The Rise & Fall of Disney’s Pleasure Island

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Hey all, hope you enjoy (or enjoyed) the episode! I've wanted to explore the history of Lake Buena Vista for a long, long time...as the whole 'abandoned residential community' aspect is not only incredibly fascinating, but surprisingly not covered all that much....So anchoring the entire episode around Pleasure Island (another topic I've always had an interest in covering) seemed like the perfect opportunity to dive into this vast & fascinating chapter of lesser-known Walt Disney World History. It took me a lot...and I mean a LOT longer than usual to produce, but hopefully the wait was worth it. Enjoy! *awkward segway to additional credits* I keep running into this issue of running out of space for proper credits in the description, so here's the rest of the internet links to videos and/or footage used in the episode: Church Street Station - 1991 - Florida Phlash Backs - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3KbfqKglJd7qcU&t Disney Pleasure Island Commercial - Televisionarchives - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKundHSVg7dnetk The Disney Institute Resort Promotional Video - PDCS216 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnK2pneDj6h1g7M 1996 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Video - Interactive WDW - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3ixZpl3p7FgjtU 1998 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Video - Interactive WDW - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXqcXp-AZ72ifdU Walt Disney World Vacation Planner 2001 WDW - JT - kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6Ddm4Frq5WFhtE 2003 Magical Gatherings - WDW Vacation Planning Video - InteractiveWDW - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5TNgHpoaKmMhbM Disney Quest B ROLL - Archive 98 - Michael Sheehe - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGbReWOorrFjj6M Pleasure Island November 2002 (stage show) - RobFuz - kzbin.info Pleasure Island Construction progress - Fox 35 News Segment - Attractions Magazine - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpCrlHSujs6JjtE&t Pleasure Island Clubs Closing at Walt Disney World - Attractions Magazine - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHKlhpR5YrSJjqc&t Walt Disney World - PLEASURE ISLAND - Closed & Donkey Free! - adamthewoo - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZyzmnmZmK6phdU Pleasure Island Hyperion Wharf construction update for January 2011 - Attractions Magazine - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJzLdquQhaqBrdk Adventurers Club Demolition from Characters in Flight Balloon with Interior Views, Pleasure Island - MouseSteps / JWL Media - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap6cc4NqjbSmq8k Full Disney Springs announcement at Downtown Disney - Attractions Magazine - kzbin.info/www/bejne/panGcpuPeqmgadU Imagineers Unveil the Storyline of Disney Springs - Walt Disney World - Disney Parks - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2jdhIunjbV5f8k ‘Downtown Disney’ is Now ‘Disney Springs’ Walt Disney World - Disney Parks - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp_VdJRvn6ufqpI Empty Disney Springs Walking Tour on March 19th, 2020 Before Closure - Walt Disney World Resort - MouseSteps / JWL Media - kzbin.info/www/bejne/laHFioqthalsr7M New LEGO Outdoor Character Displays at Disney Springs - Frozen 2 w Anna, Elsa, Olaf & Star Wars - MouseSteps / JWL Media - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n37Ti2ytfMiCfq8 Pixar Toy Story 4 Merchandise and Displays at World of Disney & Once Upon a Toy at Disney Springs - MouseSteps / JWL Media - kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4mUq52Nr9qnbsU

[@alanrobledo1573]

@Yesterworld Entertainment Can you a Six flags video?

[@Tardisntimbits]

I legit hate to be the asshole, but you spelled "Experimental" as "Expirimental"... I'm sorry >

[@evanhorton2520]

Xzfr is pronounced Zephyr, and the Jazz Company opened in 1993, 4 years after the original opening of the island. I was one of the first cast members hired, and I watched it being built from the banquet deck of the Empress Lilly, where I worked for 12 years.

[@joejacko1587]

just don't work in the shops if you plan on being able to afford it

[@dragongamer2670]

Still wondering what happened to the Arcade Machines that were in Disney Quest.. would you have any idea what happened to the Arcade's and Rides? That would be something to look into and haven't found anything sadly regarding the more bigger attractions. Just only the Fix-It-Felix J.R. Arcade machines and centipede machine survived.

[@CreetureFeature]

I was a "cast member" at Pleasure Island for 2 years. I was a bouncer, then a barback, and finally a bartender at three different clubs. We had our fair share of celebrity guests, but the best interaction I had was with Whitney Houston, she was very personable and fun to meet. That place was INSANE in the mid nineties.

[@stevenbacon-cheddar9914]

That’s awesome! When I worked as a cook at US Grant Hotel in San Diego, I made Ric Flair a PB&J everyday for a week.

[@ericoliver1603]

dang i missed the party, but in my defense i was a kid in the 90s

[@CreetureFeature]

@@stevenbacon-cheddar9914 Woooooooooooo!

[@caram227]

@@ericoliver1603 I grew up in Orlando and always wanted to go sooo bad. Finally went once I turned 18, in 2004… and it was lame haha. Think I missed the glory days. I then worked at the Rainforest Cafe 2ish years later, much different downtown Disney experience 😆

[@aquariusavenue6140]

Wow what a story!!!

[@ForeverLaxx]

He wasn't lying when he said that Disney doesn't think about competing with anyone. They think about dominating and pushing out everyone else around them. That's not really competition.

[@TheCOZ]

Yeah that part was implied with the creepy laugh.

[@tyoung0369]

Disney: Silicon Valley Predecessor

[@JoaoGa210]

With some things that look to be happening, this scenario will change (and maybe for worst) for Disney

[@celesbianmegastar]

They have about 4 remaining big competitors now that they’ve bought Fox. Sony and Warner Bros are the big time threats.

[@LiLTailormade]

I was wondering what he meant by that with especially with his sarcastic tone lol.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

It's been over 30 years, but I still remember being a salty little kid, stuck in Disney daycare while my parents went to have a child-free evening at Pleasure Island. It sounded really cool and I was so jealous lol

[@laurenrosenblatt8006]

I remember my mom and grandma coming back hammered 😂 and wearing some kind of bead necklaces

[@clintwilliams3818]

@@laurenrosenblatt8006 Uh-oh... titty beads!!

[@drliz6783]

Hi Daria

[@Groovy_Bruce]

Had no idea that was a thing. A bit rude to not leave the kid at home with a sitter. Taking them so close to the promised land and then barring them at the gates is a little bit cruel.

[@tiddy671]

@@Groovy_Bruce it’s called you do it for one night, durrrrrr

[@GravityTrash]

There's nothing more iconic in Disney Theme Park videos than "and then came Michael Eisner"

[@baylorsailor]

Michael Eisner is the one I grew up with, so seeing him makes me feel nostalgic.

[@williamcross-wordsforhire2685]

Fascinating. Truth be told, I was cast as Merriweather Pleasure for the attraction's grand opening all those years ago. They actually custom-tailored a plantation suit for me to wear at the event. I was well-paid and even received an animation cell from "Pete's Dragon" as a gift for my service that night. The best part is that I had a mustache at that time and with Disney's still-in-place ban on facial hair for male cast members, they had to re-write Merriweather's back story to give him a mustache so that I didn't have to shave mine.

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

[@shawnjenkins7469]

Now every pink-haired, tatted-up gender freak can represent the Disney ‘theme’ any way they like. As a Florida native, we went to the Magic Kingdom in ‘71 when it first opened. Now, It’s all gone to shit.

[@bagofgroceries]

Interesting!

[@tiffprendergast]

Cool

[@dancooper6002]

Back when they had standards. Now their employees can show up looking like crap

[@kriscynical]

Story Time: I took two of the adult level animation classes at The Disney Institute back in 1998. I was 14 at the time and had wanted to be a Disney animator for a few years at that point, particularly at MGM Studios. You had to be 16 to take the adult level classes by yourself, so my artistically-challenged parents took them with me because I would have been bored to tears with the children's level classes. (Let it not be said that my parents weren't willing to suffer for my dreams. 😂) They were taught by a Disney animator who had worked on Doug among a few other things, and when I told him I wanted to be an animator he gave me a whole information packet that was basically "So you want to be a Disney animator? Here's what to do." That packet had a list of Disney recommended art schools that they regularly recruited from, which is how I found out about Ringling in Sarasota. From then on it was my mission in life to get into Ringling, which wasn't a "pay tuition and you're in" kind of school... you had to be accepted based on your portfolio. I got my acceptance letter in the mail on Valentine's Day 2003 and started as a freshman illustration major in the fall... ...which was exactly when Disney shut down the Florida animation studio. I ended up going into illustration rather than animation, graduated in 2007, and I love what I do nearly 15 years later. And it was all because of The Disney Institute.

[@AngelJD]

I also went to the Disney Institute and learned Cel Animation. It was 8/13/97. I know because I still have that hand made Painted Cel I did of Two Dalmatians hanging up in my place with fond memories of the time and enjoying a Mickey Ears ice cream after class. My parents I think had a botany/Garden and plant Sculptures Class (my mom loves gardening) at the Institute. It funny watching this video where the narrator is speaking negatively about the past and how today it's better when the past was perfectly fine for many and even short lived moments have impacted others in some form positivity. I loved Downtown Disney (DTD) and I like Disney Springs though nothing is ever perfect and with Springs I saw two weakness that DTD didn't have that I hope would be addressed. I was very fond of PI when I preformed/worked down there (as CP Guest Show for DTD in 2005).

[@dragonslayersworkshop8598]

That’s wonderful, I’m glad you still found a job that you love

[@Jabroniville]

Cool! I've heard that in schools they actually teach straight up "You'll probably never work for Disney" to new students, but it's cool you got in doing something you like!

[@ShareaDreamComeTrue]

That’s awesome!

[@TapCat]

Very cool, it's great that you fulfilled your dream of becoming an artist even if it took a different form than you had imagined.

[@jrios29]

Yesterworld, Defunctland, and Offhand Disney up load within an hour of each other?! This is my personal heaven!

[@AwkwardKidAdventures]

I was thinking that too. 🤣

[@jrios29]

@@AwkwardKidAdventures You're my kinda person!

[@m.r.torrance9651]

Exactly what I was thinking after I caught this video!

[@PaperNESS321]

just yesterday i thought to myself "huh, its been awhile since Defunctland and Yesterworld uploaded a new video"

[@jrios29]

@@m.r.torrance9651 Lol! I was like "Whaaaaaaaat?! Let's go!"

[@melanieredding8630]

I miss Pleasure Island....I spent a great chunk of my life between the ages of 19 and 23 there. To this day I still can't go to Disney Springs and not call it Downtown Disney and fondly remember where each Pleasure Island Club used to be. Such great memories.... :(

[@johnm.3279]

Yep, I worked at WDW from the mid 90's to the early 00's. Thursday nights were surrealist. I think I was the only straight guy in mannequin's, but it was a hell of a floorshow. The club entainment wasn't bad either.

[@makevelicustoms]

@Melanie Redding I remember Dancing 🕺🏻 with a beautiful young lady who looks similar to you.

[@drliz6783]

It's forever Downtown Disney...Disney Springs sounds like a Disney golf course 🙄

[@circuittoys]

I spent many weekends at Pleasure Island; we used to drive in from Tampa. Always had a great time.

[@brandonvenditti]

@@makevelicustoms Rrrrrrrrriiiiiiigggggghhhhhttttttt..........

[@CarpeDonnelly]

Something you really have to appreciate about the Disney of the past is how they weren’t afraid to take giant chances, and throw enormous capitol behind those chances.

[@jeannettewhite3682]

Interesting? Do more research. Walt Disney and the CIA of that presidency were scandalous. Natives lost their land to these greedy pedophiles

[@littlesongbird1]

Yeah. I used to work with a woman who was working at Disney before and after Eisner took over. She had nothing but nice things to say about him. She pointed out that Disney was going bankrupt and doing some things many people didn't approve of (such as producing porn under one of the other less known production names). Eisner came in and breathed new life into the company by doing what he called "Singles and doubles for films" such as Roger Rabbit and Jungle 2 Jungle and reinventing manythings at the theme parks to increase attendance. While yes, he had a few things that didn't work out overall he did a good job of turning the company arrive.

[@CAG83]

​@@littlesongbird1the thing about Eisner, is that the first half of his tenure was hit and miss, but he hit it out of the park several times. And the second half was abysmal (DCA, Disney Studios Paris, Hong Kong, the movies).

[@SammEater]

Yep, say what you want about Eisner but at least he tried something new every now and then, Iger is too focused on 'let's put some Marvel or Star Wars stickers on a failed ride and hope for the best".

[@AdmiralBonetoPick]

*capital

[@bigmikeystyle]

amazing how this place closed about 10 years before the whole "disney adult" thing happened where grown ups with no kids were happy to spend thousands on disney trips for themselves. I wonder what business would be like now?

[@stephanieann9770]

Well apparently those adults likewalking around pretending they ate princesses, so I doubt they would be a good party lol.

[@Pagminion]

@@stephanieann9770 Exactly my thoughts. Pleasure Island wouldn’t fit Disney Adult culture of today 😂

[@maxmusic5380]

Well these sickos want to be as childish as possible

[@unduloid]

@@stephanieann9770 I don't see what's so fun about eating princesses.

[@emacias1473]

Okay so I'm not the only one who noticed this when I went to Disney to finally take my kid who I felt was now old enough to enjoy and remember it like braless, overweight, booty short Disney adults everywhere the Disney adult to family with kids ratio was off the charts left me not wanting to go again! Plus they changed a lot of my favorite rides and attractions

[@BTSwithCTS]

"Nah, I don't think Disney ever thinks about competing with anybody." _Cuts to a clip of Pinocchio's nose starting to grow._ Bravo, just bravo!

[@TheCOZ]

That combined with his oh-so-believable laugh really makes me want to trust the guy.

[@glendawells6778]

🎶I got no strings to hold me down 🎶

[@zeldafan1942]

@@glendawells6778 To make me fret, or make me frown!

[@roflmows]

this is quickly becoming one of my fave channels. no stupid music, no lame jokes, just good interesting content. as a lifelong student of history, especially entertainment history, i find this stuff pure gold. where DOES he get all this amazing old footage, documents, etc? idk but it's great.

[@vicky-hb8zz]

defunctland is really good if you like stuff like this!!!

[@rockerdude725973]

@@vicky-hb8zz and Captain Midnight

[@steffimago5524]

Defunct land is amazzzzing. The video on the tune of Disney channel brought me to tears

[@Sugarsugar-24]

One of the weirdest jobs I ever had was being a mermaid centerpiece for a seafood buffet party on Pleasure Island. Disney can throw one heck of a party and it was exciting to be in the entertainment opening crew of the new MGM studios as an improve actor. I had some fun gigs…made good friends. One friend was a real estate agent who sold those townhouses that caused Disney to rethink it the island. She made really good money at the time! After work, we all danced the nights away on the rotating dance floors at the Cage. It was so much fun! Thursday nights happy hour on the island had the biggest BBQ shrimp you’ve ever seen! I could go on and on but this was a really good reminder of what life was like for me in 1989-1993 at Disney. Thank you for posting

[@tumbles8350]

"oh wow, you worked at Disney? What did you do?" "I was garnish"

[@MsDudette21]

what a nice memory to have :) ive heard clubs and partying were really wild in the 90s but i was only born in 92...granted ppl still party now but social media has rlt changed alot of things for the worse

[@Sugarsugar-24]

@@MsDudette21 I agree.

[@whitedragoness23]

Sounds like an awesome job to be a mermaid at Disney. Even if you were the center piece of the buffet.

[@d-emprahexpects]

I hope they had condoms machines around the island

[@geraldobrien7323]

I went to Disney with my wife in 1995. It was great. We stayed at Port Orleans, and to get anywhere else in the park, there was a canal right there that lead to every section, and we were able to take boat shuttles, which was great because we were able to go to Pleasure Island, drink as much as we wanted, and not worry about driving back to our room. I liked the place. You could just hop from club to club without having to pay. The country place was real nice. We went in, and a band was already onstage performing. My memory of the rest of the clubs is a little hazy now, but I remember enjoying it, and I remember being surprised when I heard it was shutting down.

[@alypialpha2712]

What’s sad is they made Pleasure Island to compete with a much smaller company. Then, after they ran the company out of business, they end up closing up the PI shop sometime later. The other venue looked like a lot of fun compared to Disney’s nightclubs.

[@tiffprendergast]

Yeah

[@Jiub_SN]

I mean, if Disney ran them out of business they likely weren't that much better, and if Disney closed it down it likely was never that popular in the first place

[@HoshizakiYoshimasa]

​@@Jiub_SNnot necessarily. People get influenced by marketing and Disney had deeper pockets.

[@itsmefrisco]

Chrirch street station?

[@35Spidey]

I appreciate the Pinocchio reference, but did they not think that maybe it wasn't a great idea naming this area after something that was portrayed as the epitome of selfish, immoral debauchery that turns you into a literal jackass? 🤔

[@onehorseopensleigh]

For everyone saying “You have to understand your audience”: this was back when Walt Disney World advertised itself as a vacation kingdom for everyone. In contrast to the kiddie-friendly DL in California, only Florida’s Magic Kingdom focused on kids, and most of the property was targeted to adults. Fishing, horseback riding, golfing, water skiing, and dining were considered just as important as the theme parks. The preschool-centric version of the company was predominantly created through marketing departments in the early-mid 2000s.

[@termeownator]

When I was a kid- this would've been after blizzard beach opened but before animal kingdom- fella driving one of the buses told my dad about a thrill park in the works, or a rumored thrill park I should say. Unless I dreamt that or something, could've done, I always thought it sounded pretty cool, though

[@happiestplace3754]

Ironically at the same time in the west, Las Vegas was becoming more "Disney" and family friendly to attract more tourists.

[@Big_Dai]

Didn't Disneyland start as a place for grownups to have stuff to do?

[@stanfordite]

Disney is not "for kids" period. Never has been and never will be. "You're dead if you aim for kids. Adults are just kids grown up anyway." - Walt Disney. Pleasure Island would absolutely be successful if it never closed and that includes the Adventurer's Club which was one of the only clubs there open to minors if I recall.

[@BuckarooBanzai84]

But unfortunately, there wasn't much there at the time for teens and preteens. I remember really wanting to visit the Explorers Club and the Blues Club, but not being allowed because it wasn't on our meal-plan, and also because I was only 15. =(

[@CocoHutzpah]

The Funmeister combined with the neon of Pleasure Island gives me strong Mac Tonight vibes.

[@prettycyber8332]

😩😩😩

[@marmar92828]

I came looking for this comment! I immediately thought of Mac Tonight. I wonder how many remember those ads?

[@JohnathanWilliamson849]

Moonman Moonman Can't You See?

[@Deoxys_Used_Mimic]

If the Disney of Today was in charge back then, they would’ve bought Church Street instead of competing with it.

[@VaughnJogVlog]

Too true.

[@A_Ducky]

I wouldn't be surprised if that was offered at some point(s) back in the day too.

[@Iris-zq5mq]

I loved church street station. Was so clean and safe. Don’t think downtown Orlando will ever be that way again

[@Clay3613]

Iger closed Pleasure Island, big mistake.

[@triplevee2198]

@@Iris-zq5mq we could run all over church street, haunted house year round. Miss being a kid

[@randymoore4027]

Circus Soleil, House of Blues, The Village People concert, prominent Jazz personalities, and a large Movie Theater Complex (15 screens) are all fond memories associated with Disney’s Pleasure Island venue.

[@miked3340]

My then-new wife and I went to Pleasure Island circa 2001 and LOVED it!!! I wish it still existed the several times we returned. Now we just have our memories... Thanks for the trip down memory land.

[@SoratheWonderful]

“For the .01% of you who are unfamiliar with Michael Eisner” between Defunctland and Yesterworld you will learn who he is in great detail. It’s like the saying “once upon a time”, “Disney CEO Michael Eisner”

[@faeriegraver]

Aqa

[@badbearwatch]

In Pinocchio, Pleasure Island was where the boys ended up going and literally turned into braying jackasses. I got drunk there over a long evening, and literally almost lived out the second jackass part (except female, in a dress). I think the Adventurers club politely suggested I go now, after my enthusiastic singing along probably turned into braying. I am old now and drink a lot less, much to the relief of... everyone.

[@powerstones7722]

I only clicked the video because of Pinocchio

[@LoveMyUnusual]

Lmao I appreciate your honesty. Fun story!

[@megamoze]

I was an instructor at the Disney Institute for their animation classes. It was a lot of fun.

[@grilledcheese4696]

i think the weirdest thing about michael eisner wasn’t his weird business ventures or failures of theme parks or budget parks- it was his obsession with splash

[@sierrabrooke515]

like the movie??

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

Working for Disney was one of the best jobs I ever had in my life. When Walt was still alive you had many opportunities that vanished after his death. When Walt came up with the idea for Disney World he knew that if the idea got out he would never be able to afford the property so he and others chose people that they could trust to go to Florida and buy parcels of land. Some were very small and some were large. Each person was given a back story of why they were buying it and in a very short time all of it was acquired. The money would be provided by a third-party and when you got back to California you went in and signed over the property to Walt Disney Corporation. Those that participated got a little something extra in their paycheck, Disney's way of showing their appreciation for your help. I was offered a transfer to the new park in Florida and seriously considered it but ended up going in a different direction. I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had excepted the new job. Maybe next lifetime. LOL

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

1980s and 90s Disney really was something. I miss the days when the company attempted to be creative in offering highly themed versions of what you could find elsewhere. That being said, I really do like Disney Springs. The shopping doesn't do much for me, but the restaurant choices are fantastic and the theme, while simple, works to tie everything together cohesively.

[@lutherheggs451]

You mean back when Michael Eisner ran things and actually ran things well even though people love to cry about him and pretend he was so terrible.....Yet under Eisner when an attraction closed something new and original actually opened in its place, the lot didn't sit for several years before a Marvel ride or some shooty screen ride opened. Its always hilarious to me when some people go on about how amazing Alien Encounter was and how they should have never closed it, but then cry about how terrible Michael Eisner was.....Meanwhile Chapek and Eiger open "new" lands with 1 ride and a crap ton of stores

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@@lutherheggs451 Well I mean, yeah Eisner was pretty terrible. DCA and Walt Disney Studios Paris are a huge testament to that. However, the Eisner era still premiered a number of remarkable and classic attractions that far exceed anything created under Iger/Chapek.

[@Jabroniville]

I'm kind of sad sometimes I got into Disney so late in life compared to others- I was a teen when visiting Disneyland in the late '90s (a poor era for them), and so I missed out on a lot of that fun '80s energy, I think.

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

You can still find that. At the Disney parks in Asia, that they don't have control over....

[@PoseidonEntertainment]

@Friendly Yoyo Isn't Hollywood Studios a pretty huge mess today? Certainly worse now than it ever was. I highlight that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKOZoad_ZZWGb6M Iger and Chapek are pretty terrible. Not a single great attraction has come from them with perhaps the exception of Flight of Passage.

[@bohgirl11]

I loved "Downtown Disney". It was the first place we went to when we went to Disney for the first time as a family in 2003. I remember the spotlights, the music, the stores, and it was so exciting.

[@shadowpuppet0312]

I felt very grown up hanging out down there. The last time we went I was 23 (I think) and it was different. Lots of weird people there. I remember going at 14-20 and it was so much fun.

[@tiffprendergast]

@@shadowpuppet0312yeah

[@daveygivens735]

Never went to Pleasure Island, but I can tell you that Disney Springs is a shadow of the formerly fun Downtown Disney.

[@Rach1313]

Your opinion is so wonderful with your memories of the original, but for me, I really like the new. To each their own🤷‍♀️

[@tiffprendergast]

Yeah

[@tiffprendergast]

@@Rach1313yup

[@Jiub_SN]

@@Rach1313the news alright, most of modern Disney is bad imo

[@DJ_Dutchess]

I just went to Downtown Disney and it was definitely a disappointment for me. It's nothing like I remember. It felt more like an actual off shoot of a Disney Park. Now it's an outdoor mall with a few Disney themed stores on the end. It made me sad. My daughter did enjoy the Lego store tho

[@RevPerdueJosh]

Was part of the very last group to experience PI with fresh eyes before it closed, it was my first “adult” bar scene. Only had one night with it, experienced it with friends, pregamed. Such a fun, safe positive vibe, might not ever get again. I remember everywhere I went. Everyone seemed to be having fun. They really lost a unique thing. Haven’t found “it” again since then. I remember seeing fireworks in the distance as it was closing. I was sad, Knowing it was special already.

[@draughonc]

You know you’re old when you remember experiencing damn near every aspect of this story.

[@LittleMissLounge]

I'll honestly be like "I don't have time for this" with 5-minute how-to videos, but I'll always have time for long-ass niche videos.

[@avat.d701]

I adore the way everything in the theme parks needs a fun back story! It can't just be a nightclub island it has to be based off some wacky adventurer, just makes everything more fun in my opinion

[@shinetilly]

I will always miss the Adventurer’s Club! Wish they could bring it back.

[@sireuchre]

Kungaloosh!

[@happiestplace3754]

There was no need to close it. It was the only "club" that would still work and survive today. If they were smart they would build a new Adventurer's Club to further reinforce the S.E.A. story line that is being used more and more in the parks.

[@chaiguy2930]

@@happiestplace3754 Actually I wondered about that!!! Merriweather Pleasure seems like he would fit perfectly in with the SEA Explorers club. (True, it did stem from the Adventurer's Club but maybe they can pay homage to him someday!)

[@edvaira6891]

And ALL HAIL THE PLAID MONKEY!!

[@edvaira6891]

@@happiestplace3754 you notice that there are STILL reunions of the cast members fourteen years after shutting down!! They still carry on the memory and so do we!

[@colinbeckstrand2612]

I've been to Disney 3 times and I honestly loved Disney Springs so much. Not quite as fun as the parks, but still has that Disney Magic regardless. The restaurants also had amazing workers and have been some of my favorite dining experiences.

[@WhiteDragon689]

I lived in east Orlando for years and had year round passes to DW. I frequented PI often. It was doomed by the parents bringing their kids along to the bars and nightclubs. This was insane. No child should ever be brought to a night club. The other problem was the lack of variety there.

[@ijustwantedausername]

Oh gosh. Remember how good it was back it the day? Lived in Orlando in the 2000’s. Still remember my first time there. PI changed so much over the years. It was all fun and games till you came out of a club and stumbled into a stroller. When they opened up the island to compete with City Walk, it was awful. Ruined everything. It was so nice having an exclusive area for adults. Oh well. I was there for the last night. Could not get into Adventurers Club 😭 Watched the last show at Comedy Warehouse. It was off the hook! About to be out of work, they had no filters. And said what they wanted. After that headed to Mannequins. But sadly, as I was about to step on to the dance floor, it stopped rotating…forever. Ok. Fun memories. KUNGALOOSH 🤘

[@WhiteDragon689]

@@ijustwantedausername Yep, that rotating floor was a hoot. Watched many fall on their faces...LOL

[@ijustwantedausername]

@@WhiteDragon689 oh yeah! It was funny watching people overthink it, and mess up. When it was really very simple.

[@kenngillett509]

That was an asinine thing for the parents to do. Very inconsiderate! They want to have fun as well. Called birth control. Childish Wannabes. I've got to admit that you're never going to find one that will admit that they contributed to its demise. Oh and the drug dealers......🤬

[@georgethedriver]

I remember that trend of parents at the bar and the strollers outside.... Very popular with British tourists.... That was considered normal in the UK for some time.

[@Ataraxia462]

I went to PI in 2006 before they started to remove everything. Fond memories of doing Jäger bombs at the Rock n Roll Beach Club and then wandering into the Adventurers Club with no idea what we were about to witness. That place was just fantastic and along with Horizons at Epcot it’s one of the things I miss most at WDW.

[@chanhjohnnguyen1867]

Living in Orlando, it’s quite the experience watching this place grow and change over the decades

[@StnColdSk]

Amen. I remember when I could drive in and park 10 feet from either west side or disney village....in a surface lot....all in under 5 minutes. Now it's like going to EPCOT just to park and then 15 minute stroll through a garage.

[@Jabroniville]

Did locals ever go there very much? I know Cast Members from the parks tended to go off-site.

[@FullForce098]

"We wanted to build the city of tomorrow, until we realized those people would have the right to vote against us". Classic Disney.

[@lutherheggs451]

Walt Disney was a republican.....Nobody loves fascism, authoritarianism and removing voting rights like a Republican...If you can't come up with a good reason for people to vote for you, just remove people's rights to vote....

[@0V3CHKiN]

So what does that mean with Golden Oak and Celebration? Or are they technically not part of Reedy Creek?

[@fifthrider]

@@lutherheggs451 And no one loves votes from the dead and illegals like your side. Thanks for coming here to try to make it political but I'm centrist and have been watching both sides and all this "Jim Crow" stuff lately is just a call for voter registration, to assure NOT "every vote counts" but "every legal vote counts" but yeah, make it political and blame Walt, Republicans and everyone else you disagree with. Are you sure you're commenting on the right video?

[@Carzeyday]

@@fifthrider Err, he just mad becaus Walt fought his commie butt buddies who try to strong arm animators into joinging the communist union in hollywood...If you wanna know where the "Walt hated Jews" thing came from, It was those guys.

[@lohphat]

@@fifthrider And almost EVERY verified voter fraud cases have been committed by republicans.

[@djm5k]

I remember going to Pleasure Island back in 1989. I had thought it was really cool and lively and loved the vibe. Looking at photos of it when it was in its abandoned state, it looked so dated.

[@myozbubble]

Back when Pleasure Island opened, as a resident we could get a year's pass for $99. As a young adult, I spent many an evening partying at the clubs. Some of the most fun times of my life.

[@estebanswan]

Growing up in Orlando I was too young to ever go to Pleasure Island but I have fond memories of the hundreds of spotlights that surrounded the entire island. You could see the light show for miles

[@doeeyes2]

Sounds awesome. Im from Toronto (Canada) but had a condo in Titusville. Disney Land in Orlando and Ron Jons Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach bring back sooo many amazing memories. I cant wait to visit Orlando again. We used to go to Florida like 4 times a year and was a big part of my childhood.

[@conniepruitt3086]

You could have entered with your parents or other adult. There may have been 1or 2 clubs that were 18 and over only but you would have been allowed in to wander around.

[@MegaAstroFan18]

The backstory stuff is a GOOD thing. Because it's a THEME resort. That's the imagineering, having story that you can't just find on a film. Location locked basically. And that works better with original IPs (see Journey Into Imagination). Just another symptom of Disney's increasing interest in cross-promotion over actual unique experiences.

[@maxsommers6843]

Agreed, it makes the whole experience more immersive and gives you something fresh that isn't just from a pre-existing film or series as you say.

[@mightyfilm]

You, uh, missed the part about how Eisner was trying to shove the movie Splash into everything? I'm surprised they didn't turn Splash Mountain into a tie in to that movie. They've been cross-promotion happy since at least the 80's.

[@maxsommers6843]

@@mightyfilm neither my comment nor the one I replied to contradicts that.

[@mightyfilm]

While I do see your point about the theme park and original stories and lore that rides and other attractions should have independent of IP, Eisner would have done the exact same thing if he was still in charge. Only, with completely forgettable at the moment properties. Didn't they have a Dinosaur attraction at one point? Does anyone actually like that movie? Not to mention how much they were going to put into a Dick Tracy attraction somewhere before the film only did so so and they canned it. It would be like if instead of just coasting off of Marvel, Star Wars, or Pixar, we'd see an Artemis Fowl Land or College Road Trip ride. Not that I'm disagreeing that there's more creativity in lore vs IP, but Disney's gotta Disney.

[@CheGuevara-uf4pm]

@@mightyfilm disney has lost their imagination thats why the bought lucas films and marvel and now they to the point they even copying universal if you see the blueprints they released for the patent of the new guardians of the galaxy ride you see that it is a clone of escape from gringots harry potter ride

[@ct6852]

Vague memories of this place. Remember seeing Honey I Blew Up the Kid at the movie theater there. And entering to guests jumping on a trampoline in velcro suits and sticking to a wall. Lol.

[@gophils234]

Thank you for the video. My wife and I were dating back then spent many great nights at Pleasure Island it really did have something for everybody. The West End stage always had some great local bands and every once in awhile you would get somebody that was known Nationwide to perform. Thanks again for the information and the memories!

[@ckind2098]

"HULLO, I'm Michael Eisner" lol I'm not sure why I found that little montage so funny

[@JB-sm4zt]

Haha

[@josephcontreras8930]

I once saw him at dland early 2000s at the rocket rods car ride attraction cause everyone was pointing and standing around trying to get a look. He was there to make new tv promos I later found out.

[@princessmarlena1359]

@@josephcontreras8930 I saw him in my nightmares, he wore a striped sweater and fedora and finger razors…oh, wait that was someone else. 😉

[@josephcontreras8930]

@@princessmarlena1359 lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@VarietyPirate]

Same

[@MrBeardsley]

“Merriweather Pleasure and The Funmeister” would be a good name for morning zoo radio show hosts.

[@katielinzie7444]

Or a 60s hippy band!

[@Pescatore]

I can remember partying at ever one of those clubs the year I turned 21

[@AwkwardKidAdventures]

My parents and I walked through once during daylight hours, but I never had anyone to go with me when I was of age (and I've always been too shy to go out by myself). I kind of regret that now!

[@Pryt0n]

Wow I'm gen z so I never heard this until this video and you seem like a legend going to all of them at 21.

[@Pescatore]

@@Pryt0n Legend might be too much, I will accept hero

[@Pryt0n]

Well your still amazing and my hero and I hope you have a good day

[@watchforever1724]

That’s interesting

[@DarthMuffin007]

Wow. This was a total trip down memory lane. I grew up 20 minutes from Reedy Creek and watched everything you cover develop from the ground up. Good memories.

[@Chikadulce10]

I'm glad that Downtown Disney in Anaheim is still around and is free to access. I had no idea this was such a problem over in Orlando.

[@laylayytofficial]

At this point, I’m convinced this KZbin channel can make any theme park history lesson extremely entertaining.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

I saw Alien Resurrection on opening night at the AMC Theater at Pleasure Island. I was visiting a friend who'd moved away. It was my first time in Orlando, first time at an AMC theater. We has a blast. I didn't even mind the movie, lol.

[@ThePirateprincess23]

I got to see the live action version of 101 Dalmations there in 1996. It was also my first visit to Orlando (and ironically, it was the last day of our trip). My sister and I wanted to play at the hotel but my parents saw that it was going to rain that day. So my mom and grandparents took my sister and I to the World of Disney store while my dad snuck off to go buy the movie tickets. It was the best way to end our vacation.

[@davidwolfberg8453]

The Funmeister is so ridiculous, I love it. I feel like he's related to Bill Cipher

[@sireuchre]

He was a ripoff of Mac Tonight, and why Disney had to back off of the character.

[@JohnathanWilliamson849]

@@sireuchre Moonman Moonman can't you see?

[@canolorenzo]

Pleasure island was the bomb. I partied for years there. Good memories.

[@2kdegenerate708]

I think I've commented this on 75% of your videos but you still have one of the best intros on KZbin for your videos. Please never change it.

[@Trickstress_]

As a former Disney Springs cast member, this video makes me incredibly happy

[@tlw1950]

My boyfriend and I came of age in the ‘70s and ‘80s so we loved 8Traxx. We still miss it and wish there were a place to dance to classic disco/dance music today. Atlantic Dance never seems to be open and I think it’s more current stuff anyway.

[@AJ17_]

On actual New Year's Eve, they'd have a special hard-ticket event that included a buffet that ran the length of the island, free champagne at midnight, and entertainment by top music acts on the West End Stage, that smaller stage in the middle of the island and in one of the clubs. I went one of the last years they did it (Dec 31, 2000) and the music lineup was Duran Duran, Chic and Foreigner. It was SUPER cold that night (a cold front came through), so they moved the buffet stuff to inside the different clubs. I still have my ticket somewhere and I believe it was like $150 for the whole thing. I went with a bunch of friends and we ended up having a lot of fun despite it being so bitter cold.

[@ntmn8444]

Sigh…they don’t do stuff like that anymore.

[@Missedith1717]

That sounds amazing

[@bezoticallyyours83]

Sounds like a good time

[@scubachix4215]

Worked for Disney from 89 to 95. All of this brings back so many memories. I was not a theme park employee but in administration and worked in the office building directly across the street from Pleasure Island. I can not remember the name of the building. It had an open area greenhouse sort of thing in the center which was round. The executives were on the 4th level and only those who had a need to be up there were allowed as I remember. The inside was wide open, they had a great cafeteria in there, a muffin cart that came down the hallways every morning, and a snack cart in the afternoon which was signaled by a little bell. They brought the parks carolers to sing (dickens era costumes) in the hallways during the holidays, too. We always had the privilege to try things before the parks opened and give our opinions about them…for example the alien ride, body wars, and even saw a pre screening of the first Toy Story movie in the Pleasure Island AMC! I have nothing but fond memories of my time there, we were treated so well, some say they were Disney’s Camelot years. I left to raise my children but stayed in the area and have personally loved watching this. I spent many nights in Mannequins and House of Blues. I went to Disney Quest several times, it was multi floor levels of video game fun …my favorite was the bumper cars! There was a Gloria Esteban restaurant there as well. When Downtown Disney first opened, they had a nativity show for Christmas that was just incredible. (No, not candlelight processional, which I also was a part of because, why not!). My personal experiences means I love Disney even if some of their shine has waned. We were treated very well with so many perks like the Cast Christmas party when only cast members were in the park for the evening and so many special events. Love WDW

[@tiffprendergast]

Congo’s

[@NankitaBR]

I lived in Lake Buena Vista during the very short 2 months I worked at Disney World. I lived in the famous Vista Way (or, as we cast members call it, "The Only Way")

[@KronoGarrett]

We need a dedicated "Hello, I'm Michael Eisner" megacut now.

[@josephcontreras8930]

Yeah who's the Disney CEO now?? I remember during the 80s that dland would have coming attractions specials on splash mountain critter country star tours and Indiana Jones ride and captain EO. Miss those days before the inet

[@dkupke]

Remember Outland?

[@sweatergod5386]

Bring money!

[@christopherthedisneydude6621]

I LOVE this channel! The Yesterworld Cinematic Universe has become something hilarious, Stitch, Mickey’s book, and Bette Middler! Thanks for all of the great content man!

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel with your consistency! Glad you enjoy my bizarre take on the MCU....or YYU as I call it (Yesterworld KZbin Universe)

[@sarahmcmann5253]

@@YesterworldEntertainment my favorite character is Buzzy

[@StnColdSk]

I can't express how much I miss Pleasure Island and Disney West Side. I need a time travel trip back to Virgin Megastore.

[@kfemme68]

I completely agree with about the Virgin Megastore! I LOVED that place! I would spend hours in there and my family just knew to come back later to see if I was done. We didn't have anything like it in central Illinois.

[@3rdgendodger330]

I used to go to the movies next door on dates , but would arrive 3 hours earlier and look through all the magazines and read books upstairs. I'd always buy 2-3 albums on my way out , miss that place.

[@cleliawurgler9704]

I went to Pleasure Island a couple times during my Walt Disney World visits and i loved it! I liked all the night clubs,the comedy club, Virgin mega store and Disney Quest. It's a shame that it changed so much. I haven't been to Disney World since 2009 but I guess I would give the new Disney Springs a try even though i'm not happy about it. It doesn't seem like it would be as exciting as Pleasure Island was. ☹

[@fearisthemind-killer]

@@cleliawurgler9704 It's not. It's just a bunch of stores and restaurants of varying quality.

[@danaboyer]

Loved it too, especially the Virgin Megastore!! I still miss that place!!

[@IntubateU]

LOVED Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island. I used to go there all the time and was an annual pass holder at PI for many many years. The disaster they have there now, Disney Springs... can't stand the place!

[@DisappearingBoy2010]

I was a cast member during the 90's and we used to hit PI regularly on Thursdays when they would do cast member nights at Fireworks Factory. Sucks that they got rid of it.

[@briexander8353]

As someone who grew up loving Disney World but now is obsessed with clubs,partying and bars I WOULD’VE LOVED TO EXPERIENCE PLEASURE ISLAND 😭😭😭

[@Anynom]

That place was terrific.

[@vanessa9225]

Ya i was able to go 1 time before it closed and rebranded

[@conniepruitt3086]

It really was fantastic. Something you want in your own hometown.

[@mariopuzo4509]

The partying and people are just a facade. That life will drain u of everything you ever wanted...just keep it in moderation...don't waste time partying all the time . You'll wake up at 30 and wonder wtf happened and where time went. ..live it up tho... ur young once. Just be careful your actions now don't negatively effect your future

[@christinakleman9190]

Me too!!!! Now the only thing I look forward to in Disney as someone 21+ is just to have a drink in EPCOT

[@Brandis13]

I loved Pleasure Island. I was really into the theming and tried to find all the "historical" plaques. My favorite clubs were Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse of course and whenever I was at WDW, I would spend every night there until closing. Those were really short nights, PI closing at one, getting on the last bus to my resort, being in bed by 2. Alarm clock ringing at 7, since I wanted to make rope drop at the early admission park of the day. My favorite weekday at PI was thursday, as it was both Cast night and gay night. Comedy Warehouse was most fun as well then, as they did many insider jokes that mostly only cast members got. It was fun getting to know the characters at Adventurer's Club. I admired the actors how they would improvise based on the interaction with the guests. So while the basic script was the same every night, it was still a different experience every time. That said, visiting for a couple of days every year, I also noticed some changes in the script. Also some characters left, some new ones showed up. I also enjoyed trying to figure out who from the cast was doing the extra charaters that night, like Beezle the Genie or the Colonel.

[@stevenbacon-cheddar9914]

Did Dangerfield ever do a Comedy Warehouse gig?

[@markmarderosian4025]

This is a GREAT video! Thanks for preserving all this history in one presentation. One of my first gigs for Disney Theme parks was drawing a lot of Jessica shop merchandise, including drawing the 30-foot sign on top of the building (used in your thumbnail - thanks!). That nine-month gig turned into 25 years of full-time freelance, drawing TONS of merchandise art and books. A lot can be said about Eisner (and I've said quite a bit myself), but the 80s and 90s were really an explosion of creativity for the company, especially in letting the animation department develop films like The Lion King without huge gobs of interference. Yes, the company was in business to make money, but everyone I dealt with then had creativity in mind first. Discussions about the money and whether a certain t-shirt or book would sell came second. Subscribed!

[@localxlocos]

So badass! Any advice for a young artist?

[@jimmymelendez1836]

Would have left out subscribed.😒

[@tiffprendergast]

Yeah

[@TerryB751]

I'm 70 and have been in O-town since 1980 - back in the day I probably went to Pleasure Island a number of times and myself and the people I was with never heard of any backstory and probably never cared. It was a shame that Rosie's had to close in the downtown since that was much nearer and the closing had a negative effect on the city and what to do there.

[@watchtylerfilms]

Fun fact - Disney actually did end up making a residential community similar to what they planned in the Disney Springs area. It’s called Celebration, FL - and I actually made a documentary about it on my channel, if anybody is interested!

[@2thdocdds]

My most vivid memory of pleasure island was having to walk through as a teenager in the late 90s and having to watch where I stepped to avoid large puddles of puke and people passed out on the street.

[@russellharrell2747]

Ah, reminds me of college, all my class mates passed out and me having to hop scotch over them just to get to my dorm room

[@bmoore5868]

This is so great. I just got back from Disney Springs a few days ago and was telling my daughter about my childhood visit in 1977 when I thought (correctly) it was called Lake Buena Vista. I've been several times in the decades since and always refer to it as the last name. This trip I kept saying let's go to Downtown Disney lol.

[@tobiashoyden2644]

Why they haven't replaced the Rainforest Cafe with The Adventurers Club is beyond me. I went solo in 97, went to Pleasure Island a couple of those nights- I had a blast The only downfall to progress is that it has to happen.

[@LolaliciousSmiley]

When I was little I assumed "Pleasure Island" was essentially a shopping district full of brothels. Turns out it was mostly a bunch of old people drinking and dancing to jazz.

[@gr33ngirlsea]

It sure sounds like it!

[@jeremy1350]

I moved to Orlando just after my 21st Birthday (over 30 years ago) and lived right near Hotel Plaza Boulevard. I used to go to Pleasure Island quite often (read Nightly). Because they had the best Happy Hour Deals on Alcohol. (read: I got sober years after that). I had friends who danced at The Mannequins show. I loved the Adventurer's Club as well. There were a lot of good times on the "Island."

[@AwkwardKidAdventures]

Second note: does anyone else crack up every time he mentions THE LOTTERY, STARRING BETTE MIDLER?

[@emilypadden6406]

I remember watching this as when I went as a teenager. 😄

[@MysteryMii]

@@JoeyAnimate Do you hate fun?

[@SuperFlashDriver]

The Joke never gets old, especially from his first Disney MGM Studios theme park video he made with the Backlot Studio Tour from two/three years ago.

[@SuperIrishDiva]

Kind of like the Rockin' Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith. 👍

[@khoffday3054]

I was about to start working on my project for college on the original Epcot when I saw this video in my sub box. I said “oh cool a Disney video that isn’t about Epcot for me to watch while I do this.” It immediately opens talking about the original Epcot.

[@edwardjohnson6744]

I miss Wet 'N' Wild so bad.... it literally hurts my soul. That was my favorite place in Orlando period.

[@herbertbrown119]

We went to wet and wild when it first opened. They had no concessions and allowed us to bring in coolers. A dozen or more waiters and waitresses had a ball mixing drinks and drunks

[@j.b.phillips8868]

I remember that pleasure island was around when I was a kid. I never got to go unfortunately.

[@travisa7669]

All I remember about Pleasure Island is that my Disney loving cousin and her BFF went there on Spring Break one year in the early 1990s and just loved hanging out and drinking Daquiris.

[@jblant00]

It’s things like this that make me wish I was born ten years earlier. I never got to experience the 90’s aesthetic since I was born at the tail end of them.

[@jtowensbyiii6018]

It was also exponentially cheaper, the average American can't actually afford to visit Disneyland more than once in 10 years of savings

[@grammaticalrouge29]

I want to take the chance and say "Same, but for videogames and TCGs." I had in my hands so many jewels of the era; both the fun and the expensive... but my thirteen years old mind wasn't any good with the concept of "the real value of things" yet and couldn't really kept hold of many precious items.

[@FlipperSynth5]

God, i wish i could have went to the adventurer's club, looked like such a unique and charming place. Honestly, great work on the video once again, with its entertaining, charming style with lots of research and heart.

[@CrazyKungfuGirl]

"Things to come later in the Disney timeline..." "Exactly as I have foreseen it!"

[@zach1810]

Having stayed in the Treehouse villas in 1996 I can attest that you nailed the problem with Disney Institute on the head. The treehouses were fantastic though.With their own kitchen you could save money by having some meals here instead of in the parks.

[@burch2488]

My friends and I loved going to pleasure island in the middle 90’s. Great memories.

[@goalhorncrazy9779]

Was not expecting that Lottery staring Bette Medler callback, well played Yesterworld

[@MrBeardsley]

I kept expecting the “Hello, I’m Michael Eisner” montage to suddenly pivot into “Hello, I’m Shelly Duval” because I spend entirely too much time online.

[@BroDudeFun]

Hahaha

[@HobGungan]

AND I'M JAVERT

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Laughed so hard at the convoluted history of this "separate" themed area. I went when it was Down Town Disney. I took my sister to La Nuba as a birthday present. Ghirardelli's, World of Disney, Virgin Mega Store & the Lego store were some of my favorites to visit. Disney doesn't compete & Pinocchio reference...PRICELESS! I loved the nightlife there. Jessica Rabbit outlasted the Wizard of Bra's @ Disneyland. LOL!

[@Iris-zq5mq]

I totally forgot about the VirginRecord store. First time I went there, I was in awe.

[@bezoticallyyours83]

The wizard of bra's?

[@AdamRelayson]

I miss Pleasure Island. My College Program was in 2002. We had so many great nights.

[@montycasinosbarandgrill]

Fireworks Factory was one of my favorite restaurants…Still miss that blackened catfish.

[@BernicePanders]

AWESOME, YESTERWORLD AND DEFUNCTLAND IN ONE EVENING!! 🎉✊😆

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

Crazy coincidence!

[@bartplays3392]

@@YesterworldEntertainment I know! Do you guys have like a Deal or something because it seems like whenever Defunctland uploads you upload the same day too!

[@YesterworldEntertainment]

@@bartplays3392 Nope, just a coincidence and the fact we generally use the same days to upload...I was supposed to get this up yesterday but ran into editing issues

[@bartplays3392]

@@YesterworldEntertainment Oh Okay.

[@bartplays3392]

@Tony Gallegos Yea

[@hamiter2045]

LOL I was a security guard at Church Street Station back in the 90s. Had no idea Disney was sweating it. I also worked at the AMC at Pleasure Island. It's just what you do working in Orlando.

[@Scallycowell]

"Build houses! Have people living in them!" "But they might get voting rights." "Build rentals! No fucking voting rights!!"

[@kathleenespinosa7673]

Hi James, I live 1 county over from Disney Land (Riverside, CA). And when I was younger U could live/rent in an apartment & vote 🗳? I know I did!!!

[@kathleenespinosa7673]

Maybe Florida’s different...

[@Avg-Usr]

@@kathleenespinosa7673 I think the OP means short term rentals (hotel rooms and resorts).

[@TheCuteSpacePyro]

I currently work at Disney springs and I have old heads come in all the time and tell me crazy stories from pleasure island haha

[@georgetrullinger8334]

The performer at Church Street that was singing like Louis “Sachmo” Armstrong was Bill White, who played tuba in the Disney World Marching Band on opening day in 1971. Bill later performed in Las Vegas with The Mickey Finn show, and later in the tribute show Legends in Concert as Louis Armstrong. He later moved back to Florida and continued to perform even after he lost his leg to diabetes. Bill sadly passed several years ago, but it was great seeing him in this clip when he was in his prime….

[@Mazzocchi]

19:30 Marge: "It must be wonderful to ring in the new year over and over and over." "Please kill me"

[@Guntherson220]

"No I don't think Disney ever thinks about competing with anybody, that's what the assassins are for"

[@LL-bl8hd]

Yes!! You finally did a video on this weird but creative slice of Disney history (a classic Eisner project). And with your usual high level of detail, research, and storytelling. I'm old enough to remember the original Lake Buena Vista Village before Paradise Island. It was a nice low-key way to relax in contrast to the parks (and enjoy an extra WDW day without paying for park admission). For some reason the detail I remember the most is that it was the first time I ever tried a Dove ice cream bar. My mom thought it was the most delicious thing ever! Later when I was a bit older we went to Paradise Island. I remember the parade down the street and the party atmosphere with the concept that "every night is New Year's Eve". Specifically I remember someone on a float lip syncing the song "Hot, Hot, Hot" which was a hit at the time. I thought it was a lot of fun and kind of made me feel grown up since I was too young to go out partying. We all loved the Adventurer's Club! They need to bring that back!

[@eileenduffy4984]

I worked at Disney Institute in the late '90's. Although they celebrated New Years Eve every night, the actual New Years Eve party was a paid event @$100 where they had buffets set up all over and had named performers like 38 Special and Los Lobos playing for the crowd. My favorites were the Adventure's Club and The Comedy Improv. The Adventure's Club would be a nice addition to Disney's Hollywood park

[@randymagnum6680]

Another thought about Pleasure Island's downfall, it was too far to go party there unless you lived in SW Central Florida. We weren't gonna drive 10 miles past downtown and then deal with the I-4/535 traffic to go clubbing, and then do it all again at 2am on the way home. I don't know anyone who actually went there more than once.