Disney plans huge bowling alley

There are many reasons a 100 lane Bowling Alley could, should, and would be popular in the Orlando area. First, and foremost, because the PBA (Pro Bowling Association) has been tired of Vegas since the casinos have tightened up their tables and slots. Even Vegas is changing, to become more family oriented... more "kid friendly." I've spent a lot of time in both places, for business and pleasure, I much prefer the Orlando convention center... Disney, Universal, Animal Kingdom, and all the wonderful attractions and family uniting fun within a couple hours from each and every direction.

Placing a massive bowling alley in a family friendly area, means the spouse & kids could travel more with their "PRO" parent... and not be stuck watching the 50 to 100+ games their parent will play in some of the major tournaments (including the warm ups, practice, and learning the oils, breaks, and differences in each of the lanes). Previously, the non-playing spouse & children would be left home for many of the trips.

Anyhow, non-bowlers won't be effected... and the size of this place will insure many new jobs for the local economy. That's usually a good thing.

Here are some other shots of the Disney World experience our family had. http://www.flickr.com/photos/terry_mercer/sets/72157605403068590/

While a bowling alley is an interesting concept for Disney, I can't imagine spending time there, when there's so much to do in the parks. However, as foghornleg pointed out, it does make a pro bowling trip more exciting for other family members, if they can spend some time in the parks.

T-Lee has contributed a photo to this story.

Disney has made sure this facility will pay for itself bringing in the biggest tournament the USBC has.  I have been to Walt Disney World many times since the sports complex was created and have never been there so I doubt the bowling alley will have any impact on the parks except to bring in more families during the tournaments.  Should be another great way for Disney to insure people coming to the parks and adding revenue to invest in the parks.  Always a good thing.

As an avid bowler, I hope to compete there someday, too!

100 lanes... whoah. They should call it Lebowski World. Or Dudeland.

I was in just the right position on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority to take this picture of the castle.

bright_shadow56 has contributed a photo to this story.

A chilly March evening of fun, lights and adventure!

casspics has contributed a photo to this story.

Mixed opinions about this.

First off, as going to Disney is a major family holiday for me I very much doubt spending time bowling will be part of that, but for people who live local it isn't a bad idea at all.

I think the location is key - given the volume of visitors to Disney resorts, 100 lanes is not a lot so I think it could easily cause all manner of problems.

If it is (like the Wide World of Sports, or AdventureQuest) outside the normal theme park circuit, and caters for large events then it would be a great idea.

The Final destination. This was at the end of our cross country journey in Nov. '07 from Las Vegas to Florida. We took Hwy. 40 all the way, stopping and sight seeing along the entire route. This was our first trip to Disney World. As California natives, Disneyland is a big part of our history.
Thank you for selecting our photo,
The Wildbears - Roger & Annie

wilbura59 has contributed a photo to this story.

Not sure if this bowling centre will be public, but if it will, I'd love to spend a night bowling sometime!

kevkev44 has contributed a photo to this story.

A truely magical place, Disney is an amazing wonderland of fantasy and imagination. Whether you choose to spend you time bowling in Disney style with familiar characters at their new 100-lane facility or enjoying any of the other thousdands of attractions, you're sure to find something to enjoy that will keep you coming back to the resort time and time again.

I know I did. Our family (my wife and our four children) return every year for 2 - 4 weeks.

Magic is in the air at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

jp

jaypike has contributed a photo to this story.

I think I will go bowling if they have bonus.

I took this photo at the Magic Kingdom right before I proposed to my sweet Abby....

Ryan Prouty
www.ryanproutyphotography.com

Ryan Prouty has contributed a photo to this story.

This photo was taken on Christmas Day of 2007. The shot was taken from the bridge connecting Tomorrowland and Main Street U.S.A.

duy402 has contributed a photo to this story.

Fireworks during the afternoon stage show at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

ckramer has contributed a photo to this story.

Well, it would certainly be a good diversion during cold nights or bad weather. My understanding is that the facility is geared towards tournaments. After all, they have a ballpark but you don't take the family to play baseball (yes, I know you can be a spectator).

Tournaments can bring in large crowds of participants and spectators, adding to the Disney coffers. And, more people might be willing to go to Disney for a tournament and take the family rather than many other places.

Summer 07, Year of a Million Dreams! it certainly was a magical place!

Chris-Banksy has contributed a photo to this story.

I think people are missing the point of the bowling alley.  Sure, some may use it while they are on vacation, but it will bring visitors to WDW for tournaments.  Just like the other sports tournaments that Disney runs, the visitors will then in turn visit the parks, spend money, etc.  Bowlers (and any other athletes) will travel to wherever an event is, why shouldn't Disney make money on that?