Resort Thread Walt Disney World SWAN, DOLPHIN & SWAN RESERVE Resorts

[SteveH]

As an update regarding the former Picabu space, we visited the resort this last weekend and it appears that they are converting it to an arcade/bowling alley. The sign suggested that it's going to be called "Lagoon." I suspect it will do very well.

That's a signification change, but Picabu always felt like it was in a dark basement with lots of lights and bright colors to try to offset that. I'll be curious to see if this is more adult focused or family focused. This could be a good draw for convention goers that are not there for Disney, and I can see it being popular with kids too... if it's done right for both audiences.

I agree I would prefer to see another food outlet. I am surprised they would want to gut that entire kitchen to put this in. That has to come at a pretty high cost.

I'm not really suprised, things like this have a lifespan, equipment was probably fully depreciated too. I think many of us had seen Picabu decline from where it was a few years before Covid. I think this change could be positive and perhaps lead to an update/change with Garden Grove as it seems, like Picabu, having been left in the the past. The space is large enough and with some good windows which makes it welcoming. Extending the hours and maybe taking some hints from the Picabu menu.

Edit to add they already have info on their website: Lagoon, Games, Lanes & Eats

 

[snappy]

We only ate at Picabu a few times at breakfast, but it always seemed fairly empty.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Edit to add they already have info on their website: Lagoon, Games, Lanes & Eats

Meals available, so some level of dining, probably limited menu.

 

[Karalee402]

Meals available, so some level of dining, probably limited menu.

Okay, this looks like it could be pretty great. Especially if there's some good, even if limited, food options. Excited to see it hopefully soon!

 

[SteveH]

I'm curious to see how it looks in real life, it looks pretty tight, but if they use the space right it could really work. Seems like a mini-Splittsville. Some food will help, and curious if they will serve adult drinks.

Oddly, no mention on their Facebook page about the closure of Picabu or the future of Lagoon.

 

[Dan Murphy]

curious if they will serve adult drinks.

The 'refreshing drinks' statement on the website indicates, to me, that adult drinks would be available. That's where big profits are. If only soft drinks available, I don't think would be a mention of refreshing drinks.

 

[SteveH]

@Dan Murphy good catch, that didn't hit me when I read it over. I'm sure they know their demographic pretty good.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Looks kind of neat to have a few bowling lanes there. Kind of an original idea?

 

[SteveH]

@Dan Murphy I think it's a very smart idea, especially with their expansion of their convention center it makes sense to have non-bar type activities. The small bowling make sense from a cost perspective I've started to see some of these small lane setups work well in the rec industry. I am just amazed that are not promoting it more.

 

[hedberg1661]

That's a signification change, but Picabu always felt like it was in a dark basement with lots of lights and bright colors to try to offset that. I'll be curious to see if this is more adult focused or family focused. This could be a good draw for convention goers that are not there for Disney, and I can see it being popular with kids too... if it's done right for both audiences.

I'm not really suprised, things like this have a lifespan, equipment was probably fully depreciated too. I think many of us had seen Picabu decline from where it was a few years before Covid. I think this change could be positive and perhaps lead to an update/change with Garden Grove as it seems, like Picabu, having been left in the the past. The space is large enough and with some good windows which makes it welcoming. Extending the hours and maybe taking some hints from the Picabu menu.

Edit to add they already have info on their website: Lagoon, Games, Lanes & Eats

Oh I agree Picabu was well past it's prime. Same with Garden Grove (great space...needs some love and a retheme).

If I know the Swalphin I can't imagine they wouldn't serve alcoholic drinks at the new venue. That's a huge money maker for them. Plus, I agree if done properly this could be a great venue to rent out for convention folks...and they sure do love those expense accounts!

 

[patty57]

Looks kind of neat to have a few bowling lanes there. Kind of an original idea?

Bowling and adult beverages. Could be dangerous.

 

[Karalee402]

Bowling and adult beverages. Could be dangerous.

It'll make me spend too much time at the froyo station in Fuel, I know that much.

 

[Tess]

Meals available, so some level of dining, probably limited menu.

Could we get lucky enough for it to have take out pizza--Picabu used to be our go to in the area to grab an evening pizza snack. It wasn't fantastic, but always better than anything offered at the BW pizza window.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Could we get lucky enough for it to have take out pizza--Picabu used to be our go to in the area to grab an evening pizza snack. It wasn't fantastic, but always better than anything offered at the BW pizza window.

It would seem like a natural, Tess. Picabu's was pretty decent. Not Chicago, but pretty good for a resort.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Looks kind of neat to have a few bowling lanes there. Kind of an original idea?

I think they’re chasing “experience” money. Experiences are what people want these days, bowling is multigenerational, not weather impacted. I get it, don’t know if it will work, but I get why the gamble over just another dining establishment.

I do hope they invest in some good soundproofing lol

 

[SteveH]

@Dan Murphy while I can't see why you would, but have you had the Giordano's Pizza in the Disney area?

 

[Dan Murphy]

@Dan Murphy while I can't see why you would, but have you had the Giordano's Pizza in the Disney area?

No, i have not, Steve.

 

[SteveH]

Thanks @Dan Murphy didn't think you had, I'd have to believe its not as good as being in Chicago.

 

[Dave006]

Thanks @Dan Murphy didn't think you had, I'd have to believe its not as good as being in Chicago.

It is good but not quite up to my visits to the western suburbs of Chicago over the years. Near WDW a visit to the restaurant does produce a better experience compared to delivery.

Dave

 

[SteveH]

@Dave006 thanks we were planning on it on our last trip, but once my wife got in he was so exhausted from the flight skipped it. Thanks for sharing!