Can someone provide a brief history of Disney's clubs and other "entertainment"?

[rutgers1]

Aside from Pleasure Island, the only things that I can think of off the top of my head are the Hoopdeedoo Review (spelling?) and the show at the Polynesian. I also went to a dinner theater at the Grosvenor (Is that Disney?). In another thread, someone mentioned that they have tried in various places with various degrees of success.

I was hoping someone could update me on the situation and add any insight regarding entertainment for adults...or the whole family, for that matter. I never thought much about this since my kids are small, but with all the talk of Pleasure Island, it started crossing my mind.

[jfinke]

There are a couple of places in the Boardwalk.

Atlantic Dance Club.
Jellyrolls.


I wonder how "family friendly" ESPN and Big River Grille are considered?? :rotfl:

[DVC-Landbaron]

The Top Of The World -

Nightclub entertainment when the world first started, atop the Contemporary.

[zulemara]

There are a couple of places in the Boardwalk.

Atlantic Dance Club.
Jellyrolls.


I wonder how "family friendly" ESPN and Big River Grille are considered?? :rotfl:

and house of blues. That's about all there is right now. I've never seen the Atlantic Dance Club open. They use it for wedding receptions so the one time I was there, it was closed. Jellyrolls is all I have left right now. I think they are taking the techno night away from HOB.

[asianway]

Top of the World originally featured name performers, like Phyllis Diller. The performers then changed on a regular basis to more second and third tier acts. Later it was the "Broadway at the Top" dinner show where five actors and a live band performed standards such as Hello Dolly, Trouble, and 42nd Street. There was also a dance floor prior to the show while the band played.

Then someone figured out they could get the same money, nix the entertainment, and you now have California Grill.

[Jason71]

Rix opened in Coronado either late last year or early this year. Still open, but you hear very little about it.

There are also individual clubs/bars more directed at their specific hotels. Scat Cats, in PO-FQ comes to mind--it has a live musician Wednesday thru Saturday, but he mostly attracts just hotel guests. As I recall, a sushi bar in the Dolphin hotel (Kimonos?) turns into a small karaoke bar later in the evening, as well, same idea.

[Uncleromulus]

Raglan Road has entertainment of a sort.

Asianway: We saw Billy Eckstein at the Top of the World a # of years back. I believe Rosemary Clooney was there once as well.
And Mel Torme once appeared at the old Disney Institute!! There is even a commercial CD that was made that evening. They had a theatre there that would feature dinner at Seasons, then a show. I'm not sure if any "name" performers (other than Mel) ever performed, and the whole concept wasn't much of a success. But then, neither was the Disney Institute---

[Wild4Walt]

The GF has a very large band that plays nightly outside Mizners. It's more big band style and VERY entertaining for all agents except maybe teens.

Tambu Lounge at Poly. has live music many nights as well.

There is also the Spirit of Aloha dinner show and Mickey's Backyard BBQ for something a bit more organized.

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

And Mel Torme once appeared at the old Disney Institute!! There is even a commercial CD that was made that evening. They had a theatre there that would feature dinner at Seasons, then a show. I'm not sure if any "name" performers (other than Mel) ever performed, and the whole concept wasn't much of a success. But then, neither was the Disney Institute---

A number of A listers either performed there, or were "artists in residence" for the day. I stink with remembering names, but I distinctly remember that there were movie screenings where A-list actors and directors would discuss the film with the audience afterwards (we had V&A reservations and were really bummed to miss that one - maybe Dustin Hoffman???). I also remember hearing that a Jazz legend was performing one night during our visit (can't remember that one, either...).

PS - I loved Mel Torme!!!!

[PECOS BILL]

Merryweather Pleasure started Pleasure Island. I thought it was a great backstory but alas the area has like the hula hoop run it's course.

There is tons of family friendly entertainment. I.E.
The Boardwalk during the evening hours. Magicians. And nightly on the beach in front of the Yacht and Beach Club. Movies on the beach.

Continuous fun during lunch and dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe, Chef Mickeys. These two seem to have more happening than just meet and greets with characters during your meal.

I personally love the Hoop Dee Doo Reveue and Spirit of Aloha.

So much more happening all over the property I can't remember it all.
Anyone else?