Disney's magic

The news that The Walt Disney Company has decided to go ahead with its first new hotel in seven years is a sign of optimism in an economy that has been stalled for the past two years. The entertainment and attractions giant might be a better barometer of the economy than the ups and downs of Wall Street. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature 1,120 suites and 864 traditional rooms, with a design theme based on four of the company’s most popular animated movies (“The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Finding Nemo” and “Cars”). The resort, scheduled to open by the end of 2012, will be priced as a “value” hotel, similar to Disney’s All-Star and Pop Century resorts, in line with the expectation that visitors will continue their frugal spending habits.