Oh, I think it was very much part of a long range plan. I just don't see it as a clone of DTD. Why spend hundreds of millions of dollars just to replicate what they already have? I can't believe there is a waiting list of vendors dying to get into DTD which would justify a second development. The target market MUST be different.
I think this project is a way to profit from land Disney already owns while maintaining control of the property (certainly a major consideration). If you're Disney, think of the sales pitch you can offer to vendors. They have a built-in audience of 55,000+ Cast Members coming-and-going on a regular basis. Add to that the thousands of locals who visit the parks daily, local FL residents and guests staying at the non-Disney hotels nearby. Even if the area isn't openly branded as being "Disney", throw in a few hidden Mickey's here and there and you'll have people going out of their way to visit this marketplace instead of others.
I'll add that I'm not saying any of this to diminish AKL...I just wouldn't use this announcement as a major factor in a purchase decision since there are so many unknowns.
