PI Update: Comparing Concept Art To Reality

Last fall Disney released 5 pieces of concept art giving a vision to the plans to convert Pleasure Island over to Hyperion Wharf at Downtown Disney. The piece above was an elevated view looking onto the Island from vantage point high above the #1 Bridge from Marketplace. By comparing the concept art to reality, we can try to get an idea of what the plans actually are.

Their very first construction project was last year's demolition of the old triple No. 1 Bridge with a new wider bridge. The purpose is to draw pedestrians shopping in Marketplace by making the walk more open and inviting. Both side spans of the new bridge feature metal panels which presumably helps water drain but perhaps serves other functions as well. You can see in the background to the far right how the width of the bridge suddenly ends by that sign plus planters that are already there.

Continuing onto Pleasure Island, the area between those existing planters and Fulton's Crab House  features an existing wood over concrete look. Looking at the concept art, we see the planters removed and a wider wood over concrete decking-look installed, home to about a dozen umbrella tables and chairs. Is this outdoor seating for Fulton's, for Portobello or for something else? Don't know yet.

This is the recently reconstructed Lily Pad area. The blueprints revealed here on the Blog last weeks shows some sort of compass design imprinted onto the concrete here. The concept art does not seem to show the compass but it does show numerous trees installed around the circle. The concept art also shows what appear to be two kiosks/permanent stands constructed along the PI Lagoon side of the Lily Pad, something the blueprints did not show. Since the blueprints were filed with the State last month, have to assume they are the most up-to-date representation of what's coming to Pleasure Island.