27 November 2010 by Atlanta Leisure Travel Examiner
Walt Disney World is making a number of changes to Downtown Disney, including transforming Pleasure Island into a wharf-themed destination.
“We have made great progress since first announcing our vision to bring new shopping, dining and entertainment experiences to Downtown Disney, many of which can’t be found anywhere else and have already become guest favorites,” Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney, said in a news release. “We look forward to providing even more ways for our guests to enjoy Downtown Disney, while at the same time creating new jobs for Central Floridians.”
Pleasure Island, the former nighttime entertainment attraction for adults, will be transformed into “Hyperion Wharf” – touted as a “nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city.” The wharf is named for Hyperion, the Greek god of light, and the street where Walt Disney’s first “major” animation studio was located.
The port will feature “stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants” for guests during the day and will change into “an electric wonderland” at night, Disney said.
“Hyperion Wharf will offer guests of all ages a vibrant atmosphere and new experiences that can be enjoyed by day or by night,” Bradford said. “Whether looking for a great place to dine with the whole family or a place to relax and enjoy live music, Hyperion Wharf will provide the perfect setting for guests to make new memories with us.”
Other changes include renovations to the Lego Imagination Center, enhancements to the AMC movie theater and a number of new shops. The changes will increase by 25 percent the number of dining options at Downtown Disney, the company said.
Downtown Disney opened in 1975 as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village and was renamed Walt Disney World Village two years later. Pleasure Island opened on May 1, 1989, along with then-named Disney-MGM Studios, today known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The project is expected to generate 1,200 construction jobs over three years, according to Disney.
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