While the future of Disney's resort development in the National Harbor area of Maryland remains stalled, DreamWorks Animation has partnered with Gaylord Hotels to bring its own characters to the area.
On April 27, 2011, Gaylord Hotels announced that it has reached an agreement to bring the DreamWorks stable of characters to its four hotels Florida, Tennessee, Texas and the National Harbor development in Maryland. The agreement follows the Disney model to a "T", covering character meals, meet-and-greets, themed parties, parades and even themed hotel rooms.
Characters covered by the deal include those from Dreamworks Animation films such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar.
Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop--the nonprofit which holds the rights to the Sesame Street stable of characters--announced a partnership with the National Children's Museum (NCM) at National Harbor. The NCM, scheduled to open in 2013, will feature heavy integration of the Sesame Street characters throughout its exhibits and video segments.
In May 2009, The Walt Disney Company purchased a 15-acre parcel of land at National Harbor. However, over the last two years they have refused to provide any details or timelines for the development of that land.
DreamWorks / Gaylord Press Conference
Thanks to Werner for the tip!
Additional Information: Gazette.net, BrandChannel.com, SesameWorkshop.org
