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New plans released for Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has announced plans for major renovations at Downtown Disney, a 120-acre retail, dining and entertainment complex on the eastern edge of Disney's Florida property.
According to details released on the official Disney Parks Blog, the renovated section will be called Hyperion Wharf, and will be a "nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier."
Hyperion Wharf will be located in an area formerly called Pleasure Island -- Disney's failed attempt at establishing an adult nightclub district at Walt Disney World. Since Pleasure Island closed in fall 2008, there has been a lot of speculation about what would be put into that location, right in the middle of the Downtown Disney complex.
The Hyperion Wharf plans call for shops and eateries open during the day, and lighting that transforms the area into "an electric wonderland" after dark.
The district's name is a nod to Hyperion, the Greek God of Light, and Hyperion Avenue, the street on which Walt Disney built his first animation studio.
Disney says construction on the new district will begin immediately, and Hyperion Wharf will be completed in 2013.
According to details released on the official Disney Parks Blog, the renovated section will be called Hyperion Wharf, and will be a "nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier."
Hyperion Wharf will be located in an area formerly called Pleasure Island -- Disney's failed attempt at establishing an adult nightclub district at Walt Disney World. Since Pleasure Island closed in fall 2008, there has been a lot of speculation about what would be put into that location, right in the middle of the Downtown Disney complex.The Hyperion Wharf plans call for shops and eateries open during the day, and lighting that transforms the area into "an electric wonderland" after dark.
The district's name is a nod to Hyperion, the Greek God of Light, and Hyperion Avenue, the street on which Walt Disney built his first animation studio.
Disney says construction on the new district will begin immediately, and Hyperion Wharf will be completed in 2013.
Filed under: North America, United States, Theme Parks
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ron Nov 18th 2010 4:53PM
There was no "failed" attempt to bring a nightclub atmosphere to Downtown Disney. Disney built Pleasure Island to completion and operated it for more than 10 years.
A failed attempt would have been something like what happened over by Pop Century where they started building half of a hotel and stopped mid construction.
They're just revamping and restructuring.
It's like saying because the magic kingdom went from collecting tickets for each ride (like A,B,C,D, and E tickets) to charging 1 admission that the magic kingdom was a failed attempt at a theme park.
Everyone loves to rip on American staples like Disney, Walmart, and McDonalds, but there's a reason why they're so popular.
Al Schrader Nov 22nd 2010 4:58AM
My estate is east of Walt Disney World in the most perfect place on earth....Alfred-
Joe Nov 19th 2010 5:00AM
Pleasure island shut down? Man, where have I been?
Bruce Nov 21st 2010 9:15PM
AH, Disney the land of dreams for the young and old alike. Where the American Service member is respected and assisted in re bonding with their families.
I had the very good fortune of being treated to a magical time by the Folks at Disney and for that I can only say Thank you. You have created something special there and tho there may be imitations of the wonderful world there is no one that can even come close to the truly magical experience that Disney can and has created.
Thank you.
Down town Disney is already a great place to finish up the vacation and your going to make it better< GREAT.
jack Nov 22nd 2010 12:09AM
Ron, your 100% right... The downfall of Pleasure Island started the day they made the decision to do away with the ticket booth and ticket collectors to get over the bridge...... They made it so that anyone any age could now hang out outside of the clubs and then the first bar you went into would charge you the fee and give you a bracelet..... The sheriffs dept. gang unit ended up having about 20 deputies assigned just to pleasure island, and there was a noted increase of a variety of crimes......I know it sounds hard to believe and if you werent looking for it you probably didn't see it, but thats when it went down hill... It use to be cool to spend at least a little time with adults and no screaming kids, YES I Also HAVE KIDS(now 20 & 18 now). but I did my share... FYI there is still THE BOARDWALK...(its on the other side of EPCOT, not alot of signs but its there)..... it has ESPN bar and restaurant, Jelly Rolls (a dueling piano joint), and The Dance Hall(plays music to the videos) like MTV use to be........it also has a few other restaurants and smaller bars.... still a good time though..... Have fun all..
Ron Nov 22nd 2010 5:28AM
We stopped visiting Disneyworld several years ago. After spending THOUSANDS of dollars to visit Disney just for the priviliege of standing in long lines, being jostled around like ping pong balls and nearly getting hit by every baby stroller that Graco has ever made and paying nearly $10.00 for a slice of pizza and a soft drink. We finally figured out that Walt Disney would be rolling in his grave if he knew how managment is cramming people into the park until the park is WALL TO WALL people and baby strollers. I think we are still paying off a Disney Trip that we took 4 years ago. After we got home we figured we spent nearly $5,000.00. Disney is one gigantic RIP OFF and we won't be returning anytime soon. If we want to enjoy anything Disney we rent it at Red Box for a buck. GOODNIGHT.
Jane B. Nov 22nd 2010 11:40AM
Obviously you're in the minority . . .
Beverly Nov 22nd 2010 5:53AM
I live 45 minutes from there and I had no idea it was closed down. The one thing they should do is something about their parking in that area = its horrible. Your ride around and around and on the weekend you are lucky to even find a parking place at all. There is always valet but with the prices of disney now i would hate to find out what they are charging.
Ron Nov 22nd 2010 2:05PM
We stopped visiting Disneyworld several years ago. After spending THOUSANDS of dollars to visit Disney just for the priviliege of standing in long lines, being jostled around like ping pong balls and nearly getting hit by every baby stroller that Graco has ever made and paying nearly $10.00 for a slice of pizza and a soft drink. We finally figured out that Walt Disney would be rolling in his grave if he knew how managment is cramming people into the park until the park is WALL TO WALL people and baby strollers. I think we are still paying off a Disney Trip that we took 4 years ago. After we got home we figured we spent nearly $5,000.00. Disney is one gigantic RIP OFF and we won't be returning anytime soon. If we want to enjoy anything Disney we rent it at Red Box for a buck. GOODNIGHT.