If corporate Disney is about anything these days, it's about generating revenue streams under the auspices of providing quality entertainment value. Face it, there is just too much money to be generated from the sales of alcoholic beverages for Disney to turn their back on. That $40 dinner at Blue Bayou just jumped up $10 - $20 - $30 or more with wine pairings. On a hot summer day (like last week), someone enjoying a cold beer (or two) with their chicken and ribs at Big Thunder BBQ would be quite nice. It may even make the place popular. Disney is only talking beer and wine at this point but the profit margins on mixed drinks are even greater. A typical chain restaurant with full bar makes about a 750 - 1000% profit on a single mixed drink. At Disney prices, go up from there. The mixed drink may be a bit too much of a taboo breaker at this point, but within a few years or so, it too will make its appearance in Walt's park.
What about Walt? - people are saying, he didn't want alcohol in his park. I don't think corporate Disney really cares about Walt's ideas at this point. That ship has sailed long ago. Walt Disney today is a tremendous marketing tool that has almost been reduced to character status. It seems if you want to see the real Walt Disney these days, you need made the trek to San Francisco and the Disney Family Museum where you can still be in awe of his creative imagination and genius.
What about the kids? At the prices Disney charges, mass consumption of alcohol is a difficult proposition. It's just too expensive too go overboard and I'm sure Disney would have strict policies on serving those would did step over the edge to the point of affecting the enjoyment of other park guests (including children). They could also be restrictive on where alcohol is served in the park. But think of the casino model. Someone who just had a couple glasses of wine at Cafe Orleans may be far more likely to drop some dollars over at Pieces of Eight for little Jimmy on souvenirs. Cynical outlook? Kind of.
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