Church Street Station

[Jordanblackpool]

Good Morning!

I was just flicking back through some old picture of trips to Orlando in the 90s and remembered we used to visit Church Street Station on every visit. It used to be really busy with shops, restaurants and alot going on. Then it suddenly just became forgotten about!

I remember reading an article a year or so ago stating that the new Amway Arena would start the return of Church Street Station and that it would turn it into 'the place to be' again.

My question is, has anyone who has recently been to Orlando visited CSS? If so, has its fortunes turned round? Last time we visited I seem to remember it run down and full of dodgy looking characters!

 

[higgy66]

I went here in the late 80's - it was fantastic!

Do you remember the flaming hurricans. We were told they were very strong but to try one as they came in a keepsake glass. Well my friend and I decided we wanted a set of 6! Needless to say we were singing to everybody on the coach back to our hotel!!!

 

[Ann B]

We were there is 1992. I still have my glasses from Rosie O'Gradies good time emporium - would that be from the flaming hurricanes? We had a great evening there, but I didn't enjoy driving home afterwards, as it was my first time in the US and the first time I had driven there in the dark!

We had a nice meal, did a bit of shopping then had a few drinks - good night out!

 

[DISWolves]

Good Morning!

I was just flicking back through some old picture of trips to Orlando in the 90s and remembered we used to visit Church Street Station on every visit. It used to be really busy with shops, restaurants and alot going on. Then it suddenly just became forgotten about

Wayne started a thread a few weeks back, for people to post some pics of days gone by http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2797709
I have some photos of the dancing girls in Rosie's and we still have a couple of glasses. If I remember correctly, we had a ticket where you could move between various bars.
Have you got any pics to share?

 

[Jordanblackpool]

See I dont really remember any of the bars, I was only 7 when I first went in 1993, I just remember being dragged round there. I am curious to see if its got any better than last time I went though

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Unfortunately Church Street ain't what it used to be. The double blow of Pleasure Island and CityWalk pretty much put it out of business. There have been several attempts at starting it back up but the economy has limited that greatly.

At this time Church Street between Orange Avenue and I-4 has a large number of bars, night clubs and several restaurants. It is blocked to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights and can get pretty crowded with a mostly younger crowd. But many CSS venues remain empty storefronts and the large multi-story Church Street Exchange where so many shops used to exist is completely vacant. Amway Center is just on the west side of I-4 and has been a catalyst in getting some of the businesses to open but even that has been limited so far due to the economy.

BobK/Orlando

 

[Jordanblackpool]

Unfortunately Church Street ain't what it used to be. The double blow of Pleasure Island and CityWalk pretty much put it out of business. There have been several attempts at starting it back up but the economy has limited that greatly.

At this time Church Street between Orange Avenue and I-4 has a large number of bars, night clubs and several restaurants. It is blocked to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights and can get pretty crowded with a mostly younger crowd. But many CSS venues remain empty storefronts and the large multi-story Church Street Exchange where so many shops used to exist is completely vacant. Amway Center is just on the west side of I-4 and has been a catalyst in getting some of the businesses to open but even that has been limited so far due to the economy.

BobK/Orlando

Cheers Bob for that, such a shame that the once lively centre is now pretty empty. Although it seems to be a constant theme in Orlando with the power moving to City walk and places like PI and CSS closing down.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

You're welcome. Downtown Disney remains quite popular for shopping and CityWalk definitely has taken over the tourist nightclub business.

How did Blackpool do this past summer?

BobK/Orlando

 

[Jordanblackpool]

You're welcome. Downtown Disney remains quite popular for shopping and CityWalk definitely has taken over the tourist nightclub business.

How did Blackpool do this past summer?

BobK/Orlando

Blackpool is a really strange place at the minute. It has spent alot of money trying to recreate itself. The Tower has had a multi million pound overhaul, including the new Blackpool dungeons and according to local press it has been a success.

The front has also had a redevelopment, alot of the old Blackpool has been destroyed, especially on the beach side. The problem Blackpool has now and is trying to shake is its reputation for stag/hen parties. It gained that reputation and that puts families, pensioners and couples off. I will be interested to see if it can change.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Gee, you say stag/hen parties like it's a bad thing, lol.
I guess if that's the town's reputation then it's going to be difficult to overcome it. Good to hear they're renovating though.

BobK/Orlando

PS-Enjoyed your Blog about visiting Orlando and Las Vegas. I like your insight to things American. For future reference if you visit Orlando again, my clubbing website is at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

 

[Jordanblackpool]

Yeah the stag and hen do's get abit much at times!

This may/may not suprise you, but I am a reader of your blog and its already in my bookmarks, it has been for a while now! I take great interest in the Pleasure Island reports and also enjoy the bits on clubs in Orlando!

I didnt know it was you that wrote them though!

We are coming Orlando in August, so I will be asking your advice on where to go!