The happiest place Down Under? Victorian MP unveils plans for Disneyland Australia
By
Danielle F.
- Replies 12
The mere whisper of 'Disneyland' conjures images of fairy-tale castles, thrilling rides, and timeless characters that have shaped the imaginations of generations.
For Australians, the dream of having a slice of this magic closer to home has been a distant fantasy—until recently.
Victorian MP David Limbrick reignited the conversation and the possibilities of establishing an Australian Disneyland—a move that could revolutionise the tourism landscape Down Under.
His advocacy for the project followed the Walt Disney Company's US$60 billion (A$90 billion) investment in its parks and experiences division, which included international expansions.
The Libertarian MP for South East Metro pinpointed three potential sites for the theme park: Dandenong, Cranbourne, and Frankston, three territories within his electorate.
The prospect of an Aussie Disneyland will bring the iconic brand to Australian shores and could impact local economies and the tourism industry.
'Unlike in other parts of Melbourne, Disney is welcome with open arms in South-East Melbourne,' Limbrick stated.
'We have tens of thousands of families with kids looking for things to do and a great workforce who would love to live and work close to home.'
The potential for job creation and economic stimulation in the region is immense, with the park itself and the associated businesses that would inevitably spring up in its wake.
The MP's call to action is not without precedent—the success of Wonderland Sydney, which operated from 1985 to 2004, demonstrated the viability of large-scale theme parks in Australia.
Despite its eventual closure, Wonderland left a legacy and a lasting appetite for such large-scale attractions among Australians.
Limbrick's pitch to Victoria's Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos was a plea to seize the moment and declare Melbourne 'open for business'.
He suggested that the government could offer incentives like streamlined planning applications and tax holidays to entice Disney to invest in the region.
As he pointed out, these measures would not burden taxpayers but rather pave the way for a lucrative partnership.
While some expressed scepticism, the power of dreaming big—as Walt Disney himself did—cannot be underestimated.
Limbrick's optimism is a reminder that bold ideas are often the precursor to significant achievements.
The history of Disneyland is a testament to the power of innovation and imagination.
From its inception in 1955 in California under Walt Disney's watchful eye, the brand has expanded globally, creating pockets of joy and wonder worldwide.
The potential for an Australian Disneyland is not just about importing a global icon; it's about creating a unique destination that reflects the spirit of Australia while offering the universal Disney experience.
As conversations about this expansion unfold, the dream of an Aussie Disneyland moves from fantasy to the cusp of reality.
It's a vision that could change Australian tourism, offering a new world of opportunities and a legacy of joy for future generations.
What do you think about bringing Disneyland to Australia? Share your insights and opinions with us in the comments section below.
For Australians, the dream of having a slice of this magic closer to home has been a distant fantasy—until recently.
Victorian MP David Limbrick reignited the conversation and the possibilities of establishing an Australian Disneyland—a move that could revolutionise the tourism landscape Down Under.
His advocacy for the project followed the Walt Disney Company's US$60 billion (A$90 billion) investment in its parks and experiences division, which included international expansions.
The Libertarian MP for South East Metro pinpointed three potential sites for the theme park: Dandenong, Cranbourne, and Frankston, three territories within his electorate.
The prospect of an Aussie Disneyland will bring the iconic brand to Australian shores and could impact local economies and the tourism industry.
'Unlike in other parts of Melbourne, Disney is welcome with open arms in South-East Melbourne,' Limbrick stated.
'We have tens of thousands of families with kids looking for things to do and a great workforce who would love to live and work close to home.'
The potential for job creation and economic stimulation in the region is immense, with the park itself and the associated businesses that would inevitably spring up in its wake.
The MP's call to action is not without precedent—the success of Wonderland Sydney, which operated from 1985 to 2004, demonstrated the viability of large-scale theme parks in Australia.
Despite its eventual closure, Wonderland left a legacy and a lasting appetite for such large-scale attractions among Australians.
Limbrick's pitch to Victoria's Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulos was a plea to seize the moment and declare Melbourne 'open for business'.
He suggested that the government could offer incentives like streamlined planning applications and tax holidays to entice Disney to invest in the region.
As he pointed out, these measures would not burden taxpayers but rather pave the way for a lucrative partnership.
While some expressed scepticism, the power of dreaming big—as Walt Disney himself did—cannot be underestimated.
Limbrick's optimism is a reminder that bold ideas are often the precursor to significant achievements.
The history of Disneyland is a testament to the power of innovation and imagination.
From its inception in 1955 in California under Walt Disney's watchful eye, the brand has expanded globally, creating pockets of joy and wonder worldwide.
The potential for an Australian Disneyland is not just about importing a global icon; it's about creating a unique destination that reflects the spirit of Australia while offering the universal Disney experience.
As conversations about this expansion unfold, the dream of an Aussie Disneyland moves from fantasy to the cusp of reality.
It's a vision that could change Australian tourism, offering a new world of opportunities and a legacy of joy for future generations.
Key Takeaways
- Victorian MP David Limbrick expressed support for an Aussie Disneyland and suggested three potential locations for the theme park's expansion.
- The Walt Disney Company announced plans to invest in international parks, with US$60 billion (A$90 billion) allocated to its parks and experiences division.
- Limbrick called Victoria's Tourism Minister to engage with Disney and devised possible incentives to encourage investment.
- Despite the enthusiasm, local government officials were not committed to the idea, leading to scepticism.