Pleasure Island was a nighttime entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort that operated from 1989 to 2008. It was part of the larger Downtown Disney area, which is now known as Disney Springs. The island offered a variety of themed nightclubs, restaurants, and shops, becoming a popular spot for adults looking for entertainment after a day at the parks. Here’s a look at the history and evolution of Pleasure Island:
Creation and Opening (1989)
- Opening Date: Pleasure Island officially opened on May 1, 1989.
- Concept: The island was developed to provide adults with a vibrant nightlife destination within the Walt Disney World Resort. The concept was unique, offering several different nightclubs with varying music genres, live entertainment, and themed environments.
- Theme: The backstory of Pleasure Island revolved around the fictional Merriweather Adam Pleasure, an eccentric adventurer and explorer. According to Disney’s lore, the island was once an industrial center and personal playground for Pleasure, but after his disappearance, it was repurposed as an entertainment hub.
- Admission: Originally, Pleasure Island required a separate admission fee, allowing access to all of the nightclubs and venues, with one ticket allowing entry to multiple locations.
Notable Clubs and Venues
Pleasure Island featured a variety of nightclubs, each with its own distinct theme and appeal:
- The Adventurers Club
- Theme: An immersive, interactive nightclub styled as a 1930s explorers’ club. Guests could interact with the club’s eccentric members (played by cast members) through skits, songs, and shows.
- Cult Following: The Adventurers Club gained a devoted following for its witty, improvisational humor and immersive experience.
- Mannequins Dance Palace
- Theme: A high-energy dance club known for its rotating dance floor and cutting-edge lighting and music. It featured popular music of the time, especially techno and electronic dance music.
- 8TRAX
- Theme: A disco-themed nightclub that played 1970s and 1980s music. The venue had a retro design, evoking the feeling of a classic 1970s disco.
- BET Soundstage Club
- Theme: A nightclub with a focus on R&B, hip-hop, and soul music, developed in partnership with BET (Black Entertainment Television).
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Club
- Theme: A beach-themed club that featured live rock music, often hosting local and regional bands.
- Comedy Warehouse
- Theme: An improv comedy club where Disney cast members performed comedy skits and improvisation.
- Motion
- Theme: A nightclub focused on current pop and top-40 hits, aimed at younger adults and teens.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
One of Pleasure Island’s unique features was its New Year’s Eve celebration, which took place every night. At midnight, a fireworks display would light up the sky, and the entire island would celebrate with a countdown, confetti, and music. This nightly celebration became a signature event for the area.
Changes and Decline
- Early Popularity: Throughout the 1990s, Pleasure Island was a popular nighttime destination for adults and young adults. The island had a lively atmosphere with music, dancing, and entertainment every night.
- Free Admission (2004): In 2004, Disney changed its admission policy for Pleasure Island, eliminating the cover charge and making the island open to the public. Instead of a single admission for all clubs, guests could pay for entry to individual venues. This move was part of an effort to increase foot traffic, but it led to changes in the overall atmosphere of the island.
Closure of Pleasure Island (2008)
- Closure Announcement: In June 2008, Disney announced that Pleasure Island would close its nightclubs to make way for new dining and shopping experiences as part of a larger reimagining of Downtown Disney.
- Final Night: Pleasure Island’s nightclubs officially closed on September 27, 2008. While some venues, like shops and restaurants, remained open for a time, the island’s signature clubs were shut down permanently.
- Reasons for Closure: The closure was part of Disney’s broader plan to shift the focus of Downtown Disney from a nightlife destination to a family-friendly shopping and dining experience. Changes in guest demographics and the rise of entertainment options at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk likely contributed to the decision.
Transformation to Disney Springs
- After the closure, Pleasure Island was slowly redeveloped as part of the transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs. The former site of Pleasure Island became known as The Landing, an area with new restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The Adventurers Club and the various nightclubs were replaced with eateries like The Edison and Raglan Road Irish Pub.
- Legacy: While Pleasure Island no longer exists, it left a lasting legacy among Disney fans, especially those who frequented the Adventurers Club and other iconic venues. The island is fondly remembered for its unique blend of Disney magic and adult nightlife.
Pleasure Island Today
- Today, the area formerly known as Pleasure Island is part of The Landing at Disney Springs, a dining, shopping, and entertainment district. Popular restaurants like The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia, and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (inspired by the Adventurers Club and Indiana Jones) have taken its place.
Though it’s gone, Pleasure Island remains an important part of Walt Disney World’s history, representing a unique era in Disney’s evolution of guest experiences.
