Is Disney Ditching Theme Parks For New Project? New Report Says "Yes"

Earlier this week, rumors started spreading that Disney has invested in a new leisure project – one totally unrelated to theme parks.

With five resorts across the world (six, if you count Tokyo Disney Resort, which Disney doesn’t technically own), Disney knows what it’s doing in the theme park industry. The Walt Disney Company rakes in billions from its parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai every year and pours nearly as much back into each location to sustain interest (and spending) from parkgoers.

Over the next decade, Disney plans to invest a whopping $60 billion into its parks and experiences. This also covers the Disney Cruise Line, which has brand-new ships in the works.

On Monday, it was claimed that a whole new venture also plays a part in Disney’s experience spending spree.

A report from Unofficial Network said that Disney has acquired premier ski resort company Vail Resorts, Inc. Disney CEO Bob Iger was quoted as saying: “Today marks a historic moment for The Walt Disney Corporation as we welcome Vail Resorts into our family.”

He also apparently added: “Our vision is to transform these destinations into year-round family adventures, where the enchantment of Disney and the thrill of the mountains meet.”

This wouldn’t be Disney’s first attempt to get into the ski industry. Back in the 1960s, the company hoped to build its own ski resort in the existing Mineral King section of Sequoia National Park. The project had blueprints, a budget, and even an official announcement. “Walt’s plan for the picturesque area, located about equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco, provides for year-round recreational activities by people of all ages and athletic abilities,” the Spring 1966 issue of Disney News teased.

Activists were vocally against the project and staged several protests and “hike-ins.” Ultimately, the Mineral King project was canceled in 1978 due to a myriad of factors, including the budget being slashed to just $15 million, the California State Legislations decision to remove the all-season access road, the death of Walt Disney – whose personal love of skiing drove the project – in 1966, and the costly opening of Walt Disney World in 1971.

This wouldn’t be the first time that Disney has expressed interest in ditching show business for snow business. However, the reality is that reports of Disney purchasing Vail Resorts are entirely false, having spread via Reddit and several other news sites off the back of an April Fool’s joke. While Mickey Mouse may one day take to the slopes, that day isn’t coming any time soon, so let’s lay these rumors to rest now.

Would you visit a Disney ski resort? Let us know in the comments!