So What's Coming to the New Pleasure Island?

[Hathaway Browne]

Surely even if they bought just one or two of the clubs back it would be worthwhile, rather than having the whole place a ghosttown (and business going to the competitor).

I can understand that they may not have anticpated the lack of clients to open news stores when they announced the closure, but refusing to budge has the air of stupidity about it.

But then I guess part of it is saving face by refusung to publicly admit they made a mistake.

I maybe a little biased, but if I was in charge I'm sure the numbers would tell me it makes sense to make use of whats just standing there gathering dust. And I don't mean sticking a balloon sculpter on the steps of the Adventurers Club!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I can understand that they may not have anticipated the lack of clients to open news stores when they announced the closure, but refusing to budge has the air of stupidity about it.

I'm told that when PI employees were transferred or fired, they were promised first crack at jobs if PI reopened. Not a problem for those that transferred elsewhere in the company but definitely a problem for those that were fired and belong to a union. Apparently they would keep their seniority and have to be paid back wages retroactive to the termination date if PI clubs reopened.

Thus, if any clubs are going to reopen, look for that to happen after the 1 year closure anniversary date when Disney is free of obligations on the fired employees.

Is this really true? Don't know. The fact that they're taking private rentals right now on a few clubs does show a desire to liven things up; the fact that they're only offering private rentals now through the end of September matches the 1 year closure anniversary date too. It makes sense that they can't take private bookings for later than the end of September because the clubs might be open again at that point and that could create booking versus club being open conflicts.

BobK/Orlando

 

[MemoToMe]

I think the reason that they're only taking bookings through the end of Sept. has more to do with the fact that the new fiscal year starts on or around Oct. 1 (the same reason they chose to close the island at that time).

 

[angelmav]

With the closure of the Virgin Megastore the decision to shutter the clubs is proving to be even more boneheaded. There is about to be a commercial real estate implosion in this country and Disney wont be immune. Heck, they cant get businesses in to redevelop the place now. This could go on for sometime, and having a empty clubs mirroring empty stores isnt exactly the best way to attract people to DTD. I bet the other businesses that are anchored their are getting a bit antsy at the prospect of losing what remains of their lure to consumers.

 

[DisFlan]

I can't say how much of a mistake Disney made with PI, but I know from watching WDW during downturns in the past (from the late 70's until now) that they're willing to sit on "empty spaces" when times are lean. We may see those empty buildings for quite a while as part of the cost-cutting measures.

And I'm sure the bean counters have calculated exactly what it will cost to let them sit there empty (except for special events) vs what it would cost to operate venues there right now. Very likely, that's why they were closed in the first place. Disney doesn't dump profit-makers.


DisFlan

 

[zulemara]

I can't find the article and if I keep searching google I'm gonna start crying at what I'm reading, but Kevin Lansberry himself said "the clubs are still profitable"

So yes, Disney does close things that are profitable. Furthermore, there were no surveys, it was all a lie.

 

[jfinke]

With the closure of the Virgin Megastore the decision to shutter the clubs is proving to be even more boneheaded. There is about to be a commercial real estate implosion in this country and Disney wont be immune. Heck, they cant get businesses in to redevelop the place now. This could go on for sometime, and having a empty clubs mirroring empty stores isnt exactly the best way to attract people to DTD. I bet the other businesses that are anchored their are getting a bit antsy at the prospect of losing what remains of their lure to consumers.

When did that happen? Is the movie theater going to close soon as well?

We just got back last weekend. I spent zero time at DTD solely because of the closure of PI. None of those stores were going to get a cent from me, even if I wanted Earl of Sandwich.

 

[lugnut33]

I know Raglan Road is not happy with the current situation of Pleasure Island. It's the reason they have cut their hours at night.

 

[angelmav]

When did that happen? Is the movie theater going to close soon as well?

We just got back last weekend. I spent zero time at DTD solely because of the closure of PI. None of those stores were going to get a cent from me, even if I wanted Earl of Sandwich.

Virgin is closing all their US operations. I believe the Orlando store close May 31st, but I read that here, the news just reported the closing.

Yes, Disney did let it slip that the clubs operated at a profit, but that acknowledgment was hedged that it was a small profit and the assumption was they would do better for the bottom line if they were landlords rather than operators. Of course that has turned out to be more difficult than imagined, as they cant seem to draw the tennants or agreements that they thought were in place have fallen through.

The problem for disney is that by losing a Virgin, having empty clubs, they risk losing the other tennants that are their. It also damages the attractiveness to new tennants for what is certainly a premium priced space, and the places operated by Disney suffer from the downturn in traffic. One thing constantly affects another.

Does that mean there will be a revival (the cheapest way for disney to get capitol flowing back to PI/DTD) since nothing major besides staffing has to be done to open the doors? Well have to see, but I think that the Virgin closing is a harbinger that the thinking that led to the shuttering of PI may have to be revisited.

 

[jfinke]

Thanks for the update!

Maybe they can just convert the west side to a club area and let PI be more chain restaurants. Then just lock of the west side so that the dangerous gangs of teenagers can just bother the marketplace. (Yes, I am being snarky.)

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

......let PI be more chain restaurants.

The rumor that the Mannequins/8TRAX building will be turned into a Harley Davidson Cafe is still around. Not sure how to post a picture here but I've posted a photo of the one in Las Vegas on my website at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

BobK/Orlando

 

[Hathaway Browne]

I know Raglan Road is not happy with the current situation of Pleasure Island. It's the reason they have cut their hours at night.

I'd be pretty cheesed off if I were them too.

So there's yet another group affected by the misguided decision to shutter PI.

The rumor that the Mannequins/8TRAX building will be turned into a Harley Davidson Cafe is still around. Not sure how to post a picture here but I've posted a photo of the one in Las Vegas on my website at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

BobK/Orlando

Hmm.. "classy".

I know it'll appeal to some, but its not my kind of thing.

 

[jfinke]

The rumor that the Mannequins/8TRAX building will be turned into a Harley Davidson Cafe is still around. Not sure how to post a picture here but I've posted a photo of the one in Las Vegas on my website at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

BobK/Orlando

Nice... lol...

 

[Luv2Roam]

Planet Hollywood only with different theming?
I am sure it would make many happy. Not a place either of us would care about. I think I would go to TRex first. And have no plans for that either.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Sources say:

One source told me yesterday that CM's were informed in a pre-shift meeting that additional entertainment is coming to PI (and to the Westside) but that none of the PI clubs were reopening.

Another source tells me today that Mannequins and 8TRAX are reopening very soon!

Both sources.......reliable.

Oh druthers!

BobK/Orlando

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Okay, I have hinted at the rumor before, but now I will expand slightly..

The Adventurers Club will re-open in some form.
This comes from a high placed source. That said, they would not say exactly "what form" the club will take on.

A second source not only confirms it will re-open, but they give more detail.
Look for a dinner show type club. The audience will move from room to room as a unit so all shows are viewed. The BET may be converted to extend the space of the Club.

Full blown re-opening penciled for June 2010.

Again, the first source is truly high level but they gave no details.

Of course, until it happens... it's anyone's guess.

MG

 

[zulemara]

hhhmmm.....

Disney Auditions is seeking DJ Hosts for an exciting new night time offering at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, FL. DJ Hosts should have strong interactive skills, high energy and an engaging personality. Full time and part time positions will be available.

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EOE - Drawing Creativity from Diversity - ©Disney

 

[TECHJPM]

I sent an article to syndicate on the tethered balloon idea...

Here is a exerpt...

Don’t shoot the messenger… My opinion is just that… OPINION!

Just found this on the web, and wanted everyone to see it.

This was rumored back @ 4 months ago, but no solid proof. Well, here is the proof. This comes direct from the Aerophile website.

Dear friends,

We are proud to announce you that a new tethered balloon for WALT DISNEY WORLD® RESORT, lifts off next spring.

Downtown Disney® in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., will get its own iconic attraction, in the form of a giant tethered balloon that will take guests 300 feet into the air to view the vistas of Walt Disney World® Resort starting next spring.

The balloon will give visitors keen for thrills the chance to ascend to the skies above Downtown Disney® for a six-minute trip, by day or night. It will give up to 30 guests at a time an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.

The balloon is the newest and largest of the company’s Aero30 model, with a volume of 210,000 cubic feet, a 72-foot diameter, a circumference of 240 feet, and a height of 105 feet. It has a quick 8 points mooring system and a landing platform on the lake designed especially for Downtown Disney®.

With our operation in Disneyland Resort Paris since April 2005 and two systems currently in operation in California (at Great Park in Irvine, and at Wild Animal Park in San Diego), this balloon will be our 2nd operation with Disney and 3rd in the US.

We will be very glad to wellcome you at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Fla., from November 18 to 21 at booth 3033.

While I think this might be nice, there is also a real question… Who brainstormed this? From Downtown Disney what is a person really going to see, and in 6 minutes? In Disney it takes an hour in most cases to get on a ride. 30 people??? Well, I forsee a lot of people fighting to see the same thing.

Can you picture it? Look over there, there is a thing in the woods. Where? Where? Thump, Ooomph, Splat. I don’t see anything. Better call an ambulance, as I think I just accidentally knocked someone out.

Where do they come up with these things? How much is this venture going to cost?

I think that Downtown Disney was left better with the clubs, and such. Maybe they needed to do some work on the area, and clean up some of the policies, but in general the area was great. (Barring the few drunks that is.)

 

[TECHJPM]

I gotta say that it is nice for everyone to get our hopes up with these rumors, but in respect to reliability...
Any executive that knows of something that may be, and finds out in a meeting will not normally tell anyone. Unless they have a unempolyment, and legal wish. We all know how Disney is with their disclosures.

I like how everyone says high up source, or executive, or whatever...

I am a 28 year veteran, and have been there more than most employees, and I could speculate, and guess... BUT I DON'T.

This also pertains to JimHill... His info is usually so far off the map, or may have been an idea. How do you think he makes his money? He writes, and relies on everyone to buy what he is selling.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I gotta say that it is nice for everyone to get our hopes up with these rumors, but in respect to reliability...
Any executive that knows of something that may be, and finds out in a meeting will not normally tell anyone. Unless they have a unempolyment, and legal wish. We all know how Disney is with their disclosures.

I like how everyone says high up source, or executive, or whatever...

I am a 28 year veteran, and have been there more than most employees, and I could speculate, and guess... BUT I DON'T.

This also pertains to JimHill... His info is usually so far off the map, or may have been an idea. How do you think he makes his money? He writes, and relies on everyone to buy what he is selling.

Yup... Agreed. It's all still just a rumor. I am not trying promote this as "fact", but rather a rumor with some strong backing.

That said, the source reliability is unusually high. In addition, the way in which I learned of it also boosts the credibility.

I think one real problem with rumors is that although they may be "fact" at the time, those plans change.

MG