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Tag Archives: Adventurers Club
Disney Confidential – What About Downtown Disney?
Hey Gang! I want to ask you a Disney Question…What is going to happen to Downtown Disney? First, they got rid of Pleasure Island and the Adventurers Club, then they talked about something called Hyperion Wharf, but then put Hyperion Wharf on hold. So this leads me to now ask…has anyone heard anything about Downtown Disney?
I HAVE, I HAVE shouts Anonymouse! Coming to you from Anonymouse headquarters…this just in! There is some cover information coming from WDW News Today about some leaked concept art and details about Downtown Disney becoming “Disney Springs”.
This information talks about three different districts including West Side, The Village Marketplace, and The Town Center. Each area will have a backstory that describes the theming of the area and how it has evolved.
These images created by Disney and leaked to WDW News Today has caused quite the stir, not about the information…though that was significant but a twitter feud has erupted dealing with watermarks. Chimp Chip was able to stay out of this drama, only because he hasn’t figured out how to use it yet. Just kidding he is ok at Twitter. You can stalk follow him here.
Downtown Disney removes signs, props from Pleasure Island buildings
Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World Resort.
It’s yet another sign – or lack of signs thereof – that Walt Disney World is moving ahead with Hyperion Wharf makeover. Or at least Disney is committed to finally removing signs of what was once Pleasure Island, the night-time entertainment area of Downtown Disney (DTD).
Disney has removed signs and props from several buildings that used to be the cornerstones of Pleasure Island’s nightlife for adult guests and Orlando locals.
WDW Magic reports that, as of Aug. 30, signs have been removed from Comedy Warehouse, BET Soundstage and the Adventures Club. The props that were outside the Adventurers Club, including the plane remnants, have also been removed.
There has been no official word for Disney as to what these changes mean, although speculations on Disney fans sites run the gamut from the pending demolition of the buildings to some sort of rehabilitation of the buildings.
The speculation is, in part, fueled by an Aug. 19 response to fans posted on the Disney Parks Blog.
Tom Staggs, Chairman for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, had posted a “thank you” to Disney fans who are also D23 Expo attendees, referring to the presentation concerning the parks and resorts upcoming expansions. Many Disney fans expressed disappointment that there had been no significant, new announcements about Walt Disney World, DTD and Pleasure Island. Staggs, in an unusual move, responded to reader concerns:
Thanks to all of you for your responses. Your passion, energy and affection for our parks and resorts is [sic] the reason we do what we do so I appreciate your feedback. I know many of you were hoping for announcements regarding new projects from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, especially at Walt Disney World Resort, so I wanted to take a moment to address those comments.
The projects we’ve already announced represent the largest period of growth ever in Disney Parks’ history. We’re working hard to create new and exciting experiences for our guests around the world and while the timing isn’t always right to announce another big project, we like to use opportunities like the D23 Expo to update fans like you on the great progress we’re making. We have several incredible projects currently in the works and look forward to sharing more information with all of you in the weeks and months ahead, including new details regarding Downtown Disney in Florida. [emphasis added]
Pleasure Island opened in 1989 but closed for good in 2008. In November 2010, Disney announced the area would receive a makeover as Hyperion Wharf, a waterfront district focusing on eateries and boutiques. In July, Disney announced that plans for the area were being delayed, for undisclosed reasons.
What would you like to see at Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island/Hyperion Wharf?
Disney files construction permits for former Pleasure Island clubs
Hyperion Wharf Concept Sketch
A notice of commencement form filed by Disney on August 4 announces that “improvements will be made to certain retail property” and specifically cites Mannequins, BET Soundstage, Adventurer’s Club, and the Comedy Warehouse. The forms noted by the Epcot Explorer’s Encyclopedia provide only a broad description with little insight into the nature of the upcoming project.
The Notice of Commencement does, however, specify that whatever plans Disney has for Pleasure Island include the basic structures of the mentioned clubs. No permits have been filed for demolition; instead the documents specify renovation and construction.
With Disney’s July 12 announcement that construction would be pausing for a re-evaluation of the master plan, the announcement of new construction is surprising, particularly so soon after the announced halt. Neither the permits nor the announcement of the Pleasure Island construction pause mention Hyperion Wharf, the shopping and dining area announced as the new plan for Pleasure Island in November 2009.
Hyperion Wharf was proposed as an area loosely themed to a turn-of-the-century wharf that offered an expansion of shopping and dining without any clearly defined entertainment options. The new construction filed for the area could be the next phase in Hyperion Wharf development, but fans of the former Pleasure Island will wait for further announcement from Disney regarding possible entertainment or further theming of the currently unused 1.5 miles of Downtown Disney.
Related articles
- Downtown Disney to add Splitsville, delays Pleasure Island makeover (chipandco.com)
- Top 5 Time Wasters at Disney World (chipandco.com)
Guide to Downtown Disney – ‘Must Sees’ for Foodies
The Spice & Tea Exchange, Downtown Disney.
Regular readers of Chip & Company know that I enjoy exploring the various things to see and do Downtown Disney (DTD) at Walt Disney World. Part of the reason for my pleasure in the larger DTD area – the absence of Adventurers Club notwithstanding – is that the place offers different experiences for different people that can vary with the trip. Indeed, the “must sees” for a first-time visitor to DTD are different than for guests who are returning on their second, third or thirtieth trip.
While I’m not a hard-core Disney foodie, I do like my food, Disney and otherwise. And DTD offers a varied menu of tasty options for foodies. Here are few of my favorites to tempt you and whet your appetite for your next trip to the World.
Mickey’s Pantry
This store is the must-stop shopping destination for Disney foodies. This culinary haven in the DTD Marketplace area (near the Earl of Sandwich) offers a number of goods for the kitchen, from cookware and cookbooks to coffee mugs and cookie cutters. Oh, and pre-packaged Disney food to take home. The pantry is especially fun for those of us who enjoy a Mickey-themed kitchen in red, white and black.
The Spice & Tea Exchange
Located inside Mickey’s Pantry, The Spice & Tea Exchange promises to set noses aquiver in anticipation. As its name suggests, it features both spices and loose teas beautifully displayed in apothecary jars, as well as accessories. The ingredients are fresh, often organic, and preservative free. Guests are welcomed, indeed encouraged, to stop and smell the spices. Employees are on hand to help you explore your olfactory options.
On my recommended list? Try the Florida Grinder, one of its signature blends. It combines Brazilian Atlantic sea salt, lemon, lime, orange zest, mild green peppercorns, rose petals and ginger. Or for a true splurge, bring home one of the store’s more unusual offerings, like a Himalayan Mineral salt block.
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
Oh, you know I’m a fan of the ice cream at Ghirardelli’s – or really of I’m a fan of any Disney ice cream. But foodies might want to stop by the chocolate shop area of the store. That’s where you can buy chocolate samplers and souvenirs as well as a counter for baked goodies and sinfully good hot chocolate. But before you decide what to purchase, be sure to savor for a free chocolate sample.
As a side note, I adore that the packages are often themed to whatever holiday I’m pretending to celebrate when I buy a “gift” of the pre-packaged chocolate deliciousness.
Goofy's Candy Company, Downtown Disney.
Goofy’s Candy Company & Candy Cauldron
Let’s not candy coat this. I love candy – just see my recommended candy stops – and Ghirardelli’s chocolate is a melt-in-your-mouth taste sensation. But If you like your candy, and want to have a hand in its creation, stop by either Goofy’s Candy Company at DTD Marketplace or the Candy Cauldron at DTD West Side. Both places offer a sugar rush just in the heady aroma as you step through the doors. While I enjoy both stores, and really stop by whichever one is closer to my other destinations, I’d choose Goofy’s Candy Company generally for its customizable treats but give the slight edge to the Candy Cauldron for its made-to-order apples. Maybe it’s the Snow White’s Wicked Witch theming.
Raglan Road Gift Shop
A fan of Raglan Road’s Irish fare with flair? Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop attached to restaurant’s gift shop. There, in addition to buying other items imported from Ireland, you can purchase cookbooks featuring Raglan Road recipes and other cuisine developed by chef Kevin Dundon. Also available are Dundon Food Experience products, such as chutneys, relishes and jams. My recommendation? Try the apple chutney.
What about Disney foodies and the Downtown Disney restaurants?
I know, I know, Disney foodies are wondering about where to eat at DTD? Really, the challenge here is that choosing a snack or restaurant is such a matter of taste. For instance, although I’ve mentioned many sweet snacks above, primarily for the Disney foodie shopping experience, I’ve been known to curb my salt and savory cravings with Wetzel’s Pretzels (try the jalapeno cheese option).
But for a starter course on Disney restaurants, here’s what I recommend. For quick service, I don’t think you can go wrong with the gourmet pizzas at Wolfgang Puck Express or the fresh sandwiches at Earl of Sandwich. For table service, my favorite meals are found at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, starting with the to-die-for Irish soda bread all the way through to the bread pudding.
Still, don’t solely trust my taste buds. Tempt yourself with some Chip and Company’s Disney World Guide to restaurants and snacks found under the site’s “Planning” tab.
And Disney foodies…let’s help each other out! What are your favorite food and dining experiences at Downtown Disney?
Related articles
- Downtown Disney Dining – Is It Worth the Trip? (chipandco.com)
- Guide to Downtown Disney – ‘Must-Sees’ for First Timers (chipandco.com)
Chip and Company Week in Review for December 13th
Welcome to the Chip and Company Disney Week in Review for the week of December 5-11, 2010, my name is Ken and I am one of the writers here at Chip and Company. There has been a lot happening this week on Chip and Co and around the Disney Blog-o-Sphere. From some exciting news about a well loved Downtown Disney attraction to events and views surrounding Disney in general we publish this roundup so you don’t miss out on the best of the Disney News & Views.
- From Anonymouse an exciting rumor about The Adventurer’s Club perhaps re-opening as the new Hyperion Wharf becomes a reality. You should check out the article Disney Confidential – Adventurer’s Club To Re-open At Hyperion Wharf.
- Chip generated quite a few comments with his thoughts on Should Disney Parks Tighten Security? Check it out and please feel free to leave your own thoughts as a comment.
- Mike came up with an extensive and very informative article about his Favorite Disneyworld Parades, Movies, and Stage performances. It has made me re-think some of the things to add to my touring in October, thanks Mike.
- For you parents Disney Television Animation Reels In Second Season Of “Fish Hooks” And New Order For “Gravity Falls” so good news for those Disney XD fans!
- The first time I have ever seen anything like this Download Voucher, Dine During Off Hours, Save 30 Percent. Which is perfect for those people not on a Disney Dining Plan.
- Loving Disney World – One Generation At A Time from Brenda is a delightful article that demonstrates how a family strengthens it bonds by sharing a common love for Walt Disney World.
- I gave readers a bit of a personal mini rant about the late great wand on Spaceship Earth. I kind of enjoyed the wand and you can find out why by reading I Can’t Help It I Really Liked The Wand.
- If your into Streaming Video and like Chip a huge Netflix fan Netflix and Disney-ABC Television Group Announce Deal to Stream Shows sometimes just days after they air on tv.
- Speaking of entertainment Toy Story and Tangled just got Nominated for 38th Annual Annie Awards! Congrats!
- Top 10 Things To Do At Walt Disney World To Feel Like A Kid Again from Lee gives us some great ideas on how to enjoy Walt Disney World to its fullest and restore a bit of sanity at the same time.
- George (he’s the Lonely Deek you actually see on the screen) gives an excellent DVD review of The Boys, The Sherman Brothers Story. They are the supremely talented artists who gave us some of the best loved Disney music in existence.
- Allie tells us about a restaurant that many of us love but probably just as many of us know nothing about. Her article, Narcoossee’s: A Hidden Gem At Walt Disney World lets you know what to expect at this outstanding Disney Signature Restaurant. It’s one of my favorites Allie and it’s on the list for our next visit.
- Chris celebrates her sweet tooth by comparing a pair of bakeries who cater to those of us going through sugar overload in Cupcake Showdown: Babycakes NYC vs. Starring Rolls.
- Here is an opportunity to be on top of the latest Disney News and Views. Take a look at Have Disney News and Views Delivered To Your Inbox to find out how to do it.
We have a group of very talented writers here at Chip and Co and each week we will try to present their work to keep you informed about what is happening in the world of Disney and help make your vacation planning easier. See you next week.
