ESPN Zone Closing?

[DEA]

Hey all. I just heard the news up here in NOVA that most of the ESPN Zone restaurants are closing, and that the only ones staying open will be in LA and Anaheim.

Has anyone heard anything about what's going in on the Boardwalk at WDW?

 

[A_Princess'_Daddy]

I don't know the answer, but I'd be surprised simply because there was always a line out the door when we were there a couple weeks ago (stayed at BWV and walked by ESPN several times a day).

We never ate there, but it looked crazy busy. Maybe just people nursing beers and watching the game driving down check averages?

 

[cw21726]

The DD location will remain open. They're only closing non-Disney property locations.

 

[DEA]

I said the same thing to my wife: "But they're CRAZY busy on the Boardwalk."

The press release I saw didn't mention the Boardwalk location either way, now that I reread it, but if they're only keeping open the two in CA, it doesn't sounds good for the WDW location. I wouldn't mind seeing something new there, though.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jA-9DQ6KacJocEhKZDuMxqw_eOpwD9G7TRRO0

 

[colinsdad]

Most Planet Hollywood locations closed too, but the one at DTD has stayed open. The same can be said for the All-Star Cafe.

I doubt that Disney, which owns ESPN, would close a Disney branded product restaurant on-property, in an area that needs a sports bar. Not to mention all the exposure that location gets (ESPN-The Weekend) and merchandising.

I FORGOT TO ADD: THE ONE IN DISNEY IS NOT AN ESPN ZONE. ITS THE "ESPN CLUB".

 

[DEA]

Most Planet Hollywood locations closed too, but the one at DTD has stayed open. The same can be said for the All-Star Cafe.

I doubt that Disney, which owns ESPN, would close a Disney branded product restaurant on-property, in an area that needs a sports bar. Not to mention all the exposure that location gets (ESPN-The Weekend) and merchandising.

I FORGOT TO ADD: THE ONE IN DISNEY IS NOT AN ESPN ZONE. ITS THE "ESPN CLUB".

Aha. An important distinction. i had not realized the name was different. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Hopefully]

Yes it is an ESPN Club not an ESPN Zone and there is a difference in the two. But the radio news story I heard specifically said that the WDW locations were remaining open
HTH

 

[TDC Nala]

Another news story this morning said Disney was closing the Zones to avoid paying expensive rent on locations in large cities, which doesn't apply to the restaurants on Disney property (besides the fact that the Orlando restaurant is not an ESPN Zone)