What is the consensus on PI and HW?

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Couldnt care less as the current muppets at the helm lose their way when not focussed on the need of spoiled 8 year olds so I cant see anything that would entice me to visit, far less part with cash coming soon.

 

[miles1]

Let me try to give you some perspective from a middle aged, baby boomer couple with kids, in a convoluted way.

When DW and I were single, and a childless couple, (both before and after marriage), we did visit PI at least once per trip. Back then the drinking age was 18 years old, which included a huge section of the population. We had no time constraints and it didn't matter if we went back to our room a little tipsy. We had a good time there.

Then we had kids and things changed. A lot. First, PI was boring for little ones. They couldn't even enter most of the clubs, and those that they could were way over their head. They were dead tired after a day at the parks and were at best whiny at night. Getting up early the next day to tour with a hangover, while towing two little ones, wasn't very appealing either. So PI lost our demographic for the last 17 or so years while our kids were growing to the point that we felt comfortable leaving them on their own for a while.

In the next few years, DW and I will have some time on our own without worrying about the kids getting into trouble, and we will probably return to seeking some kind of night-life (as long as it includes a Geritol bar). Problem is, what appealed to me 20 years ago is not all that appealing now, so I don't know if the old Pleasure Island would fit the bill for us. AC and the Comedy Club possibly, but not much beyond that.

That's why I find the idea of a Hybrid more appealing, perhaps with a few, more mature clubs thrown in for us old farts. There would be something to do for those that want to do clubs, and something to do for those that are just looking for eventing entertainment or shopping. Hopefully this is what HW will evolve into.

You can say what you'd like about Disney, but they know their demographic and they know who in that demographic has the money. That would be younger couples with kids and older couples with grown kids. The old PI didn't appeal to either of those demographics for the most part. JMHO, but that (and to a lesser extent other factors) is what brought about its closure.

 

[MarkTwain]

Let me try to give you some perspective from a middle aged, baby boomer couple with kids, in a convoluted way.

When DW and I were single, and a childless couple, (both before and after marriage), we did visit PI at least once per trip. Back then the drinking age was 18 years old, which included a huge section of the population. We had no time constraints and it didn't matter if we went back to our room a little tipsy. We had a good time there.

Then we had kids and things changed. A lot. First, PI was boring for little ones. They couldn't even enter most of the clubs, and those that they could were way over their head. They were dead tired after a day at the parks and were at best whiny at night. Getting up early the next day to tour with a hangover, while towing two little ones, wasn't very appealing either. So PI lost our demographic for the last 17 or so years while our kids were growing to the point that we felt comfortable leaving them on their own for a while.

In the next few years, DW and I will have some time on our own without worrying about the kids getting into trouble, and we will probably return to seeking some kind of night-life (as long as it includes a Geritol bar). Problem is, what appealed to me 20 years ago is not all that appealing now, so I don't know if the old Pleasure Island would fit the bill for us. AC and the Comedy Club possibly, but not much beyond that.

That's why I find the idea of a Hybrid more appealing, perhaps with a few, more mature clubs thrown in for us old farts. There would be something to do for those that want to do clubs, and something to do for those that are just looking for eventing entertainment or shopping. Hopefully this is what HW will evolve into.

You can say what you'd like about Disney, but they know their demographic and they know who in that demographic has the money. That would be younger couples with kids and older couples with grown kids. The old PI didn't appeal to either of those demographics for the most part. JMHO, but that (and to a lesser extent other factors) is what brought about its closure.

Good story. This idea of a district that appeals to each demographic - restaurants/shops for families, dance clubs and (relatively wholesome) bars for young adults, and comedy clubs and more sophisticated lounges for older adults - is what Disney needs right now. It's definitely possible to weave these together in a cohesive fashion, whether through use of multi-story complexes, separation by district around a single family-friendly circulation area, or through rotating between uses at different times of day. The problem is that Pleasure Island didn't do this, and it doesn't look to me as if HW will either.

 

[Did Knee]

Miles1 and MarkTwain, you guys both make good points, but I'm scared that Pumbas Nakasak has the real answer here... :hammer:

 

[Did Knee]

Interesting...with "other" and "don't care ignored, those favoring a club solution of some sort are out voting the "HW as planned" folks 2 to 1. With 91 total votes, I believe this is now statistically significant. Among wdwmagic members, a club solution is favored by a significant majority of users. Feel free to vote. This poll will close however on April 30.

 

[progroupie]

The idea of nightclubs is nice but I don't think they're a very good fit anymore. I think restaurants with the potential for nightlife is a solution everyone can live with. Restaurants with nice patios and bar areas that stay open later than the dining area. Those are the kind of places that can appeal to all the demographics looking for late night entertainment.

 

[828tnt]

Couldnt care less as the current muppets at the helm lose their way when not focussed on the need of spoiled 8 year olds so I cant see anything that would entice me to visit, far less part with cash coming soon.

^^^^^^^
this!

 

[Did Knee]

11.7 % at this point have answered "Don't Care" Is this because you don't go to DTD at all and a change there means little to you? I know WDW is an interest in general or you wouldn't be wdwmagic members. Can some folks who voted "Don't Care" provide their point of view as to why they voted like this? I know I would get a couple of those, but over 1 in 9 voters seems a bit high.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I already have old bean

 

[Did Knee]

I already have old bean

Not you Pumbas...I fully realize "I don't care" is an integral Part of your persona! :ROFLOL::wave: Luv ya dude!!

 

[wdwfan4ver]

I am willing to give Hyperion Warf a chance depending on if there is any new stores. I really don't go to downtown Disney, Market place for a table service.

Pleasure Island really didn't mean a thing to me in terms of clubs despite that fact I was 21 by 2000. I never been a club person. I really never drink a lot of alcohol in a year in my life and now I really can't drink a lot of Alcohol due to medication I take.

The 2nd reason for me into not being into Clubs for Pleasure Island before it close in 2008 was before my left hip can't handle dancing at all and that means no dance moves for me at Dance Club. I had surgery done on my left hip in 1996 because of a serve fracture. A metal rod was inserted in that hip matter of fact. I had to dance at wedding in 2000, and my left hip was bothering me for a few hours as result. The last thing I need is my bad hip bothering me while I walk at WDW.

 

[forevermickey]

When I visited Pleasure Island I was in my 20's and had a great time, I loved it! Now (well turning 40 in July, don't tell anyone) I go to Disney with my husband and turning 5 years old Daughter. I would not be able to go to the clubs, but would REALLY want to. I love that I can go to the restaurants and cool stores with my family. I am sure WDW knows the majority of their "audience" is family.... so unfortunately no updated PI

 

[WondersOfLife]

I particularly don't care about Pleasure Island. (I guess because of the fact I'm not old enough?) I actually don't really care for Downtown Disney completely, I can get everything there for a cheaper price at a mall.


I do like downtown Disney for the pin shop, but that's also around the theme parks. It's also good for browsing to see what to find outside the park... Just my honest opinion! :shrug:

 

[Did Knee]

I think the important thing here is that none of those that have posted in the thread wants to keep others from enjoying clubs if they want to. They may not care about clubs themselves, but are willing to allow them to exist if others enjoy that sort of entertainment.

 

[Did Knee]

As we approach the 3 week point on this poll with a week and a hlf left to vote we have 107 answers with the dominate reply being to create a hybrid HW / club solution. More then half of respondents want to see clubs.

DID YOU SEE THAT TDO?? :brick:

 

[stratman50th]

11.7 % at this point have answered "Don't Care" Is this because you don't go to DTD at all and a change there means little to you? I know WDW is an interest in general or you wouldn't be wdwmagic members. Can some folks who voted "Don't Care" provide their point of view as to why they voted like this? I know I would get a couple of those, but over 1 in 9 voters seems a bit high.

I'm in the same boat as some of the others. I visited the clubs 20 years ago and it was fun, but I only went once in a 7day stay the first time. In subsequent years, it was less and less enjoyable. The parks stayed open longer and I liked that better. PI was also kind of dead. Now I have no desire to do clubs any more. I don't drink any longer and choose not to be around those who do. Nothing personal but I just don't find the same things entertaining as someone who's had a couple drinks.
I said that "I don't care" because it doesn't affect my life in any way. For those who enjoy that sort of thing, good luck and enjoy. Those who don't, don't have to partake. Even DTD to me is a place to just walk around and enjoy the sites for a day or evening during my stay. It costs nothing if I don't actually shop, and costing nothing is an unusual occurrence anyplace in Disney!

 

[MansionGoer13z]

I don't care. I'm not one who goes to clubs, I don't really shop either at DTD, cause things are either overpriced and for me its very hard to find something that is a must buy. To me DTD is more like a kind of place to go to and browse and eat. But unless HW has something unique or something that strikes my intrest I'm not really concerned about what happens.

 

[Did Knee]

I'm in the same boat as some of the others. I visited the clubs 20 years ago and it was fun, but I only went once in a 7day stay the first time. In subsequent years, it was less and less enjoyable. The parks stayed open longer and I liked that better. PI was also kind of dead. Now I have no desire to do clubs any more. I don't drink any longer and choose not to be around those who do. Nothing personal but I just don't find the same things entertaining as someone who's had a couple drinks.
I said that "I don't care" because it doesn't affect my life in any way. For those who enjoy that sort of thing, good luck and enjoy. Those who don't, don't have to partake. Even DTD to me is a place to just walk around and enjoy the sites for a day or evening during my stay. It costs nothing if I don't actually shop, and costing nothing is an unusual occurrence anyplace in Disney!

I get where you are coming from, I really do. Drunks can be VERY annoying, especially if you are sober. Please clarify a couple of things for me though. First, from your nick, I gather you are a musician? The loss of places featuring bands playing original music (Jazz Club, Beaches) you don't consider a loss? Second, you really don't have a problem with Disney providing a venue for others to drink and have entertainment, it's just that you would not choose to go there, correct?

 

[Mammymouse]

I've never been a club goer and drinker but I do enjoy music and comedy. My WDW visiting history was sparse during the 80's and early 90's. And I don't think I even went to Downtown until the late 90's. My first visit in the 80's was when it was the "Marketplace" so when I went in the late 90's to my surprise it was all different with the night clubs and all. To be honest I didn't really know what it was all about. It sort of confused me with some things opening at different times with a special ticket or admission being needed. So we kind of crossed it of our list of must dos. It had no draw for us and my shopping was done at the Parks. Now in recent years I have gone to Downtown occasionally to shop or eat though. But now that my kids are older (in their 30's) I think they might enjoy some club life at Downtown as part of their vacation, and my hubby and I can take the 6 year old granddaughter to the Parks! That's why I voted for a little of both HW and PI.

 

[LaughingGravy]

I was just too young to enjoy PI when it opened, so it was a major turn off having a whole area out of reach at WDW.

Once I was old enough and able to get in, aside from the AC, the place was pretty unimpressive for what I recall was a fee to even get in.

Then they opened it to everyone and the parking lot area became a truly dangerous place for multiple reasons.

The problem at the moment is that we now have kids we wouldn't want to bring into that environment and that we also wouldn't be comfortable leaving in the hotel alone while we went out to party.
No, we're not paying for Disney babysitters.
It's a family vacation, but that doesn't mean there can't be something other than a G rating. Epcot seems to do it.

I'd love a comedy club, a rock and roll club, and a jazz club where we can take the family in and also have some drinks and bar food with live entertainment.

Yes many of the jokes would probably be over the kids' heads in the case of the comedy, but not all.

One of my favorite moments in DL at my last trip was the 80s sound alike band in Tomorrowland.
The only thing missing was a nice cold beer or two.

The 80s sound alike band did "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC.
If you know the lyrics, some of them are certainly questionable, but that's Rock 'N Roll, and it gets played on the local oldies station in the car and it's fine.
One day, DD will pay attention to the lyrics and maybe freak out for a moment, but hey, that's Rock /N Roll.

I'd like to see a place where kids are allowed, but only when accompanied by an adult and that adult needs to be nearby, not just let in and the kids go one way and the adults go another.
Language and subject matter may be a factor, but it should be PG, and with a warning that there is alcohol and questionable subject matter being discussed.
Now, depending on the house you come from and how the kids are raised, this is not an issue at all.
We have the occasional drink in the house and the kids are awake. There is language they hear and know not to repeat in school as well as conversations that are just kept to us. It's called living with a family, and it is the whole family that is on vacation.