Tuesday, September 25, 2018

PI Update: Shades of Mannequins

This Thursday marks 10 years since Pleasure Island was closed forever. But as we visit the Island, we can still remember the fun we had back then. And in fact, you can still see some snippets of what once was. Mannequins Dance Palace, famed for its "ahead of its time" lighting and sound system......and that revolving dance floor!
We were told even back then that the building that housed Mannequins and 8TRAX could never be razed because it housed the power grid for the entire Island. While no doubt the power grid was ultimately moved elsewhere to support what became the much-larger Disney Springs, it's true that Mannequins and 8TRAX were the only clubs to be spared the wrecking ball!
I can remember many-a-night when the entry line began here at its spectacular marquee entry and snaked its way to the Hub. Or on Castmember Thursday nights, the 3rd floor side entrance being used via the stairway!
The Mannequins revolving dance floor during happier times!
The Mannequins revolving dance floor during sadder times.
No more dancing under the hanging mannequins.
Now a part of Morimoto Asia, you can still visit outside and see shades of Mannequins. Sadly, you're now more likely to see the "technology" of a fast-paced restaurant rather than hear "techno" music which is what electronic music was called back then!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

told you they could MOVE the power grid!

KingBob said...

When they decided on the Disney Springs expansion, it became a necessity. Concepts for the Island prior to that were limited just to the Island and the two buildings survived because of the location of the power grid.