Downtown Disney update

[Tim_4]

Because it's small, kind of generic, and there's not that much parking?

I wasn't sticking up for it necessarily. I've never been. Parking's not THAT bad at BW. No worse than DTD on a big movie premier night.

 

[c-one]

I've never got the sense that the Boardwalk clubs are intended as a PI replacement -- they've never been marketed to the rest of the resort and beyond as a destination the way PI always was. Jellyrolls is pretty fun, though.

 

[John]

I wasn't sticking up for it necessarily. I've never been. Parking's not THAT bad at BW. No worse than DTD on a big movie premier night.

I think the problem with ADH is that once again TDO dosnt really advertise it....same goes for BW in general. I dont think the average guest really even know its over there. I bet it would be a really small percentage of guest even know you could walk there from EPCOT. Lets face most if not all of the advertiseing is geared toward the stroller sect. I agree with the notion that the real money is in merch and other extras people buy. Little Johnny has to have that piece of crap plastic....susie just has to go to BBB to get all gussied up like all the other little girls. The problem with this line of thinking is that you ignore/leave out a segment that has a lot of money to spend.

 

[Bairstow]

I think the problem with ADH is that once again TDO dosnt really advertise it....same goes for BW in general. I dont think the average guest really even know its over there. I bet it would be a really small percentage of guest even know you could walk there from EPCOT. Lets face most if not all of the advertiseing is geared toward the stroller sect. I agree with the notion that the real money is in merch and other extras people buy. Little Johnny has to have that piece of crap plastic....susie just has to go to BBB to get all gussied up like all the other little girls. The problem with this line of thinking is that you ignore/leave out a segment that has a lot of money to spend.

...and as the demographics change, so will DIsney's strategy.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2011-06-03-fewer-children-census-suburbs_n.htm

 

[jt04]

...and as the demographics change, so will DIsney's strategy.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/census/2011-06-03-fewer-children-census-suburbs_n.htm

The main demographic consideration for the next 20 years will be based on the baby boomer trends. Much less likely to want to party at WDW and much more likely to be there with grandkids. The boomer retirement wave is just beginning and their "PI" days at WDW are in the past for the vast majority. Most will rather go to the MK with grandkids in tow.

 

[John]

The main demographic consideration for the next 20 years will be based on the baby boomer trends. Much less likely to want to party at WDW and much more likely to be there with grandkids. The boomer retirement wave is just beginning and their "PI" days at WDW are in the past for the vast majority. Most will rather go to the MK with grandkids in tow.

Cant say I can argue with this being I am taking my grandaughter on her first trip in January....BUT.....My mother is going also and I am sure me and the little lady will go out and have a "adult night" Probably wil;l go to JellyRolls....but would have loved to visit PI.

 

[Mouse Detective]

I've never got the sense that the Boardwalk clubs are intended as a PI replacement -- they've never been marketed to the rest of the resort and beyond as a destination the way PI always was. Jellyrolls is pretty fun, though.

Disney has a contract with the Swan and Dolphin hotels to operate a nightclub for them. That's why you have Atlantic Dance Hall. It's Disney's club and Disney's profits but they don't advertise it because they kind of don't want people going to it. Clubbers can be loud when they clear out at 1-2am and unfortunately the route to the parking lot takes revelers directly along extremely expensive hotel rooms of the Boardwalk Resort. The only time it's advertised at all by Disney is for their New Years Eve party.

ADH is neither small nor generic. It's large....too large, that it looks empty even when there's a lot of people in it. And it's a beautiful Art Deco facility.

 

[John]

Not to mention there are always new generations finding WDW all the time. The grandkids do grow up you know....

 

[John]

Disney has a contract with the Swan and Dolphin hotels to operate a nightclub for them. That's why you have Atlantic Dance Hall. It's Disney's club and Disney's profits but they don't advertise it because they kind of don't want people going to it. Clubbers can be loud when they clear out at 1-2am and unfortunately the route to the parking lot takes revelers directly along extremely expensive hotel rooms of the Boardwalk Resort. The only time it's advertised at all by Disney is for their New Years Eve party.

ADH is neither small nor generic. It's large....too large, that it looks empty even when there's a lot of people in it. And it's a beautiful Art Deco facility.

Classic Disney-ology..... build something and not want guest to visit.....hmmm sounds just like PI. But the place is really beautiful...wouldnt know it by the outside though. Another "best kept secret" and to think Disny wants it that way....huh!

 

[Mouse Detective]

Classic Disney-ology..... build something and not want guest to visit.....hmmm sounds just like PI. But the place is really beautiful...wouldnt know it by the outside though. Another "best kept secret" and to think Disny wants it that way....huh!

If you go to the Save Pleasure Island blog and input Atlantic Dance Hall in the search box there are some articles that include pictures inside ADH. It is pretty impressive.

 

[zulemara]

It's also a pita to get to from another resort unless you are at the epcot resorts and the music format is what I call a perpetual wedding. It is there for conventions. Beyond that Disney has no interest in anyone going there

 

[Jim Handy]

The idea that there was a single AdvClub cast is crazy--they held auditions annually or bi-annually. Would a few of the old fan favorites come back? No doubt, it was a sweet gig. But there enough comedic actors in WDW's sphere that they could re-cast no problem. As for redecorating, it seems most of the "major" props are still on-site. It would take some effort to re-hang everything, and they might have to fabricate some of the decor this time around, but this is Disney, it could be done fairly easily.

Granted, Comedy Warehouse is easier to put back together, but it was never profitable. Why I'm not sure what form a re-opened CW would take.

I didn't say there was one cast and to be honest I'm not sure how many actors for each character were around. I do know there are performers still working for Disney with AC experience who could be rounded up easily. I'm assuming it was like the Hoop Dee Doo where each role has multiple actors, some more regular and better than others. I know of a couple of the better cast members but I was always treated to a good show there.

And I've heard the opposite on Comedy Warehouse and it was indeed profitable. That's a format that exists all over the country at profitable establishments.

Not to be argumentative but that's not entirely true. AMC and Rainforest Cafe (among others) are doing just fine without being or having nightclubs right next door. I'm not sure how I feel about Splittsville but tons of credit to them for rolling the dice.

I do believe some establishments (Particularly the precious few on PI) have seen a slowdown since PI closed.

 

[Tim_4]

I do believe some establishments (Particularly the precious few on PI) have seen a slowdown since PI closed.

Oh sure I definitely agree. But the position that "the real estate is ONLY valuable with the clubs there" seems kind of silly.

 

[Mouse Detective]

Oh sure I definitely agree. But the position that "the real estate is ONLY valuable with the clubs there" seems kind of silly.

I think the point he was trying to make is that with the clubs in operation there were large crowds associated with that which made the land on the Island more valuable than it is now with next to nothing operating. The fact that there have been no takers in 4 years shows that Disney has over-priced what they're charging for the space there. I don't know what they're charging and it may have been fair when things were hopping. But we're 4 years since things were hopping. If Disney invests their own money there by reopening a couple things, it could generate the excitement that is needed to draw-in the outside investors for the other spaces.

 

[Tim_4]

I think the point he was trying to make is that with the clubs in operation there were large crowds associated with that which made the land on the Island more valuable than it is now with next to nothing operating. The fact that there have been no takers in 4 years shows that Disney has over-priced what they're charging for the space there. I don't know what they're charging and it may have been fair when things were hopping. But we're 4 years since things were hopping.

I'm at DTD just about every weekend and you can barely move. *Crowds* are not in short supply.

 

[Mouse Detective]

The Adventurers Club was the club that stood the least chance of coming back.

I agree. I just don't see how they could price admission that would generate the money needed to cover the cost of operating the place. And the labor costs involved. I know it was immensely popular but will people be willing to pay a $10 cover charge to see one-hour shows?

Comedy Warehouse would be much more viable as they could offer multiple shows per evening with a $10 cover and operate with a smaller cast than in the past.

My opinion.

 

[Lee]

I agree. I just don't see how they could price admission that would generate the money needed to cover the cost of operating the place. And the labor costs involved. I know it was immensely popular but will people be willing to pay a $10 cover charge to see one-hour shows?

I certainly would. Or back to the $20 or so I used to pay to get in for the night.
Worth. Every. Cent.

 

[John]

I certainly would. Or back to the $20 or so I used to pay to get in for the night.
Worth. Every. Cent.

10$....really? Thats nothing....most clubs that isnt a round of drinks between two people. So lets say drinks are 8.00 a piece. You amd the mrs have two a piece. SO you pay $20 to get in....$32.00 for two drinks, That would be $58.00...for a hour show and a couple drinks? How much is Hoop De Doo? Luau? Yea..... I will take that. I stick around the bar and enjoy a great theme and genuine entertainment. Spend $100 with tip included. memories.....priceless

 

[NoChesterHester]

Not to be argumentative but that's not entirely true. AMC and Rainforest Cafe (among others) are doing just fine without being or having nightclubs right next door. I'm not sure how I feel about Splittsville but tons of credit to them for rolling the dice.

I think it is a big big roll for them at the rental rates they are paying along with what they are spending on the construction. I mean... I love they are going to be there, but can't say that an evening of high priced bowling is real high on our list.

 

[NoChesterHester]

I agree. I just don't see how they could price admission that would generate the money needed to cover the cost of operating the place. And the labor costs involved. I know it was immensely popular but will people be willing to pay a $10 cover charge to see one-hour shows?

Comedy Warehouse would be much more viable as they could offer multiple shows per evening with a $10 cover and operate with a smaller cast than in the past.

My opinion.

At a place where it is accepted that a hot dog costs $9... People will fork over a $15-20 cover if there is ANY perceived value.

It costs me around$50- $60 just to take my family to a movie now... for 90 minutes of entertainment.

I'd be more than willing to pay $15 each to get my wife and I in the door of that fantastic place. I'd pay $8 a drink for that level of immersion. I only got to experience AC a handful of times, but it was marvelous.