Downtown Disney update

[71jason]

I think TDO totaly misread the market on this.

This is ultimately what it comes down to. The only reason their real estate had value to mid-level restaurants was its association with the concept of PI. And even then it was overpriced. At the same time, truly high-end restaurants have no desire to cater to guests with strollers and the DDP etc. Plus rents were too high even for them.

In the meantime, they closed the most profitable bar per square foot in the country. (That's not including the $25 cover charge.) Not to mention the most original attraction in Orlando. So we could have 4 years and counting of bad show.

 

[TarzanRocked99-]

and instead of admitting their mistake after the year of vacancy they dug their feet in the ground and allowed it to continue when they could have re-opened some of the venues and make some money and not to mention earn some goodwill from the fan community.

 

[DisDadEddie]

DTD needs some kind of must do attraction to bring more people there. A new Pleasure Island could help with that! When we go to WDW DTD isn't somewhere we always go. I think we have been there three times over eight trips.

 

[Grumpy36]

They really do need to get the PI portion of DTD running again, whether as it was or in a new direction. My wife's first time was in May, and she commented on how empty and dead PI was. I think they need to open up a few of the clubs again, and bring back some of the unique shops again like someone else commented on. I remember going to PI when the turnstiles were still there, and loved the fireworks at midnight, and the live entertainment on the stage outside while waiting to get into some of the clubs. While it might not have been "Disney" in the sense of what they normally do, it was Disney for adults. I didn't experience it after they took the turnstiles away, but I would love to see the return of something similar for adults to do.

 

[Vader2112]

I didn't realize as the WDW website does not mention dancing, just the theme. Atlantic Dance Hall is the only venue that is explicitly branded and advertised for dancing. I'll have to check out Bongos.



I always remember PI being open to all guests, but 21+ to enter the buildings. It should 21+ OR guests w/ a room key or days ticket. Keep out the local kids from the PI area.

lol

I agree with half here lets keep kids out of pleasure Island 21 and over. However; I disagree about being resort guest to enter. I think regardless it needs to be 21 and over. Even the locals over 21 want to go somewhere with no punks and relax and have fun! I miss PI!!! I remeber a rumor some time ago about them building a New PI at a sight away from DTD. Just another one of those for the record books.

Although let's not forget Pleasure Island was the Island that Piunocchio went to and indulged and started turing into a jackass...literally

 

[cslafferty]

I must admit, every time we plan a trip, we always say that THIS time we'll check out some of the nightlife down at the Boardwalk. But we never do, primarily because it's too hard to travel from resort to resort for those of us that rely on Disney transportation. So, as long as the DTD area is treated as a central hub, then I wish they would put some decent nightlife back there for us paupers who can't afford to stay at Boardwalk!

 

[Jim Handy]

I am sure you don't want to "rehash" it because it is obvious you have lost the agrgument with the folks that count. If it was a winner you would see the model repeated elsewhere by Disney. PI was not supportive of the Disney brand. Period.

And whether PI was run " very very well" is purely subjective opinion. I am certain if you ask others, especially vendors in the 'Marketplace' not to mention a large percentage of guests, you would get an entirely different take on the matter.

Done.

Let me share with you a few facts about PI.

As for PI not being supportive of the brand, that's BS. You make it sound like there were nude dancers. A few dance clubs and comedy clubs never hurt the Disney brand. It actually made WDW more diverse and entertaining for a wider group of people.

PI was run well until they messed with it. Certain DtD tenants, specifically the precious few on PI, have actually complained due to the lack of foot traffic following the closure of PI.

And finally, to hammer home the fact that the closure of PI has hurt WDW beyond the minds of the fans, I'll give you this. Conventions and meetings have declined since the closure of PI. Because people who attend those looking for something to do in down time have to either pay to enter a theme park, or go eat at Downtown Disney. And why would they eat there when they can go off property and get a meal with better value?

 

[Vader2112]

And finally, to hammer home the fact that the closure of PI has hurt WDW beyond the minds of the fans, I'll give you this. Conventions and meetings have declined since the closure of PI. Because people who attend those looking for something to do in down time have to either pay to enter a theme park, or go eat at Downtown Disney. And why would they eat there when they can go off property and get a meal with better value?

I agree with this big time we are booking a meeting at work and PI would be perfect for one reason. If we had our meeting at Coronado we could take trasportation to DTD and PI eliminating the possibility of someone doing somethiung foolish like a DUI. We thought about doing this and I explained that DTD is expensive unless you hit Happy Hour at HOB.

 

[marni1971]

I am sure you don't want to "rehash" it because it is obvious you have lost the agrgument with the folks that count. If it was a winner you would see the model repeated elsewhere by Disney. PI was not supportive of the Disney brand. Period.

And whether PI was run " very very well" is purely subjective opinion. I am certain if you ask others, especially vendors in the 'Marketplace' not to mention a large percentage of guests, you would get an entirely different take on the matter.

Done.

Despite the internal admissions (that have been talked about on these boards) they got it wrong?

 

[vonpluto]

Despite the internal admissions (that have been talked about on these boards) they got it wrong?

Of course! In opposite world, you turn left to go right!
Later, Mater!

 

[71jason]

and instead of admitting their mistake after the year of vacancy they dug their feet in the ground and allowed it to continue when they could have re-opened some of the venues and make some money and not to mention earn some goodwill from the fan community.

... goodwill from the fans and just the average non-message board reading guest (people still ask about the clubs on a daily basis) ... positive publicity online and in the local media second only to the opening of Harry Potter ...

Once the old guard who made this decision have all been ousted, so young go-getter is going to make his career by suggesting they bring back the clubs.

 

[DCLcruiser]

When my fraternity had its International Convention at the Hilton on the grounds we spent every night at PI. They must of made a ton with over 300 college age guys, alumni and Fraternity-Staff paying to drink and have a good time at Motion and the other clubs.

Now I really have no reason to visit DTD as it is just cheesey restaurants and unknown shops that we have no reason to visit. The bowling alley will be nice, but that isn't THAT much of a draw (unless it has a lounge/club).

 

[jmb2676]

Let me share with you a few facts about PI.

As for PI not being supportive of the brand, that's BS. You make it sound like there were nude dancers. A few dance clubs and comedy clubs never hurt the Disney brand. It actually made WDW more diverse and entertaining for a wider group of people.

PI was run well until they messed with it. Certain DtD tenants, specifically the precious few on PI, have actually complained due to the lack of foot traffic following the closure of PI.

And finally, to hammer home the fact that the closure of PI has hurt WDW beyond the minds of the fans, I'll give you this. Conventions and meetings have declined since the closure of PI. Because people who attend those looking for something to do in down time have to either pay to enter a theme park, or go eat at Downtown Disney. And why would they eat there when they can go off property and get a meal with better value?

Exactly. I can't even count how many nights I spent at PI as a visitor. Now we (mid-late 30's, no kids) struggle to find things to do after 9pm when we visit each fall. I don't need to stay in the MK until 3am or take 3 busses to get to the Boardwalk. Would be nice to have a centralized nighttime option for entertainment. After the 3rd night even the great music at Raglan Road gets a little old.

 

[TarzanRocked99-]

Convention business has taken a severe beating at WDW as of late, for multiple reasons the main one being that Disney is VERY difficult to work with and its their way or nothing, and they have a total lack of things to do during peak convention season after 10:00pm. Conventioneers like to go out, drink and have a good time and Disney has made this very difficult. Hence why the Lowes Hotels are doing stellar convention business these days as well as the Peabody with the recent upgrades at Point Orlando.

 

[Jim Handy]

I will say that the Boardwalk does offer dancing at Atlantic Dance, but even not much beyond that. They do have some acts along the water. So while they offer something similar to PI, it's a smaller area with a much different atmosphere.

 

[wiigirl]

and instead of admitting their mistake after the year of vacancy they dug their feet in the ground and allowed it to continue when they could have re-opened some of the venues and make some money and not to mention earn some goodwill from the fan community.

Disney knows what they are all about and what keeps them going.....the people that love them!

 

[Bolt]

Um....Let's do a Little bit of problem solving...

All Props Gone...

Minus colonel's Booth/stand and props gutted..

Photo's are from here--->http://www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com/2012/06/pi-update-inside-adventurers-club.html
Plus the thought that it is coming back.....

Equals....

Now.....What makes you think it's coming back?

Sarcasm.

 

[jt04]

Let me share with you a few facts about PI.

As for PI not being supportive of the brand, that's BS. You make it sound like there were nude dancers. A few dance clubs and comedy clubs never hurt the Disney brand. It actually made WDW more diverse and entertaining for a wider group of people.

PI was run well until they messed with it. Certain DtD tenants, specifically the precious few on PI, have actually complained due to the lack of foot traffic following the closure of PI.

And finally, to hammer home the fact that the closure of PI has hurt WDW beyond the minds of the fans, I'll give you this. Conventions and meetings have declined since the closure of PI. Because people who attend those looking for something to do in down time have to either pay to enter a theme park, or go eat at Downtown Disney. And why would they eat there when they can go off property and get a meal with better value?

I agree with this big time we are booking a meeting at work and PI would be perfect for one reason. If we had our meeting at Coronado we could take trasportation to DTD and PI eliminating the possibility of someone doing somethiung foolish like a DUI. We thought about doing this and I explained that DTD is expensive unless you hit Happy Hour at HOB.

Convention business has taken a severe beating at WDW as of late, for multiple reasons the main one being that Disney is VERY difficult to work with and its their way or nothing, and they have a total lack of things to do during peak convention season after 10:00pm. Conventioneers like to go out, drink and have a good time and Disney has made this very difficult. Hence why the Lowes Hotels are doing stellar convention business these days as well as the Peabody with the recent upgrades at Point Orlando.

Sorry folks spin, personal opinions, subjective "facts" and propaganda will not change things. Some places likely are doing better convention business but ultimately at the expense of other places due to the worst economy in our lifetimes.

Again if PI is all some of you try to make us think it is you would see Disney doing more of them including at WDW. The comedy club and AC were not the problems as has been mentioned so many times that failing to accept this makes every other comment seem like spin.

And as I said, "DONE!" Bye.

 

[jt04]

Despite the internal admissions (that have been talked about on these boards) they got it wrong?

Opinion Martin. I am sure they have the exact same discussions at TWDC with many opinions.

 

[John]

Opinion Martin. I am sure they have the exact same discussions at TWDC with many opinions.

JT, what I dont get is that most of what you said is nothing more then an opinion also. Do you have some inside knowledge at TWDC? or TDO for that matter? Have you spoken to the Marketplace vendors yourself? Lets face it TDO abandoned PI....open up the gates and turned it loose. They got exactly what they asked for. NO ONE desputes at the end it wasnt such a great place to be. You are correct about the convention buisness issue, but there are still some buisnesses haveing them. Thus making the competition even greater getting that buisness.


As much as I was a fan of PI I still dont think it will make a return. I also think it would be a HUGE mistake. As far as RR is concerned they have cut their hours in the absence of PI. Few people want to venture down there. What I would like to know is....did you actually visit PI during its tenure....beginning....middle....closeing?