No more live music outside at PI

[cityofweasels]

Just saw this on another board I frequent, and thought I'd pass it along. If true, I have no words for what a terrible decision I think it is...

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Starting in September PI is getting rid of the live bands at the West End Stage (WES). Yet another way PI is trying to "save a buck". According to the schedule there will ONLY be live music in the Rock & Roll Beach Club and the Jazz club.

 

[mikeymars]

I will be writing all of these sources to indicate my HUGE discontent with this very poor decision. The West End stage shows are the foundation for the entire evening environment at PI. With nothing going on there, what on earth does Disney think PI is going to feel like? For an analogy, try thinking about what the MK would feel like if the Castle was removed.

 

[Chuck S]

Let me see, September, a historically slow period for WDW attendance. Could it possibly be that the stage is going down for some sort of rehab, like a new sound system or something? Or maybe September/October crowds are so light that live outside entertainment really isn't practical?

 

[OnWithTheShow]

There hasnt been any shows on the other stage for several years. The one that used to host the PI dancers.

 

[cityofweasels]

Originally posted by OnWithTheShow
There hasnt been any shows on the other stage for several years. The one that used to host the PI dancers.

I think the Buccanneer cheerleaders showed up there recently, but nothing regular. Actually, I think PI entertainment has been declining for four or five years: the Explosion dancers, no more confetti, less live music... bah. It's on the verge of becoming yet another strip of bars.

 

[Donald's#1Fan]

So with no live music does that also mean no fireworks? Just curious as this has been a major selling point for the new DVC Saratoga Springs Resort that they have a fireworks viewing pavillion at the resort.

 

[PoohPooh]

This is only a 6 week test for the WES as PI will try to get more guests in the clubs with the new lower priced ticket $16. As a result of the bands being gone for the test, the RRBC will have bands 7 nights a week versus the current 5 nights. The nightly NYE/Fireworks show will stay and the "Hub" stage will continue to host special events.

 

[manning]

Just curious as this has been a major selling point for the new DVC Saratoga Springs Resort that they have a fireworks viewing pavillion at the resort.

They are using a two minute show as a selling point?

 

[airlarry!]

My understanding is the WES is going down for a rehab. Hopefully, the rehab will not be permanent.

 

[Geyser Gazer]

The PI fireworks extravaganza lasts 34 seconds.

 

[manning]

The PI fireworks extravaganza lasts 34 seconds.

It may turn out to be two minutes. The 34 seconds at PI and the balance in the viewers head when they find out the truth.

 

[BriarRosie]

Originally posted by Geyser Gazer
The PI fireworks extravaganza lasts 34 seconds.

"You don't want to go out there to see the 'firework'. It's a
one-armed man waving a flashlight and a rabid dog holding
a sparkler in its mouth."
-- Otis T. Wren, Adventurers Club

I nearly died laughing at that description!

 

[Planogirl]

Do they still shoot out the confetti? Pre-child, one of the funniest things about Pleasure Island was watching a tipsy friend continually weed confetti out of his drink.

 

[SundancePass]

I am so sorry to hear this! PI was *such* a fun place a number of years ago. Even if the live music is gone for a few weeks, I think the number of folks who pay to go to PI will decline a bunch!

Judy

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Originally posted by SundancePass
I am so sorry to hear this! PI was *such* a fun place a number of years ago. Even if the live music is gone for a few weeks, I think the number of folks who pay to go to PI will decline a bunch!

Judy

Well, lately, there has not been a cover charge for PI and it's been more crowded than ever.

 

[PoohPooh]

There is no longer a cover charge to walk thru PI, and a new lower price of $16 to go into all 8 clubs. FYI, the real New Years Eve entertainment lineup will be Cheap Trick, Tone Loc, and Kurtis Blow (ooooooooh, ahhhhhhhhh)!!! And that one will cost around $80.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

I am a frequent attenter to the clubs in Orlando. We usually go to the clubs at City Walk than PI due to we can get in free with are annual pass. We can park for free. If you only wanted to go into one club at CW you dont have to pay for entry into all of them. IF you go down to Orange Blossom Trail there are several of the clubs with lines down the street to get in.

I think if disney changed there price for one and allowed pass holder members entry they will see more of a attendance. People dont go to PI to shop at 11 pm they go to party. So so what if I get in free to PI, I still have to pay my $32 for me and dw to get in plus are drinks. So your talking easly $100 night compared to $40-50 night at City Walk.

Doug

 

[Lebjwb]

Just a thought here. Perhaps there is an issue (or a perceived issue) with noise complaints regarding the outdoor bands from the newly opened SSR? I really don't know. Any ideas on this?

 

[DukeStreetKing]

I was at SSR last weekend. I was standing near the railing on the sidewalk, across the lake from the West End Stage and while I could hear some of the music, I couldn't make out all the words that the singer was singing, so I don't think noise should be a problem.

 

[Coach Rick]

When we were at PI last week I definately didn't like it as much as I have in the past. IMO, removing the entrance fee opened the place up to those looking to pick up dates, and general rif raf. At least that's what we observed. It has lost it's charm. I am not a big drinker, but when ever we go there I look forward to having a frozen Pina Colada, and I went to at least 3 establishiments, and 4 outdoor bars before I found one that had a blender that worked. Maybe they have over worked the blenders now that there is no entrance fee. Now we will only go there because my kids have a tradition of making a music video every trip to WDW. But we will not stick around as we had in the past. I just felt uncomfortable.