Disney recently announced a new push on construction and theming planned for areas of Downtown Disney and the basically defunct section of Pleasure Island.
The shopping / eating / entertainment complex of Walt Disney World has been the focus of re-vamps for some time now, but the new plans call for a breath of life to be instituted in the former nightclub section of Pleasure Island. Once the home of two comedy and four dance clubs, this area was basically closed in 2008 to allow for a re-theming. Those updates were put on hold (except for one new restaurant) evidently due to the poor guest numbers attributed to the recession.
Disney, however, evidently now feels that the time is right to continue with the expansion. Pleasure Island will be transformed into “Hyperion Wharf,” a new waterfront district taking its name from both the Greek god of light and the name of the street where Walt Disney built his first major animation studio. Continue reading “Disney Announces New Plans for Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island” »
Those young ones aged three and over now have another make-over option at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, found in two locations at Walt Disney World. However, this new addition is geared more for the young boys, whereas Bibbidi’s previous packages have been designed with young girls in mind.
Starting September 19th, 2010, a new offering known as the “Knight Package” will be a choice at both Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations (found in Downtown Disney as well as the Magic Kingdom). No price has been listed, but the other full make-overs offered by Disney start in the $50 range.
Previously, young boys had more limited offerings at the Boutique. They could get a Cool Dudes Package which is offered for $7.50 and involves only colorful hair gel and confetti. Disney does also offer the Pirates League which boys might have been more interested. It offers a pirates make-over starting at $29.95. Continue reading “New Knight Package Available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Walt Disney World” »
In a move that is surprising, but somewhat expected, Disney recently announced that the Fast Food chain McDonald’s will be closing at the Downtown Disney location as of April 30, 2010. In its place, a Latin chicken quick-service restaurant called Pollo Campero will be opening.
The move is a continuation of a process started by Disney years ago. Looking back about a decade, McDonald’s and Disney seemed like best buddies in the business world with a very cooperative relationship. When Disney released a new movie, McDonald’s was right there to help advertise for it in their local stores. Disney themed merchandise including Happy Meal premiums, glasses, ornaments, etc. were all part of the package that McDonald’s put in front of its customers daily.
Disney World, for its part, offered several McDonald’s locations on property for its guests. These included a few stand alone stores like the location by the All-Star resorts and the one before Animal Kingdom. Two locations were also integrated into the Disney experience like the one at Downtown Disney and a location inside the Animal Kingdom called Restaurantosaurus located by the Dinosaur ride which was sponsored by McDonald’s. Several fry cart locations were even found in the parks offering guests McDonald’s fried and soft drinks. Continue reading “McDonald’s At Downtown Disney To Close April 30, 2010” »