Pleasure Island - Here Today - GONE Soon?

[Jason71]

Friends of ours have also said that they stayed on the Downtown Side and didn't go to the West Side because they didn't want to walk through PI even though they "wanted" to go to the West Side.

Then Disney indirectly did your friends a favor. There are far more "scary" people--and far fewer deputies--on the West Side than on PI itself. They tend to congregate outside AMC, Virgin and, especially if there's a concert, HoB--the West Side would have been more uncomfortable than they imagined! (Assuming, of course, you find sullen teenagers "scary.")

I know people love the AC, and I can respect that. I for one though am really, really looking forward to the changes. When I told DH that the clubs were closing, his response was "Great, maybe we will spend a couple more nights there now."

He's looking forward to visiting empty buildings for the next two years? In all seriousness, if your kids are too young for PI, what makes you think a cigar bar, a Harley shop and an upscale Latin American restaurant with a prominant tequila bar will somehow be better suited for them?

 

[TDC Nala]

That sort of post is generally made by those who have never been inside any PI club, much less AC.

The clubs are age restricted. The dance clubs are 21 and up. People under 18 are not permitted in the comedy clubs without an accompanying adult. Wherever this "atmosphere" is coming from, it isn't the nightclubs.

And now that all of Downtown Disney will be a mall, I can't see why anyone is anticipating that there will be fewer teenagers.

 

[doconeill]

Dammit, this is all about ME. Disney needs to do what I want. Now replace every country in the World Showcase with Adventurer's Clubs NOW!

Seriously, just because there is something you don't like, does NOT mean that everyone doesn't like it and that it should be nuked and turned into Yet Another Disney Store (YADS Syndrome). There are plenty of shops already downtown. Perhaps a restaurant or two more might be useful, but that doesn't mean that the whole Island should be razed.

And for the record, I have two young DDs and am a fan of the AC. I wouldn't bring them to it though - we'd make arrangements (in-laws worked last time) and go when we could, or we'd skip it if we had to. I don't begrudge those without kids in tow to have a place to go. There are plenty of childless kids-at-heart who enjoy Disney as well.

Given some of the attitudes around here, we should close all the kid clubs at the resorts, close the babysitting services...after all, there is no place at Disney that we shouldn't be bringing the kids to.

Oh wait, kids are not PERMITTED at V&A now.

As for West Side, I admit its actually been a while since we've actually gone over there later in the day, as there hasn't been much of interest over there. Disney did a poor job trying to balance the flow of people. But when did it become REQUIRED to get to West Side through PI? Although it is probably a "scarier" walk NOT going through PI...but you could also take the boat, or even hop on the bus to the next stop.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I understand that you want it saved but you have to realize that LOTS and LOTS of families do not. My family hates PI.

Yes, but did you sign the petition?

BobK/Orlando


SIGN THE SAVE PLEASURE ISLAND ON-LINE PETITION:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

 

[jfinke]

Yes, but did you sign the petition?

BobK/Orlando


SIGN THE SAVE PLEASURE ISLAND ON-LINE PETITION:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

 

[zulemara]

I don't understand how people can be so in favor of PI closing. I can't stand the teacups, but that doesn't mean I want them to close it in favor of a rollercoaster! It would be taking away fun for the people who actually enjoy rotating a cart that spins on the ground(you know what I mean)

My point is that even if you don't like PI, there are plenty of outsourced restaurants already. It seems people forget about the college crowd, the convention crowd, and the crowd that likes to dance or enjoy a comedy show that's just a little more grown up than MK. PI offered all these things to those who wanted them. If you don't want them, don't go in them! That's why I stay off the teacups...makes me sick!

It wouldn't even be AS bad if they were putting new Disney restaurants in the space, but they aren't. They're outsourcing...more flippin outsourcing! STOP SUPPORTING IT!

cleaning crews, bell hops, security, bartenders, what's next? I've said it before and I'll say it again, in 10 years I'll be shocked if the "CMs" in MK are actually Disney.

 

[CanadianGuy]

cleaning crews, bell hops, security, bartenders, what's next? I've said it before and I'll say it again, in 10 years I'll be shocked if the "CMs" in MK are actually Disney.

Did I miss the announcements about Security and Bartenders????

 

[DC7800]

in 10 years I'll be shocked if the "CMs" in MK are actually Disney

You're assuming that in ten years the Magic Kingdom will still be Disney...

When it is so much easier to just sell the parks off (for a quick buck - looks good on this fiscal years finances) and collect an ongoing royalty check, I don't think we can take anything for granted anymore.

 

[zulemara]

Did I miss the announcements about Security and Bartenders????

well this is the rumor board and yes I did hear rumors these will be the next to be outsourced.

DC7800 I completely agree.

The other thing I want to throw in about PI is this: Yes, WDW is for guests, but people seem to forget about the CMs. Every single semester, over 5000 college kids from the US plus internation students(for a year) come to WDW to work. They work long hours, deal with stupid questions, icky weather conditions, and still keep a smile on their face(most of them anyway). For people like me, that smile came because when I time off, I knew I had a place to go to have fun, relax, and yes even party a little bit. The "Dynamic transportation that isn't" meant at the very least no driving or relying on other people to get to PI and free admission mon and thurs meant it was cheap entertainment as well. Taking this away means there will be plenty of CMs left looking for other venues for fun.

I'm not meaning to say that Disney should only think about the CMs, but little things like PI to a college program participant can go a long way towards happiness. Now it's gonna be gone and there will be a lot of CPs upset about it.

 

[djlexus]

im going to have to agree with zulemar. Its one thing to close the clubs and replace them with disney stuff its another to replace it with out sourced stuff. The stuff that disney runs is what makes Disney. If they put in a chain resturant then why go if u can go to it somewhere else that makes no sense. Disney is losing its exclusiveness. Its almost to the point I don't wanna go yes i know thats a little harsh but its getting to the point that the stuff at Disney is becoming no better then off property stuff or even stuff in a big city. I also want to let u guys know that the lights in mannequins are still intact the huge lightwall is still there. I really think disney is at a stand still I really think alot of conventions are backing out and going to CityWalk. I heard ppl at Pi talking bout it when I was there.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

There's a radio station in Orlando that gives out bumper stickers that refer to their inspirational/religious music format as "Safe For the Little Ears". It's those people that have hated PI all along because dancing and alcohol are the work of the devil. Since it seems half the cars in Orlando have that sticker on the back, there must be a lot of people excited about the closing. Now if only the Mouse would do something about all those gay people!

BobK/Orlando

SIGN THE SAVE PLEASURE ISLAND ON-LINE PETITION:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SAVEPI/petition.html

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think more and more is being outsourced. And I expect that trend to continue.
It was even maybe just a few years ago when a rumor/news was about even the hairdressers at GF being outsourced. (Those who come to rooms, to do hair for the wedding parties as example.)
I heard recent about another area being outsourced, that most would not know about.
Some of it makes sense, esp when they need help in other areas. Those CMs can be transferred, or transfer themselves. Some outsourcing just does not make sense, to me. But I expect it one day to be more announced. Not that I have heard any definite rumors. I would just not be surprised if that day came.
Agree that DTD is just turning into one big outdoor shopping area that really does not seem much different or better than any other one you can find in most any city of any size. (Oh boy, a big balloon you can also find elsewhere. And with our weather won't be up half the time most likely anyway. Like there is anything to see in the air above DTD. If you really want to see it, use google earth for free. )
I know the DTD will not miss our $. But I really see no reason beyond PI to go to DTD. What there is really special, other than the specific Cirque show?
I certainly would have no interest in a build a bear or Hanes t shirt store. Nothing against those who do. But what is really the novelty?
As others have mentioned, taking away the clubs is one thing. We would be disappointed, unless they were really being replaced with something better. Instead it's so far just seems to be making that area more empty or mundane. But I guess time will tell. I hope us club hoppers are proven wrong.
And also there are rides and attractions I care nothing about. I certainly would not wring my hands in glee if they were removed and were other's favorites.
That is what Disney has going for it -- something for everyone. Although this move is just placing more limitations and going away from that. And I cannot see how removing clubs in PI is helping make a cigar and motorcycle shop more family oriented. Call me funny that way. What's next -- a piercing store to make the little ones more pirate-esque?

 

[sassytink03]

Just thought I would bring this up...when I was at PI last weekend, my mom and I decided that we would get there early and people watch. First we walked around the WS and noticed that less than 10% of the people actually had bags in their hands. Most of the people seemed to be buying stuff from the candy store, but other than that...nothing.

Then we sat at the tables outside Comedy Warehouse for a while. Again, we noticed a lot of people walking through, but hardly any of them holding bags. It goes to prove my point that Disney doesn't need anymore retail shops. I have been into the fancy artsy shops in WS many many times and never have I seen anyone purchase anything. The marketplace is another story and I think because the merchandise over there is Disney. We don't need a mall!

I understand adding a couple more restaurants, but maybe if Disney exec would go out there and watch like we did, they would see what we saw. Lots of people not as much merchandise being purchased.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Well, for whatever reason almost any store of any kind was removed from PI long ago and never replaced. So other than drinks, a pizza stand, cigars or motorcycle stuff there hasn't been anything to buy on PI, even for a shopaholic. Now they have a surf store. But even that has not been there long.
Hard to sell items when there are no stores.
We could never figure out why the clubs did not sell more food than they did. Nothing at all at AC food-wise. Not even a bag of Mickey pretzels.
CW guests can only buy popcorn. (whoppee)
Lost revenue market opportunities to prove PI doesn't make $.

 

[sassytink03]

Yeah I know there is nothing really in PI to buy. My point was that all the people at the WS didn't really seem to be buying anything either. My guess is that because most of the tourist that come to Disney, come to buy Disney merchandise, not expensive art or magic tricks. I don't understand Disney's thinking with adding more nonDisney stores. Add an AC shop and some other shops that sell club merchandise like they used to and people will buy!

 

[CanadianGuy]

Yeah I know there is nothing really in PI to buy. My point was that all the people at the WS didn't really seem to be buying anything either. My guess is that because most of the tourist that come to Disney, come to buy Disney merchandise, not expensive art or magic tricks. I don't understand Disney's thinking with adding more nonDisney stores. Add an AC shop and some other shops that sell club merchandise like they used to and people will buy!

Dont' forget that lazy guests like me would have the packages sent back to my resort vs. carrying them around.

 

[Jason71]

Yeah I know there is nothing really in PI to buy. My point was that all the people at the WS didn't really seem to be buying anything either. My guess is that because most of the tourist that come to Disney, come to buy Disney merchandise, not expensive art or magic tricks. I don't understand Disney's thinking with adding more nonDisney stores. Add an AC shop and some other shops that sell club merchandise like they used to and people will buy!

I've actually been thinking the same thing on recent walks through DTD (closed parking lots=lots of extra time on West Side). People aimlessly walking from one end to the other, not even walking into any shops.

WDW seems to think people go to DTD for "shopping and dining," but it seems to me most are there because it's about the only thing left to do on property for FREE. I think a lot of guests are trying to offset the cost of staying on property by going a day or two without park tickets--but if you spend all day at the resort pool, there's not a lot left to do. (Yes, I know about the campfires and movies and what-not, because I'm a DISer, but it's not like WDW advertises these things to the general public very well.) As evidence of this, look at how slammed the quick-service places are (Earl, McDs) compared to, say, Portofino or HoB. Basically. the crowds at DTD are more a byproduct of WDW's overpriced nature than the inherent attractiveness of the stores/restaurants themselves.

 

[sassytink03]

Doesn't Disney look at this stuff? I mean if we, as park guests, can notice this type of thing, then why can't they? I realize that some of the guests may implement the room delivery of merchandise, but I don't think that justifies the lack of bags being carried around DTD.

So now we are going to wait for two years to get some more "shopping" experiences. Just a bunch of stores that people walk into, look around, and walk back out again. Again, I welcome a couple of new restaurants, but leave our AC alone!!!

 

[raidermatt]

Doesn't Disney look at this stuff? I mean if we, as park guests, can notice this type of thing, then why can't they? I realize that some of the guests may implement the room delivery of merchandise, but I don't think that justifies the lack of bags being carried around DTD.

So now we are going to wait for two years to get some more "shopping" experiences. Just a bunch of stores that people walk into, look around, and walk back out again. Again, I welcome a couple of new restaurants, but leave our AC alone!!!

Disney long ago started moving away from offering unique merchandise in different locations. Instead most shops carry items that can be found in multiple locations.

It's been a complaint from some of us for quite awhile, but it continues to fall on deaf ears.

So there is no way they are going to open up a bunch of shops at DTD that offer more unique merchandise.

On top of that, Disney has also been moving towards leasing (or even selling) their land/space/name as opposed to operating the establishments and services themselves. Flamingo Crossings, The Four Seasons, The West Side, Yak and Yeti, valets, and even the overseas parks are all examples of this. Yes, there was always a component of this within Disney, but it's becoming much more prevalent today.

It appears that this is also the direction that most or all of Pleasure Island will move in. It should not be a surprise.

It's easier and less risky to charge somebody else rent than to create something yourself.

Whether this trend continues or not will depend on what we as guests choose to support with our pocketbooks. Unfortunately, many of the moves are not easily reversable.

 

[Detailor]

Doesn't Disney look at this stuff? I mean if we, as park guests, can notice this type of thing, then why can't they? I realize that some of the guests may implement the room delivery of merchandise, but I don't think that justifies the lack of bags being carried around DTD.

So now we are going to wait for two years to get some more "shopping" experiences. Just a bunch of stores that people walk into, look around, and walk back out again. Again, I welcome a couple of new restaurants, but leave our AC alone!!!

This isn't really a problem for Disney, though. Think about it. Disney makes no investment for merchandise (that's a savings for the company) and they have a predictable income stream from the presumably long-term leases that the third parties will pay for those locations. Disney won't care if one dollar is spent in those stores and still come out ahead financially. All the while I'd bet that they're developing a waiting list for potential new tenants. Disney, after all, isn't in it for the ultimate happiness of their guests. They're much more interested in satisfying the stockholders.

Dick Taylor