splitsville, am I the only one that doesn't get it?

[disfan99]

We just got back from WDW yesterday. I forget who mentioned "the walk of shame" in another thread, but we laughed about ours as we were leaving. Anyhow, I normally think the same way as others. I can see a movie or bowl at home. However, it was very hot down there last week while at DtD. We decided to duck out of the sun and see Brave 3D. It was fun and just what we needed to cool down. I'd prolly go to Splitsville for the same reason.

 

[Vader2112]

Topic. I don't know, I just don't see the appeal. Why would I wanna do something like bowling while on vacation, when I can bowl any night of the year when I'm home?

Now something like Disney Quest makes sense, a state of the art arcade, not only is it state of the art, but it's an arcade period, which I don't really see anymore. Do they even have arcades anymore? lol

But anyways, back to my original point, I can't be the only one who feels this way about splitsville, right?

I understand where you are coming from. Here is another take as well TDO is trying to regain the local interest with somethings at DTD since the closure of PI. Also Splitsville is big for hosting Corporate Team Buliding events. Since several conventions and cirp meetings are held at Coronado Springs, Bonnet Creek , The Swan and Doplin etc .. It makes sense from that angle.
I do agree with you on the fact that if I was on vacation I would not be looking to go bowling or to a movie.

 

[maxairmike]

Well, a few years ago, they were planning to build an official World bowling, whatever huge bowling alley, but that plan fell through. This is their second, smaller attempt, and using a 3rd party with established locations.

Completely unrelated to Splitsville. The huge bowling alley project was for WWoS to attract tournaments, not necessarily for guest use (although with 100+ lanes, which is what I believe it was announced as, I'm sure they wouldn't have all of them filled all the time and would have allowed open bowling).

 

[ddbowdoin]

OT:
Depends greatly on location. NYC and NJ have some locations with more than a handful of machines. Like you mentioned, the pinball wizard place (relatively new) is an extreme exception to the norm.. but they exist sporatically through the country. The largest locations are almost always private collections now.. with the exception of the pinball hall of fame in vegas. But you could head to PAPA in pittsburg this weekend for the world championship and try to with some of the tens of thousands in prizes PAPA has roughly 400 games setup and is the pilgrimage for pinball players.. well that and Pinball Expo in Chicago.

We've ran leagues with fewer games (less than 4) but our ideal is 8 or more. We've been running pinball leagues for over 15 years - http://www.fspazone.org/

I have noticed that... at first when the Pinball Wizard Hall opened I thought there was no way this place would survive. It is in a relatively obscure location, Pelham NH. It's just over the MA border but it's next to Lowell, MA which is a complete grimeball city.

But, then I started doing research and realized that weren't many halls left in the US, which is a damn shame. I kind of got tossed into the mix, my FIL used to collect and still has a few kicking around. We worked on Funhouse and restored it, it was really fun learning all of the intricate work that goes into each box.

I'm really kicking myself not getting to the hall in Vegas, my interest sparked after I had visited Vegas so it was with some hindsight. I would love to get out to some expos in the near future. I'm not a bad player, but yet again I'm no great shakes.

 

[Redsky89]

I'm actually suprised there is another Unearth fan on this board, Thats Awesome. I've seen them a few time in Atlanta, always a good show.

But yeah I agree Downtown Disney brings in alot of locals, people staying off site looking for fun activities, and people that are on long vacations (2 weeks to a month)

Awesome man. Wished they were at Mayhem Fest this year again ( which was still awesome ). But your right about people staying a long time being there. If I stayed in Disney World more then a week I'd have to do something other then a park. Movies, bowling, a concert. Anything.

 

[Master Yoda]

Topic. I don't know, I just don't see the appeal. Why would I wanna do something like bowling while on vacation, when I can bowl any night of the year when I'm home?

Now something like Disney Quest makes sense, a state of the art arcade, not only is it state of the art, but it's an arcade period, which I don't really see anymore. Do they even have arcades anymore? lol

But anyways, back to my original point, I can't be the only one who feels this way about splitsville, right?

Why would you want to swim on vacation? I can do that at home?

Why would I want to eat in a restaurant when on vacation? I can do that at home?

Why would I want to play video games when on vacation? I can do that at home.

As you can see, it is not that valid of an argument. Typically, what you want to do on vacation is have fun. It is irrelevant if that fun is the same or similar to something you have at home. In regards to Splitsville, most bowling alleys that we have at home are nothing like Splitsville. The ones I have near me look like that are stuck in the 1970's with food that most little league ballparks would be embarrassed to serve. Splitville will be state of the art with good to great dining options.

If it is not for you that is fine. I think the place is going to be packed 24/7.

Disney Quest is a great concept, but very poor execution. There is absolutely nothing state of the art about the current Disney Quest. Quite honestly, an Xbox 360 with Kinect or a PS3 with Move are light years ahead of the best technology currently at Disney Quest.

 

[sgtmgd]

Topic. I don't know, I just don't see the appeal. Why would I wanna do something like bowling while on vacation, when I can bowl any night of the year when I'm home?

Now something like Disney Quest makes sense, a state of the art arcade, not only is it state of the art, but it's an arcade period, which I don't really see anymore. Do they even have arcades anymore? lol

But anyways, back to my original point, I can't be the only one who feels this way about splitsville, right?

I do get it...I grew up in Daytona...60 minute drive across I-4 (a adventure in itself) and lived there til I joined the service in 1988. DTD has exploded since the days of Pleasure Islands and the threatre opening...I think people need to remember that folks like Crush Dude that goe to Disney and stay 20 days...well they propably need a break an dmay enjoy a movie...or bowling...or Disney Quest...weather weather weather..if you are staying at Disney and plana day at the water parks but they are at capacity or closed to storms...DTD gives an option..some folks that are their with families may not be park driven and prefer a Disneyfied place with some alternative entertainment....smae goes for Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk..went for the first time last year...new years eve mind you(what I remember) but it was a blast..if you plan on visiting Ak and it ccloses at 6 or 7 and you dont have a park hopper and your kids want to do something else.....well DTD has options...I wouldnt NOT go to a park for these things but I like to know they are there to use if I need them..we usually have a day to "relax" midpoint of the trip to visit DTD to shop etc...Id certainly give a look to Spiltsville. Also remember alot of tour groups have days built into a visit to DTD...also Disney hosts tons of nationally ranked tournements for youth sports at ESPN Sports Zone...hundreds of teams that also have pre selected times to visit DTD...so I see the merits of having something like spiltsville and the AMC theatre

 

[Hakunamatata]

I didnt closely read each post, but one thing to consider is the amount of convention traffic WDW gets. I could very easily see businesses having gatherings here in the evening after a day of conventions. Could be why we saw concept art with people dressed up.

 

[Master Yoda]

I didnt closely read each post, but one thing to consider is the amount of convention traffic WDW gets. I could very easily see businesses having gatherings here in the evening after a day of conventions. Could be why we saw concept art with people dressed up.

I would not read too much into that. Those "people" were more than likely just stock images that came with the CADD modeling software they used. Back when I was drawing house plans I would put a Lambrohini Countch in every garage.

 

[Mukta]

I always like going to see a movie when I am on vacation. Friends of mine have made faces at that and said they'd never want to see a movie somewhere else, but I can remember seeing 'The House of Yes" in a little theater in New Orleans that's not there anymore.

OMG. You are the only person I have ever heard who has seen House of Yes. It is one of my favorite movies and I own it on VHS.

 

[DsnySodec]

Topic. I don't know, I just don't see the appeal. Why would I wanna do something like bowling while on vacation, when I can bowl any night of the year when I'm home?

Now something like Disney Quest makes sense, a state of the art arcade, not only is it state of the art, but it's an arcade period, which I don't really see anymore. Do they even have arcades anymore? lol

But anyways, back to my original point, I can't be the only one who feels this way about splitsville, right?

I agree with you. I barely go bowling when Im at home. Im for sure not going when Im at Disney

 

[luv]

I forgot about convention people. There are plenty of people who come to Orlando, stay in wdw hotels, but who have no interest in going to parks. They might like to go shoot some pool.

I don't think it is going to be busy all the time, but I don't think it will be what the Dance Hall was, either.

 

[flynnibus]

for everyone that says 'I won't do that when on vacation in Disney...'

You can see exactly how the resort concept has broken down and now everything is about parks parks parks parks.

You can have a relaxing vacation doing things that aren't purely unique to the locale..

 

[Bob Saget]

Sorry, but bowling has never been my thing. Hardly played the sport...never watched it on TV (unless you count episodes of The Flinstones), but no interest really. Sure, I might walk through and see what the facility looks like. But it's not something really attractive (imo) whether on Disney property or off.

 

[Patricia Melton]

OMG. You are the only person I have ever heard who has seen House of Yes. It is one of my favorite movies and I own it on VHS.

Honey, I have the movie's poster up in my office. I love Parker Posey and loved the poster for the movie. It was one of the best independent movies I ever saw.

 

[koryadams]

Well you have to think....anyone can go to Downtown Disney. Lucky Florida residents go their like you do your local mall. So I think it's a great idea! and all the bowling alleys here are crap. I can't wait to check out Splitsville!!!! I think it will be a hit!

 

[Susan Savia]

I rank going bowling or to a movie while on a Disney World vacation with sitting along side one of the pools. Why waste time doing that when its something that can be done at home.

 

[ZaneB]

I don't know that much about Splitsville, but after a bit of research I found they're more like a restaurant where you bowl. Vacations are about being with your family, and what better way than with a game of bowling! Downtown Disney could use the new place to eat. On my most recent trip, we couldn't get into any nice sit down restaurants without waiting an hour, so we got stuck in Wolfgang Puck paying $25 for a spoonful of food!

 

[Mickey_777]

I can see it's appeal given that it's "upscale" bowling. People who really like to bowl would probably enjoy doing so in a nicer establishment with decent food. Every bowling alley around here is pretty much a dump. It makes for a fun night out with the family/friends. Locals can get into it too. Surely it's gonna be more expensive but there must be a reason why they've been successful enough to expand to DTD. I think it's a great addition to be honest. And if the food's good, I might just go there to eat.

Also, couldn't they technically host bowling tournaments/championships at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista Florida now?

 

[JIMINYCR]

It's just not "Disney" enough for me!

Same here. I go for the uniqueness of Disney. They surely won't be making any money off of me.