Hyperion Wharf delayed indefinitely

[crazy4wdw]

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Disney's Pleasure Island makeover stalls

By Jason Garcia, Orlando Sentinel

3:57 p.m. EDT, July 12, 2011

Walt Disney World's slow-moving makeover of Pleasure Island has stalled again.

The giant resort said Tuesday that construction of "Hyperion Wharf" — a dockside-themed shopping and dining area that was to replace Pleasure Island and its long-shuttered night clubs — has been delayed indefinitely as it reevaluates plans for the site.

The move comes barely half a year after Disney unveiled the Hyperion Wharf concept. The resort recently demolished some of Pleasure Island's clubs, all of which have been closed since 2008.

Disney didn't provide a new timetable for the project. It had previously said an amphitheater-style park would be ready by this summer and that the entire Hyperion Wharf project would be completed by early 2013.

Asked if Hyperion Wharf would still be built at some point, Disney World spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez said only "We don't have anything specific to share today, but we look forward to sharing more details in the future."

Though it acknowledged Hyperion Wharf has been delayed, Disney also said Tuesday that it would make some additions elsewhere in its Downtown Disney retail complex. The most notable will be "Splitsville," a 50,000-square-foot bowling alley and entertainment venue that will also include billiards, dining and music.

Disney said construction of the so-called "upscale entertainment center" will begin this fall. It will replace retailer Ridemakerz, which is currently housed in the former Virgin Megastore building in the West Side section of Downtown Disney. Ridemakerz will move to a smaller location in Downtown Disney's Marketplace section.

In addition, Disney said a fashion store dubbed "Apricot Lane Boutique" will open later this summer in store front on Pleasure Island that had previously been occupied by Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle-seller recently moved into a bigger location in Downtown Disney's West Side.

jrgarcia@tribune.com or 407-420-5414

 

[ASteelersMidget]

That's Fine. The Hyperion Wharf concept was Awful. Lets see what they decide on this time.

 

[ChrisFL]

That's Fine. The Hyperion Wharf concept was Awful. Lets see what they decide on this time.

Decide? What makes you think they're actually going to decide on something?

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

I think a Disney Super Wal Mart would please the majority of the current WDW target demographic.

 

[nytimez]

I think a Disney Super Wal Mart would please the majority of the current WDW target demographic.

You think they'll aim that high?

 

[Micca]

Anybody know how business was at the PI shops before 9/11? I was only there in the daytime and traffic was very light. Just wondering how the shops did duringprime club time?

 

[KYMickey]

Anybody know how business was at the PI shops before 9/11? I was only there in the daytime and traffic was very light. Just wondering how the shops did duringprime club time?

They were crowded almost all the time! Many of them had waiting lines outside.

 

[Oglet]

Sometimes even Disney look back and think how bad their ideas really are. I wonder how long until they decide to do something different with the new horror book circus area at MK.

 

[nytimez]

Sometimes even Disney look back and think how bad their ideas really are. I wonder how long until they decide to do something different with the new horror book circus area at MK.

The problem is Dumbo -- by moving Dumbo there, they are firmly committing to this terrible idea. They won't be able to move it back, and they won't be able to shut it down.

When there's no wait for Dumbo they'll say "see? we added a second Dumbo and now people don't have to wait." But I'll bet anything once the FLE/Circus concept dies down the overall Dumbo ridership numbers will be down dramatically.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

You think they'll aim that high?

No...the quality of the products at a walmart is too high for WDW giftshops...

And sadly, i'm not sure i'm joking.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I'm not sure of what it means for Hyperion Wharf to be "delayed indefinitely."

When Hyperion Wharf was announced, some Disney fans reacted as if it would be a fabulous new attraction. But that was never the plan.

Hyperion Wharf is essentially a rebranding of Pleasure Island. After all, Pleasure Island, as originally conceived, is dead. Hyperion Wharf can be a little as new signs plastered over the old Pleasure Island signs and a small stage and seating area where part of Pleasure Island has been demolished.

I'm sure Disney wants Hyperion Wharf to be more than that. I'm sure they want the grand opening of Hyperion Wharf to include the grand openings of new restaurants and shops in currently vacant spaces, along with new shop facades paid for by the lessees.

The timing of when Pleasure Island officially becomes Hyperion Wharf will depend on whether it's more important for Disney to bury the embarrassment of the defunct Pleasure Island or to wait until Hyperion Wharf has enough lessees not come across as a new embarrassment.

 

[Disco]

The real reason behind this is that they were probably unable to fill the new retail/eatery spaces Hyperion Warf would have created. Disney is having a tough time keeping what they have now full.
Companies are not looking for high rent spots these days. If Disney wants to fill this area they're going to need to put in an attraction or wait for better days.
I think the new Bowling Alley is a good idea though. At least it will bring more than just shoppers to the area. Maybe an ice or roller skating arena now and an awsome indoor miniature golf course?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

The real reason behind this is that they were probably unable to fill the new retail/eatery spaces Hyperion Warf would have created . . .

1) Disney always thinks "If we build it they will come."
2) But, in the past 20-years, it has been wrong.
. . . Disney Paris
. . . Studios at Disney Paris
. . . Hong Kong Disney
. . . Animal Kingdom
. . . Pleasure Island
. . . California Adventure
. . . Sale of Disney Stores
. . . Repurchase of Disney Stores
. . . Redesign of Disney Stores
. . . Re-concept of Disney Stores
3) Imagineering has been cut back so much, it doesn't exist.
4) At least the clever ideas and attractions aren't coming out.
5) Then, they decide to build Hyperion.
6) Then, they decide not to build Hyperion.

 

[ChrisFL]

1) Disney always thinks "If we build it they will come."
2) But, in the past 20-years, it has been wrong.
. . . Disney Paris
. . . Studios at Disney Paris
. . . Hong Kong Disney
. . . Animal Kingdom
. . . Pleasure Island
. . . California Adventure
. . . Sale of Disney Stores
. . . Repurchase of Disney Stores
. . . Redesign of Disney Stores
. . . Re-concept of Disney Stores
3) Imagineering has been cut back so much, it doesn't exist.
4) At least the clever ideas and attractions aren't coming out.
5) Then, they decide to build Hyperion.
6) Then, they decide not to build Hyperion.

The one exception is the one Disney didn't pay for...Tokyo DisneySea. Amazing what a real budget and letting the Imagineers do what they do best, can accomplish.

I think they get 13-14 million visitors a year on average.

 

[Dznefreek]

The one exception is the one Disney didn't pay for...Tokyo DisneySea. Amazing what a real budget and letting the Imagineers do what they do best, can accomplish.

I think they get 13-14 million visitors a year on average.

I agree TDS shows what they can do with "other peoples money". . .