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.