The last time I was at Disney with a friend we were only there for 2 days and the second day was a half day....and guess what? I got all the major MK attractions in on the first day, traveled to Epcot and did what I wanted to at the end of the day! Afterword we figured there had to be somewhere at Downtown Disney to get a drink before getting to the hotel that was just on the other side of DTD. That's when we found the Raglan Road and we got a burger and some beers and watched some performers. Very Enjoyable. Burger done, wanted another beer...last call? But...but...but. This was where Pleasure Island was? I loved going to Pleasure Island when my family went do Disney! (yes we still went there after I was 21 as a family...loved it! My sister even toyed about getting married there). OK fine, last call one more beer. There HAD to be somewhere on property to get a drink, even just a low key bar at a hotel. We asked some staff members and they all said to go to Universal?!?!?! WHAT? City Walk? Suddenly I realized the mistake of not relocating PI or offering this type of venue was a really bad idea for Disney. Their own cast members were telling us to go to universal, not even to some late night pizza hut down the street, but to Universal?!?!? Ghastly.
This brings me to an idea I came up with to help with Epcot. I know they are trying to shed the "Epcot is more for Adults than kids" thing. Except it really is more for adults, and older kids, Kim Possible and the sad Journey into imagination with figment isn't gonna cut it. The idea I have is to keep Epcot's World Showcase open until bar close at night, and close all the attractions and future world. After Illuminations ends people leave the park in droves, instead each land would open its doors to a nightclub atmosphere. Each land would have its own "club" that was true to their culture and nightlife! How do the people of Morocco Party? Not sure but I would love to try it out!
Ive been to Pleasure Island a few times in its peak and that place was always packed and you know it was getting a very handsome profit as a result. It is clear a need for this is needed on the property somewhere. Disney is now on a retail growth boom that puts Eisner to shame in his expanding the Disney parks and thus Downtown Disney took over and crowded out Pleasure Island. One of the other possible things I saw is the locals were calling this a favorite party destination and crowding out those that were staying on Disney property...perhaps keeping its guests away from this destination. Having Epcot stay open for after hours kills a few stones. A park ticket is a hefty price to pay just to do a little night life. On top of that, because I know how Disney loves to earn money, a way to even further discourage that I have listed below.....
1) Charge a cover at all of the clubs (yes even something outrageous like 50$) and you get a wrist band that will get you into all of them and get a chance to grab a beverage at a cart that would open up after dark. A park ticket PLUS a cover fee would discourage nightly locals from attending...at least not every weekend!
2) Let this just be a perk for those staying at Disney hotels only. You scan your room key and get a wristband to stay and party all around the world! Each room key gets you admission and one guest. Or One admission and charge the guests with you a fee to stay. This also can control that people wont be driving after the park is closed and minimize DUIs leaving the Disney Parks and give them more control on what goes on their property.
3) a little of 1 & 2....
Think of it.... Having a glass of wine at a bistro table in Italy looking out on the Seven Sea's Lagoon, a pub song in a real bar setting in England, a view of the Eiffel tower an chatting about your day at Disney over drinks with friends, Some Sake in ..hmm is it Japan or China...or both..., the Adventurers Club being relocated to that sad retail stand in the "Africa" section, Tequila shots overlooking the Mexican temple. Just seems like an easy revenue building idea to help boost Epcot...they would just have to figure out a way to build some night venues that wouldn't remove walkways and ruin the landscape. 2nd floor areas perhaps?
Epcot is trying to be more "kid friendly" and I completely understand that, but Disney isn't just for kids anymore.....and hasn't been for a very long time! Give the adults without kids another reason not to visit Universal and stay on property! Epcot is the perfect place!
Just a little idea I had over a glass a wine and thought I would share.....
What do you think?
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