Downtown Disney: What's Coming Next

There have been several incarnations of Downtown Disney over the years--and dozens of rumored changes that never come to pass. But Disney has finally announced their official development plans for that area. Disney Springs will be a long-term project, with construction to begin next month, but completion expected in 2016 (really not as far away as it sounds!). The turn-of-the-century theming appeals to me, and if the concept art is accurate, I think it will be a lovely change for this area that hasn't quite found its personality since its Pleasure Island days. What do you think?

all photos ©Disney Co.

What's Going On with Pleasure Island/Hyperion Wharf?

It has been 3 years since Pleasure Island, the adults-only area of Downtown Disney that featured dance and comedy clubs, as well as unique venues such as the beloved Adventurer's Club, shut down. For a while, Disney has been mulling over plans to rejuvenate/refurbish/re-something the area. Most recently, plans included turning it into a family-friendly destination with a bit of a 1900s seaport feel, called Hyperion Wharf. Earlier this month Disney announced that those plans have been postponed indefinitely.

At this point, I don't think anyone--even Disney--is quite sure what will become of Pleasure Island. This article in the Orlando Sentinel sheds a bit of light on this destination that seems to present a quite a quandary for Disney.

Rumors Abound Regarding the Fate of Pleasure Island

When I'm walking around Downtown Disney with my family, it's sometimes hard for me to remember that a whole section of it was once filled with bars and clubs. Sure, there are still a few restaurants that feature live entertainment and attract nighttime crowds, but Downtown Disney is largely a daytime family destination since the close of Pleasure Island.

Rumors are once again flying about exactly what is going to fill some of the now-empty clubs that were previously a part of this adults-only area. Yes, there are plans underway for the new Hyperion Wharf district--a "vibrant waterfront district," as the official Disney Parks Blog calls it. With few details outlined in this post,  there are rumors that former PI hot spots 8Trax and Mannequins, both sitting empty, will once again house clubs--either similar to their previous versions, or something new. And while PI fans have most often spoken out in favor of bringing back the Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse, it seems doubtful that Disney would go back to those formats, due to the extensive talent pool required to keep them operating. (If you'll recall, AC immersed guests in an adventure story and featured dozens of live actors. CW also required a steady stream of funny comics to keep guests laughing.)

It will be interesting to see if any of these rumors become reality. Hyperion Wharf is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2013.