Latest: More Pleasure Island / Downtown Disney rumors

Originally Posted By AutoPost

This topic is for Discussion of <a href="http://www.LaughingPlace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=3196" target="_blank"><b>Latest: More Pleasure Island / Downtown Disney rumors</b></a>
We have heard that Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, Inc. have signed a contract to operate a restaurant in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort. This is the first in a series of third party operator agreements that Walt Disney World is looking to sign to fill the vacancies left by the closure of Pleasure Island. We've also heard that Virgin Megastore has terminated it's lease at Downtown Disney Westside and should be out by the end of the year.

 

Originally Posted By dshyates

I love S&W. I have also heard there would be a Grand Lux Cafe. It is an upscale brand from "The Cheesecake Factory" people.

<a href="http://www.grandluxcafe.com/" target="_blank">http://www.grandluxcafe.com/</a>

 

Originally Posted By NikkiLOVESMickey

I've only eaten at Smith and Wollensky once, before the turned tail and left New Orleans after Katrina.

 

Originally Posted By vbdad55

S&W - seems like they are starting to plan now for the Four Season's crowd who will be looking for familiar

been to the Chicago location in River North...it was very good in a crowded market for steakkhouses

 

Originally Posted By Malin

Right I have spoken directly with someone from the Virgin Entertainment Group, who has dismissed talk of the Virgin Megastore closing down, as just rumours. Virgin have no plans to close that store.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<S&W - seems like they are starting to plan now for the Four Season's crowd who will be looking for familiar>>

It could be to compete with the Waldorf Astoria's Bull and Bear.

I've been at the original in NYC and had one of the finest steakhouse experiences of my spirited life.

But with Shula's right around the corner at the Dolphin and Disney's own fine Yachtsman Steakhouse at the YC, the market may be reaching the saturation point for fine (expense account) steak places.

<<been to the Chicago location in River North...it was very good in a crowded market for steakkhouses>>

I've never been. Stood in line for the one in Vegas years ago and then decided to dine at more 'unique' locale at Paris.

My question is what's next? Maybe a Ruth's Chris or Morton's too? And we can add an on property Ponderosa at Flamingo Crossings and WDW will become even more ordinary, more any tourist center/major urban location USA.

 

Originally Posted By Spirit of 74

<<Right I have spoken directly with someone from the Virgin Entertainment Group, who has dismissed talk of the Virgin Megastore closing down, as just rumours. Virgin have no plans to close that store.>>

You sure?

The rumors have been quite strong. I thought even Leemac said it would be closing and he's on top of things (usually).

 

Originally Posted By Malin

<<< You sure?

The rumors have been quite strong. I thought even Leemac said it would be closing and he's on top of things (usually). >>>

I'm not sure, reason why I spoke to the group. But there have told me its not closing and I don't see why there would make it up. We'll just have to wait and see who's right.

 

Originally Posted By fundog58

I sure hope Virgin stays open. As a music fan, it is literally the main reason I make the trip from Tampa every few months.

While I enjoy many of the other shops and restaurants at DTD, I can't see myself visiting more than very occasionally if Virgin goes away.

 

Originally Posted By irishfan

The Virgin Mega Store in Times Square is due to close in the new year. The virgin stores in the US are not operated by the Branson group so the DTD location may stay open?