Sunday, October 25, 2009

Breaking News: Mannequins Stairways to be Removed

The WDWMagic website is reporting that Disney filed a permit with Orange County last week to remove the outdoor staircases from the parking lot side of Mannequins. These stairs connect the 2nd and 3rd floors with the ground and were connected to upper floor emergency exits. Back in the day when PI was packed every night, the stairs were often used as the entrance to the club because there was extra space outside for queuing. In fact, during the final Thursday night of Mannequins existence, entrance was directly to the 2nd floor using these outside stairs. There is no indication the entire club is coming down however the removal of upstairs emergency exits effectively means the upper floors can no longer be used were anything to reopen inside.
Monday Update: Disney has also pulled a permit pertaining to the "light bridge" that connects the former PI Live booth over to the PI Live bar. You'll recall the prior rumor about the booth being taken down so that Sosa Cigars can have an upstairs smokers patio. Perhaps this is the first step towards those renovations. In this photo (left), we believe that green tower that runs over the main entrance near the Hub is what is being referred to.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

It sounds like step one in the tear down process but any chance it's being removed to add something else?

KingBob said...

That's certainly a positive way of looking at it, but I doubt it. I also don't think the building is coming down. But I guess there's less to maintain if the stairs are gone.

Anonymous said...

It seems very strange to just remove a staircase on a building unless something else is being done.

Brad said...

When I was working this weekend at Epcot, I was with College Program students that were saying there is going to be a C.P. event in Motions on Wednesday. Something like a talent show. Just thought I would share. And also explains the Mirrors

KingBob said...

Cool, thanks for sharing Brad!

Anonymous said...

PI is dead.

KingBob said...

Yes, we know that.
Literally and figuratively!

Brad said...

Looking at the Property Control Offers available once can find the Castle and Giant Name tag from Comedy Warehouse in addition to various other wall artifacts.

KingBob said...

I understand there was an auction tonight downtown with AC and CW items available. Missed it!

If you see any Mannequins or 8TRAX items at Property Control, please do alert me.

Brad said...

One thing that I had a question about was not long ago someone posted that the lights from Mann went to Epcot or Studios. Even though those items are expensive current company policy does not allow the transfer of electronic items including av/equipment and computers from department to department. I posted about the cash registers but thats because those are owned by Global RCC. (Revenue Currency Control.) thus not property specific. If electronics could be transferred then ADH should upgrade. Their lights are a joke.

Brad said...

I must add though that if the Epcot rumor is true then that would explain the really nice light kits that look like the Mann lights installed in the Oddessy.

KingBob said...

Since I don't work for Disney I am not aware of policies pertaining to the movement of electronics. I find it hard to believe that assets can't be transferred among units. Perhaps they can't be transferred for free but they can be paid for out of the buying unit's budget. I believe the rumor was that some of the Mannequins electronics ended up at AIE in DHS. Don't know if that's true or not.