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Never been to Pleasure Island
- Thread starter dopeylove
- Start date
Hrudey3032
Well-Known Member
Well find another place to go would be best thing to do as PI is not worth it.It has declined over the last few years and people dont like it like they once did.just my 2 cents tho.
Captain Hank
Well-Known Member
I really like going to PI, though I tend to stay on the West side of the island. IMO, the two best places to go are the Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse.
The Adventurer's Club (Kungaloosh! :wave
can be something of an acquired taste--you need to spend a little time there to really get into the atmosphere and really start to enjoy it. It's modeled after a 1930s explorer's club, and you're arriving on open house night. As such, all of the primary members of the Club are out and about, showing off the unique quirks of the club (ghosts, talking masks, Aztec deities...) and encouraging prospective members to join. There are scheduled shows in various rooms in the Club, or you can sit out in the main salon and interact with the characters.
The Comedy Warehouse is an improv club, very much in the style of "Whose Line is it, Anyway?"
The Adventurer's Club (Kungaloosh! :wave
can be something of an acquired taste--you need to spend a little time there to really get into the atmosphere and really start to enjoy it. It's modeled after a 1930s explorer's club, and you're arriving on open house night. As such, all of the primary members of the Club are out and about, showing off the unique quirks of the club (ghosts, talking masks, Aztec deities...) and encouraging prospective members to join. There are scheduled shows in various rooms in the Club, or you can sit out in the main salon and interact with the characters.The Comedy Warehouse is an improv club, very much in the style of "Whose Line is it, Anyway?"
unkadug
Follower of "Saget"The Cult
WOW...that's really harsh...
"as PI is not worth it" - in your opinion...a lot of people really do like it.
raven
Well-Known Member
I think they were just making a general statement since I have heard the same from many people. I haven't been to PI since 2000 when it was a HUGE party every night. Back then there were tons of things to do and see.
I visited PI a few weeks ago just to see how it had changed. I was very sad to see that some of the clubs are no longer around and was very upset to see all of the stores closed up and vacant on the island itself. The prices has also dropped since 2000 due to there being less clubs and things to do on the island.
Again I haven't been since 2000 but from what I have been hearing many guests and CM's say "it isn't what it used to be."
I visited PI a few weeks ago just to see how it had changed. I was very sad to see that some of the clubs are no longer around and was very upset to see all of the stores closed up and vacant on the island itself. The prices has also dropped since 2000 due to there being less clubs and things to do on the island.
Again I haven't been since 2000 but from what I have been hearing many guests and CM's say "it isn't what it used to be."
nibblesandbits
Well-Known Member
I actually agree. The Adventurer's Club is a lot of fun. I just went for the first time a few weeks ago and had a blast! It is a little different, as it's not your average club. It is improv with a story. It is done very well and if you like theater or anything like that, you will love the AC!
Here is a link that will give you some more info on this unique club. Link
Here is a link that will give you some more info on this unique club. Link
Craig & Lisa
Active Member
I don't think PI has gone downhill at all, things change and if you don't like it , oh well. But saying that you should not go because of your opinion is in bad taste. The AC is the best place to go whether your young or an adult. The first 2 hours it's for the families, then after that you have to pay to stay, and it gets alittle more adult oriented, so if you have kids with you the time to leave is 9pm. Have never stayed past 9 and am hoping to do so soon. But till then, the shows never the same because the crowds are never the same, and it's great to try and get the CM's to break character, but my sons seem to do that without trying. 31 days till visit 17...... CAN"T WAIT!!!!:sohappy::sohappy:
31 days till visit 17...... CAN"T WAIT!!!!:sohappy::sohappy:
HollyBelle
Well-Known Member
I am another that absolutely loves the Adventurer's Club. There really is nothing else like it, the uniqueness of the club and the quirkiness of its members is a must see at least once. I think that most people either really like it or really don't. And you'll have to be the judge of that. That being said, it is definitely worth checking out.
Oh and the Comedy Club is fun too!
Oh and the Comedy Club is fun too!
PI is terrible now! It used to be one of the funnest things to do at WDW. It is pathetic how much it has gone downhill. If you want to have a great time, get your money's worth, and have the type of experience that you used to be able to get at PI, go to Universal CityWalk. It is sooooo much better!! What's interesting is that it used to be the other way around. PI was the place to go and CW pretty much was a big yawn fest. But not anymore by any stretch of the imagination. My brother and I took a trip to Orlando this past year and we were planning to spend nearly every night at PI. The first night that we got there, we noticed they had a deal where you could add five nights to your pass for just an additional $5. We couldn't imagine how that could possibly be a bad deal, so we did it. We soon realized that it was a big ripoff and nearly the entire north side of PI was nothing but closed down empty buildings. It looked incredibly tacky and just made the place feel "dead". We also noticed that the West End Stage (where live bands used to perform) had been removed. We went into the Comedy Warehouse and found that they had drastically shortened the show, and that the whole "improv" thing had just run it's course. Not nearly as funny and creative as it used to seem. On top of everything else, the cast members seemed totally lethargic, bored to tears, and appeared to mostly be walking around with chips on their shoulders. Overall, the whole place has just completely gone downhill.
CityWalk, in contrast, was an absolute blast! We ended up going back nearly every night. Every club was totally lively every night, and the employees were totally friendly. They even had a live band performing up on the balcony over Pat O'Brien's, which just added an energy to the whole ambience (even better than the band at West End Stage used to do for PI).
I STRONGLY recommend avoiding PI. It is a complete waste of money. Go to CityWalk instead. You will not regret it.
PS: People reading this who feel compelled to respond with something like, "Well that's just YOUR opinion.", I invite you to take note of how many people will now reply with overwhelming agreement to what I've stated.
CityWalk, in contrast, was an absolute blast! We ended up going back nearly every night. Every club was totally lively every night, and the employees were totally friendly. They even had a live band performing up on the balcony over Pat O'Brien's, which just added an energy to the whole ambience (even better than the band at West End Stage used to do for PI).
I STRONGLY recommend avoiding PI. It is a complete waste of money. Go to CityWalk instead. You will not regret it.
PS: People reading this who feel compelled to respond with something like, "Well that's just YOUR opinion.", I invite you to take note of how many people will now reply with overwhelming agreement to what I've stated.
I used to absolutely LOVE Adventurer's Club! But sadly, it too has gone downhill. As far as there being "nothing else like it", that's not really true anymore. Go to Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Theater on International Drive. The actors who perform in the many shows there are also your food servers, and they do an astonishing and hilarious job of remaining in character the entire night. Way more fun than what Adventurer's Club offers these days!
When was the last time you were there? It's no where near as fun as it used to be.
This isn't about things simply "changing". PI has just become very run down and tacky. They have large empty spaces where activity used to be. They've closed things down without replacing them. They've drastically shortened and/or reduced the amount of entertainment in the shows and venues. It's not like people are just whining because they removed some of the clubs and replaced them with something newer, bigger and better. The complaints about PI not being as good as it used to be is based on the fact that it's become merely and empty shell of it's former self.
Citywalk is the place to go clubbing...not PI.
PI Isn't what it once was.
About the only thing it has left going for it are some very talented people and some very state of the art equipment. Even then, lots of those talented people are leaving the place and sadly, not many of the normal guests really care about all the money spent on new lighting, sound and video. The real problem is, there just isn’t any “Fun” left on the Island these days. There is no big “Draw” anymore to get you to stick around, drink and party.
Folks THIS is what happens when you let the “Bean” counters try to run the Entertainment side of things. You loose your outdoor stage; your fireworks, your good bands and you get nothing, nada, in its place. Well, maybe you get the all-purpose stilt walkers. Sure, things become old hat and need to be replaced, but if you’re going to remove something. Replace it with something EVEN better. Not a freaking bridge!
Or worse, nothing at all!
Thankfully the upper level managers that were responsible for removing all the fun from the Island have moved on. The karma bus truly did run them over!
So now the Island is on basic life support. Some recovery plans are in the works, but frankly it’s too little to late. The wheels have been set in motion, 3rd party is the name of the game and even that’s not going so well.
I wish it the best, but so far it’s not looking very good.
About the only thing it has left going for it are some very talented people and some very state of the art equipment. Even then, lots of those talented people are leaving the place and sadly, not many of the normal guests really care about all the money spent on new lighting, sound and video. The real problem is, there just isn’t any “Fun” left on the Island these days. There is no big “Draw” anymore to get you to stick around, drink and party.
Folks THIS is what happens when you let the “Bean” counters try to run the Entertainment side of things. You loose your outdoor stage; your fireworks, your good bands and you get nothing, nada, in its place. Well, maybe you get the all-purpose stilt walkers. Sure, things become old hat and need to be replaced, but if you’re going to remove something. Replace it with something EVEN better. Not a freaking bridge!
Or worse, nothing at all!
Thankfully the upper level managers that were responsible for removing all the fun from the Island have moved on. The karma bus truly did run them over!
So now the Island is on basic life support. Some recovery plans are in the works, but frankly it’s too little to late. The wheels have been set in motion, 3rd party is the name of the game and even that’s not going so well.
I wish it the best, but so far it’s not looking very good.
EPCOT.nut
Well-Known Member
I hate the parking there. I'd rather go to Downtown Disney.
Hrudey3032
Well-Known Member
Note that I said thats my 2 cents on the issue.I am not saying I polled people I am going by what I heard on here and with talking to people I personally know who have gone to PI.Look if you like it then great but it is just my opinion and wasnt meant to offend people.The OP asked for opinion and I gave it from my heart.Some people liked the wand others didn't.:brick: This is the same .I am glad you liked it and that it makes your experience enjoyable but for me personally I'll take my money and go elsewhere when it comes to a club thats all I am saying.Does this mean I dont like Disney?No Way!! What it means is I will probably just not go out to Clubs while staying there and put any money toward a day at the parks and on merchandise so Disney will get my money and anyhow
BTW I am not making a complaint every time Disney changes.I for one like to see change even if I lose a favorite ride.It keeps things fresh.In fact I said in previous posts that no matter what I always have a great time as I get to spend time with my family that I don't normally get to with our jobs and schedules.So you made a judgement on me without knowing what I have said so did you POLL me about how I see change?No you assumed as maybe I did a little.So lets agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Look we all are on this board to express our opinions and we will tend to disagree from time to time but I respect your view on things and hope you will mine as well.At the end of the day its our love of all-things Disney that makes us all come here and express ourselves to give our views on things.
BTW I am not making a complaint every time Disney changes.I for one like to see change even if I lose a favorite ride.It keeps things fresh.In fact I said in previous posts that no matter what I always have a great time as I get to spend time with my family that I don't normally get to with our jobs and schedules.So you made a judgement on me without knowing what I have said so did you POLL me about how I see change?No you assumed as maybe I did a little.So lets agree to disagree and leave it at that.
Look we all are on this board to express our opinions and we will tend to disagree from time to time but I respect your view on things and hope you will mine as well.At the end of the day its our love of all-things Disney that makes us all come here and express ourselves to give our views on things.
Hrudey3032
Well-Known Member
Couldn't all four of those posts been put into ONE post?
Now that I will agree with you on :ROFLOL:
H20Babie
Well-Known Member
If these posts have scared you off PI and you still want to go out one evening, why don't you check out the Boardwalk? Jelly Rolls is a great time and even Atlantic Dance is pretty cool. The performers on the Boardwalk itself are also very entertaining. Reminds me of Clearwater Beach a little bit.
EPCOT.nut
Well-Known Member
I forgot about Boardwalk. I actually stayed there one night but didn't go out there later because of RAIN! :ROFLOL: Not like I would have melted...takes sugar to have that happen....
MKCP 1985
Well-Known Member
Once upon a time, Disney had no place to go for after hours entertainment. There were a few hotel bars around Lake Buena Vista properties but nothing that stood out.
Orlando had Church Street Station, with its complex of bars and its night life atmosphere, and people would flock up there after the parks closed.
Disney saw lost opportunities, and announced Pleasure Island, with its own complex of bars and it opened to great fanfare. The bars were packed and live bands played on outdoor stages to large crowds. All was good.
Over time - and I'm sure someone here knows the reason - Pleasure Island lost its edge as the place to be. The crowds stopped coming. The outdoor band played to no-one. Inside the bars, there were no people. The Adventurer's Club - intended to be a place where you could take a break from the dance scene - became one of the most popular venues.
To avoid the embarrassment of having an outdoor stage with no-one wanting to listen to the band, the stage was removed. To try and boost attendance, the cover charge for entrance to Pleasure Island was replaced with a policy that required one only to pay for individual clubs they entered.
So, what is Pleasure Island today? :shrug: It certainly is not what it once was. Perhaps it is better than what it had once become. That seems to be the nature of night life in Orlando. Church Street Station failed, too.
My advice to the original poster - don't make going there the highlight of your night. Instead, plan to stop by Raglan Road for the Irish Pub atmosphere while you enjoy a pint, or go to the Adventurer's Club for its signature drink, a Kungaloosh, and plan to stay for an hour or so to determine whether its quirky atmosphere is for you. See if a good band happens to be playing at the House of Blues the night you will be there, or otherwise, plan to enjoy some shopping at Downtown Disney, with a trip through Pleasure Island for a drink.
Whatever you do, I hope you have fun. :wave:
Orlando had Church Street Station, with its complex of bars and its night life atmosphere, and people would flock up there after the parks closed.
Disney saw lost opportunities, and announced Pleasure Island, with its own complex of bars and it opened to great fanfare. The bars were packed and live bands played on outdoor stages to large crowds. All was good.
Over time - and I'm sure someone here knows the reason - Pleasure Island lost its edge as the place to be. The crowds stopped coming. The outdoor band played to no-one. Inside the bars, there were no people. The Adventurer's Club - intended to be a place where you could take a break from the dance scene - became one of the most popular venues.
To avoid the embarrassment of having an outdoor stage with no-one wanting to listen to the band, the stage was removed. To try and boost attendance, the cover charge for entrance to Pleasure Island was replaced with a policy that required one only to pay for individual clubs they entered.
So, what is Pleasure Island today? :shrug: It certainly is not what it once was. Perhaps it is better than what it had once become. That seems to be the nature of night life in Orlando. Church Street Station failed, too.
My advice to the original poster - don't make going there the highlight of your night. Instead, plan to stop by Raglan Road for the Irish Pub atmosphere while you enjoy a pint, or go to the Adventurer's Club for its signature drink, a Kungaloosh, and plan to stay for an hour or so to determine whether its quirky atmosphere is for you. See if a good band happens to be playing at the House of Blues the night you will be there, or otherwise, plan to enjoy some shopping at Downtown Disney, with a trip through Pleasure Island for a drink.
Whatever you do, I hope you have fun. :wave: