The History of Sydney’s Secret Cancelled Disney Resort

Back in 2007, Disney Wharf at Sydney Harbour remained a secret under the codename ‘Project Lester’. Disney was under new management, with CEO Bob Iger taking over from Michael Eisner in 2005. Iger was right to keep the project secret, as Eisner had a habit of oversharing projects that never came to be and would ultimately damage the reputation of the company. Together with the NSW government, Disney cautiously laid down the plans in a 43-page, 10,000-word document.

‘Project Lester’ was an entirely new venture for Disney. The project was trying to break Disney out of their traditional theme park bounds, but apply similar tactics of storytelling through architecture, unique experiences and lively atmosphere in a more communal setting.

The idea of Disney Wharf was to integrate itself amongst Sydney almost more as a functioning suburb than a theme park.

[BarberShave]

I think it would be SUPER cool if Australia had their own Disneyland. It would be really cool to see their own versions of the classic rides we have here in the States.

[NXXNXNXXN]

I live for the day Disney comes to Australia. It’s getting expensive travelling overseas every year 😅

[aj-qbgh]

I was in high school when this was rumoured and drove past everyday on the bus.. I'm kinda sad it never came to be. It would've been iconic. There have also been plans for a Westfield, a Bunnings, and a cable car system to take people over to the city... It's strange that the area is no longer a working class area, but they want to keep that area so badly, and don't want traffic going down Mullens road.

[andrewyoung]

Wow, if only the NSW Government went through with it. It would've only been an hour to Sydney instead of 14hrs to Los Angeles 😭😢

[NemesisTWarlock]

*halfway through* Okay, so why the heck didn't this happen?

*later* Ah. Money.

[daniel.]

Wow. All of these concepts that were dropped just amaze me, especially such a large and ambitious project in a non-Eisner era. Great video!

[choppersworld]

I remember it maded the news in n.z that Disney was thinking of coming down under. Never knew what happened when it never happened

[jamescook]

Dump the idea of people living at Disney Wharf and build DVC properties instead. Disney planned for 20, 000 people to live in Celebration, Fl and only 8, 000 live there. It's expensive to live there and looks like a movie lot. No thanks!

[TheRyanLamont]

This would have been so cool! I hope Disney sets its sights on Australia again soon

[dmaxsba]

So it like everything these days was not expected to bring in 10, 000% profit the day it opened so it was canceled. Greed is always so awesome.

[eskimofreek]

New subscriber here and loving your videos! I'm a huge fan of similar Themepark channels like Defunctland, Expedition Themepark, TheTimTracker & Yesterworld Entertainment and I'm so happy to finally see an Aussie based channel! Your content is absolutely brilliant and you guys deserve way more subs 👍👍👍

[pibbitybibbity]

I love that the city of Sydney and Australia raised the question of how segmented the portion of their society that could actually afford to experience Disney Wharf.
Disney stopped thinking about the common man long ago. They seem to be laser-focused on becoming an attraction for the elite only and could care less about middle- and lower-income families being able to afford the Disney experience at all.
This becomes so apparent when you look at the pricing of the China and Japan Disney parks, who achieve an even higher level of creativity and still manage to keep the parks somewhat affordable, because those parks aren’t actually owned by Disney.
If Walt could see the prices for Disneyland and Walt Disney World today, he would be furious.

[RosinGoblin]

They need a Disney park in Australia. That would make tons of money

[markleon]

Wow. That old power station has been sitting there, crumbling away for 36 years. What a waste of a great location and what an eyesore it is.

[kentokyo]

You have made a great video. It sure seems Disney Wharf at Sydney Harbour is a PERFECT combination of recreational resort and urban development.

If you have presented this project with video like this back in the time of planning, you would have convinced both Disney and local government.

[MissFanCulture]

My husband and I JUST found your channel last night and you’re brilliant! It’s only a matter of time before you hit 100k - I can feel it. Happy to be here at the beginning 👍🏻

[eyeroo]

Given how Marvel, Starwars and Pixar movies have to come success, I see this is the best time to reignite the plans just coming out of COVID

[cispiyf]

Smh, they missed the chance to make a Rescuers: Down Under park or ride.

[exe]

Where did you find the Disney Wharf at Sydney Harbour document? I wouldn't mind having a read of it :)

[Antphoneigh]

Australians also grew up with The Simpsons, and guess what - Disney has all the rights! Imagine, Disney classics, Simpsons, Marvel, Starwars, etc. under one huge roof down under. And of course, Finding Nemo!