including DVCNews.com) have speculated that the Ko Olina property will be the first of several “Disney Entertainment Destinations” located around the globe. These venues could draw elements from other Disney ventures including hotel rooms, DVC timeshare units, retail, and “Downtown Disney” type entertainment complex, as well as a possible Disney Cruise Line presence.Disney is expected to release additional information about this resort in early 2008.
Source: The Honolulu Advertiser
