Pleasure Island's Last night

DznyGrlSD

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
In the Parks
Yes
Pleasure "Islands"? I guess Florida really has gotten a lot of rain this week.:lol:

I punctuated...:shrug:


GETTING BACK ON TOPIC!!!!!

I've also heard a rumor that in the Adv. Club there will be an abundance "maids" and "butlers" on the last night...
 

Krack

Active Member
Exactly. But WDW was never intended to be a second Las Vegas and Las Vegas is moving away from the idea of being a second WDW. I think the vast majority of families go to WDW for family centered entertainment. People who can't stand that idea really seem selfish to me. For there to be one place on earth where people can escape what is so utterly common everywhere else is not unreasonable.

Ah, but if you go to Vegas, there are a handful of places you can go with your kids where you're not going to be surrounded by adults drinking, smoking and gambling. Almost every hotel has something (an aquarium, or the white tigers, or museum-like exhibits). And there are non-casino attractions (like the Ripley's museum) throughout the city. Is it a ton of stuff? No, but there are some places to go to escape the gambling/debauchery.

But the flipside is unavailable at WDW. There is nowhere to go to escape the kids if you want to. I truly believe the disconnect here is that some parents can't understand the notion that there are other adults that occassionally desire to be as far away from your kids as possible for a few hours (without being sentenced to their rooms). Pleasure Island was designed to be that place. Now Disney is forcing this segment of their consumers to CityWalk.

It's not as though Pleasure Island was built in the middle of Fantasyland, with a big sign that said "If you are 21, sorry - you're excluded from this area. Go have fun with your family somewhere else." Pleasure Island was set far away from the parks and you had to actively seek it out.
 

jt04

Well-Known Member
Ah, but if you go to Vegas, there are a handful of places you can go with your kids where you're not going to be surrounded by adults drinking, smoking and gambling. Almost every hotel has something (an aquarium, or the white tigers, or museum-like exhibits). And there are non-casino attractions (like the Ripley's museum) throughout the city. Is it a ton of stuff? No, but there are some places to go to escape the gambling/debauchery.

But the flipside is unavailable at WDW. There is nowhere to go to escape the kids if you want to. I truly believe the disconnect here is that some parents can't understand the notion that there are other adults that occassionally desire to be as far away from your kids as possible for a few hours (without being sentenced to their rooms). Pleasure Island was designed to be that place. Now Disney is forcing this segment of their consumers to CityWalk.

PI was "forced" on WDW by previous management. It was a poor decision for Disney from Day 1 IMO. I am fairly certain Disney welcomes former PI fans visit CW as often as you like. A healthy Uni is good for the Orlando tourist industry in general.

By the way, since Disney announced they are closing the clubs new life is being seen and planned for in downtown Orlando for just the type of entertainment you seek. That is a perfect win-win for everyone. I think you will see downtown Orlando is going to be the new New Orleans.
 

sknydave

Active Member
I'm not attempting to argue that alcohol is evil and should be banned. I don't see anything wrong with the moderate, responsible use of alcohol.

And I totally understand the desire to want to get out without the kids. But what I don't understand is why people think that the only entertainment that they can have with just adults is to go out boozing it up. :shrug: There's plenty that you and your wife can do (or any group of adults) without having to go out to the bars. Go have dinner. Go shopping. Go mini-golfing. Go see a movie. Just go out for a nice walk around the grounds. I don't understand why an adults only night out can only manifest itself in a bottle of booze? Are we that shallow that the only thing we can do to have fun without the kids is to go out to the bars?

Shopping, dinner and mini golf are your idea of an adult's night out?
 

sbkline

Well-Known Member
Shopping, dinner and mini golf are your idea of an adult's night out?

Actually, yes. Because my wife and I don't feel like we have to be out boozing it up in order to enjoy each other's company on a child free evening. Evening activities which we have done together while leaving the child at his grandma's include going to see a movie, playing some mini-golf, going out to eat and doing a little shopping. At his age, mini-golf and a movie are not something that we could take him to do, although we can, and have, taken him out to eat and shopping. But it's also nice sometimes just to have an evening to do these things without having to have the child in tow.

And, as we considered him too young at 1 and 2 years old to take to WDW, we left him with his grandparents in 2007 and 2008 while we went ot WDW. And you know what? We didn't need to go out getting sloshed while we were down there in order to enjoy ourselves. What a concept. We just enjoyed WDW...the 4 parks, some good dining venues, mini-golf on and off property, shopping in Orlando, Sea World, the Beach, etc. We had a good time and we didn't need one drop of alcohol to do it.

Again, do I see anything wrong with the moderate consumption of alcohol? No. I'm not advocating prohibition, nor am I condemning alcohol flat out. But since my wife and I don't drink, I just have a very hard time understanding this mindset that you can only have a fun night out if alcohol is involved. We manage to have fun without it. :shrug:
 
PI was "forced" on WDW by previous management. It was a poor decision for Disney from Day 1 IMO. I am fairly certain Disney welcomes former PI fans visit CW as often as you like. A healthy Uni is good for the Orlando tourist industry in general.

By the way, since Disney announced they are closing the clubs new life is being seen and planned for in downtown Orlando for just the type of entertainment you seek. That is a perfect win-win for everyone. I think you will see downtown Orlando is going to be the new New Orleans.

Pleasure Island was in such a small area, why would it even be an issue with kids with it just being there? It is not like the area cannot be avoided. Is it really appropriate for kids to be in an environment like that after 9:00pm in the first place? There are many Disney fans that visit who do not have kids, I don't think it’s a small minority that fit that category, and it’s not difficult just to not visit the area you don't want to visit. Some would argue Toontown Fair only appeals to little children, perhaps they should close that entire land and open a family friendly tee-shirt shop there if it is truly about family friendly all around. Just because Disney World is designed for child-friendly entertainment does not mean it should only appeal to families, you have to remember kids do grow up and different entertainment will appeal to them in the future.
 

marni1971

Park History nut
Premium Member
PI was "forced" on WDW by previous management...
An interesting way of putting it to say the least!

If I may, my observations as a guest and then a more in-the-know person ;)

1990 - My family take me to PI. Island admission is included on our 5 day hopper. I`m old enough for TAC, but not Mannaquins. I don`t want to go clubbing. I`m on holiday and want a fun night out in Disney. We look inside TAC for 10 minutes (I know, I know...) and then browse the island, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy live bands on the original West End Stage and experience the great New Years party.

1993 - I take my GF at the time to PI. Admission is included in our package. We get wristbands on production of passposrts for all the clubs. We spend 2 great nights in the clubs, and soak up the atmosphere outside, and experience some great New Years Eves partys.

2001 - I take Michelle for her first time. Admission is included again. We do the clubs on production of our passports. We see some great live bands on the last West End Stage and experience some great New Years Eve parties. We also spend a few hours `doing` TAC as tourists. Fantastic.

During the above 3 trips we of course bought drinks, food and souvineers from PI.

2007 - knowing what I knew, with bated breath we go to PI to get a Harley T Shirt. My god. The place is a ghost town. No stage. No atmosphere. After a half hour we leave and pass more of the same in West Side to get back to the car.

Disneys plan of un-gating the island worked. It was as generic as the rest of Downtown. No magic. No atmosphere. We won`t go back.

As discussed elsewhere, the alternative plan was to extend downtown around and to the south of PI, and keep PI gated as a separate entertainment district. They took the cheap option. The ungating was the first stage in lowering its appeal, and it worked. Now they have the excuse they wanted. It`s far cheaper to have 3rd parties pay for the facillities than the company. Tourists will still come. Why should Disney pay for something - in their eyes - they don`t have to? Damn the experience and damn the provision of a service. Let someone else pay for it, even if it isn`t like the original.

Cynical? Maybe. True? Absolutely. Recall the 20K debacle. There are ways and means to do what they want for the bottom line. At the end of the day PI is soon to be another extinct attraction. Nothing I can do about it. A drop in the ocean I know, but I`ll never go back to Downtown Central or whatever name marketing comes up with.
 

Disneydogs

Member
Why do people try to compare a whole city (Las Vegas) to one attraction (Disney World). Last time I checked the city of Orlando sits near Disney World. You have options if you don't want to be near kids. PI closing will not take away your ability to let loose a little. You can go to other places in Orlando just like in Vegas. Sure I'm going to miss the Adventurer's Club but until I can open my own theme park I'm going to keep coming back. Why??? Because I like to feel like a kid when I'm in Disney World.

Opening PI as a family friendly area is a good idea not the cheapest idea as someone previously put it. If you think it is cheap then give ideas instead of dumping on what's new.

Maybe I'm missing something here. For me, the whole idea of going to Disney is to be more like a kid. To go back and feel young and experience that with family. Sure we all want a break from kids and to some PI was sort of that break but come on... did you really think you were going to get away from the little ones. I like it. Bring on the screaming and the yelling and the fussing and the diaper changes on the run.

Bring on the themed restaurants and kids menus and the funny hats and the crayons and coloring books. The place is for kids, for young and old and the rest of us in between.
 

joel_maxwell

Permanent Resident of EPCOT
That's all a matter of opinion, I guess. Myself, I'm glad to see it all go. I don't think that the bar scene has any place in WDW and I'm glad to see it all replaced with more family friendly entertainment.
i think that is what the other 99.875% of the property is for. its not like it is dumped next to the entrance to MK or fantasyland.

So you're saying that you, and most adults in general, require a bottle of booze in order to be entertained? How sad.
*shakes head*

I'm not attempting to argue that alcohol is evil and should be banned. I don't see anything wrong with the moderate, responsible use of alcohol.

And I totally understand the desire to want to get out without the kids. But what I don't understand is why people think that the only entertainment that they can have with just adults is to go out boozing it up. :shrug: There's plenty that you and your wife can do (or any group of adults) without having to go out to the bars. Go have dinner. Go shopping. Go mini-golfing. Go see a movie. Just go out for a nice walk around the grounds. I don't understand why an adults only night out can only manifest itself in a bottle of booze? Are we that shallow that the only thing we can do to have fun without the kids is to go out to the bars?
to each his own

Actually, yes. Because my wife and I don't feel like we have to be out boozing it up in order to enjoy each other's company on a child free evening.

We manage to have fun without it. :shrug:
Kudos to you. Now you can return to your sheltered life that you have admitted to before and quit judging others.

Everyone on the site knows your stance on alcohol, religion and g a y days....

Just like on this site, if the bar scene isnt for you, then dont go. That doesnt mean we cant enjoy... our sad life at the bar scene

Why should we? WDI had them already. Management just chose the least expensive route.
i hate that trend
 

sknydave

Active Member
Actually, yes. Because my wife and I don't feel like we have to be out boozing it up in order to enjoy each other's company on a child free evening. Evening activities which we have done together while leaving the child at his grandma's include going to see a movie, playing some mini-golf, going out to eat and doing a little shopping. At his age, mini-golf and a movie are not something that we could take him to do, although we can, and have, taken him out to eat and shopping. But it's also nice sometimes just to have an evening to do these things without having to have the child in tow.

And, as we considered him too young at 1 and 2 years old to take to WDW, we left him with his grandparents in 2007 and 2008 while we went ot WDW. And you know what? We didn't need to go out getting sloshed while we were down there in order to enjoy ourselves. What a concept. We just enjoyed WDW...the 4 parks, some good dining venues, mini-golf on and off property, shopping in Orlando, Sea World, the Beach, etc. We had a good time and we didn't need one drop of alcohol to do it.

Again, do I see anything wrong with the moderate consumption of alcohol? No. I'm not advocating prohibition, nor am I condemning alcohol flat out. But since my wife and I don't drink, I just have a very hard time understanding this mindset that you can only have a fun night out if alcohol is involved. We manage to have fun without it. :shrug:

Have you ever even been to Pleasure Island? I honestly don't think you have. I have been at least 30 times and I can count on one hand the amount of people I remember seeing who were "sloshed." You act as though the mere fact that there are drinks being served means everyone is there solely to drink themselves into oblivion. Actually, if that were true then PI would probably not be closing.
 

palmage

Member
I'm not attempting to argue that alcohol is evil and should be banned. I don't see anything wrong with the moderate, responsible use of alcohol.

And I totally understand the desire to want to get out without the kids. But what I don't understand is why people think that the only entertainment that they can have with just adults is to go out boozing it up. :shrug: There's plenty that you and your wife can do (or any group of adults) without having to go out to the bars. Go have dinner. Go shopping. Go mini-golfing. Go see a movie. Just go out for a nice walk around the grounds. I don't understand why an adults only night out can only manifest itself in a bottle of booze? Are we that shallow that the only thing we can do to have fun without the kids is to go out to the bars?

Glory Glory Alleluia
Sing it loud from your pulpit :hammer::shrug::brick:
All your posts refer to "Boozing". You obviously disagree with people have a fun time drinking, and that's OK.
So go mini golfing, have fun. Let the rest of us go to the Adventurers Club and drink whatever we want ( I'm going Saturday and just may get tanked).
Just my opinion, I could be wrong
 

DisneyWales

Member
The concept of PI is 100% spot on, however as Marni said, they really messed it up.

Me and my BF visit WDW together, with no kids, and we love going out for a Drink and the AC, its a nice way to enjoy the magic of Disney in a more Adult friendly setting.

While we all love the fact that everyone at WDW farts pixie dust etc, it was nice to be an adult yet still enjoy Disney. (Thats an extreme example, but i hope you know what i mean).

Im going to WDW in 10days :sohappy: and ive already planned one final Hoopla at the best drinking hole on the planet.

To be honest the drinking and slooshing done at PI is NOTHING compared to the problems we have here in the UK, if it was on that level i could totally understand why people would not want it at WDW, heck i wouldn't. But PI is soooooo tame in drinking misbehaving. mainly because it cost too much to get in and have a good drink, versus other places.

Anyway people will never agree on this topic, so people will sorely miss PI, other will be glad its sinking away.

I will say however that it did make Market place and Westside a awkward transition.

Anyway to all you people who like me will cry a little inside on PI close day.

KONGALOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:king:
 

WDWTrojan

Well-Known Member
Maybe I just missed out but... what exactly is going in where PI is now?

If they are extending DTD then it may mean a modified/less specific PI. At DLR there is a LOT of night life in DTD there. House and Blues and a lot of restaurants and bars stay open late. I never got to go to PI (but was hoping to when I turned 21... darn it) but I think that the nightlife just might be a little more low key rather than dance clubs and stuff. we'll see.

Aside from House of Blues, which is open late when they have a concert there, there are no true "bars" at the Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Maybe a couple restaurant bars, but that is about it.
 

danpam1024

Well-Known Member
Actually, yes. Because my wife and I don't feel like we have to be out boozing it up in order to enjoy each other's company on a child free evening. Evening activities which we have done together while leaving the child at his grandma's include going to see a movie, playing some mini-golf, going out to eat and doing a little shopping. At his age, mini-golf and a movie are not something that we could take him to do, although we can, and have, taken him out to eat and shopping. But it's also nice sometimes just to have an evening to do these things without having to have the child in tow.

And, as we considered him too young at 1 and 2 years old to take to WDW, we left him with his grandparents in 2007 and 2008 while we went ot WDW. And you know what? We didn't need to go out getting sloshed while we were down there in order to enjoy ourselves. What a concept. We just enjoyed WDW...the 4 parks, some good dining venues, mini-golf on and off property, shopping in Orlando, Sea World, the Beach, etc. We had a good time and we didn't need one drop of alcohol to do it.

Again, do I see anything wrong with the moderate consumption of alcohol? No. I'm not advocating prohibition, nor am I condemning alcohol flat out. But since my wife and I don't drink, I just have a very hard time understanding this mindset that you can only have a fun night out if alcohol is involved. We manage to have fun without it. :shrug:


I don't think those of us who choose to drink when we go out w/o our kids do it with the intention of "getting sloshed". Like it or not, drinking is social and relaxing, and yes you can do it without being a drunk! Adults need their own vacation too, that's why they invented baby sitters and taxi cabs!!! Anyway, now that my little rant is over...it would make mini golf more fun:lol:
 

Krack

Active Member
Why do people try to compare a whole city (Las Vegas) to one attraction (Disney World).

Because Disney World is larger than the entire city of Las Vegas? Let's be honest, when you talk about "Vegas" as a tourist attraction, all you're really talking about is one 4 mile long street.

Disney prides itself on being self-contained, particularly with transportation. They do this so they can trap you on-property and then you can't leave until their vacation is over and you are back on the shuttle to the airport. That way they get all of your dollars spent on vacation. Removing Pleasure Island is a veiled way of saying that they don't care as much about childless adults anymore - if you don't have kids you simply aren't as valued a customer in their eyes because they can't talk you (and again, let's be honest, this marketing is directed entirely at mothers) and your wife into dumping money on character meals and spending an extra $150 on dressing your kid up like a princess.

It's a blatent money grab and the saddest thing, imo, is that they are doing this money grab in the cheapest, least risky (and most importantly) least creative and unique way possible - by leasing to outside entities that you can find in any major shopping mall rather than creating and operating something themselves. I have a Rainforest Cafe three miles from my house. Why am I going to Florida to go to one? It's sad.
 

marni1971

Park History nut
Premium Member
I think I can sum it up in one offering:

Disney were offered Hard Rock before Universal. Frank Wells turned it down. Why should they let an outside company come in and do something which Disney could do better and take most of the money?

Disney were offered Planet Hollywood. Eisner took it, thinking why let Disney do all the donkey work when someone else would pay most of the money and Disney would get something for nothing.

Here we are in 2008. The Eisner plan still rules.
 

I_heart_Tigger

Well-Known Member
So you're saying that you, and most adults in general, require a bottle of booze in order to be entertained? How sad.


No I am saying that I am an adult and I enjoy the company of other adults not the children of strangers...and don't worry, I find you as entertaining as a scotch on the rocks
 

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