Virgin Megastore Gone ???

[minnieeaves]

I have heard that the Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney has closed down...anyone know why and has it gone forever ??

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Yes, it's closed. The entire Virgin Megastore chain has closed down, not just DTD. You can go to wikipedia and read the details about the U.S. operation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_Megastore

BobK/Orlando

[Cheshire Figment]

All of the Virgin Music Stores in the United States have closed.

[wishdisney]

yes it closed mid may

[Horace Horsecollar]

Yesterland has an article about the Virgin Megastore at Downtown Disney at WDW, its history, why it closed, and what might replace it: http://www.yesterland.com/megastore.html

[mitros]

Personally, I hope they move the ESPN club from the Boardwalk to DTD. DTD tends to be noisier, and since they never really did what they had initially said they were going to do at BW, you know, making it like the old Steel Pier in N.J. with thrill rides and such, they might as well get the ESPN out of there into DTD, where it tends to be very noisy anyway. That would cut down on a lot of the noise at the BW. Then they can put a new restaurant in the ESPN building.
Either that, or just extend the boardwalk out another 50 feet or so, and add all of the rides they had originally planned.

[zulemara]

They have also stripped everything from the inside of it and have taken down all signs on the outside. Once that is complete, I'll be surprised if they even keep the sign in front of the store explaining that Virgin has closed

[Modeltrf]

Although I would prefer an ESPN Zone, it would sort of compete with its neighbor Disney Quest.

[zulemara]

This posted as a news item on the DIS....their rumors are pretty accurate but if these are...OMG what the hell are they thinking????



Rumor - Virgin Mega Store To be Replaced by Exhibition of Princess Diana's Gowns

This is still a rumor!! If you loved Princess Diana's style and glamour, you'll love this. A collection of the late princess's dresses will be on display in the spot that once held the Virgin Mega Store at Downtown Disney West Side. Rumor has it that a contract was signed this past week between Disney and Maureen Rorech Dunkel, the lady who bought 14 of Princess Diana's gowns a few weeks before the princess died in a car wreck in August 1997. Dunkel created The People's Princess Charitable Foundation after the crash.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Rumor - Virgin Mega Store To be Replaced by Exhibition of Princess Diana's Gowns

Actually they've got the rumor partly wrong. What I heard is that the gowns will be displayed in what used to be Mannequins Dance Club. They've taken the mannequins down off the walls and each mannequin will wear one of Diana's gowns. After paying an admission fee, people can go inside and the mannequins will be on the revolving dance floor and you can view them as they spin around. The bars will be open.

BobK/Orlando

[jfinke]

Actually they've got the rumor partly wrong. What I heard is that the gowns will be displayed in what used to be Mannequins Dance Club. They've taken the mannequins down off the walls and each mannequin will wear one of Diana's gowns. After paying an admission fee, people can go inside and the mannequins will be on the revolving dance floor and you can view them as they spin around. The bars will be open.

BobK/Orlando

:confused3

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

:confused3

Just kidding Finke, just kidding!


BobK/Orlando

[jfinke]

Thank god... But, it is one of those that sounds close enough to stupid to be true. :)

I had so many jokes running though my head, I went into overload. :lmao:

[Uncleromulus]

And yet--I'll bet if they actually did something like that, there would be a TON of people falling all over themselves to get in and see it. I mean, these would be gowns worn by the Peoples Princess!!
Who could resist????

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Thank god... But, it is one of those that sounds close enough to stupid to be true.

Yeah, what I wrote was so outlandish that given all the other outlandish things going on at Pleasure Island, it looked like it might be true!

Unfortunately, my Save Pleasure Island blog can confirm that the Diana's Gowns going into former Virgin Megastore rumor is TRUE. A copy of the e-mail soliciting for employees was forwarded to me by my roving correspondents!

www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

And yet--I'll bet if they actually did something like that, there would be a TON of people falling all over themselves to get in and see it. I mean, these would be gowns worn by the Peoples Princess!!
Who could resist????

Will Disney visitors really want to see this stuff?

BobK/Orlando

[Uncleromulus]

There's not a doubt in my mind--.

[anthony2k7]

interesting that the email mentions cashiers jobs. I wonder if there will be an entrance fee? if so its not even going to get casual "may as well wonder through" type people going in.

[rsbuxt]

There's not a doubt in my mind--.

Ridiculous as I think the whole thing is, you're probably right! :rolleyes:

Rich

[mitros]

And yet--I'll bet if they actually did something like that, there would be a TON of people falling all over themselves to get in and see it. I mean, these would be gowns worn by the Peoples Princess!!
Who could resist????

Oh Lord help us..............:sad2: Your exactly right. That's what has become of us.

[KYMickey]

A copy of the e-mail soliciting for employees was forwarded to me by my roving correspondents!
www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com
Will Disney visitors really want to see this stuff?
BobK/Orlando
By reading the e-mail I can see one good point in that the gowns will only be there for a limited length of time instead of permanent. Which means the building may actually be used for something interesting in the long run.

On the other hand you can sure bet that people will mob the exhibit to see these! Princess Diane was an idol to many many people worldwide and they will go anywhere and do anything to get a glimpse of Diane memorabilia. Because of this 1 wouldn't be surprised if the exhibit became permanent.

[Kathi OD]

And yet--I'll bet if they actually did something like that, there would be a TON of people falling all over themselves to get in and see it. I mean, these would be gowns worn by the Peoples Princess!!
Who could resist????

I know that many people think I'm more than a little disturbed...but ME. I can't believe someone thinks this is a good idea.


Will Disney visitors really want to see this stuff?

BobK/Orlando

Not this Disney visitor. Maybe they think this will get the non-Disney tourists onto Disney property? :confused3

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I know that many people think I'm more than a little disturbed...but ME. I can't believe someone thinks this is a good idea.



Not this Disney visitor. Maybe they think this will get the non-Disney tourists onto Disney property? :confused3


Of course this is what they are thinking....and filling their restaurants and shopping at DTD - at least.

It's all about $$$.

[HillPete]

When the Diana exhibit was here, they charged A LOT for admission. It was crazy expensive. Then, if you wanted the audio tour thingie, it was another 6 bucks. I can't remember how much it was to get in, but there were a number of different discounts available. AAA, Giant Eagle (a grocery chain), membership to the museum that hosted the exhibit and things like that.

It was a pretty cool exhibit (and I'm not a huge Diana fan). They had a bunch of artifacts that belong to her family (and the associated royalty in her heritage) and a bunch of stuff from her childhood. The last room was the gowns. Holy Buckets, was she skinny!! I was a bit disappointed that they did not include the 'Elvis' dress. That was my fave!

In true Disney fashion, the whole thing ended in a gift shop (hence the need for cashiers). You could buy photos/spoons/postcards. They also had china place settings. I can't remember what they looked like. Maybe her family's pattern?

Will Disney visitors go for this? Probably not. I'm thinking they are targeting locals with this one. YMMV.

--H
:happytv: (my son wanted me to put this here. It's not relelvant to my post ;))

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Interestingly, the Diana rumor which Disboards had posted last week in the Dis Site Updates section (on the 1st page of Disboards), was removed today.

BobK/Orlando

[Condorman]

Geez, Downtown Disney is slowly becoming worse than downtown Detroit. It's an open-air strip mall with occasional crime, bad restaurants and a wasted waterfront. Although WDW trumps DL (IMO) in most areas, at least their DL's DTD is an attractive, worthwhile jaunt for an hour or two. That was Disney's biggest mistake in LBV... Expanding DTD from the marketplace which had been there for so many years. If only they had built it somewhere else, between existing resorts and nearer to a park, then it wouldn't be so embarrassing.

I can't think of a single reason to visit DTD, not even if I had to use the restroom.

[jlima]

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square in NYC is being replaced by a Forever 21 store.

Not sure which is worse.

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Orlando Attractions Magazine confirms today that Princess Diana's gowns are indeed coming to the Virgin Megastore site beginning in July. Admission is just $14.50. For those of you visiting Pleasure Island to go to the Adventurers Club and only then finding out that it's closed, Princess Diana will be open until 11pm for your viewing pleasure.

Full details at:
http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/06/17/princess-diana-exhibit-coming-to-former-downtown-disney-virgin-megastore-location-in-july/

BobK/Orlando

[DC7800]

For those of you visiting Pleasure Island to go to the Adventurers Club and only then finding out that it's closed, Princess Diana will be open until 11pm for your viewing pleasure

Maybe its just me, but somehow I'd find it far more interesting to sit outside and stare at the closed Adventures Club than to see gowns worn by Princess Diana.

[mitros]

Orlando Attractions Magazine confirms today that Princess Diana's gowns are indeed coming to the Virgin Megastore site beginning in July. Admission is just $14.50. For those of you visiting Pleasure Island to go to the Adventurers Club and only then finding out that it's closed, Princess Diana will be open until 11pm for your viewing pleasure.

Full details at:
http://www.attractionsmagazine.com/blog/2009/06/17/princess-diana-exhibit-coming-to-former-downtown-disney-virgin-megastore-location-in-july/

BobK/Orlando

Say what!?:eek:

[Uncleromulus]

ONly $14.50? A bargain at TRIPLE that price!! Remember--these are the gowns once worn by the Peoples Princess.

Dear me. This is pretty bad isn't it? And watch what happens--lines of girls and women (and perhaps a few willing men who weren't dragged along) squealing in anticipation for a look at these items. More people than the Mega Store ever saw.

[KYMickey]

.....And watch what happens--lines of girls and women (and perhaps a few willing men who weren't dragged along) squealing in anticipation for a look at these items. More people than the Mega Store ever saw.
Sounds like a place where a lot of people with no life will be visiting! In the first place their only dresses, people wake up! You can't even be sure they are the original. Secondly, she's not even an America, maybe if you are British I could understand some excitement but why in the world would Americans get excited?

[anthony2k7]

Sounds like a place where a lot of people with no life will be visiting! In the first place their only dresses, people wake up! You can't even be sure they are the original. Secondly, she's not even an America, maybe if you are British I could understand some excitement but why in the world would Americans get excited?

Americans supposedly are more obsessed and interested in our royal family than us British are! The only reason we keep them is because they're a torist attraction! :)

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Maybe its just me, but somehow I'd find it far more interesting to sit outside and stare at the closed Adventures Club than to see gowns worn by Princess Diana.

To accomplish that you would need to be sitting in Celebration Plaza. And you know what THAT means, don't you? That means you would get free bonus entertainment from the Celebrate Tonight staff!


Only $14.50? A bargain at TRIPLE that price!! Remember--these are the gowns once worn by the Peoples Princess.

Yeah, but for a buck-fifty more you could go on a tethered helium balloon ride and see a lot more!

BobK/Orlando

[IMACM]

I can't wait to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!


Opening in early July 2009 in Downtown Disney®, “DIANA – The People’s Princess” is a new, limited-time experience that showcases the life and story of one of the most iconic and inspirational figures in recent history, Princess Diana. A sampling of the royal dresses she chose to auction for charity and hundreds of authentic artifacts relating to her life will be on display in a 17,500-square-foot setting at Downtown Disney® West Side, adjacent to DisneyQuest®.
This unique exhibition is one of the largest collections of royal dresses and rare artifacts ever assembled for an American audience and provides an in-depth historical perspective of her life. The exhibit includes five rarely seen royal dresses worn by Princess Diana.
Tickets may be purchased at the exhibit: $14.50 (ages 10 and above), $5 (ages 3-9). The exhibition will be on display through November 30, 2009. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
We look forward to The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation bringing this unique experience to our Downtown Disney® Guests and remain committed to offering new and exciting experiences that they can only have at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

[Uncleromulus]

Well boys and girls--the bottom is out of the tub.
At dinner at our local Outback last night, Mrs U and I were talking and this is exactly what followed:
Mrs U: "Anything new on the Disney Boards"?

Me: NO. nothing major. Oh-wait. They are closing that big record store in DD and guess what they are putting in?"?

Mrs U: A new restaurant"?

Me: "Nothing of the sort. They're putting in an exhibit of Princess Diana's clothes!!"

I sat back awaiting the laughter, but instead this is what I got:

"Oh wow! I'd LOVE to see that!"

Somewhat startled I responded:

"Well it ain't free. They want $14.50 to see it"

Mrs U "That would be ok--she dressed so wonderfully. I think they had an exhibit of her stuff going around already".

So there you go. Looks as tho one of us will be visiting the exhibit in September. The other will likely be outside on a bench watching the people walk by--

[Belle102498]

I really liked Diana, but I would not pay $14.50 to see her dresses UNLESS all of the money went to charity. She was so good with all her charities that I personally think it is a crime for Disney to take advantage of her name and notoriety and NOT give all the proceeds to at least one of her favorite charities, but rather make the money for themselves. It doesn't seem to mesh with the idea of what Americans believe Diana did for the world. :confused3

Just a few thoughts

[Trinitys Ghost]

Americans supposedly are more obsessed and interested in our royal family than us British are! The only reason we keep them is because they're a torist attraction! :)

I am?! Man, where've I been... ;)

(said with tongue in cheek)

[mitros]

Well boys and girls--the bottom is out of the tub.
At dinner at our local Outback last night, Mrs U and I were talking and this is exactly what followed:
Mrs U: "Anything new on the Disney Boards"?

Me: NO. nothing major. Oh-wait. They are closing that big record store in DD and guess what they are putting in?"?

Mrs U: A new restaurant"?

Me: "Nothing of the sort. They're putting in an exhibit of Princess Diana's clothes!!"

I sat back awaiting the laughter, but instead this is what I got:

"Oh wow! I'd LOVE to see that!"

Somewhat startled I responded:

"Well it ain't free. They want $14.50 to see it"

Mrs U "That would be ok--she dressed so wonderfully. I think they had an exhibit of her stuff going around already".

So there you go. Looks as tho one of us will be visiting the exhibit in September. The other will likely be outside on a bench watching the people walk by--

............and spending the $14.50 on something good to eat. I'll be joining you.

[Tartan Tigger]

Sounds like a place where a lot of people with no life will be visiting! In the first place their only dresses, people wake up! You can't even be sure they are the original. Secondly, she's not even an America, maybe if you are British I could understand some excitement but why in the world would Americans get excited?

I use a British Disney forum and no-one there is interested in this either. I for one will be giving it a HUGE bypass.

[Mlissa88]

I was surprised to hear about Virgin Megastore closing. Last time I saw it was in Dec - big picture of Lady Gaga on the back


As far as Lady Di's dresses...I'm wondering who gets the money...that's a nice amount to pay to see dresses.


Glad I'm not famous...

Not sure what of mine they would put on display....

possibly my dayglo pink windbreaker from the late 80's, or my parachute pants

My puffed sleeved sweater with the hearts in rainbow colors circling the neck area...

the feather roach clip I used to wear in my hair because I thought it was pretty - then I found out what people actually used those for.... never wore it again.

but I digress...

I wonder what will be taking the place of this huge store eventually?

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

id love to see this. my entire maternal grandmothers side of the family is from england and i know ill probably never get there. i may be one of the few to want to see the dresses, but ill probably be dragging hubby there!!! i saw the princess when i was a young girl when my family and i were visiting prince edward island- we were the only ones around and she waved at me- or so ive been told.

however of course there is money to be made here- i could be wrong and someone correct me if i am- epcot has a store or atelast did in the uk pavillion thath sells the tartan that her foudnation created for her after she died. that stuff is not cheap, nice tie in eh?

[Mlissa88]

Yes...It was in Epcot - UK area right next to the twinings tea shop. I can't remember if I saw the display this past Dec but they used to have it there...

[dioxide45]

We visited the Princess Di touring exhibit when it came to our local art museum. I don't remember the price but it was far more than $15. Though I think it was a larger exhibit than the one planned at DTD. It contained a lot of memorabilia, jewelery and even her wedding gown.

I could see them adding an ESPN Zone there. It has the size that would be needed for one. This would be different than what is at BoardWalk, it is just an ESPN Club. I don't think it has the games that you would normally find in an ESPN Zone. It would compete to some degree with DisneyQuest but they are far different. I think an ESPN Zone compares more with a Dave and Busters with more arcade like games and stuff.

[Jason71]

Bumping to note that the signage is already up. Giant Diana posters (portraits, really) labeled "Humanitarian," "Princess," things like that, as well as the name of the attraction in the windows. A friend summed it up best, would look more at home on I-Drive than DTD.

[zulemara]

well that princess exhibit opens today /gag

[mitros]

well that princess exhibit opens today /gag

Let me send you my barf bag from my last plane trip. You will probably need it!