View Full Version : ESPN to DTD, What will replace it at BWV?
eporter66
11-09-2006, 10:57 PM
I heard that WDW plans to move the ESPN Zone to Downtown Disney. Honestly, that seems to make a lot of sense. I like the ESPN Zone, but it did not really seem to fit with the Boardwalk theme. They will obviously need to replace that space - has anyone heard anything?
vonpluto
11-09-2006, 11:12 PM
This rumor has been around for a while. When it first showed up, it held that ESPN would move into the current DQ location, but not before 2008. AKAIK, nothing's been rumored about what the BW replacement would be.
:surfweb:
RumpleMom
11-10-2006, 09:06 AM
Hmmm... ESPN is our favorite restaurant at Boardwalk. We've tried Spoodles and Flying Fish, but keep returning to ESPN.
IndianaDVCMember
11-10-2006, 11:23 AM
As a BWV owner, I would be disappointed to lose it. I think the Boardwalk needs this restaurant more than Downtown Disney does. ESPN gives a unique dining experience to the guests at the Epcot resorts. In DTD, Raglan Road might be a different them than ESPN, but it gives a similar experience in my opinion.
Mickmse2002
11-10-2006, 12:23 PM
I would hate to see it move from the Boardwalk. I think it would be a huge mistake!
JodyTG
11-10-2006, 03:35 PM
I would hate to see it move from the Boardwalk. I think it would be a huge mistake!
I agree. It's one of our traditions...walking through international gateway in the late evening then walking across the bridge and spying the ESPN Club. Hmmm...let's eat there. We get finished and all the activity is going on on the Boardwalk. Perfection.
spiceycat
11-10-2006, 03:37 PM
hopefully something else in the sports field - underwise alot of disappointed fans.
Granny
11-10-2006, 03:41 PM
If they'd put a restaurant at BW with the same menu as ESPN, then we'd be okay. It's one of my family's favorite dining spots and by far their preference of the BW restaurants. They are not big sports fans so they just ignore that.
I would really hate to see them close ESPN on the BW. So much so that we'd have to consider selling our BWV points. :guilty:
cdmickey
11-10-2006, 03:47 PM
I would love to see it stay, but if it must go, like earlier said, an eatery of similar menu would be appropriate. I don't know, maybe a Ruby Tuesday, NASCAE Cafe, TGIF, etc.
dumbo71
11-10-2006, 04:02 PM
Boy, I'm in the minority on this but we don't care for ESPN at all. Very mediocre food. For a beer and a game, fine, but not from a food standpoint. I'd vote for a non WDW run restaurant. More and more we find that the non WDW restaurants far outshine the WDW counterparts. Think Rainforest Cafe, Portobellos Yacht Club, Raglan Road, Wolfgang Pucks, etc.
I hope WDW does the right thing and leaves the food up to a company that knows how to do it right. Any restaurant NOT included on the dining plan would be a step up for this family.
Down with the dining plan...... or as we call it, the end of good meals at WDW plan. :furious:
Just another plus for SSR... :stir:
DebbieB
11-10-2006, 04:50 PM
As a BWV owner, I would be disappointed to lose it. I think the Boardwalk needs this restaurant more than Downtown Disney does. ESPN gives a unique dining experience to the guests at the Epcot resorts. In DTD, Raglan Road might be a different them than ESPN, but it gives a similar experience in my opinion.
I think the Disney Quest location would give them the room to do an ESPN Zone, with the large arcade. The location at BW is an ESPN Club, no arcade.
What's stopping them from having 2 locations? There are 2 Rainforests.
jade1
11-10-2006, 06:23 PM
Just another plus for SSR... :stir:
Ha, I'll take the bait. "Another"? Whats the other one?
paults
11-10-2006, 07:41 PM
I hope they don't move we go there all the time. Don't think I'd travel to DTD just for that.
We can just walk from our room at BWV and we're there. You know the walk in those long :rotfl2: hallways really makes me thirsty :lmao:
Tinkerbellcrafter
11-10-2006, 08:35 PM
Ha, I'll take the bait. "Another"? Whats the other one?
The fantastic spa and grounds! :Pinkbounc
CarolA
11-10-2006, 09:04 PM
Is this a JIm Hill "rumor"?
If so, figure you don't have real good shot at it being anywhere CLOSE to 100% accurate. Jim's vetting seems weak to me.
senecabeach
11-11-2006, 07:14 AM
My cousin works @ the ESPN Club @ the Boardwalk and has rumored for many months about the "closing" of this restaurant.
Said that ESPN wasn't reaching thier target $$.
Keep you all posted when I get more info... :)
eporter66
11-11-2006, 09:56 AM
Is this a JIm Hill "rumor"?
If so, figure you don't have real good shot at it being anywhere CLOSE to 100% accurate. Jim's vetting seems weak to me.
I am not sure what the source of this was or where I heard it. Obviously I have no idea if it is happening.
I like the ESPN Zone, but it does seem to fit better at DTD, for theming and a bigger building for all the extra's. It seems obvious that another restaurant would step in at the Boardwalk, and I have not heard what that would be.
E
crisi
11-11-2006, 10:01 AM
Good riddence.
JoeEpcotRocks
11-12-2006, 12:27 AM
I'd certainly miss it. :guilty:
vonpluto
11-12-2006, 01:18 AM
Is this a JIm Hill "rumor"?
If so, figure you don't have real good shot at it being anywhere CLOSE to 100% accurate. Jim's vetting seems weak to me.
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! :thumbsup2
http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2006/04/24/2051.aspx
:surfweb:
veenstra56
11-12-2006, 08:11 AM
As much as I would hate to see it go, I would understand, purely from a buisness standpoint. The ESPN Zone is probably better served Downtown, where it would get much more exposure for Disney (as parent company to ESPN). It should be more profitable Downtown, too.
If it does move, I for one hope that they replace it with another casual restaurant. With Spoodles, FF, and even Big River, there definitely is a need on the boardwalk for a burger, beer, game place. Kind of like ESPN.
My cousin works @ the ESPN Club @ the Boardwalk and has rumored for many months about the "closing" of this restaurant.
Said that ESPN wasn't reaching thier target $$.
Keep you all posted when I get more info... :)
Well I could tell them why they aren't reaching their target $$, when customers wait 30mins or more for a beer on a Sunday during football season -that adds up to alot of lost $$. I went in to have 3-4 beers and a bite to eat, and ended up having one beer and nothing to eat -I saw quite a few empty glasses. So instead of taking $25 from me they got $5. Kind of hard to hit your $$ that way!
PS -I hope your cousin is not the manager.
senecabeach
11-12-2006, 08:37 AM
Hi GAN...
Hey...he IS the assistant mgr :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
BTW..guess you found out that going to ESPN on a "Football Sunday" is like going to EMH's at the parks....suicide!! :lmao: :lmao:
dumbo71
11-12-2006, 09:06 AM
Just another plus for SSR... :stir:
Is the flood they just had there where water was pouring into the rooms in Congress Park considered a plus? :stir:
Mom2Ty&Lins
11-12-2006, 11:18 AM
I think the Disney Quest location would give them the room to do an ESPN Zone, with the large arcade. The location at BW is an ESPN Club, no arcade.
What's stopping them from having 2 locations? There are 2 Rainforests.
When DH and I first heard this rumor a year or two ago, the above was pretty much our understanding of what would take place. DTD would have an ESPN Zone while BW would remain ESPN Club. No idea where we heard the rumor though. Most likely on these boards.
UConnJack
11-12-2006, 12:07 PM
I don't know, maybe a Ruby Tuesday, NASCAE Cafe, TGIF, etc.
OMG, I hope not. TGIF? Ruby Tuesdays? Might as well put a Wal-Mart there! Whatever they replace it with, I hope it is NOT some suburban strip mall restaurant like those mentioned above. Nor would I want a tacky tourist trap theme restaurant like NASCAR, Hard Rock, Bubba Gump, or Planet Hollywood. I don't go to WDW for something I can get in my local strip mall, or any other tourist trap destination. Leave those in DD where they belong......that’s why I don't go there very often (or SSR either :rolleyes1).
ESPN was tolerable at the Boardwalk, a sports bar/pub restuaraunt was nice to have, and I do hope they replace it with someting similar. However, the big neon ESPN just doesn't fit with the Boardwalk theme IMHO, it makes more sense at DD.
UConnJack
11-12-2006, 12:18 PM
Just another plus for SSR... :stir:
You can have it........
rinkwide
11-12-2006, 12:22 PM
...Nor would I want a tacky tourist trap theme restaurant like NASCAR, Hard Rock, Bubba Gump, or Planet Hollywood...Don't worry, they wouldn't dare do that. I'm sure whatever goes in there will be really classy, like a Rainforest Cafe or something.
vonpluto
11-12-2006, 12:37 PM
Don't worry, they wouldn't dare do that. I'm sure whatever goes in there will be really classy, like a Rainforest Cafe or something.
Or a big plush shop, with a hot dog cart outside. :rolleyes1
PrincessJasmine08
11-12-2006, 12:44 PM
Good riddence.
ITA. It's like an eyesore on the Boardwalk.
Cruelladeville
11-12-2006, 01:47 PM
Good riddence.
I agree 100%! :)
Cruelladeville
11-12-2006, 01:51 PM
Don't worry, they wouldn't dare do that. I'm sure whatever goes in there will be really classy, like a Rainforest Cafe or something.
:scared1:
Hi GAN...
Hey...he IS the assistant mgr :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:
BTW..guess you found out that going to ESPN on a "Football Sunday" is like going to EMH's at the parks....suicide!! :lmao: :lmao:
I should have figured that would be the case :blush: ! Actually, I wouldn't have complained if it was mobbed -I got a seat at the bar so it wasn't that crowded. I just think they were understaffed. Thanks for the laugh though -tell him I'll expect one on the house next year when I'm there.
How about an authentic Boardwalk resataurant like :
NATHAN"S Famous Hot Dogs!
Just Kidding!
pjb_hockey_mom
11-12-2006, 07:53 PM
I would love to see them turn it into a huge Dunkin' Donuts - I can see the lines now! :thumbsup2
cdmickey
11-13-2006, 06:50 AM
OMG, I hope not. TGIF? Ruby Tuesdays? Might as well put a Wal-Mart there! Whatever they replace it with, I hope it is NOT some suburban strip mall restaurant like those mentioned above. Nor would I want a tacky tourist trap theme restaurant like NASCAR, Hard Rock, Bubba Gump, or Planet Hollywood. I don't go to WDW for something I can get in my local strip mall, or any other tourist trap destination. Leave those in DD where they belong......that’s why I don't go there very often (or SSR either :rolleyes1).
ESPN was tolerable at the Boardwalk, a sports bar/pub restuaraunt was nice to have, and I do hope they replace it with someting similar. However, the big neon ESPN just doesn't fit with the Boardwalk theme IMHO, it makes more sense at DD.
My point may have been missed, I was just suggesting a fair meal at a fair price. I have eaten at all the places I mentioned and have received good value.
magicmommy
11-13-2006, 09:05 AM
:rotfl: You can tell you are from Mass.......I'll see you in line!
I would love to see them turn it into a huge Dunkin' Donuts - I can see the lines now! :thumbsup2
pjb_hockey_mom
11-13-2006, 09:23 AM
:rotfl: You can tell you are from Mass.......I'll see you in line!
Not only am I from Mass, but I was born in Quincy, which is where Dunkin Donuts was started.....it's in my blood.
Sounds good, I'll save you a spot! ::yes::
UConnJack
11-13-2006, 09:25 AM
How about an authentic Boardwalk resataurant like :
NATHAN"S Famous Hot Dogs!
Just Kidding!
Well, at least that would fit the theme....obviously not big/varied enough though for that huge space.
I think the Disney imagineers need to come up with a fun-themed family eatery with an arcade of boardwalk games (skee-ball, pinball, air hockey, etc.) Not obnoxious like a Chuckee Cheese or anything, but a casual, table service restaurant with a moderately priced american-style menu, themed as an arcade with some games within.
UConnJack
11-13-2006, 09:28 AM
I would love to see them turn it into a huge Dunkin' Donuts - I can see the lines now! :thumbsup2
Ugh. You are one of those coffee addicts who make the drive through window line 25 cars deep and spilling out into the street when I am trying to get a bagel to eat, aren't you! ;)
spiceycat
11-13-2006, 10:34 AM
the last time I looked - BW had an arcade - a BIG arcade - closer to BW than ESPN. is it closed?
so you are telling me this place is not that busy.... My nephew has wanted to go here for years - but I hate crowds - so I have been putting him off.
Disney is starting to buy the food for everyone. One reason the menu look the same.
pjb_hockey_mom
11-13-2006, 10:56 AM
Ugh. You are one of those coffee addicts who make the drive through window line 25 cars deep and spilling out into the street when I am trying to get a bagel to eat, aren't you! ;)
was that you behind me this a.m.? actually, it's the folks who order all the bagles, munchkins, donuts at the drive-thru who hold things up. ;)
give me my coffee and lets go! :drive:
granmanh603
11-13-2006, 11:32 AM
Was just down at BWV and went to ESPN for my husbands favorite 1/2 lb hot dog(home run hot dog) well the raised the price and cut the size of the hot dog in half to the ususal Disney 1/4 lb. He was bummed , they also removed other favorites Ck wrap and tuna sandwich , much smaller generic menu...good riddins to them.......love something new. :goodvibes
dumbo71
11-13-2006, 02:36 PM
Was just down at BWV and went to ESPN for my husbands favorite 1/2 lb hot dog(home run hot dog) well the raised the price and cut the size of the hot dog in half to the ususal Disney 1/4 lb. He was bummed , they also removed other favorites Ck wrap and tuna sandwich , much smaller generic menu...good riddins to them.......love something new. :goodvibes
I agree, problem is we are likely to get another Disney restaurant with terrible food and generic menu to fit the dining plan.
WDW are you listening? Leave the food to someone who knows what they are doing.
Lets hope for something that fits the theme of the BW. ESPN certainly doesn't compliment the BW.
cdmickey
11-13-2006, 04:59 PM
If they want authentic boardwalk fare, they need to take a field trip to Seaside Heights or Wildwood, New Jersey and see what I think is real boardwalk food. New York style pizza, crinkle cut french fries in a dixie cup, sausauges on a roll with peppers and onions, cotton candy (made while you wait), ice cream sandwitches made with real freshly made waffles. Anybody else grow up in Jersey and remember this stuff. I can almost smell it. Oh, I'm making myself homesick. To be seventeen again. Can you hear the 'wheels of fortune' clicking, the pinball arcade binging, the Merry Go Round's organ playing. Okay, I'm gonna stop now, but please Disney, think about the food part, please......................
senecabeach
11-13-2006, 05:08 PM
cdmickey......
WOW....am I missing summer now.... :beach: :boat:
You certainly have my mouth watering and as you can see by my sig...I'm only minutes away from both those places...don't forget the "fresh" lemonade stands....... :flower1:
vonpluto
11-13-2006, 05:51 PM
If they want authentic boardwalk fare, they need to take a field trip to Seaside Heights or Wildwood, New Jersey and see what I think is real boardwalk food. New York style pizza, crinkle cut french fries in a dixie cup, sausauges on a roll with peppers and onions, cotton candy (made while you wait), ice cream sandwitches made with real freshly made waffles. Anybody else grow up in Jersey and remember this stuff. I can almost smell it. Oh, I'm making myself homesick. To be seventeen again. Can you hear the 'wheels of fortune' clicking, the pinball arcade binging, the Merry Go Round's organ playing. Okay, I'm gonna stop now, but please Disney, think about the food part, please......................
:beach:
What no salt water taffy? No Taylor Pork Roll samiches? No Shoobies? No overflowing trashcans surrounded by pizza napkins? No Captain Starns? No Shoobies? No predatory seagulls? No dumb shoobies feeding the seagulls? No Skeeball? Did I mention Shoobies? :scared1:
Ah, the Joisey Shore on a warm summer nite. :rolleyes1
vonpluto, please no shoobies!!! I have enough of them in the summertime. The last thing I want to do is deal with them while I'm on vacation in WDW. :)
In terms of food, bring on the Mack & Manco's pizza and funnel cakes. Traditional Boardwalk food.
aclov
11-13-2006, 10:50 PM
I like ESPN for the beer and chicken wings, but nothing else. I didn't care for Big River Grille, so I hope they replace it with something better not something worse. It's nice to have somewhere casual to go just steps away when we stay at BWV.
Lisa D
11-14-2006, 07:45 PM
I, for one, will be in trouble if this happens. This was one of my selling points to DH - he will have our points up for resale the minute this happens.
jemiaule
11-14-2006, 10:37 PM
Don't worry, they wouldn't dare do that. I'm sure whatever goes in there will be really classy, like a Rainforest Cafe or something.
You really should have the warning at the beginning of your posts. Do you know how much choking on a Dorito hurts?
jemiaule
11-14-2006, 10:40 PM
I would love to see them turn it into a huge Dunkin' Donuts - I can see the lines now! :thumbsup2
Heck, make it a Starbucks then so there would be one place on property to get a decent cup of coffee.
<end threadjack>
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