Disney World Orlando Announces Pleasure Island Makeover

Disney World Orlando Announces Pleasure Island Makeover

While many travelers have become used to the nightclubs and thriving club scene on Pleasure Island, the area of Downtown Disney designed specifically for adults, a recent announcement from Disney World executives reveals the six nightclubs in the area wills soon be closed permanently. Downtown Disney is currently filled with family-friendly stores, activities and events throughout the year, and Pleasure Island has stood as an extension of the Downtown Disney experience for over 19 years. However, Disney executives have decided to give the area a 'makeover' in Fall 2008 to make the entire area much more family-centric.

The six nightclubs scheduled to close include Adventurers Club, the BET Soundstage Club, Comedy Warehouse, Mannequins Dance Palace, Motion and 8 Trax. The new vision for Downtown Disney means there will be more dining and entertainment options for the entire family, and the space should be able to accommodate more events and performances throughout the year. Currently, there are other 'nightclub' style venues on Downtown Disney's West Side, but these are designed for those who want to enjoy a themed restaurant experience. Popular venues such as Planet Hollywood and the House of Blues continue to attract both adults and families, and are also attractive venues for business conferences, parties and gatherings.

Some city officials and residents believe the opening of Pleasure Island in the early 1990s created a negative impact for the nightclub scene in downtown Orlando, causing people to move away from the city center and turn to Disney for live music, performances and the 'bar scene.' Owners of various establishments on Church Street, the historic 'club' strip in Orlando, and other venues are looking forward to an increase in visitors after the closing.

Disney plans to add more shopping and dining establishments in the newly renovated space, and focus on attracting larger crowds of families who want to experience even more of Disney into the late-night hours.