The “Disney going to Branson” Rumor time line
This rumor was burning fast but was put out even faster; a new Disney Park for Branson. How did the rumor start? STL Today has a little time line and the story about the park that never should have been the start of a rumor in the first place.
The man promising a mysterious new venture arrived at the courthouse square in a yellow Corvette. The three Newton County commissioners took note of his flashy ride…
…He said his name was Todd Marshall. He said he represented an outfit called ARM Risk. He wanted to talk about opening a theme park and resort. He never said the magic word — “Disney.” He didn’t need to. Others soon made the connection for him. Sitting at one end of a conference table, Marshall said he could not disclose whom he represented, but he was working to secure the rights to 1,000 acres in a corner of Newton County, just outside Joplin. He slid a sheet of paper across the table. It contained a brief, yet ambitious, proposal: $1.7 billion to buy the land and build 10 hotels, 95 shops, 18 restaurants and 27 amusement rides. It promised to be a legendary project, even in this fast-changing southwestern corner of the state. It was a plan of Disney-esque proportions.
“So, are you excited?” Marshall asked, according to the commissioners.
They were not. (STL Today)
Even if they did not put much believe in the offer, the story was in the news and rumors started to float. But it didn’t take long before those same rumors where being said to be false.
Right away, the Disney rumors hit the local papers and airwaves. And though Walt Disney Co. eventually denied involvement, the mystery has only deepened. (STL Today)
But this didn’t stop people from believing something was going on. Even with Disney denying their involvement land owners where still excited.
And yet, landowners continue to sign options to sell their property, as the excitement builds. The dream of Disney refuses to fade. After all, some people say, Walt Disney grew up in Missouri. Speculation about a Disney park opening in Branson, just 85 miles away, has circulated for years. So why not here? Why not now? (STL Today)
So why was this rumor set into the open? What was it that started this all and who is behind it? Was it to put land price up or where there others trying to benefit from a false rumor? The article gives some insight on what kind of structure was used and some names behind it. But it doesn’t provide any answers on who started this or why.
You can read the rest of the story on STL Today but don’t call the county commissioners afterwards…
…a man wants to talk about the theme park, but he doesn’t want to give his name.
“Then I don’t want to talk to him,”
He is done talking about Disney. (STL Today)