Downtown Disney update

[jt04]

But exponentially more quests frequented the dance clubs than ever visited the AC. The AC was popular among fanbois who post in online Disney boards and that tiny subset of greater Orlando residents who moved here "to be close to the magic." Average tourists loved the dance clubs--that's why they were so profitable.

And if dance clubs alienate guests and cause security issues, why are third party clubs allowed in the West Side, while a WDW-owned club remains open along the Boardwalk?

And if that threat is gone, why are there always at least half a dozen deputies stationed at PI 4 years after the dance clubs closed?

Do you really belive anything alienates guests more than two rows of vacant buildings?

Judging from the parking lot it obviously does not. DTD is a about a third of what it could be though. They will need more parking though and I think that is a major factor in the slow pace. Garages are not cheap. And right now Iger is. We might have to wait for his predecessor.

As for security, there are still numerous drinking establishments hence the need. Dance clubs will only compond the problem and increase the security issues as we have seen in the past.

I am glad you brought up the boardwalk. That is key. People can't just drive up to the boardwalk as they can at DTD. You have to walk through areas like the hotel or enter through Epcot. It is a sort of perimeter that acts as a security check point. This is why DL has no issues with things like the new MTP or Electronica. They are controlled environments that keep potential trouble makers and hooligans away.

 

[Irie]

Judging from the parking lot it obviously does not. DTD is a about a third of what it could be though. They will need more parking though and I think that is a major factor in the slow pace. Garages are not cheap. And right now Iger is. We might have to wait for his successor.

As for security, there are still numerous drinking establishments hence the need. Dance clubs will only compond the problem and increase the security issues as we have seen in the past.

I am glad you brought up the boardwalk. That is key. People can't just drive up to the boardwalk as they can at DTD. You have to walk through areas like the hotel or enter through Epcot. It is a sort of perimeter that acts as a security check point. This is why DL has no issues with things like the new MTP or Electronica. They are controlled environments that keep potential trouble makers and hooligans away.

Fixed that for you.

 

[jt04]

Fixed that for you.

Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate that. I even looked at it twice when I wrote it and it still escaped me. Too much multi-tasking.

 

[Irie]

jt--While we may disagree on the reason and the cause for PI closing/being revamped, I think all of us can agree that DTD is a shell of what it once was and what it can be again. I would like the PI concept to re-emerge but I am realistic and do not feel that it will happen. DTD used to be a unique destination. I would plan a special trip over at least once or twice a trip b/c I could buy stuff there that I could not find elsewhere in the world as well as find a unique adult experience. The place has become too generic for me. Whether I approve of the new concept or not, I just wish SOMETHING would be done. Until then, I see no need to go over there anymore.

 

[Master Gracey]

. . .I find it quite interesting though that the AC crowd has gone mostly silent. Perhaps they know something and have figured out that carping on-line will only have negative results. . .

Oh no, we're still here and fighting the good fight. We are just picking our battles and waiting for the opportune moments to strike. There is a major reason why Col. Suchbench is currently on tour with D23, and there are some high expectations for when he returns home to 5189 Hill St.

 

[wm49rs]

Oh, silly man, you still underestimate me. In the words of Mick Jagger, "Time is on my side, yes it is". And I have the patience of Job.

Which means you've still come up with squat....

 

[FrankLapidus]

I'm just holding onto the hope that Iger's successor possesses the creative vision and energy that Iger seems to woefully lack and sets about returning Downtown Disney to something resembling it's former glory.

 

[jt04]

Oh no, we're still here and fighting the good fight. We are just picking our battles and waiting for the opportune moments to strike. There is a major reason why Col. Suchbench is currently on tour with D23, and there are some high expectations for when he returns home to 5189 Hill St.

You have won me over for sure. Of course what we please me most is a 'land' in one of the parks.

 

[alissafalco]

False. The crime rate and the "element" were not factors in shuttering PI.

really? Thats goes against everything that I have been reading about PI. Why else would Disney close a thriving area that was making money and attracting many people??? CRIME!

 

[alissafalco]

False. The crime rate and the "element" were not factors in shuttering PI.

read this article!! I think you are very wrong!!
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/crackdown-on-gangs-crime-at-downtown-disney/nJg93/

 

[GLaDOS]

The "crime rate" was largely a figure of many people's imaginations.

 

[djlaosc]

really? Thats goes against everything that I have been reading about PI. Why else would Disney close a thriving area that was making money and attracting many people??? CRIME!

Apparantly because they just wanted to sit back and collect rent from third parties - it would be easier for them than running the clubs - according to people in the know on here, that is the reason - crime, or profit had nothing to do with them closing the clubs!

 

[flynnibus]

ugh.. another thread sucked down the spinning vortex. Free yourselves from being twisted and manipulated...

 

[alissafalco]

The "crime rate" was largely a figure of many people's imaginations.

Read the article I posted above. Its hardly a figure of people's imagination.

 

[alissafalco]

Apparantly because they just wanted to sit back and collect rent from third parties - it would be easier for them than running the clubs - according to people in the know on here, that is the reason - crime, or profit had nothing to do with them closing the clubs!

Read the article i posted above.

 

[GLaDOS]

Read the article I posted above. Its hardly a figure of people's imagination.

I read it long ago. There were never "gangs" at PI. There were kids that loitered in the area that shouldn't have been. But there were no "gangs" that you wouldn't find at your local mall.

 

[djlaosc]

Read the article i posted above.

I read it long ago. There were never "gangs" at PI. There were kids that loitered in the area that shouldn't have been. But there were no "gangs" that you wouldn't find at your local mall.

Exactly - there have been cases to do with children and inappropriate adults at the water parks - do you want them to close down Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach and all the resort pools - what about all the toilets in the parks?

There will always be things happening everywhere - just because you're at Disney does not mean you and your family are safe - but it's not like the local branch of the Mob, Mafia, Triads or Yakuza were operating from the back room of the Adventurer's Club!

 

[marni1971]

As for security, there are still numerous drinking establishments hence the need. Dance clubs will only compond the problem and increase the security issues as we have seen in the past. makers and hooligans away.

No, the general entry policy as opposed to controlled compounded the problem. As planned some might say.

 

[marni1971]

read this article!! I think you are very wrong!!
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/crackdown-on-gangs-crime-at-downtown-disney/nJg93/

Check the date. When did controlled admission end?

 

[Mouse Detective]

If Mannequins reopens nobody can blame me for not clearly stating the impacts. But think of all the overtime for the OC sheriffs and police departments. There's some economic stimulus for ya.

Jt, there are security booths in the parking lots at DTD now just as there were when PI clubs were open. The amount of OCSO deputies on duty currently at PI and DTD are exactly the same number as were there when the PI clubs were open. Same with Disney Security. Nothing has changed. There was no criminal element at PI. There were no thugs hanging around. At worst, it did become a teen hangout once they opened the gates to all. That part is the only true thing you say.