Downtown Disney update

[xdan0920]

I think it is a big big role 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.

It's nowhere on our list. If I had to guess, I would say, my family will never visit Splitsville. There is a Lucky Strike Lanes 10 minutes from us, if I want to do some chic bowling, I'll do it here. If I want some nighttime entertainment I'll head to Jelly Rolls.

 

[xdan0920]

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.

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Agreed, I am discussing with my wife right now, how high the price would have to be to keep us out of the AC. We both agree $25 pp cover would be just fine with us. $30 and your starting to push it. As far as drink costs, we are right outside NYC. So, $12 - $15 drinks are the norm. AC was a super premium experience, so I'm fine paying a super premium price.

 

[NoChesterHester]

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Agreed, I am discussing with my wife right now, how high the price would have to be to keep us out of the AC. We both agree $25 pp cover would be just fine with us. $30 and your starting to push it. As far as drink costs, we are right outside NYC. So, $12 - $15 drinks are the norm. AC was a super premium experience, so I'm fine paying a super premium price.

Totally agree and I wish they would run with this as the "Night Kingdom" concept. I'd pay for premium immersions.

It is the closest thing we have ever gotten to "dinner theater" at WDW. In such a unique way.

Honestly, if it were to reopen I hope the idea were to be expanded a little bit. A larger capacity would help justify it all.

 

[WDW1974]

If the other 2 actually do reopen and are successful, that would make a case for AC and Soundstage to return as well. AC would need a little work, but it could be done.

The rumor mill has Mannequins and Comedy Warehouse possibly opening later this year, but my very Spirited sources say that it isn't happening and that they hear the same rumors because of a few behind the scenes actions.
I thought it was possible (those two, not AC ... never) but highly unlikely.

I do know Disney has talked to outside operators (club/bar) about the two properties.

 

[WDW1974]

Rumors circulating that Mannequins and Comedy Warehouse are coming back. No word on Adv Club. If this turns out to be true, and it seems like it is, TDO will have more egg on its face then at anytime since Imagination re-added Figment.

Oops, sorta missed this before answering ... but again, don't see it happening.

Jason Garcia tweeted today that he asked Disney about it today and was given a flat out 'No' which is not how the question would have been answered if they had any plans to reopen.

 

[WDW1974]

Okay somebody needs to help me out. I know the debate rages between JT and others about why, exactly, Pleasure Island closed. I generally avoid the PI area but I was there the other night and they had some band there performing what I can only describe as "dance" music. It was some kind of hybrid electronic/rock music and it felt very much like a club atmosphere. The Brazilian girls, in particular, seemed to be having a grand time as half of the songs were in Portuguese. As most people know, they also serve drinks and there were plenty of people taking advantage of that.

My question is, if we agree that an uncontrollable environment is at least PART of the reason PI was shut down in the first place, what is the rationale for the CURRENT PI environment that seems to have the same amount of booze, unrestricted access, and night life atmosphere, with the only difference being that now nobody is paying to get in?

Well, we don't agree that was behind the closing because WE know better.

But the situation you saw was because Disney has to do something with the property or they'll wind up losing the tenants they have now. And, rest assured, the budget for what entertainment they have is a pittance.

 

[John]

Oops, sorta missed this before answering ... but again, don't see it happening.

Jason Garcia tweeted today that he asked Disney about it today and was given a flat out 'No' which is not how the question would have been answered if they had any plans to reopen.

That small flicker of candle light......snuffed once again.

 

[WDW1974]

Why doesn't anyone go to Atlantic Dance Hall?

Because of its location.

It is only convenient if you are staying at an EPCOT resort ... also Disney does NO (zero, nada, zilch) promotion for the place anywhere.

 

[John]

Well, we don't agree that was behind the closing because WE know better.

But the situation you saw was because Disney has to do something with the property or they'll wind up losing the tenants they have now. And, rest assured, the budget for what entertainment they have is a pittance.

Seriously....is there any plans for the PI area.... I mean for anything? We have heard things for "DTD" but good god you would think at this point they would even leak a tid bit out themselves.

 

[ScoutN]

Oops, sorta missed this before answering ... but again, don't see it happening.

Jason Garcia tweeted today that he asked Disney about it today and was given a flat out 'No' which is not how the question would have been answered if they had any plans to reopen.

Not mention more items have been sold from the clubs... quite a few more.

 

[WDW1974]

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.

AMC is one of the best movie complexes in Central Florida. It's going to do fine no matter what ... and RC's always do great in tourist locales despite mediocre food (somewhere better than an Applebees and not quite as good as a TGI Friday's) because they look like the perfect place for a tourist to take their brats.

Those places survive on their own. Location and neighbors means nothing.

 

[WDW1974]

Seriously....is there any plans for the PI area.... I mean for anything? We have heard things for "DTD" but good god you would think at this point they would even leak a tid bit out themselves.

They have plans. They always have plans. They have had so many plans you could fill a WDI double wide with them.

Plans don't mean anything. I plan to make a billion dollars tomorrow. I plan to celebrate by buying sexual favors from people who hate me! I don't see those plans coming to fruition, but tis always good to plan.

 

[71jason]

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.

Probably would've been fine if guests could come and go as they pleased. But the rigid, 50-minute show schedule meant guests generally bought, at most, one drink per show. (That was also partly the fault of servers who enjoyed their smoke breaks more than working, but the point remains the same). An average of only five shows a night, and the first and last were generally half full, they were probably selling at best 4 drinks per seat per night. Combine that with seven decently-paid CMs (5 Equity comedians, 1 musician, 1 tech), just wasn't that profitable. In fairness, I don't think that includes any revenue from cover charges, but unlike the AdvClub, never heard people ask to buy tickets just for CW.

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

Raglan Road--which is basically just a giant bar--cut back its hours a few months after PI closed.

 

[71jason]

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

But how many people are carrying shopping bags? How many are stopping to buy a drink? No one is arguing DTD doesn't attract a lot of people, especially on weekend--it's a free alternative to the parks for those coming or going, or locals without APs. And there may well be a place for that, although I imagine the beancounters in TDO would disagree. But there also should be a place for adult nightlife.

 

[WDW1974]

But how many people are carrying shopping bags? How many are stopping to buy a drink? No one is arguing DTD doesn't attract a lot of people, especially on weekend--it's a free alternative to the parks for those coming or going, or locals without APs. And there may well be a place for that, although I imagine the beancounters in TDO would disagree. But there also should be a place for adult nightlife.

Great point. SOmething I've been noticing the last 5-6 years now. You see loads of people at DD, but most of them have few, if any, purchases. ... The last time I bought something there was either when they offered the B-Day promo and I got a gift card as an APer or when I used a friend's 50% off holiday discount.

 

[jt04]

But how many people are carrying shopping bags? How many are stopping to buy a drink? No one is arguing DTD doesn't attract a lot of people, especially on weekend--it's a free alternative to the parks for those coming or going, or locals without APs. And there may well be a place for that, although I imagine the beancounters in TDO would disagree. But there also should be a place for adult nightlife.

There are many places on property for "adult nightlife". Both at the resorts and at the parks, especially WS. And soon you can add Splitsville which will be for 21 and up in the evenings. If you are holding out hope for a dance club like Mannequins in DTD best to give that up.

Although if they build the plan with parking garages across the highway then I think there is a possibility a PI type area could be created over near casting. That might remain a possibility. But I can't imagine it in a mixed use area that caters to all age demographics.

 

[Bolna]

There are many places on property for "adult nightlife". Both at the resorts and at the parks, especially WS.

Nightlife at the World Showcase? It closes at 9pm - I am not sure what your definition of night is, but it generally starts with the end of dusk. And even in winter that is only 7pm in Orlando (yes, I checked that) and in summer sunset is after 8pm. Not really a lot of nighttime to be had at Epcot.

 

[jt04]

Nightlife at the World Showcase? It closes at 9pm - I am not sure what your definition of night is, but it generally starts with the end of dusk. And even in winter that is only 7pm in Orlando (yes, I checked that) and in summer sunset is after 8pm. Not really a lot of nighttime to be had at Epcot.

I am pretty sure some people start their evening in WS and then move over to the boardwalk.

I am convinced an Electronica type offering in Future World that was open after the park closed would be a cash cow though.

Not my cup of tea but I would imagine it would appeal to a large enough number of guest to work well. Just think of such an offering with the fountains and SSE acting as backdrops. WOW!

 

[GLaDOS]

But wouldn't that attract all the miscreants, underage drinking, and drunk driving that "plagued" PI, JT?

And very little people go from EPCOT to the Boardwalk because it's a hassle to get from the Boardwalk back to your resort.

 

[raven]

DTD plans are being finalized. Hopefully soon they will announce something and the new DTD will SPRING to life!