So What's Coming to the New Pleasure Island?

[noreinsguy]

Saw this story on facebook…

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Downtown_Disney_overhaul_officially_announced.htm

"Disney has officially confirmed the rumors of an overhaul coming to Downtown Disney in Orlando. According to the story released by the Disney Parks Blog, the information we put up last week was fairly accurate. The area will be renamed Disney Springs and will consist of several different neighborhoods, featuring more than 150 stores, restaurants and entertainment locations. The neighborhoods will be named The Town Center, The Landing, The West Side, and The Marketplace. Each neighborhood will have a distinct feel, with the current West Side and Marketplace basically retaining their current layouts."


Any more info?

 

[doconeill]

Saw this story on facebook…

http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Downtown_Disney_overhaul_officially_announced.htm

"Disney has officially confirmed the rumors of an overhaul coming to Downtown Disney in Orlando. According to the story released by the Disney Parks Blog, the information we put up last week was fairly accurate. The area will be renamed Disney Springs and will consist of several different neighborhoods, featuring more than 150 stores, restaurants and entertainment locations. The neighborhoods will be named The Town Center, The Landing, The West Side, and The Marketplace. Each neighborhood will have a distinct feel, with the current West Side and Marketplace basically retaining their current layouts."


Any more info?

Nothing new in the official announcement, other than construction starts next month and it won't be done until 2016.

No names were mentioned at all, which brings back into question the logo board, unless that was an internal-only thing and nothing on it was confirmed.

 

[skier_pete]

So when does this thread change names to "What's coming to The Landing?"

That name just reeks of "dining and entertainment", doesn't it.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I posted an article several weeks ago about Pollo Campero leaving. Someone else noticed that it's current building is not on the leaked plans. Of course, it might just be moving, not leaving.

Yes, a number of "placeholder" names on that board. You have to remember that that logo board is not a final listing and we don't know who will actually be in the final cut. But I do think it's likely pretty accurate though.

DisneyBurger could be good, if they don't because of the One Disney concept use the same burgers they use in the parks!

BobK?/Orlando

~Unfortunately, the rumors about Shake Shack coming to Disney are not true. ~Downtown Disney Overhaul~ But, as with anything -- that could soon change.

~Anyway, I was expecting maybe 20 new stores not 150 -- that's pretty impressive for DTD! I wonder if Disney is hoping to capitalize on the South American tour groups who leave the resort to spend billions at the shopping malls and outlets -- this could definitely help to keep them from going offsite to shop.

 

[doconeill]

~Anyway, I was expecting maybe 20 new stores not 150 -- that's pretty impressive for DTD! I wonder if Disney is hoping to capitalize on the South American tour groups who leave the resort to spend billions at the shopping malls and outlets -- this could definitely help to keep them from going offsite to shop.

I don't think they said there would be 150 new stores - I think that's total.

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I don't think they said there would be 150 new stores - I think that's total.

**sigh** ~You're right again, Doc. The article reads that the stores will double by 150 more outlets. So I guess that translates to an additional 75 stores, not bad, plus the new bus depot, boat & bridge!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

~Unfortunately, the rumors about Shake Shack coming to Disney are not true. But, as with anything -- that could soon change.

Well we just don't know about Shake Shack. Though based in New York, they do have a location in Miami Beach. So putting another one in Orlando is not that farfetched. And I wouldn't expect them to acknowledge it now even if it's true. So we'll just have to wait.

BobK/Orlando

 

[doconeill]

Well we just don't know about Shake Shack. Though based in New York, they do have a location in Miami Beach. So putting another one in Orlando is not that farfetched. And I wouldn't expect them to acknowledge it now even if it's true. So we'll just have to wait.

BobK/Orlando

Ricky Brigante, who I guess now writes for FoxNews.com, mentioned in an article today about the logo board, and that a number of the companies mentioned denied engaging with Disney about it at this point.

In one case, they did say they talked with Disney - several years ago.

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/03/18/walt-disney-world-makes-way-for-makeover/

Now, of course these could be "official denials" that don't mean anything, but it seems like the logo board may have been more of wishful thinking...you wouldn't publicize - or even make - that board without getting commitments.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Now, of course these could be "official denials" that don't mean anything...

That's what I think. There are some names on those boards that seem unlikely to have been placed on there randomly, without something more tangible in the works. If the purpose of such a board is to get other vendors interested in signing-on, I don't see how they can put up real company names and tell those vendors to ignore the logos you see, they're just there for fun!

BobK/Orlando

 

[nuts]

That's what I think. There are some names on those boards that seem unlikely to have been placed on there randomly, without something more tangible in the works. If the purpose of such a board is to get other vendors interested in signing-on, I don't see how they can put up real company names and tell those vendors to ignore the logos you see, they're just there for fun!

BobK/Orlando

There would also be legal issues.

 

[doconeill]

Note that these boards do not seem to have been publicly presented - not even sure if they were presented to the CMs or not, but they could have been presented in the form of "New vendors such as these could potentially..." and actually as no bearing on reality, so I think that's where we need to dump those boards for now - in the "wishful thinking" bin.

 

[Lewisc]

That's what I think. There are some names on those boards that seem unlikely to have been placed on there randomly, without something more tangible in the works. If the purpose of such a board is to get other vendors interested in signing-on, I don't see how they can put up real company names and tell those vendors to ignore the logos you see, they're just there for fun!

BobK/Orlando

We already know the board wasn't for the public. Could the board have prepared for Disney by a company to show the kinds of stores they would attract to DTD if the company was allowed to manage DTD? Simon Property Group (the mall company) runs the Forum Shops at Caesars. It's possible Disney is getting proposals from one or more companies who will have a role in managing the property. Instead of finding 75 new stores, negotiating with the stores etc Disney could negotiate and sign one company. A company which already has contacts and experience in the field. A company which would take care of the details.

Steak Shack already has 3 locations in Florida. Not a reach to think they might be looking to add a location in the Orlando area. I wouldn't expect any of the companies would comment until they had a signed lease and a projected opening date. Announce a new location in DTD then negotiate rent with Disney. Not a very good negotiating position.

edited to add--Restaurants will have to decide how to deal with the Disney Dining Plan.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

It's possible Disney is getting proposals from one or more companies who will have a role in managing the property. Instead of finding 75 new companies, negotiating with the companies etc Disney could negotiate and sign one company. A company which already has contacts and experience in the field. A company which would take care of the details.

That does make sense.

BobK/Orlando

 

[Lewisc]

People talk about the reasons for the demise of PI. When PI first opened the drinking age was 18 then 19 then 21. Disney can't really cater to the "fake ID"/honor system crowd.

You lost your customer base. The college crowd are the customers who would go to clubs from park closing to last call.

PP are right. Clubs need to be "refreshed".

 

[Trish.Glenn]

People talk about the reasons for the demise of PI. When PI first opened the drinking age was 18 then 19 then 21. Disney can't really cater to the "fake ID"/honor system crowd.

You lost your customer base. The college crowd are the customers who would go to clubs from park closing to last call.

PP are right. Clubs need to be "refreshed".

Pleasure Island opened in 1989 and the drinking age in Florida was 21. It had been changed to 21 in 1986. I think you have your facts wrong.
PI was really popular with locals for a while maybe too popular! I don't think Disney could ever find the right balance for there family friendly image.

 

[Lewisc]

I was wrong. I thought PI opened earlier then 1989. I don't know about PI but increased enforcement of the drinking age became an issue for a lot of clubs.

 

[zulemara]

I was wrong. I thought PI opened earlier then 1989. I don't know about PI but increased enforcement of the drinking age became an issue for a lot of clubs.

No, the poor planning of the West side was the issue for the clubs. The policies around 18 year olds were not that difficult. Bathroom checks were done and all soda had to be in certain glasses. It's the same enforcement used at EPCOT and doesn't seem to be an issue(if anything, the 21+ are the issue)

 

[MATTinNH]

Yes zulemara,that was my understanding too. The West Side was failing, and they tried to pull traffic through by removing the ticketing, then changing the venues around, it worked very slightly for increase for West side traffic , but all the changes killed PI. PI was fine as it was, it worked and it was profittable, but they killed it by leveraging its draw too much, and when it finally hit its point of no return City Walk was now drawing a bigger crowd. I dont think we need lots of clubs or want to compete with City Walk, but I think if they have just enough highly themed interesting bars/clubs it will help. Trader Joes/ AC or something similar too it, maybe on a slightly larger scale.

We shall see soon enough.

 

[skier_pete]

. Trader Joes/ AC or something similar too it, maybe on a slightly larger scale.

I really have no interest in Trader Joes at DTD. I can get all the organic produce I want at home.

Seriously, how are we all acronyming Disney Springs. DS is already "Disney Son" right? I vote DSp!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

I really have no interest in Trader Joes at DTD. I can get all the organic produce I want at home.

Seriously, how are we all acronyming Disney Springs. DS is already "Disney Son" right? I vote DSp!

~Wow! I didn't hear about Trader Joes, I think it's a great idea. I wonder if Disney is trying to appeal to the "Garden Grocer" market! But, I'm with you, I don't do any grocery shopping on vacation, but it's a very nice option for others! As for the name, *anything* is better than Disney Springs!!!