Pleasure Island: Music Off, Lights Out, Doors Closed
Most people who visited Walt Disney World will have visited Downtown Disney and will either have noticed Pleasure Island or even went to enjoy one of the clubs. Disney has announced they will change Pleasure Island and will no longer run nightclubs but will turn it into a more family friendly place. The last dance is set for September 27th 2008. After that, music off, lights out, doors closed.
Disney will then look into reopening the island with new shops and dining experiences turning away from nightlife entertainment for young adults only. While some might think it’s as shame to see the Pleasure Island go, others are happy and see new opportunities, especially for Downtown Orlando.
“It’s a real opportunity for downtown to continue its revitalization, “When Pleasure Island first opened, it devastated a lot of the local entrepreneurs and operators.” (Orlando Sentinel)
Personally I will not miss it myself either. I have never been a fan of the clubs. Except for the The Comedy Warehouse, I loved going there and have a good laugh.
Disney has a FAQ page where you’ll find some small details. Those with Pleasure Island Anual passes might want to check it out to see what they need to do to get some refund on their passes.
Now we will have to wait and see what the new Island will have to offer us once it opens again. This could however take two years.
And what about the Cast Members who worked there? In a special meeting they where promised that their would be no layoffs planned. You can read a little more about this meeting on Screamscape.
Copyrights Image: Disney