Walt Disney World Resort Unveils Bold New Vision for Downtown Disney

[thejens]

I confess I never really caught the magic of DTD. I am not a big shopper and though my kids did enjoy Once Upon a Toy, Once was enough for me. Disney Quest was entertaining on a rainy night, but would never rival park time. Since I have kids walking through PI felt out of place. My son even got burned by a careless, albeit apologetic, young smoker. I have always hoped to check out the Adventurer's Club since it promised a little of the Disney theming that to me seemed so lacking in DTD. So my thoughts are: take all those lame and repetitive shops off the ends of the rides and stick them into DTD. That way people like me, who do not want to have to drag their children by the elbow through countless gift shops all day long, won't have to, and those who love shopping can focus their energies more efficiently. I know this will never happen, but a girl can dream.

[DMURPHY51]

ALL SOUNDS VERY GOOD,BUT I THINK THE SHOULD KEEP RAGLAN ROAD,THAT PLACE IS GREAT,MAYBE TONE IT DOWN ALITTLE,MAKE IT MORE FAMILY FRIENDLY,THE FOOD IS SOME OF THE BEST AT DOWNTOWN DISNEY.
I WILL MISS YOU RAGLAN ROAD

They are keeping Raglan Road open according to the press release

"To make way for the new offerings, all of the clubs currently on Pleasure Island will close on Sept. 27. Other locations on Pleasure Island , including Raglan Road , Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Curl by Sammy Duval, Orlando Harley-Davidson and outdoor food and beverage locations, will remain open during the transition."

[Seasonscraps]

I confess I never really caught the magic of DTD. I am not a big shopper and though my kids did enjoy Once Upon a Toy, Once was enough for me. Disney Quest was entertaining on a rainy night, but would never rival park time. Since I have kids walking through PI felt out of place. My son even got burned by a careless, albeit apologetic, young smoker. I have always hoped to check out the Adventurer's Club since it promised a little of the Disney theming that to me seemed so lacking in DTD. So my thoughts are: take all those lame and repetitive shops off the ends of the rides and stick them into DTD. That way people like me, who do not want to have to drag their children by the elbow through countless gift shops all day long, won't have to, and those who love shopping can focus their energies more efficiently. I know this will never happen, but a girl can dream.

off topic here...but the first time I returned to Disney as an adult and walked through the umpteenth store at the end of a ride - I said "I am surprised there isn't a toilet paper store outside the restrooms."

[big blue and hairy]

Raglan Road is not one of the clubs that is closing. It is actually one of the clubs of the New Pleasure Island.

[Ian]

I think the main point is that those of us who don't have children would like a place where we could hang out - a place that isn't so 'family friendly.' I think trying to make PI a place for everyone (i.e. families) is what ultimately ruined it.

There is a place like that.

It's called "Las Vegas."

Seriously ... Disney is a family oriented entertainment company. If you're looking for "non-family friendly" locales, you're vacationing in the wrong place.

[big blue and hairy]

There is a place like that.

It's called "Las Vegas."

Seriously ... Disney is a family oriented entertainment company. If you're looking for "non-family friendly" locales, you're vacationing in the wrong place.

True...plus, if you really want adult clubs, there is a pretty big city just up the road. Disney is going to provide what the highest percentage of their customers want.

[Seasonscraps]

I thought families come in all shapes and sizes -- shame on me for thinking that my husband and I constituted a family. I didn't think that adults wanting to spend an evening with only adults meant we would be banished from The World. And I must have been crazy for thinking our vacation dollars are as valuable as those coming from family with children.

[rnin02]

I thought families come in all shapes and sizes -- shame on me for thinking that my husband and I constituted a family. I didn't think that adults wanting to spend an evening with only adults meant we would be banished from The World. And I must have been crazy for thinking our vacation dollars are as valuable as those coming from family with children.

Hmm, I thought the same thing about my DH and I, as I guess alot of people who are on the busses at the end of the night back to the resorts must have thought too.

There is a place like that.

It's called "Las Vegas."

Seriously ... Disney is a family oriented entertainment company. If you're looking for "non-family friendly" locales, you're vacationing in the wrong place.

We aren't looking for "non-family friendly" locales, we are looking for something to do after the parks close for a few hours that does not involve fussy, overly tired children. I have no desire to go to Las Vegas, but I would like to have options besides hanging out in my hotel room after the parks close. Especially since Disney really goes out of their way to make sure you don't need to have a car if you stay on property, why are the taking away the night time entertainment that was available? As much fun as the Boardwalk is, its certainly not easy to get to if you have to rely on bus transportation...

[Seasonscraps]

We aren't looking for "non-family friendly" locales, we are looking for something to do after the parks close for a few hours that does not involve fussy, overly tired children. I have no desire to go to Las Vegas, but I would like to have options besides hanging out in my hotel room after the parks close. Especially since Disney really goes out of their way to make sure you don't need to have a car if you stay on property, why are the taking away the night time entertainment that was available? As much fun as the Boardwalk is, its certainly not easy to get to if you have to rely on bus transportation...

This is what I don't get. No one is looking for a bikini bar in the middle of Fantasy Land or suggesting that Toon Town get torn down to make room for a casino. But there are adults (who travel with and wthout children) that would like a place to unwind after a long, fun filled day that is just for adults. I don't know why it's a big deal and why we should vacation or go someplace else to get that.

[Tigger&Stitch]

There is a place like that.

It's called "Las Vegas."

Seriously ... Disney is a family oriented entertainment company. If you're looking for "non-family friendly" locales, you're vacationing in the wrong place.

Wow - your comments are so completely short-sighted, it's insulting.

Ever been on a Disney cruise? With all the separate areas for adults? That's not Vegas. That's Disney. If Disney can sort it out for a cruise and Castaway Quay, why not one small area of WDW?

We're not asking for clubs in the parks. Nor did I imply that we want non-family friendly areas 24/7. Just a place for adults to be adults. At the time of night that adults go out for dancing/comedy etc. children should be sound asleep anyway.

Don't forget that when a person becomes a parent, he/she doesn't stop being an adult. Catering to "families" means catering to the entire family, as well as all types of families. A married couple is a family. Two grown adult siblings travelling with their parents is a family too.

[Medland]

Ever been on a Disney cruise? With all the separate areas for adults? That's not Vegas. That's Disney. If Disney can sort it out for a cruise and Castaway Quay, why not one small area of WDW?
...
Don't forget that when a person becomes a parent, he/she doesn't stop being an adult. Catering to "families" means catering to the entire family, as well as all types of families. A married couple is a family. Two grown adult siblings travelling with their parents is a family too.

Thank you for mentioning the Disney cruises! I kept thinking about the adult-only cruise areas as I read this thread. I haven't been on DCL yet...but I love the idea of being able to express ALL parts of my personality on one vacation.
I explained in an earlier post that I have only been to WDW as an adult. I think that has shaped my opinion that it is not enough for Disney destinations to be places for me to be a kid-at-heart and watch the kids have fun. I also want to be recognised and entertained as an adult.
On my next visit to Disney I will be a mother, but I will still be a young adult who wants a place to dance with my husband and enjoy a few drinks with my adult companions...and I do not want to be viewed as just a parent holding the money for their target audience.

Thank you to everyone who has been voicing similar opinions to the quote about Disney needing to cater to all kinds of families...adult families and couples included. I have several married friends who chose not to have children but don't think it fair to say "they should go to Vegas instead" if what they are interested in is an adult-inclusive WDW vacation.
For those traveling with kids, I don't believe that just because Disney is kid-focused doesn't mean everything should be rated G or that the interests of the adults paying for the trips should be marginalized.

[Doug The Disney Man]

First, I'm a little unclear on whether the clubs that are closing are ALL closing for good, or just while the rehabs (or whatever they're calling them) are occurring.

Next, I want to address the "teenagers hanging out" and "looking for trouble" and "not feeling safe" comments. First of all, as a high school teacher, I can tell you that teenagers will hang out, well, wherever. If Disney makes DTD exclusively for adults, they'll hang out in the parking lot. The bottom line is there are so few places for teenagers to BE. Everyone on here is debating whether PI should be for adults or families. How do teenagers fit into either scenario? They don't. I'm also here to tell you that even most bad teenagers are too lazy to be harmful. Annoying, yes. Obnoxious, certainly. But, some of the comments on here make Downtown Disney sound like downtown DC. Besides, if that is the primary problem, then Disney needs to bolster security because no changes to the set up will eliminate the teen "problem."

Finally, am I the only parent who just takes his son with him to Adventurer's Club and others? It isn't like I get hammered and hook up with random women. We go, we laugh, we listen to excessively loud music and we ride the bus to the hotel.

[JRocker]

Next, I want to address the "teenagers hanging out" and "looking for trouble" and "not feeling safe" comments. First of all, as a high school teacher, I can tell you that teenagers will hang out, well, wherever. If Disney makes DTD exclusively for adults, they'll hang out in the parking lot. The bottom line is there are so few places for teenagers to BE. Everyone on here is debating whether PI should be for adults or families. How do teenagers fit into either scenario? They don't. I'm also here to tell you that even most bad teenagers are too lazy to be harmful. Annoying, yes. Obnoxious, certainly. But, some of the comments on here make Downtown Disney sound like downtown DC. Besides, if that is the primary problem, then Disney needs to bolster security because no changes to the set up will eliminate the teen "problem."

Kungaloosh

[Scar]

The only reason why Disney "should" or "shouldn't" have an adults only area is whether or not it is profitable.

Personaly, I couldn't care less about PI, but I would love to see an adults only resort hotel.

[lockedoutlogic]

The only reason why Disney "should" or "shouldn't" have an adults only area is whether or not it is profitable.

Personaly, I couldn't care less about PI, but I would love to see an adults only resort hotel.

i think you it the nail with this one....

everyone need not get their feelings hurt...as is beginning to happen on this thread....

The decision was done based on revenue....as all decisions at WDW are.

They clearly think to integrate PI into the marketplace is the way to bolster their draw and revenue....I'm going to go out on a limb and say they're right about this one.

Remember that the marketplace is there as a cash cow.....not an exhibition of "magic".....and they are taking something that is probably marginal as far as profits go....because there are so many down nights....and attemtping to boost it back up...

I'm not defending their decision to be rid of the adult only venues.....i think they make alot of bad moves based on profits.....

but the decision....i have no doubt....was strictly a business one.....not one to penalize a certain type of clientele....

again....my hope is the reduction in "disney" workforce at downtown can free up some for improvements in the parks....which is good for everyone.

[Ian]

Catering to "families" means catering to the entire family, as well as all types of families. A married couple is a family.

That's your definition of a family. It's not necessarily Disney's definition.

I think people took my comments out of context. I was speaking from Disney's point of view when I said that, not my own. Trust me ... I vacationed at WDW dozens of times before I had kids and I enjoyed PI as much as the next person.

What I was trying to say was that Disney goes where the money is. They obviously think that catering to a more family friendly (and by that I mean kid friendly) crowd is going to win them more on the bottom line.

We all know that's why Disney makes the decisions they make. And think about it ... you just know those clubs were raking in the dough. Bars make money hand over fist on a normal basis, let alone at the PI clubs where the drinks were 50% more than normal.

For Disney to make this decision, they must see a huge profit motive elsewhere.

What I was trying to say in my last post is that, for awhile, Disney did try to be everything to everybody ... much like Vegas did briefly when they tried to go "kid-friendly" (and we all saw how well that worked out). But I think now WDW is just trying to hone that focus on their core customer base, which is not (despite what some try to imply) adult couples.

[Hammer]

That's your definition of a family. It's not necessarily Disney's definition.

I think people took my comments out of context. I was speaking from Disney's point of view when I said that, not my own. Trust me ... I vacationed at WDW dozens of times before I had kids and I enjoyed PI as much as the next person.

What I was trying to say was that Disney goes where the money is. They obviously think that catering to a more family friendly (and by that I mean kid friendly) crowd is going to win them more on the bottom line.

We all know that's why Disney makes the decisions they make. And think about it ... you just know those clubs were raking in the dough. Bars make money hand over fist on a normal basis, let alone at the PI clubs where the drinks were 50% more than normal.

For Disney to make this decision, they must see a huge profit motive elsewhere.

What I was trying to say in my last post is that, for awhile, Disney did try to be everything to everybody ... much like Vegas did briefly when they tried to go "kid-friendly" (and we all saw how well that worked out). But I think now WDW is just trying to hone that focus on their core customer base, which is not (despite what some try to imply) adult couples.

The problem with that, Ian, is that Disney is trying to appeal to an adult only base with things like Disney Weddings (which I am sure is a nice money maker) and the honeymoon registry. They need to have places for this segment of their clientele as well.

Personally, I never got into PI as I could go to places like most of the clubs at home, with the exception being the Adventurer's Club which I didn't really like. I realize that many people don't have that opportunity at home, however. Now, if they take this further and decide to not renew the lease on Jellyrolls (which is not owned by Disney), then you'll have me protesting !

[lockedoutlogic]

Ian,

I agree with you that it does not take much for a bar to make big money.....the mark up on drinks is insane.....

but i disagree with the assessment that PI is raking it in.....

the place is a veritable ghost town more nights that not.....

and when there are people....alot of times the conventions on property go there.....but most are in all day meetings...hang around for an hour or so....and bolt.....

PI threw around maybe 2000 people on a busy night.....not nearly that much in the scheme of WDW.....where the market place probably averages that many on an average afternoon.....certainly far more at night.....

that's prime real estate.....and in alot of ways PI is an eisnerian failure.....its not surprising at all that they are nixing it in favor of shops and restaurants....which are RARELY a failure there....

heck....even planet hollywood is still open......

that shows you something....as i think the one in AC was closed to put in a starbucks and giftshop that sells TRUMP t-shirts.....

[big blue and hairy]

A couple of things...one, as mentioned a few posts ago, there is the Boardwalk, which has a mix of family and adult only clubs. Two...as I said earlier, read everything in the press release! It says "with extraordinary new shopping, dining and other experiences" and "a number of one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for guests". Who says none of this will be adult oriented?

I understand the mourning of the Adventurers Club, but everyone take a breath, you don't know what is coming.

[lockedoutlogic]

A couple of things...one, as mentioned a few posts ago, there is the Boardwalk, which has a mix of family and adult only clubs. Two...as I said earlier, read everything in the press release! It says "with extraordinary new shopping, dining and other experiences" and "a number of one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences for guests". Who says none of this will be adult oriented?

I understand the mourning of the Adventurers Club, but everyone take a breath, you don't know what is coming.

i would tend to think it is "cash register intensive"....

just a gut feeling