Originally Posted By dshyates Today Disney revealed their plans for the closed PI. " How about that? New dining, shopping and entertainment experiences are in the works for Downtown Disney and today we’re sharing a first look at what to expect in the future for the 120-acre complex. Look closely and you’ll see that Pleasure Island will evolve into a vibrant waterfront district called “Hyperion Wharf.” "The district will come to life with a nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier. By day, stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw you in and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland. Taking its name from Hyperion, the Greek god of light, as well as the street on which Walt Disney built his first major animation studio, the wharf district will also feature a relaxing lakeside park and enhanced pedestrian walkways. And its diverse eateries will expand dining availability at Downtown Disney by more than 25 percent." More and concept art at the link: <a href="http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/11/first-look-waterfront-district-hyperion-wharf-among-plans-for-downtown-disney/" target="_blank">http://disneyparks.disney.go.c...-disney/</a>
Originally Posted By dshyates And here is a link to the local news coverage with a video. It pretty much says what the Disney Parks Blog says. But there is a soundbite about the lighting design. <a href="http://www.cfnews13.com/video?clip=http://static.cfnews13.com/newsvideo/cfn/OTTDOWNTOWNDISNEY_111820100445.flv" target="_blank">http://www.cfnews13.com/video?...0445.flv</a>
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer It looks stunning. It really does. However...just 3rd party vendors? Very boring. It needs something to REALLY draw people in. Like a AC. Or a light show. Seeing that the whole Island is going to be getting a huge lighting overhaul, maybe the real "draw" will be something like ElecTRONica, or Glow Fest. Very interesting to watch...
Originally Posted By Lee hisownself Hmmm...judging by the comments on the Parks blog, something seems to be missing...and very missed. Wake up and smell the Kungaloosh, Disney.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 I am absolutely glad that they are doing something with PI. And it all looks very nice. But I'm not sure how I see it as any different than what DTD was originally before they started letting it slide. Some plussing, as in the new Lego Store, but really what's the unique draw? Besides NOT having a black hole in its midst anymore, I mean. You screw up as bad as Disney did, and make fans wait eternally, I guess I want to be wowed. Crossing my fingers that the end result will do that.
Originally Posted By TP2000 Maybe they are designing the fancy lighting on the buildings so they can do seasonal street parties like elecTRONica and Glow Fest? Otherwise, this is just more of the same mall with cheesy theme restaurants from Landry's Corporation and tourist trap t-shirt shops.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper "It needs something to REALLY draw people in." What is your basis for this thought? Even when I stop by DTD in the "off season" that place is always hopping, particularly at night.
Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey Marketplace is almost always packed. There is a good time to go, but I ain't sharing - then EVERYBODY will be there and they'll interrupt my shopping! ;-).
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I'm looking forward to seeing it all finished. A lot can happen in a little over 2 years.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper I usually hit it first thing in the morning. Grab a coffee at Ghiardelli and wonder through when things are quite. By noon or so it really starts to pick up.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Hmmm...judging by the comments on the Parks blog, something seems to be missing...and very missed. Wake up and smell the Kungaloosh, Disney<<< They seem to see that. Is it bas to be hopeful based on that fact?
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Maybe they are designing the fancy lighting on the buildings so they can do seasonal street parties like elecTRONica and Glow Fest? <<< That's what I'm thinking. It has that vibe, from the art. I could see it.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>What is your basis for this thought? Even when I stop by DTD in the "off season" that place is always hopping, particularly at night.<<< Besides the Market, I've never seen it like that. Place was DEAD in June. But by a draw, I mean a feature, that makes it stand out. Shopping doesn't do that.
Originally Posted By wahooskipper Well, I wouldn't spend much time in Orlando period in June. Too dang hot to be walking around outdoors. That is when I'm at the waterparks.
Originally Posted By leemac >>>Maybe they are designing the fancy lighting on the buildings so they can do seasonal street parties like elecTRONica and Glow Fest? <<< Sorry that isn't the plan at present. It will be solely a destination for retail and dining. They want it to follow the family-friendly vibe of the Marketplace. The lighting package is just meant to be warm and inviting - much like a boardwalk.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Sorry that isn't the plan at present. It will be solely a destination for retail and dining. They want it to follow the family-friendly vibe of the Marketplace. The lighting package is just meant to be warm and inviting - much like a boardwalk.<<< Well, there goes that. LOL. Seems a shame, that's quite the boring concept for something that looks so good.
Originally Posted By leemac <<Seems a shame, that's quite the boring concept for something that looks so good.>> I must be jaded and grumpy today because it looks so '90s to me. That fake wharf/warehouse look was replicated everywhere in the '90s from Cannery Row (Monterey, CA) to Jack London Square (Oakland, CA) to Navy Pier (Chicago, IL) to Quincey Market (Boston, MA). It is just so formulaic for me. It doesn't make it bad but it is a lazy concept IMHO. But it is definitely better than PI sitting like a housing development in Ireland!
Originally Posted By Christi22222 I must be jaded and grumpy today because it looks so '90s to me. That fake wharf/warehouse look was replicated everywhere in the '90s from Cannery Row (Monterey, CA) to Jack London Square (Oakland, CA) to Navy Pier (Chicago, IL) to Quincey Market (Boston, MA). It is just so formulaic for me. It doesn't make it bad but it is a lazy concept IMHO. I hadn't thought of it quite like this, but I think you've hit the nail on the head. It does look nice. And anything would be better. But I expect more from Disney than Kemah Boardwalk!
