Say goodbye to ALL the clubs at PI.

[hokielutz]

I think you are missing the point. It *is* just a bar to Disney.

The fans have built it up into this ethereal experience, which is great, but financially...it is just a bar.

When such a large portion of people went for the side show and not the main attraction, so to speak (people went to see the Entertainment and not to drink, the main function of a bar), that's why I'm sure on paper the place wasn't terribly successful especially when you have to pay for the talent, etc.

On many Disney boards, including this one, you see people saying over and over "It was so great I can't believe they are closing it...but no, I never really drank there I just went for the Entertainment", which is exactly why it is closing along with the rest of the place.

If it were more than just a pet favorite for frequent visitors, or it made incredible money, you can be assured that they would keep it even if they got rid of the other clubs. But a place best known for a place for CM's to hook up on Thursday nights and a place that has a niche following in the Disney community but really wasn't terribly well-known out of those circles isn't some place Disney is going to see much reason to "save".

AEfx

Unless you are a member of the senior management staff at WDW, you really don't know what the reasons are for closing this part of the park. So it would be great if you make sure you denote your sweeping statements as personal opinions, or else cite a source.

PI could very well be making money, but not as much as it would if Disney leased the spaces to another company and took a cut of the sales/profit. As mentioned in the past, filling in the area with retail would give the whole DTD area a unified look and feel. No need to skip around the middle portion.

 

[CaptainMichael]

Hoopla!! :lol::lol:

HOOPLA!

 

[Thurp]

Part of what I love about Disney is the constant change, it's what keeps bringing me back. The original EPCOT was extraordinary, but it's evolution has been great as well. The removal of 20,000 Leagues was a drag, but it was replaced by Pooh's Playful Spot, which is great fun for my children, and I look forward to whatever eventually occupies the leftover space. One of my favorite all time things at the resort is Illuminations:Reflections of Earth. I hear rumors that it is approaching replacement time for that particular display. If that comes to pass, I will be saddened, but I will also be filled with anticipation as for what's to come because after all, It's Disney.

My problem with PI closing, and I think that a lot of people share the same feeling, is that by shutting it, they are ending the only option for adults to let loose and have fun in what is otherwise a haven for kids and families.

Some adults want such an outlet for a few hours every night during their vacation. There is no alternative. It's not like they are closing "Pleasure Island" and opening "Party Planet." Instead they are closing "Pleasure Island" and opening "Create A T-Shirt".

 

[jt04]

Unless you are a member of the senior management staff at WDW, you really don't know what the reasons are for closing this part of the park. So it would be great if you make sure you denote your sweeping statements as personal opinions, or else cite a source.

PI could very well be making money, but not as much as it would if Disney leased the spaces to another company and took a cut of the sales/profit. As mentioned in the past, filling in the area with retail would give the whole DTD area a unified look and feel. No need to skip around the middle portion.

Exactly. It really is a decision to make the whole area more unified. It is not a coincidence that the balloon ride will be placed on the west side. One of the goals is to spread the crowds out and the area where people park also which tends to be mostly by the Marketplace.

Also, I absolutely believe that Disney has future plans for an AC type attraction at WDW in the future.

 

[Chernabogfan]

My problem with PI closing, and I think that a lot of people share the same feeling, is that by shutting it, they are ending the only option for adults to let loose and have fun in what is otherwise a haven for kids and families.

And I feel for you guys, I really do. I'm glad there's a place like this forum for people & fans to come and share their frustrations when beloved places change, or in this case, close altogether. It is my personal hope that the AC will reopen over at AK and they dump Rainforest. I'm not overly optimistic about this, but hey, the themeing is right. My point is that evolution is part of the game. If they had kept PI closed to those under 21, perhaps we wouldn't be having this discussion. But there's no putting the genie back in the bottle and the suits had to make a move. The frustrating thing to many here, I believe, is that you feel you're being written off. That's a lousy feeling for anyone to have, no matter how old you are. Unfortunately, that's the reality. The lovers of PI and in particular, the AC, are a minority. A vocal and very passionate minority, but a minority nonetheless. From a business angle, it's the next step in the evolution. I fear a corporate schlockfest just as much as everyone else, but I'm choosing to be optimistic in my hope that something worthwhile replaces PI.

I'll also be the first to admit, since I have kids 12 and under, I come at it from a different angle. I'm not able to leave them on their own yet and have a night out with my wife, so PI won't be something I'll terribly miss. I cherish the fun I had there as a twentysomething and those memories will remain just that, memories. There's really no way to say it that doesn't suck, so...there it is.:shrug:​

 

[dpunky]

Well said. I think that Disney need to make a change since the original PI has changed and has sadly declined in attendance, popularity and quality. I for one am looking forward to the new changes in store for this area. This will definitely be a more inviting area where the whole family can experience a good time - which falls in line with what Walt wanted in his parks and attractions.

 

[BwanaBob]

Hmmm...business wise that's a good plan. It wasn't what I was suggesting, nor am I "supporting" the closure of this bar, but I certainly understand why PI is going away.



/sigh

You are directing your anger/grumpiness at the wrong target. I'm just explaining how this is looked at business wise. You see, I don't have an emotional investment here either way - I couldn't care less if the place exists, I couldn't care less if it disapears of the face of the earth.

The point of a nightclub like that is to sell drinks at a bar. It really is that simple. Nothing to suggest I "rethink", sipping sodas (even gulping sodas) is not profitable for a bar - that's why they don't generally have "soda bars", that's what they have outdoor carts for LOL. It's not that they don't make *something* on the deal, it's just far less than the profit you get from alcoholic beverages, especially since many people can spend $50+ on one night of drinks (crazy to me, but pretty typical of a lot of bar/nightclub patrons).

The business plan of a nightclub is to attract patrons with the "free" entertainment so they spend the money on booze. Of course they make a bit off of soda - but the point is, not enough to subsidize the entire operation. You are just nitpicking here because you are upset.

As to the $20 "cover charge", not a lot of people bought individual PI tickets, which again is part of the problem. A very large portion of the patrons got in "free" because it was included in their admission (MYW, AP's, or other promotions). It also covered all of the clubs, not just this one (and don't forget they have to pay everyone - the people tending the window where tickets are bought to the security guards, etc.) Perhaps if they had an actual individual admission it would have been more profitable, but in practice that's just not how it worked.

Unless you are all wrapped up in this, it's pretty easy to see all the factors here as to why this place is going away just like the rest. For all those who are traumatized here, like anyone who's losing an attraction I feel for you - and it's too bad it can't be moved elsewhere, etc. But you can't let that color the understanding of why this is happening.

AEfx

Then...

It would be safe to say that a majority of WDW does not directly bring-in cash flow (attractions in the parks).
The attractions in the parks are a form of "free" entertainment after you purchased your entrance ticket; then you have the food, gifts, etc...
So set aside the whole bar arguement for a minute.

Just described the whole entertainment industry problem as a whole. I do not see a difference between AC and RnRC or ToT based off of this explanation. I say, if it draws crowds, and I'm in the entertainment biz, then keep it going.

 

[hokielutz]

Then...

It would be safe to say that a majority of WDW does not directly bring-in cash flow (attractions in the parks).
The attractions in the parks are a form of "free" entertainment after you purchased your entrance ticket; then you have the food, gifts, etc...
So set aside the whole bar arguement for a minute.

Just described the whole entertainment industry problem as a whole. I do not see a difference between AC and RnRC or ToT based off of this explanation. I say, if it draws crowds, and I'm in the entertainment biz, then keep it going.

With that said, lets dump the day pass and bring back the individual attraction tickets. (A, B, C, D, and E Tickets) :ROFLOL:

That way Disney will know exactly what is making them money and what needs to be dumped. I wonder what rating Dumbo and Peter Pan would get? Think Disney could fetch a D ticket rate for those two popular attractions?

 

[BwanaBob]

With that said, lets dump the day pass and bring back the individual attraction tickets. (A, B, C, D, and E Tickets) :ROFLOL:

That way Disney will know exactly what is making them money and what needs to be dumped. I wonder what rating Dumbo and Peter Pan would get? Think Disney could fetch a D ticket rate for those two popular attractions?

Amen, brother.

You KNOW thats where this is all going w/in 10 years.


First the cost of gas... now Disney brings back tickets...

 

[markc]

PI could very well be making money, but not as much as it would if Disney leased the spaces to another company and took a cut of the sales/profit. As mentioned in the past, filling in the area with retail would give the whole DTD area a unified look and feel. No need to skip around the middle portion.

Without incriminating anybody and giving my source, I can tell you that there are many nights where PI is not making money. On many nights, the sales revenue from Sun-Wed does not cover their operating costs. Overall, it does make money, however the profit margin is only a sliver of what it used to be and what they had projected it to be years ago.

 

[MAGICFLOP]

It doesnt bother me that it is closing. I went there once when I was in my 20's and I thought it was stupid. The New Years eve stuff was ridiculus. I was not a big club guy anyway.

 

[sknydave]

There's only one person on this forum who we know is involved in WDW finances and so far he has yet to post in this thread.

 

[hrcollectibles]

I tell ya Valiant, the whole thing stinks like yesterday's diapers

I will miss the clubs and such.. But what did we do before the days of Pleasure Island? And how do we know that whatever they have planned will stink.

 

[hemloc]

And how do we know that whatever they have planned will stink?

More dining and shopping options pretty much stinks...

That being said, I am voting with my wallet by not staying on-property any longer(Unless it's a very special occasion) and getting a refund for my Premium Annual Pass and using it to buy a Preferred Annual Pass at Universal instead(Which I never had any intention of doing until the announcement of PI closing, 4 days after I renewed my PAP!). That's at least 3 or 4 grand that Disney is not making off of me annually any more(And I can't be the only one!). Extreme? Hardly, since I only did those things to enjoy PI.

 

[Chernabogfan]

Extreme? Hardly, since I only did those things to enjoy PI.

Well, if that's the case, then your decision is a good move for you. If one place doesn't have what you want, find another one that does. It's actually a microcosm of the decision to close PI. The current layout wasn't providing the income & clientele they were after, so they're moving to get one that does. You get left out of their new plan, they get left out of your cash deposits. In the end, you both end up getting what you want, you with a place to enjoy, them with a location that will bring in a more consistant and profitable clientele. Due to the wounded feelings on your part, the system is obviously imperfect, but it seems to work.

 

[Timmay]

More dining and shopping options pretty much stinks...

To you...yes.

To the people that will flood an already over-crowded shopping and dining area, not so much.

 

[hemloc]

To you...yes.

To the people that will flood an already over-crowded shopping and dining area, not so much.

Not like there's any shortage of less-crowded(Not to mention cheaper) dining options just down the road and out the gate in Kissimmee or anything:shrug:.

Well, if that's the case, then your decision is a good move for you. If one place doesn't have what you want, find another one that does. It's actually a microcosm of the decision to close PI. The current layout wasn't providing the income & clientele they were after, so they're moving to get one that does. You get left out of their new plan, they get left out of your cash deposits. In the end, you both end up getting what you want, you with a place to enjoy, them with a location that will bring in a more consistant and profitable clientele. Due to the wounded feelings on your part, the system is obviously imperfect, but it seems to work.

If lil' ol' me feels this way, it justs begs to wonder how many others will follow suit. But I am sure WDW will more than make up the lost profits via jacked-up rent from primo leased storefronts.

 

[RiversideBunny]

Disney has made the decision about Pleasure Island.

"The moving finger writes; and having writ, moves on: nor all thy piety nor wit shall lure it back....."

- Omar Khayyam

 

[CaptainMichael]

Disney has made the decision about Pleasure Island.

"The moving finger writes; and having writ, moves on: nor all thy piety nor wit shall lure it back....."

- Omar Khayyam

However, there have been instances in the past where we lowly fans have changed things or at least helped change things. Imagination, Epcot's 25th, the wand, CoP, etc come to mind. It doesn't hurt to at least try. I wrote my letters tonight and will send them tomorrow. It's a small price to pay to help save the Adventurers Club.

 

[Legacy]

However, there have been instances in the past where we lowly fans have changed things or at least helped change things. Imagination, Epcot's 25th, the wand, CoP, etc come to mind. It doesn't hurt to at least try. I wrote my letters tonight and will send them tomorrow. It's a small price to pay to help save the Adventurers Club.

Imagination - They added Figment into what amounts to be the exact same ride it was before. Same effects. Same track. Same sets. Same story.

Epcot's 25th, they made official what was going to be unofficial regardless. The fans were going to show up and celebrate Epcots 25th whether Disney liked it or not. Disney shelled out the money to have higher-ups speak. That's all.

The wand (as discussed far too often before) probably had more to do with Siemens than with the fans. It was listed as temporary from the very beginning. I wouldn't consider that a feather in the fanboys' cap.

CoP is still listed as seasonal and is still presumably in the way of the next Tomorrowland expansion.

If the "success" of the fans are any indication, Adventurer's Club will probably end up a dry, themed, family resturaunt sans entertainment. Then Disney can say, "Look! We gave them back the Adventurer's Club and increased our profit margins!" Would you be happy with that?