Wednesday, December 11, 2013

PI Update: Looking East

Another beautiful day in Orlando and continuing with our exclusive coverage from Pleasure Island. This time we're looking down on the east side of the Island where you can see the temporary bypass causeway connecting near Paradiso 37.
Just to the left of where the causeway connects is where one end of Rock'n'Roll Beach Club used to stand.  Last we heard the outdoor "amphitheater" first announced with Hyperion Wharf is still supposed to go there.  To the left of that would go the lighthouse "classic old boats" restaurant and a number of shops as pictured in the concept art.
The only actual building under construction at this time though is this one with three doors, no windows and some stairs to the open top.
Is this perhaps the back of the building which will face a castmember only service courtyard, with the front facing a walkway along the water?  That could explain it.
Other work taking place in that area there too.
Meanwhile across the harbor, demolition has begun on the former Cap'n Jack's Restaurant.  The marina where you could rent small boats to take out into Village Lake is gone too.
Once demolished, a new boardwalk causeway will connect this point of land with the Marketplace mainland near T-REX Cafe.  It will allow shoppers to avoid the very congested area around the LEGO and World of Disney stores, if they want to avoid it.
If I remember correctly, this restaurant was actually Disney owned and operated so please correct me if I'm wrong. If it was an O&O, then DTD has lost yet another Disney-operated venue.

3 comments:

Jeff - Gainseville said...

Bob, do you think that 2016 (even towards the end) is realistic for this project or is that just when one or two phases will open followed by others? Judging by the current pace, it looks like a stretch to me. As you are aware, we are only a few days away from 2014! Again, nice photos and coverage!

KingBob said...

Thanks. I think it depends on how many tenants they really have lined-up. If they're all lined-up then they're going to want to build and finish the expansion as soon as possible. If they don't, then we won't see a 2016 finish. You'll recall 1 year ago the Blog kept saying there was no way they were going to finish and get Splitsville open during the promised "Fall 2012". They made doubly-sure that it really did open by the last few days of Fall!

Jeff - Gainesville said...

Yeah, I remember that Splitsville ordeal. I didn't think there was any way that was going to happen but you are right, one magic wave from Mickey's wand and poof - bowling, drinks and sushi at DTD!