So how does the Minneapolis newspaper get this story but the Orlando newspaper does not? It's because Schussler Creative is based there. Idea-man Steven Schussler is behind Rainforest Cafe, T-REX Cafe and Yak & Yeti and is supposedly behind so many of the new offerings coming to Pleasure Island that they may rename it Schussler Island! Prior rumors included a Winter Wonderland restaurant with a Polar Ultra Lounge ice bar coming to the Island.
Those new to the Blog may not be aware that in May, 2008, Disney executives visited Schussler in Minnesota for a big party he was throwing. But he wasn't just throwing a party though, he was throwing all sorts of restaurant concepts. The Disney officials, which included then DTD VP Kevin Lansberry and then outsourcing director but now current DTD VP Keith Bradford, returned to Orlando so excited that one month later they announced the closing of all the comedy and dance clubs on Pleasure Island! Details of that party can be found at:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/18822624.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
I wrote Steve Schussler a couple weeks ago for any comments on the forthcoming nautical theme to Pleasure Island but unfortunately he did not write me back. Instead we'll rely on the Minneapolis Star Tribune plus other sources for this article. Interested readers should go to my January 4th article for more details including video from that party.
18 comments:
Ugh...
And an ice bar is dumb. New developer please?
I frankly think that they have lost control of the project, that we have to rely on out of state supporters.
Hopefully they will come to their senses, and reopen the clubs so people can dance and party!!!
I for one can't wait to buy an overpriced cheeseburger from this restaurant. I wonder if there'll be a shipwreck happening around me every 17 minutes.
Hooray for Schussler!
So are there no longer any clubs at Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney? Me and my wife enjoyed the scene down there in 2005 and 2007, and hope to move to the area one day...but did they do away with all the clubs?
Ticket Guy, all the comedy & dance clubs at PI closed after the night of 9/27/08 and have sat empty ever since. The Motion/RRBC/BET/AC buildings supposedly are coming down, to be replaced with things like this. The Mannequins, 8TRAX & CW buildings supposedly are to remain standing, to be repurposed. For what, we don't know. The Island will be getting a new name. Stay tuned.
Gosh, I hope they can come up with something better than "Schussler Island". I know the guy is a big wheeler but I'd guess they want to attract people back to the area???
Are you just kidding about that?
Bold. New. Crap.
Seriously, the sweetheart deal with Schussler is at the very heart of this sad, sad saga. How Disney corporate allowed one or two people to orchestrate this travesty is beyond me.
Mark my words, look for Lansberry to accept a bold, new, high-paying position with Schussler in the near future.
Or perhaps the kickback $$ has already been paid?
it only took one to PI come alive!
Jeff, just kidding about Schussler Island. Landry's Island, maybe.
Toad, I think Schussler has a lot of clever restaurant ideas. But how many can Downtown Disney support? T-REX, Rainforest & Planet Hollywood already have to resort to discount coupons. And compare new restaurant ideas to what was lost.
I couldn't agree any more with you all.
Let's just hope they can get some night life down there.
Even more confirmation... http://www.schusslercreative.com/topsecret.html
and more reason that the PI clubs are gone forever!
no reason to patronize the old island for the past 2 years, actually just plainforgot about the place that was...really wont pour any money into it ever again its gone for good
Well, no offense intended towards good ole Mr. Schussler, but then I wouldn't want my un-marketable last name flashed all over the place either. It'll be interesting to see what they do come up with!
We should be hearing some announcements VERY soon! Meg Crofton's office told the Sentinel "a few weeks" and "few" to me means 3 weeks and this is about 3 weeks.
71, there's nothing at http://www.schusslercreative.com/topsecret.html
This is at Schussler Creative Top Secret:
WATERCRAFT
Anchor yourself in a vintage watercraft on top of Florida tropical waters. Enjoy the open air and nautical environment.
That is a reference to what they're bringing to PI.
an odd name to be sure.
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