Works in the Warner Bros Movie World theme park in Madrid have almost finished. It is expected to open next Spring 2002 (March 2002).

It doesn't seem to have an official website yet. In the meantime, have a look at this unofficial site or at the information provided by San Martín de la Vega's city council website (in Spanish).

San Martin de la Vega is a village located 25 km south of Madrid and it will be connected by train soon.

[ 02-01-2002: Message edited by: MadridMan ]

Oh, my God...a Warner Brothers theme park in Madrid...the world is coming to an end.

Do we have to "Disney-fy" the whole world?

Ick.

My feelings exactly (or is it "Warnerfying"). I travel for the specifc goal of getting away from all that and it's getting very difficult.Are people like us such a minority? Does the greed of these corporate giants make them oblivious to the beauty of untouched landscapes and cultural diversity....or am I being unfair...maybe Spain's youth is happily embracing all this and are thinking ... we're going to have something new and fun. Perhaps Antonio and others can tell us what the general population had to say when the deal was made.I'd be interested.

Tara, Karen,

If Mickey Mouse don't get you, Elmer Fudd does -

Wolf (Whose "Saturday mornings" DO NOT include watching cartoons on TV - Not anymore anyway - )

[ 02-02-2002: Message edited by: Wolf ]

People people, you are being overprotective with us

I don't really know how good or bad the park is, but I know by now certain points:

1) The park would give 2000-3000 direct jobs, plus an equal amount of indirect ones.

2) To install the park, the regional government improved the infrastructures of all the region, making new highways, roads and railways.

3) A park like this one (and others that will surely come) will boost tourism and economy in the whole region. The investment has been already huge.

That way, they have converted a depressed zone as the east of Madrid in a flourishing one.

Anything wrong in that? Absolutely no. Who do you think are going to work there? Where is the most of the richness going to stay?

Culturally, in my point of view, it doesn't "taint" us with an american culture if that is what you fear. Does Eurodisney in France make frenchs less french? In spite, now Disney should be asking why they decided to install Eurodisney in France and not here, what a failure!. Spain is the disco and the party room of Europe

I say: Welcome to any multinational which wants to establich here!

Fernando

Fernando,

I have nothing against a WB theme park in Madrid. If that's what the people want, they should have it. I personally wouldn't spend one euro to go there, and would opt for spending more time away from Madrid instead of in Madrid, if prices go up because of the park created more of a demand for lodging, and meals. It's creation isn't going to be the "gold mine" that people think. Those jobs at a theme park usually are minimum wage, and part-time for the most part, making them just another way for people to be "partially employed," not "fully employed."

As for Disney's venture in France, I have heard stories as to how disastrous it's been. Most of it due to unions which have actually blockaded the park, threatened people who go there, and work there, and because the people who do work there are so rude that most people would prefer slapping their faces instead of speaking to them. I also have heard that it's been so disastrous that the Disney empire has suffered severe enough losses that it has created a bind for them financially.

Above all, don't let the hype that the WB people offer sway you into believing it's going to be the greatest thing to arrive in Madrid in the last century. It isn't, and won't be. That you can count on.

Wolf (Whose idea of a vacation "mecca" doesn't include spending hundreds of dollars for the little ones to go on three rides, have an over-priced snow cone, and a chance to see a person in an Elmer Fudd costume smoking a cigarette off to the side. )

Fernando,Thanks for the insight. I had a feeling I may have had a slightly distorted view. Sometimes I think we Americans would like the rest of the world to stay in some preserved,idealized version of the past for the sake of our own travel escapes and I know that is unrealistic. As you say, these kinds of things bring jobs to an area that otherwise may be experiencing an exodus of it's young, employable population. Having never been to any of our largest theme parks...maybe Spain's will be my first!

As Fernando said, thanks to the theme park infrastructures in the area are getting much better. Having the park will attract more tourism to Madrid boosting our economy. There are lots of people who go to visit Terra Mítica in Valencia or Universal Studios Port Aventura in Tarragona.

As for the prices, you don't have to worry about them because there are already enough competition in Madrid to guarantee prices won't rise very high unless we want to loose all our customers. In the last year nine new hotels have opened in the Gran Via area and there are works to build new ones (such as a luxury one besides the Hotel Palace).

About jobs, I agree they are not very good ones or well paid but it's the same in many other sectors.

The situation in Disneyland Paris is totally different. I heard the bad weather forces them to close the attractions many times during the year. In fact, I don't know if it's even open all year round. And then, about the unions, they are much more powerful in France than in Spain. Just remember what the did with the lorry drivers strike. It's very unlikely that you see something like this in Spain.

In Bilbao you have a good example of how a tourist attraction can boost the economy of a city. Tourism there has shown a sharp increase since Guggenheim Museum was opened there. I know it can't be compared with a theme park but, in a way, they both attract people.

I wish it was a theme park related to our culture instead of something about american movies but I guess entrepeneurs in Spain don't have the money or don't want to risk it in such a huge investment.

I could not agree more with Fernando and Antonio. I don't see this theme park as a danger for spanish culture but as a source of money and jobs in a depressed area that very few people would visit otherwise.

I think Fernando and Antonio make good points, but as a Floridian, I have to say that large theme parks aren't all they are cracked up to be. They invite tourism, sure, but they also invite traffic, crime, and other problems. My friends who have worked at the parks in Orlando say that the jobs are okay for a while, but that none of them see those jobs as having a "future." Many Floridians avoid Orlando because of the parks--too much traffic, high prices, etc. And they have become more and more commercial over the years--now it's not Space Mountain, the famous roller coaster ride, it's the FedEx Space Mountain. I don't like feeling like I am paying $40 for entrance to Advertising-Land.

However, I can't say that I am familiar with all of the issues surrounding the development near Madrid--perhaps they can do it in an ecologically and culturally sensitive way.

Let's hope!

Tara

Add another nod and "I agree" to Fernando's and Antonio's comments. Having worked for Time Warner (AOL, Warner Bros, etc.) and with a sister who worked for Disney in LA - and being aware of the trials and tribulations of the theme parks even if we were in different parts of the respective companies - Antonio's comments about the problems in Paris are 100% right-on! Yes, the pay scales aren't that great - but often theme parks are staffed by students (all those bouncy smiling faces ;)) who are working part-time as well as by others who might not be able to get a better paying job. Talk about both ends of the spectrum , but time has proven this.

I'm guessing - and Antonio, Fernando - anyone more knowledgeble - feel free to correct me - that a high percentage of expected visitors will be from the EU and the rest of Europe, South America, and Asia. I doubt if there will be a huge number of Americans primarily because the theme park is something we have experienced for years.

I would say most visitors will be Spaniards.

People won't be spending their time in a theme park if they are coming from another country. They would rather go to a museum or to other places that can't be found in their countries.

I would tend to agree with Antonio that most of the visitors are likely to be Spaniards (also from Portugal, perhaps, and France?). I wonder if such a relatively small population from which to draw visitors will lead to problems for the park down the road? In other words, since it won't, in all likelihood, be a "vacation destination" for all of Europe, will it do enough business to be profitable? I think if Disney World had to only rely on Florida residents for its business, it might not do very well. Now of course, Disney is huge and enormously expensive to run, but still...?

Also, many parks offer discounts for residents (or season passes)...and those don't really create profits. Disney World offers all sorts of good deals for Florida residents, including $20 admissions, etc.

Anyway, it's interesting to think about it--and a little disappointing to me, still, because of the crass commercialism. But I guess that's everywhere (anyone watch the Super Bowl?).

Tara

Puna, all,

Like you Puna, I did time with the AOL/Time-Warner group. What I remember most is the NDA I signed, which to the layman is called a "Non-Disclosure Agreement."

If what I saw after I became involved with them is a sign of what they will do regarding their new theme park in Spain, I only think they may make Disney's venture in France look like a joyous place -

In the world of big business, and deals made under the table, as you well know, and others should begin to realize, the concept of what actually transpires, as to what they say will happen, are two completely different animals. In the end, within a few short years, the "honeymoon" between the Spanish people and the WB people will be a thing of the past, since they won't provide half of what they offer to deliver up front.

In the end, the people who pay for the fiasco will not be WB. It will be Spaniards.

As we recall, there have been dozens of comments posted on the boards as to how "American TV, and movies," are part of what the Spaniards don't want. Then a WB park goes in? HELLO! Doesn't anyone realize that Warner Bros. is the proud possessor, and maker of nearly 50% of all the American trash films made? Don't they realize that when you buy the theme park, you also buy in on the movies, TV, and in the end AOL (Which is without doubt the worst internet service provider on the planet, in my opinion.) as well?

It's like buying a book. They don't sell you the last chapter and the cover. You buy the whole book, or you don't get any of it.

Fernando, Antonio. Even though I do agree it is an interesting venture, I don't think either of you will be very happy about it just a few short years from now. For now, be happy about it if you like. Just don't come back a few years from now and say; "Another stupid thing the Americans rammed down our throat." You've obviously okayed the project already. As for the work, does Spain need more under-paid jobs? Isn't that what most of the illegal immigrants are doing already? Isn't that perpetuating the problem?

Wolf (Who realizes that not all that glitters is gold.)

I see the WB Theme park plan as a 'good news, bad news' situation. Obviously the WB people think that the Spanish economy is doing well and that there will be lots of disposable income flowing their way-- which is a good thing. However, we selfish American tourists ( ) want to escape the corporate mentality that we live with everyday by going to some 'virgin' country. Bad news (?) is we live in a very small world and are more alike than we want to think. I hope the Spanish people really acquire the 'benefits' that WB has sold them and at least enjoy a decent rollercoaster (everybody likes a good rollercoaster--don't they?).

Hi:

Probably WB is not targeting Americans in San Martin de la Vega. I'm sure the main part of the visitors will Spaniards, even Europeans.

As Fernando, Antonio..., said, it's a good news: the investment of such an amount of dollars. Well, the jobs will be not with high salaries, but hundreds of teenagers will get their first job (relaxing the budgets of their families).

In fact, there is another atraction in Madrid owned by WB : Centro Comercial Equinoccio in Majadahonda, with cinemas (Warner LusoMundo)

Of course, if I was an American I would never go abroad to an American show. If I want to taste a great paella, I will do in Valencia, but not in LA or NY (I have heard about several Spanish restaurants there).

Some more information on the theme park:

TICKETS:

1 day

Children (0-4): Free
Children (5-11), people over 60 and disabled: 24 €
Adults: 32 €

Tickets for two days have 50% discount the second day.

Schedules:

Wed-Sun: 10:00 - 20:00 (April and May)
Weekends: 10:00 - 24:00 (also everyday in July and August)

Opening: April 2002 - November 2002

Website: http://www.warnerbrospark.com

More good news, bad news....

Good news, the park was inaugurated yesterday and today is the first day that's open to the public. During the last few days, there have been several reports on TV showing how the opening of the park is affecting in a very positive way the village of San Martin de la Vega. They've shown people who have found jobs related to the park (in the hospitality sector of S. Martín), opening new business (like a nursery), whose existing business is thriving now, etc....as an example, three hotels have been opened where there was none before. And EVERYBODY in the village seems ecstatic about the brand new train to S. Martín, which takes about half an hour from Atocha's train station downtown to their home.

On a negative note, yesterday's big opening was going to be celebrated with what we call a 'gala' a big event, with Hollywood stars, several shows, etc,....but the weather was so lousy (it rained cats and dogs), that it had to be cancelled altogether! What a shame!, and today also they're not receiving as many people as expected due to the horrible weather (I've heard hail a while ago).

'Ya se sabe....'
(Here's yet another weather related saying):
'¡En Abril, aguas mil!'

Another bad new, they don't let you to go in with food or drinks, so you have to buy them inside at very high prices.
I don't think I will go as the price is very high compares to the Parque de Atracciones and I have there enough machines to get sick (I have only gone twice in my whole life).
Like many of the Americans here I don't trust very much on it but I think it hadn't any cost for madrileños and also it doesn't look to have any costs for the environment.

Well, Miguelito, Warner Bros park is expensive but it's the same with others theme parks such as PortAventura. I guess the reason is the huge investment and the hundreds of people working at the park.

Miguelito,

These theme parks are not only about roller coasters and that kind of thing, they're not your regular 'parque de atracciones', they're a more "complete" form of entertainment. I confess I enjoy them very much (feeling like a kid again) and BELIEVE ME I won't ever be cought in one of those torture devices!
Tip: you can always bring 'bocadillos' with you, and I doubt that anybody'd ask you whether they're homemade or you bought them there!

Any of our madrileño friends here have plans to check out the park this weekend? I'd be interested to hear firsthand feedback. Thanks!

Have a GREAT weekend, everyone! Saludos, MadridMan

MMan,

I really doubt it, again this weekend the weather is going to be quite bad. We've gone back to winter!

Hey! I went out of the house on my own the other day for the first time. Guess where I headed? To El Brillante, where I bought a 'bocadillo de calamares' to go. '¡¡¡Mmmm, que bueno!!!'

Have a great weekend everyone!