Possible Reprieve to PI

[Cheshire Figment]

When I was in California a few weeks ago I heard (from reliable sources) that upper level people in Disney Corporate were concerned about the number of complaints referring to the notification that the PI clubs are closing.

Also, I have been dealing with a hotel on Hotel Plaza Blvd for an upcoming convention and I was told by my Sales Manager there that the on-site Disney Rep had officially asked the Director of Sales if they have lost groups and/or rooms because of the PI closing, and needed a count with detailed information. The SM told me that had lost a few conventions because of it. Also, it appears that it is being asked of all the non-Disney resorts on property.

I wonder why Disney is collecting this information. Maybe they might decide it was a poor decision and can be revered before it actually is implemented.

[sassytink03]

It would be nice if Disney had finally come to its' senses. It didn't work when Vegas tried to make it family friendly, so hopefully Disney will see that we need a place to play too.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

OMG, wouldn't that be fantastic?

I have no problem with an overhaul of the island. It needs it. But that's no reason to close ALL the clubs.

There is absolutely no doubt that convention and meeting planners take into account evening activities for attendees. That's one of the main reasons why Las Vegas is so popular for meetings. PI is a safe, adult party location and taking it away leaves attendees with..............what? City Walk can't handle it all. Walt Disney World is far less attractive with nothing to do at night.

BobK/Orlando

Sign the Save PI petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

[sassytink03]

I agree Bob...PI needs some work, but they should keep the good clubs..aka The Adventurer's Club, Comedy Warehouse, and 8Trax. There is no reason why they can't keep those and work around the other things like the Beach Club that is just sitting there. I never even thought about all the conventions that might have been cancelled due to the closing of PI. I was too concerned with what the locals would do if we lost it. Maybe our movement is doing some good after all. ***fingers crossed***

[WhateverLolaWants]

I don't think they are going to completely forgo all plans since they have probably already signed agreements with Hanes and the other companies they are bringing in. However, they may keep some of the clubs (Adventurer's, the Comedy Warehouse, and maybe one dance club).

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I don't think they are going to completely forgo all plans since they have probably already signed agreements with Hanes and the other companies they are bringing in. However, they may keep some of the clubs (Adventurer's, the Comedy Warehouse, and maybe one dance club).

Nothing announced so far would necessarily go into a location that currently houses a dance or comedy club.

BobK/Orlando

Sign the Save PI petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

The company my partner works for is owned by a family that totally loves WDW. They had talked about planning the 2009 annual conference to take place at WDW. With the news that PI was closing, suddenly they are now saying that they will not be going to WDW and the conference will stay here in Atlanta. :sad2:

Yes, Disney, closing PI is losing you conference business!

[zulemara]

The company my partner works for is owned by a family that totally loves WDW. They had talked about planning the 2009 annual conference to take place at WDW. With the news that PI was closing, suddenly they are now saying that they will not be going to WDW and the conference will stay here in Atlanta. :sad2:

Yes, Disney, closing PI is losing you conference business!

They need to make that known! We also need to keep sending letters, maps, whatever it takes. If there is anyone who can save PI it is the people in California. Don't leave anything up to the idiots that run DTD at WDW.

Iger you saved Pixar, now save PI!

[Jason71]

I don't think they are going to completely forgo all plans since they have probably already signed agreements with Hanes and the other companies they are bringing in. However, they may keep some of the clubs (Adventurer's, the Comedy Warehouse, and maybe one dance club).

At the moment, the plan is to keep the buildings closed for two years. Doesn't sound to me like too many air-tight leases have been signed. Who pays for two years of nothing?

Really, if any businesses have a reason to be upset, it's Curl and Harley Davidson, who are going to see a drop in foot traffic.

[ROEDISNEY]

OMG ! That would be AWESOME:woohoo: :woohoo:

[TheBeadPirate]

There is a hiring "freeze" on for managers and bartenders so that they can place the CM's from PI in the system.

Props are already disappering from AC and of course the light wall is gone in Mannequins...

:confused3

[AdventurerKat]

At the moment, the plan is to keep the buildings closed for two years. Doesn't sound to me like too many air-tight leases have been signed. Who pays for two years of nothing?

Really, if any businesses have a reason to be upset, it's Curl and Harley Davidson, who are going to see a drop in foot traffic.


TWO YEARS?!

And they think its a dead zone in there now during the day. :rolleyes:

[mitros]

Over the last few years, we have noticed an unbelievable increase of people on property. Everything is crowded all the time. I doubt that Disney will loose any business by eliminating PI. Sorry guys, just my observation over the years. We have been going to WDW since 1989, and living in Florida for the last 11 years, we were going to the resort on a regular basis, several times a month. We have cut waaaay back on our visits over the last few years because of these, in our opinion, overcrowding conditions everywhere on property. It's just not fun anymore.....:sad2:

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I don't see how whether there is overcrowding or not effects the decision about PI. Clearly Disney was willing to give up the income currently being made from ticket and drink sales at PI. What they may have failed to realize is that other income would be lost too from lost meetings and conventions, lost hotel room sales, lost restaurant sales and lost theme park sales. If overlooked, those figures could be huge. The loss of PI leaves close to ZERO evening activities for meeting and convention guests staying on Disney property or nearby. If I was an Event Planner, why would I choose Disney if there is nothing fun to do on property after the meetings finish for the day? Keep in mind that during the "convention season", the theme parks all close early because it's off-season for regular tourists.

BobK/Orlando

[mitros]

But is it at all possible that those at Disney {whoever they may be} may actually be making an attempt to make the whole Downtown area family friendly? Is there more money selling Mickey plush than liquor? I really don't know......And besides, if they add more restaurants, won't they still sell alcohol?

[TDC Nala]

But is it at all possible that those at Disney {whoever they may be} may actually be making an attempt to make the whole Downtown area family friendly? Is there more money selling Mickey plush than liquor? I really don't know......And besides, if they add more restaurants, won't they still sell alcohol?

So this is about alcohol, not about having a place to go and spend some time in the evening? You can't really hang in a restaurant.

If you're right I will take it as an indication that WDW is now interested only in the almighty family and it's a big sign I should go elsewhere.

I'm already lost on what I am supposed to do with myself after hours on my October/November/December trips. After that I don't really have to go back until the next food & wine festival.

[mitros]

So this is about alcohol, not about having a place to go and spend some time in the evening? You can't really hang in a restaurant.

If you're right I will take it as an indication that WDW is now interested only in the almighty family and it's a big sign I should go elsewhere.

I'm already lost on what I am supposed to do with myself after hours on my October/November/December trips. After that I don't really have to go back until the next food & wine festival.

Not really sure what your getting at with the alcohol comment, I was mearly replying to a poster that did mention alcohol. It's neither here or there for me personally...........

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

If you're right I will take it as an indication that WDW is now interested only in the almighty family and it's a big sign I should go elsewhere.

I sure hope not. I was talking to one of my attorneys yesterday who somehow had not heard the news about PI. Even though she is local, she and her husband and kids stay at the Disney Resort every year for a week and during their stay they hire a babysitter two nights so they can hang out and have a fun evening at PI. With the news they're going to consider a Universal resort.

Surely they're not the only families that do this. And we know there are singles staying at the Resort and plenty of meeting and convention attendees traveling without their kids.

Are nightclubs really "family unfriendly"? They're not for kids of course, but they're not family unfriendly either.

BobK/Orlando

[jfinke]

I think that part of the problem is that some people assume that PI is just some place to get drunk. So, when people mention, well you can just get alcohol in a restaurant, it irritates the other group of people. If I just wanted to get drunk, I would buy a bottle of jack and sit in my room all night long. Heck, I probably wouldn't even go to Disney because there is not much point in going and then being hung over all the time.

There is a whole group of people who go to PI, to interact with adults in an adult only setting. We are dinks. No desire to have children. We joke that part of the reason we go to Disney is to remind us why we don't want to have kids. PI was an area that allowed you to get away from the madness. That diminished when they opened the gates to everyone, but at least you still had to be of age to be in the clubs.

Now, where are people going to go to participate in adult activity? I already told them that we are not going to be purchasing the "plus" package or whatever they are calling it these days. So, they lost that money from me. Plus, more likely than not, we will probably just retire to the room. There is no where for me to go. The restaurants are packed with kids. Heck, they don't even enforce the dress codes anywhere.

I think that V&A is about the only place that is a kid free zone at this point and you are talking $150/person.

[sassytink03]

As far as everyone talking about PI not being child-friendly, I agree for the most part. But, the AC is extremely child friendly! My kids ages 6 and 8 just went there for their first time and loved it. They didn't get to stay all night on Friday, but they did stay up an hour or so past bedtime for a special treat. My son got into an argument with Otis T Wren and Samantha couldn't stop fawning over them. They loved to sing along and my son was the talk of the club because at age 6 he was marching and singing the all purpose theme song at the top of his lungs. While I wouldn't take them to 8Trax or Mannequins, there isn't a problem with kids being at the AC or the Comedy Warehouse. Disney could spare these two things and maintain the "family friendly" experience that they want.

[drakethib]

I can understand why people don't want PI to close, but I can't see that by closing the area WDW will be impacted that much.

I may be wrong, but PI isn't all that great compared to years past. It seems that it has been going downhill for the last few years.

YMMV

[zulemara]

I can understand why people don't want PI to close, but I can't see that by closing the area WDW will be impacted that much.

I may be wrong, but PI isn't all that great compared to years past. It seems that it has been going downhill for the last few years.

YMMV

It has been going downhill because they have made decisions to PUSH it downhill so Kevin L could eventually justify closing it! They have purposely caused its demise. And yet, Kevin L says it's still profitable.

I'm really sad if the light wall is already gone in Mannequins. I was debating a weekend trip before the whole place shuts down, but it wouldn't be the same without that wall of lights in Mannequins.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

[FONT="Tahoma"]Disney could spare these two things and maintain the "family friendly" experience that they want.

Sassy, cute story. But while you want them to spare the two comedy clubs, I want them to spare the two most unique, highly-themed dance clubs, 8TRAX and Mannequins.

Let's see, the Beach Club building is already available. The Missing Link building is available, closing Motion and BET (neither of which are unique venues) can be available. That's 4 huge buildings they can renovate and create a new PI. But leave the Mannequins/8TRAX (they're in the same building), leave AC and leave CW.

That way Disney World continues to offer evening activities yet they can build whatever new things they want. And I don't think convention planners will cancel with this kind of revised PI still in business.

BobK/Orlando

Sign the Save PI petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

[sassytink03]

I agree with you Bob. I personally love 8Trax. It is by far my favorite dance club. My point was if we can't save it all, then at least save the stuff that fits into what Disney supposedly wants.

I did hear something interesting this weekend. We called to book a hotel on Friday and the CM was a big fan of PI. She stated that she was 99% sure that they were opening another adults only area, she just wasn't sure that everything at PI would come back. I just blew this off to a hopeful CM in the same situation that most of us are with wishful thinking. However, when I was at the AC this weekend, I overheard a security guy talking to an upset patron. The patron was complaining about the closing of the AC and how it was so original to Disney. The security guard told him that he promised that there would soon be something similiar to the AC if not the real thing in a different adults only area soon. Again, he could have been saying this just to calm the patron down, but to have two different people in two different areas say the same thing.....it could mean something.

As, far as the things missing from the AC already, I was told by someone in the club that regular people have stolen some of the artifacts and that is why they are missing. That is also the reason that they have beefed up security at the club. Talk about hurting the cause!

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Hmmm, very interesting. But then I'd have to ask why haven't they announced the new "adult" area and even better, why wouldn't they build it before they abandoned the current adult area? So I'm skeptical. But a new City Walk type of place elsewhere on property is an interesting idea. Meanwhile, current employees continue to wait for transfers to other positions.

Last night at closing there were more Disney Security officers and Orange County Sheriff deputies stationed along the exits and in the parking lot than I have EVER experienced before. I guess as the big date draws closer they're wanting to prevent any kind of trouble including looting.

BobK/Orlando

Sign the Save PI petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

[CanadianGuy]

Looting? Really Bob? Looting? Really? :) I'm joshin with ya..

This isn't the first time I've heard rumors about a 'new adults area' .. and the rumored location I've heard is the new Western Development.....

[patsal]

Family friendly well...that t shirt at the Harley shop that says I (Heart shape) H**D is very family friendly--so glad they are taking things in that direction! Sorry but the clubs have survived dispite managments loaded attempts to get them to fail, so honestly I am mourning the loss of the adventurers club and last week it was very busy there!

Security was indeed increased and we witnessed several arrests. Don't know what they were all about, but it was good to see someone enforcing rules!

[Luv2Roam]

Yeah -- Nothing says family friendly more than a cigar shop and Harley store. ;) Teach 'em young how to smoke that cigar and maybe they will outgrow it by the time they reach puberty. :lmao:
What's next -- a body piercing store for the little ones? :confused3 :rotfl2:
Agree with others. I also have said everything was done to make PI fail, I assume to prove someone's point. They did not quite succeed.

Disclaimer: I am not insinuating that cigar smokers, etc, are bad people or parents. It just doesn't go with a "family friendly" theme. Family friendly is something all the family can enjoy, such as a movie or game. DQ is family friendly, as an example.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Yeah -- Nothing says family friendly more than a cigar shop and Harley store.

Good point!

BobK/Orlando

[*NikkiBell*]

Personally, I can't make my way through all of the rumors about this situation. I have heard from various people that the AC will be back, in one form or another. However, this could actually hurt what the place has become. Who knows.

Are all of you voicing your concerns to Disney? That's really the only way things could have a chance to change.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Are all of you voicing your concerns to Disney? That's really the only way things could have a chance to change.

I agree. I've placed the names/addresses of some of the major players (and some e-mail addresses) on my blog located at:

www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

And the Save PI petition is approaching 500 names....nothing like the AC petition but still 500 people that would like parts of PI to remain open.

BobK/Orlando

[TDC Nala]

As, far as the things missing from the AC already, I was told by someone in the club that regular people have stolen some of the artifacts and that is why they are missing. That is also the reason that they have beefed up security at the club. Talk about hurting the cause!

There are some items that are no longer on display at the club, but these were not removed by guests. It would be interesting to know if they're talking about the same items.

[zulemara]

I have gotten it confirmed that the wall of lights at Mannequins is not missing and they do not plan on changing anything. This came from my source at Pi who talked to a manager.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I'm not sure what they're referring to when they say wall of lights. If they're talking about that wall of spotlights by the mirrors, they're definitely still there. There is also that new wall of small lights that you see directly in front of you when you get off the elevator on the 2nd floor......THAT WAS JUST INSTALLED a few weeks ago! That's still there too.

BobK/Orlando

Sign the Save Pleasure Island On-Line Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

[zulemara]

I'm not sure what they're referring to when they say wall of lights. If they're talking about that wall of spotlights by the mirrors, they're definitely still there. There is also that new wall of small lights that you see directly in front of you when you get off the elevator on the 2nd floor......THAT WAS JUST INSTALLED a few weeks ago! That's still there too.

BobK/Orlando

Sign the Save Pleasure Island On-Line Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

yes, to think they JUSt put money into 8-trax and mannequins with plans to close it down...makes you wonder doesn't it? Why put money into something that you're closing and will then sit absent for supposedly 2 years.

So imagine this....what if their plan all along was to outsource the CLUBS and build all this other hoopla around the clubs, but in order to drive up the price they could sell them at, they said they are closing them. All these people get angry, the media is all over it, and then Disney approaches a company to buy the clubs at a higher price than they would have initially offered because of the obvious indication that guests love PI!

makes ya think...

[Jason71]

yes, to think they JUSt put money into 8-trax and mannequins with plans to close it down...makes you wonder doesn't it? Why put money into something that you're closing and will then sit absent for supposedly 2 years.


I think it's a case of the right hand not knowing what the left is doing. As an example, the Beach Club had bands booked thru this Summer and had just put up new custom "surfboard" menus when WDW announced it was closing. The people who run the clubs from night to night are not the ones making the decision to shut them down.

Also keep in mind these buildings will still be available for private/corporate events (at least until they get torn down, which is the current rumor), so there would be little sense in dismantling them just yet.

[TheBeadPirate]

I believe we were the ones saying the wall of lights (being the wall behind the dancefloor when you are looking at it from the front bar area) not being there. If it is still there it was not on when we were there on Thursday evening. In all of our last trips the lights change intensity, etc with the pulse of the music and that was not happening. This was what was there instead.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/rnleichmann/IMAGE_038.jpg

Sorry it's blurry, the camera phone just doesn't like low light. There were 2 posing girls "dancing" to the music and the only lights were the colored spots on the sides showing them.

:confused3

[zulemara]

I believe we were the ones saying the wall of lights (being the wall behind the dancefloor when you are looking at it from the front bar area) not being there. If it is still there it was not on when we were there on Thursday evening. In all of our last trips the lights change intensity, etc with the pulse of the music and that was not happening. This was what was there instead.

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/rnleichmann/IMAGE_038.jpg

Sorry it's blurry, the camera phone just doesn't like low light. There were 2 posing girls "dancing" to the music and the only lights were the colored spots on the sides showing them.

:confused3

Last time I was there they turned the whole panel and had 2 mirror guys come out, which was really cool. It took them a while to turn the lights back on, or else maybe the light guy forgot:confused3 Either way, they are still there, though they might not be using them for one reason or another

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I don't recall them using the lights that much; some beats in some songs. They're so bright that it's like daylight in there when they're on. It may just depend on who the lighting tech is on any given night. I know they used to stop the dance floor and reverse it mid-song a lot more than they do now.

BobK/Orlando


Sign the Save Pleasure Island On-Line Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Found a video over on YouTube in which the lights were used during Gay Days to spell out Free Gay Happy.

I have to say that although I've seen the lights go on and off over the years, I have never seen them use it to spell out words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exNdG0qS8hQ

BobK/Orlando

[CanadianGuy]

You have to keep in mind ... that 'light wall' is both moveable (vertically) on a fly system and other things (light racks, curtains, scrims etc) can also be lowered in front of it.. The 'stage' area at Mannequins is actually far more functional than it appears at first glance.

So before judging that it is "gone" ... you should look up, way way up.. and see if it's up there... and then look closely to see if what you think is a blank wall or empty space isn't simply something lowered in front of it.

[Justish]

So folks, is progress REALLY being made? I sent letters, I signed the petitions! What else can I do? I've NEVER BEEN inside a PI club or dance
place cause I was too young! I am DESPERATE TO GO! I just can't believe
my luck! Not 4 months before my big scheduled trip, which I've been talking
non stop about PI to EVERYONE I know! And now it will be closed before I
ever get to see inside? The fates curse me!

Why would Disney do this? Makes me want to barge into that cryongenics
lab and wake up Walt so he can see the madness that has become his name!

~Ally

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Regardless of petitions, it is still a matter of revenue.
2) Pleasure Island never generated the revenue per-square-foot required.
3) And it has been going downhill for quite some time.
4) There is just no way to recover.
5) Thus, restaurants and shops are a better choice for the bottom line.

NOTE: If you REALLY want to save PI (and Adventure's Club, Comedy Warehouse, etc), you have to figure a way to greatly increase revenue. Going to the CW and having 1-2 drinks during the performance is not big bucks. The booze has to flow a lot better. Same with AC. Ever see the drinking that goes on at Jellyrolls? That is what is needed.

NOTE2: As for conventions being canceled due to the closing of PI, I gotta see the facts, not the rumors. Having been the approving authority for a few small-to-medium-sized conventions, there would be more than PI to justify the site or reject the site. We have held conventions where there was barely any night entertainment, so the convention provided buses.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

So folks, is progress REALLY being made? I sent letters, I signed the petitions! What else can I do? Ally

Ally, I'm afraid we've lost. I think it's too late to get them to change their mind. I see no indication that PI is going to last beyond September 27th. I am very sad. Plan to visit Universal CityWalk as well as downtown Orlando because that is where the fun is going to be.

BobK/Orlando

[Zspa<3ariel]

In all honesty Walt would probably be p*ssed they put night clubs in his "world" in the first place.

I understand the lack of night-time entertainment this closing causes, but Im certainly not going to miss drunk people stumbling around, being loud, and smelling of some liquour. No im not blowing it out of proportion, tjust stating what I encountered the several times I was present in the DTD area. I just dont see how a night club and Disney fit in a similar category. But as night clubs do nothing for me, nor do I attend them, this is just my view.

[DisneyHumbug]

I don't go to nightclubs either. Haven't for many many years. However, having gone to WDW for the last 22 years, my kids have grown. We enjoy the Adventurers Club and the Comedy Club. We laugh a lot and make great memories. Last time they even took me to one of the dance clubs and we all laughed at the way I danced. Family vacations with young adults are precious to me. We'll still go to WDW, but we'll miss PI.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

In all honesty Walt would probably be p*ssed they put night clubs in his "world" in the first place.

It no longer matters what Walt would or wouldn't have wanted. With all due respect to him and his vision, Walt is long dead and the company is now a huge corporation with a goal of making more and more money. Had he stuck around this long, would he have evolved with the times or would he have become a dinosaur? We'll never know.

BobK/Orlando

[Maistre Gracey]

In all honesty Walt would probably be p*ssed they put night clubs in his "world" in the first place.

I understand the lack of night-time entertainment this closing causes, but Im certainly not going to miss drunk people stumbling around, being loud, and smelling of some liquour. No im not blowing it out of proportion, tjust stating what I encountered the several times I was present in the DTD area. I just dont see how a night club and Disney fit in a similar category. But as night clubs do nothing for me, nor do I attend them, this is just my view.
Just my view...
The Adventurers Club was not a nightclub, but rather a Disney quality show that happens to serve liquor.

MG

[Scurvy]

In all honesty Walt would probably be p*ssed they put night clubs in his "world" in the first place.

I understand the lack of night-time entertainment this closing causes, but Im certainly not going to miss drunk people stumbling around, being loud, and smelling of some liquour. No im not blowing it out of proportion, tjust stating what I encountered the several times I was present in the DTD area. I just dont see how a night club and Disney fit in a similar category. But as night clubs do nothing for me, nor do I attend them, this is just my view.

We'll never know what Walt would have thought of PI, but since he himself wasn't opposed to drinking and smoking and liked the idea of Club 33, I don't think he would have disliked it that much.

As for the drunk people, it will be interesting to see if they magically vanish with the closure of the clubs since there will still be several bars in DTD (including multiple outdoor bars). I have seen far more drunk people outside the clubs - and in Epcot - than I've seen inside them.

At least the clubs had a purpose other than just providing a space for alcohol consumption. The alcohol will still be there when they are closed, but the dancing and entertainment will be gone. That doesn't sound like an improvement to me.

[TDC Nala]

Trust Disney to unite boozing and shopping.

[miprender]

I am only 36 and in good health, but how does anyone have the energy to go out dancing/drinking after spending all day in the parks? All I want to do is go to sleep:confused:

[Zspa<3ariel]

Funny, but true, after hanging in the parks to the closing time, the last thing I wanna do is go dance and drink. But thats beside the point, I will agree about AC, that truly is a loss, but I just dont see the closing of some night clubs as the travesty some of you do. If a park where closing, yeah, but PI just feels and always has felt so out of place to me, and has no disney "touch" that I can see, when I think of "the most magical place on earth" night clubs arent really in my thoughts there, lol. But this is just how I see the closing of PI, it just doesnt sadden me.:confused3

[Maistre Gracey]

The only part that saddens me is the closing of the AC. That IS truly unique, and Disneyesque.

Some of my days are planned around the AC, and the major parks are secondary.

MG

[zulemara]

Speaking as a guest and not a CM or a local, I would simply plan to leave the parks at 4 or so, get dinner, then head to PI around 9 or 10 depending on if I had to use Disney transportation or not. It also makes a difference if you're there for 10 days or 4. You just have to pick your priorities and for me, PI got shoved up the list. I love all the parks, but if I have the chance to dance in a techno or disco club, I'll take it(and plan to sleep in a bit the next day!)

[pirateparrot]

I was at the AC last night and they had removed all of the tables from the library and replaced them with rows of chairs to try to squeeze more people in for each show. It was pretty tense last night with folks trying to get into the show. I can't imagine that last weekend. Though I love the club, there is no way I could be in a crowd like that.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I am only 36 and in good health, but how does anyone have the energy to go out dancing/drinking after spending all day in the parks? All I want to do is go to sleep:confused:

It's called taking a nap before heading out. It's amazing what a 1 hour nap can do for you.

But as Zulemara pointed out, it matters how many days you're in town for. If you're here for a 7-10 days you may not do a theme park every day and can thus save an evening or two for going out. If you're here for 3-4 days, you may not have the time or the energy to stay out late and get up early unless going out is priority to you. My DW and I were in Toronto just one night last summer but we were determined to go to one of the huge clubs there the night we were there, no matter what.

BobK/Orlando

[Twilightlover]

I think it also matters where you are coming from. I think people who live in Metropolitan areas might not be that heart broken about PI closing becuse thier home area offers a similar atmosphere.

[Maistre Gracey]

I think it also matters where you are coming from. I think people who live in Metropolitan areas might not be that heart broken about PI closing becuse thier home area offers a similar atmosphere.Respectfully, not true when you talk about the AC.
That's truly one of a kind.

MG

[TDC Nala]

I think it also matters where you are coming from. I think people who live in Metropolitan areas might not be that heart broken about PI closing becuse thier home area offers a similar atmosphere.

Not really. We don't have an Adventurers Club in Washington, DC. All we have are politicians.

[KYMickey]

Not really. We don't have an Adventurers Club in Washington, DC. All we have are politicians.
And tell me that's not an Adventure for you and all of America! :rotfl:

[TDC Nala]

And tell me that's not an Adventure for you and all of America! :rotfl:

That is not the word I would choose.

Although some of them can be somewhat reminiscent of Otis Throckmorton Wren.

"I'm going to win the old-fashioned American way - I'm gonna cheat!"

[DWJoshua]

Found a video over on YouTube in which the lights were used during Gay Days to spell out Free Gay Happy.

I have to say that although I've seen the lights go on and off over the years, I have never seen them use it to spell out words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exNdG0qS8hQ

BobK/Orlando

I know I'm a little late on the response...but I had to say that that video was AMAZING and I am now very sad that I will never be able to see Mannequins during Gay Days :(

I did the College Program a few years ago and Mannequins was my home Thursday nights (after a stop at the CW, 8Traxx and Motion for the Cha Cha Slide at midnight, of course)

Anyway, my point is that I travel to WDW pretty frequently and always spend a few nights either at PI or Jellyrolls. I plan my trips around going to these places. They are adult venues that are relatively non-threatening and safe. They are not for everyone and that's your personal preference, but let me have my fun! :)

My theory on a partial reason why Disney is making this change is that people have been complaining that PI has become too "FAMILY"-friendly. While Disney has been a good advocate for diversity, I'm sure having an unofficial gay club on property has made a few people uncomfortable.

Well, that's my rant. :)

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I'm sure having an unofficial gay club on property has made a few people uncomfortable.

You mean Mannequins is a gay club? Dang, there were sure a lot of girls hitting on me last night while my wife wasn't looking!! :eek:

BobK/Orlando

[JiminyGuyMaine]

We'll never know what Walt would have thought of PI, but since he himself wasn't opposed to drinking and smoking and liked the idea of Club 33, I don't think he would have disliked it that much.

As for the drunk people, it will be interesting to see if they magically vanish with the closure of the clubs since there will still be several bars in DTD (including multiple outdoor bars). I have seen far more drunk people outside the clubs - and in Epcot - than I've seen inside them.

At least the clubs had a purpose other than just providing a space for alcohol consumption. The alcohol will still be there when they are closed, but the dancing and entertainment will be gone. That doesn't sound like an improvement to me.

Amen, Scurvy

[Jason71]

Bumping to relay the latest rumor: non-Disney source, but very tied into the theme park industry.

Mannequins may well reopen under a new third party manager. Would remain some sort of "dance" club, but probably with more mainstream music. Anyone heard more?

[zulemara]

Bumping to relay the latest rumor: non-Disney source, but very tied into the theme park industry.

Mannequins may well reopen under a new third party manager. Would remain some sort of "dance" club, but probably with more mainstream music. Anyone heard more?

please let it be so! This rumor had been floating around before Disney announced PI would close. It wouldn't surprise me though. If Disney is interested in playing landlord, this is the one time I say AMEN! If I had the money I would buy Mannequins in a heartbeat and operate it.

edit: Just wanted to add there could truth to this because they have not announced anything that will be specifically replacing the clubs. Until they say what's happening to the building, there is always hope

[lovemickeyshouse]

comedy warehouse is the best place on earth with its format to let the audience yell out ideas please keep it goin for us people who need a good laugh at the World . And if your looking for something else these is plenty at boardwalk to do for nightlife a club and Jellyrolls .

[zulemara]

I've never actually seen the Atlantic Dance hall open. It was closed last time I was there. They had a wedding reception in it I guess.

Jellyrolls will likely be my new hangout which is fine by me, but you can't dance at jellyrolls.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I hope they reopen too......but keep the Dance music.

I've heard that Destiny may be doing away with their Friday night House sessions; I've heard Zinc Bar has been sold and is being turned in a restaurant.

Pretty soon anyone playing techno will be nonexistent in Orlando!

BobK/Orlando

[Maistre Gracey]

And if your looking for something else these is plenty at boardwalk to do for nightlife a club and Jellyrolls .
Jellyrolls, while a very fun place, is just too darn smokey for me. If they went non smoking, or installed a better filtration system, then I would return.
For now, I just can't handle sitting in the thick smoke.

MG

[TheRustyScupper]

I don't see how whether there is overcrowding or not effects the decision about PI. Clearly Disney was willing to give up the income currently being made from ticket and drink sales at PI. What they may have failed to realize is that other income would be lost too from lost meetings and conventions, lost hotel room sales, lost restaurant sales and lost theme park sales.

1) I do not believe they will lose convention business.
2) There are enough other alternatives if conventioners want nightlife.
3) If you convention at WDW, you do it for WDW, not for PI. *
4) As for PI income, it has been disappointing since it opened.
5) Sure, there was profit, but no where close to WDW expectations.
6) If profit was good,
. . . they wouldn't have had to close clubs, but opened more clubs
. . . they wouldn't have had to let people stroll around without paying
. . . they wouldn't have had to add security due to loitering people/teens

* For those frequent visitors to PI clubs, how many conventioners did you notice (some female, but mostly male executive-types, aged 35ish-55ish) at the dance clubs? Besides, Boardwalk is a far better place for a conventioner's nightlife. As a frequent conventioner myself, I can say that we don't go en-masse to dance clubs, but frequent upscale restaurants and then a few drinks at a good bar. You don't see us in dance places such as are at PI, as the club and clientèle do not fit with us.

[Maistre Gracey]

* For those frequent visitors to PI clubs, how many conventioners did you notice (some female, but mostly male executive-types, aged 35ish-55ish) at the dance clubs? Besides, Boardwalk is a far better place for a conventioner's nightlife. As a frequent conventioner myself, I can say that we don't go en-masse to dance clubs, but frequent upscale restaurants and then a few drinks at a good bar. You don't see us in dance places such as are at PI, as the club and clientèle do not fit with us.
Not the dance clubs per se, but it seems like every time I visit the AC (including this past Thursday) it opens late because of a special event.

MG

[zulemara]

if there's no where to dance to techno, I'm gonna be really really sad. That's half the flippin reason I wanna move to Orlando!

I heard pulse is picking up a techno night though

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Come on Disney.....there are no immediate plans for the building housing 8TRAX and Mannequins. Leave the place open! Ditch the annual passes and have a nightly cover charge but keep something on the island that adults can hang out at!!!!

BobK/Orlando