Theme Park Gamble: How a Toy Giant’s Bid to Rival Disney Ran Into Desert Delays and Orlando Hurdles

Barbie’s dream park turns into a desert nightmare — years overdue and ditched by developer

Life in plastic isn't looking so fantastic in the desert.

Plastic Fantastic or Desert Mirage? How A Rival's Plan to Challenge Disney in the Theme Park Arena Has Hit a Wall

When toy titan Mattel announced its bold entry into the brick-and-mortar theme park business, it looked like a rare challenger armed with enough beloved intellectual property to rival Disney and Universal. Armed with global juggernauts like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, and UNO, the company pitched a visionary lineup of […]

Theme Park Gamble: How a Toy Giant’s Bid to Rival Disney Ran Into Desert Delays and Orlando Hurdles

For decades, The Walt Disney Company and Universal Destinations & Experiences have commanded the American destination theme park industry with little serious competition. Every few years, a new contender steps onto the stage armed with recognizable brands, bold concept art, and promises to disrupt the theme park status quo. Few recent challengers looked better positioned …

Broken Toys in the Desert: Why A Bold Plan to Rival Disney’s Theme Park Empire Is Stuck in Limbo

For decades, The Walt Disney Company and Universal Destinations & Experiences have held a near-unbreakable duopoly over American destination theme parks. Every few years, a challenger steps forward armed with recognizable intellectual property, splashy concept art, and promises to disrupt the industry. Few recent contenders looked better equipped on paper than Mattel. Credit: Disney, Universal, …