So What's Coming to the New Pleasure Island? - Page 25 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Hathaway Browne · 03-04-2009, 01:14 PM

Surely even if they bought just one or two of the clubs back it would be worthwhile, rather than having the whole place a ghosttown (and business going to the competitor).

I can understand that they may not have anticpated the lack of clients to open news stores when they announced the closure, but refusing to budge has the air of stupidity about it.

But then I guess part of it is saving face by refusung to publicly admit they made a mistake.

I maybe a little biased, but if I was in charge I'm sure the numbers would tell me it makes sense to make use of whats just standing there gathering dust. And I don't mean sticking a balloon sculpter on the steps of the Adventurers Club!

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH · 03-04-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hathaway Browne

I can understand that they may not have anticipated the lack of clients to open news stores when they announced the closure, but refusing to budge has the air of stupidity about it.

I'm told that when PI employees were transferred or fired, they were promised first crack at jobs if PI reopened. Not a problem for those that transferred elsewhere in the company but definitely a problem for those that were fired and belong to a union. Apparently they would keep their seniority and have to be paid back wages retroactive to the termination date if PI clubs reopened.

Thus, if any clubs are going to reopen, look for that to happen after the 1 year closure anniversary date when Disney is free of obligations on the fired employees.

Is this really true? Don't know. The fact that they're taking private rentals right now on a few clubs does show a desire to liven things up; the fact that they're only offering private rentals now through the end of September matches the 1 year closure anniversary date too. It makes sense that they can't take private bookings for later than the end of September because the clubs might be open again at that point and that could create booking versus club being open conflicts.

BobK/Orlando

MemoToMe · 03-04-2009, 09:27 PM

I think the reason that they're only taking bookings through the end of Sept. has more to do with the fact that the new fiscal year starts on or around Oct. 1 (the same reason they chose to close the island at that time).

angelmav · 03-05-2009, 09:54 AM

With the closure of the Virgin Megastore the decision to shutter the clubs is proving to be even more boneheaded. There is about to be a commercial real estate implosion in this country and Disney wont be immune. Heck, they cant get businesses in to redevelop the place now. This could go on for sometime, and having a empty clubs mirroring empty stores isnt exactly the best way to attract people to DTD. I bet the other businesses that are anchored their are getting a bit antsy at the prospect of losing what remains of their lure to consumers.

DisFlan · 03-05-2009, 10:34 AM

I can't say how much of a mistake Disney made with PI, but I know from watching WDW during downturns in the past (from the late 70's until now) that they're willing to sit on "empty spaces" when times are lean. We may see those empty buildings for quite a while as part of the cost-cutting measures.

And I'm sure the bean counters have calculated exactly what it will cost to let them sit there empty (except for special events) vs what it would cost to operate venues there right now. Very likely, that's why they were closed in the first place. Disney doesn't dump profit-makers.

DisFlan

zulemara · 03-05-2009, 01:12 PM

I can't find the article and if I keep searching google I'm gonna start crying at what I'm reading, but Kevin Lansberry himself said "the clubs are still profitable"

So yes, Disney does close things that are profitable. Furthermore, there were no surveys, it was all a lie.

jfinke · 03-05-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelmav

With the closure of the Virgin Megastore the decision to shutter the clubs is proving to be even more boneheaded. There is about to be a commercial real estate implosion in this country and Disney wont be immune. Heck, they cant get businesses in to redevelop the place now. This could go on for sometime, and having a empty clubs mirroring empty stores isnt exactly the best way to attract people to DTD. I bet the other businesses that are anchored their are getting a bit antsy at the prospect of losing what remains of their lure to consumers.

When did that happen? Is the movie theater going to close soon as well?

We just got back last weekend. I spent zero time at DTD solely because of the closure of PI. None of those stores were going to get a cent from me, even if I wanted Earl of Sandwich.

lugnut33 · 03-05-2009, 04:41 PM

I know Raglan Road is not happy with the current situation of Pleasure Island. It's the reason they have cut their hours at night.

angelmav · 03-05-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfinke

When did that happen? Is the movie theater going to close soon as well?

We just got back last weekend. I spent zero time at DTD solely because of the closure of PI. None of those stores were going to get a cent from me, even if I wanted Earl of Sandwich.

Virgin is closing all their US operations. I believe the Orlando store close May 31st, but I read that here, the news just reported the closing.

Yes, Disney did let it slip that the clubs operated at a profit, but that acknowledgment was hedged that it was a small profit and the assumption was they would do better for the bottom line if they were landlords rather than operators. Of course that has turned out to be more difficult than imagined, as they cant seem to draw the tennants or agreements that they thought were in place have fallen through.

The problem for disney is that by losing a Virgin, having empty clubs, they risk losing the other tennants that are their. It also damages the attractiveness to new tennants for what is certainly a premium priced space, and the places operated by Disney suffer from the downturn in traffic. One thing constantly affects another.

Does that mean there will be a revival (the cheapest way for disney to get capitol flowing back to PI/DTD) since nothing major besides staffing has to be done to open the doors? Well have to see, but I think that the Virgin closing is a harbinger that the thinking that led to the shuttering of PI may have to be revisited.

jfinke · 03-06-2009, 03:53 PM

Thanks for the update!

Maybe they can just convert the west side to a club area and let PI be more chain restaurants. Then just lock of the west side so that the dangerous gangs of teenagers can just bother the marketplace. (Yes, I am being snarky.)

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH · 03-15-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfinke

......let PI be more chain restaurants.

The rumor that the Mannequins/8TRAX building will be turned into a Harley Davidson Cafe is still around. Not sure how to post a picture here but I've posted a photo of the one in Las Vegas on my website at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

BobK/Orlando

Hathaway Browne · 03-15-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lugnut33

I know Raglan Road is not happy with the current situation of Pleasure Island. It's the reason they have cut their hours at night.

I'd be pretty cheesed off if I were them too.

So there's yet another group affected by the misguided decision to shutter PI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

The rumor that the Mannequins/8TRAX building will be turned into a Harley Davidson Cafe is still around. Not sure how to post a picture here but I've posted a photo of the one in Las Vegas on my website at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

BobK/Orlando

Hmm.. "classy".

I know it'll appeal to some, but its not my kind of thing.

jfinke · 03-15-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

The rumor that the Mannequins/8TRAX building will be turned into a Harley Davidson Cafe is still around. Not sure how to post a picture here but I've posted a photo of the one in Las Vegas on my website at: www.savepleasureisland.blogspot.com

BobK/Orlando

Nice... lol...

Luv2Roam · 03-15-2009, 04:03 PM

Planet Hollywood only with different theming?

I am sure it would make many happy. Not a place either of us would care about. I think I would go to TRex first. And have no plans for that either.

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH · 03-17-2009, 05:27 PM

Sources say:

One source told me yesterday that CM's were informed in a pre-shift meeting that additional entertainment is coming to PI (and to the Westside) but that none of the PI clubs were reopening.

Another source tells me today that Mannequins and 8TRAX are reopening very soon!

Both sources.......reliable.

Oh druthers!

BobK/Orlando

03-04-2009, 01:14 PM	#361
Hathaway Browne Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Great Britain Posts: 204	Surely even if they bought just one or two of the clubs back it would be worthwhile, rather than having the whole place a ghosttown (and business going to the competitor). I can understand that they may not have anticpated the lack of clients to open news stores when they announced the closure, but refusing to budge has the air of stupidity about it. But then I guess part of it is saving face by refusung to publicly admit they made a mistake. I maybe a little biased, but if I was in charge I'm sure the numbers would tell me it makes sense to make use of whats just standing there gathering dust. And I don't mean sticking a balloon sculpter on the steps of the Adventurers Club! __________________ Marching along, we're Adventurers! Singing the Song of Adventurers! Up or Down, North, South, East or West An Adventurers Life is Best! RETURN THE ADVENTURERS CLUB!

03-04-2009, 09:27 PM	#363
MemoToMe I'm considering getting No Limits I am just too colorful for words Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ocoee, FL Posts: 87	I think the reason that they're only taking bookings through the end of Sept. has more to do with the fact that the new fiscal year starts on or around Oct. 1 (the same reason they chose to close the island at that time). __________________ Memo to me...Memo to me...Maim you after my meeting.

03-05-2009, 10:34 AM	#365
DisFlan DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,610	I can't say how much of a mistake Disney made with PI, but I know from watching WDW during downturns in the past (from the late 70's until now) that they're willing to sit on "empty spaces" when times are lean. We may see those empty buildings for quite a while as part of the cost-cutting measures. And I'm sure the bean counters have calculated exactly what it will cost to let them sit there empty (except for special events) vs what it would cost to operate venues there right now. Very likely, that's why they were closed in the first place. Disney doesn't dump profit-makers. DisFlan __________________ SSR 9/25/09 - 10/02/09

03-05-2009, 01:12 PM	#366
zulemara Oh Boy! I'm a WDW sailor! Had a Thriller of a time on the Wonder Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,329	I can't find the article and if I keep searching google I'm gonna start crying at what I'm reading, but Kevin Lansberry himself said "the clubs are still profitable" So yes, Disney does close things that are profitable. Furthermore, there were no surveys, it was all a lie. __________________ DIS Unplugged DTD/Rumors special correspondent Come join us on the rumors board! waiting patiently for big spirited change!

03-05-2009, 04:41 PM	#368
lugnut33 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,666	I know Raglan Road is not happy with the current situation of Pleasure Island. It's the reason they have cut their hours at night. __________________

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03-05-2009, 09:54 AM	#364
angelmav DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Heidelberg Posts: 1,665	With the closure of the Virgin Megastore the decision to shutter the clubs is proving to be even more boneheaded. There is about to be a commercial real estate implosion in this country and Disney wont be immune. Heck, they cant get businesses in to redevelop the place now. This could go on for sometime, and having a empty clubs mirroring empty stores isnt exactly the best way to attract people to DTD. I bet the other businesses that are anchored their are getting a bit antsy at the prospect of losing what remains of their lure to consumers.

03-06-2009, 03:53 PM	#370
jfinke DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lenexa, KS Posts: 648	Thanks for the update! Maybe they can just convert the west side to a club area and let PI be more chain restaurants. Then just lock of the west side so that the dangerous gangs of teenagers can just bother the marketplace. (Yes, I am being snarky.)

03-15-2009, 04:03 PM	#374
Luv2Roam Dexter: Takes Life. Seriously. Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 16,387	Planet Hollywood only with different theming? I am sure it would make many happy. Not a place either of us would care about. I think I would go to TRex first. And have no plans for that either.

03-17-2009, 05:27 PM	#375
KINGBOBOFTHENORTH DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Orlando, Florida USA Posts: 2,840	Sources say: One source told me yesterday that CM's were informed in a pre-shift meeting that additional entertainment is coming to PI (and to the Westside) but that none of the PI clubs were reopening. Another source tells me today that Mannequins and 8TRAX are reopening very soon! Both sources.......reliable. Oh druthers! BobK/Orlando

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