PI The End - The Final Pleasure Island Report

THIS IS A RERUN OF THE ARTICLE WE PUBLISHED ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 following the final night of Pleasure Island:  It wasn't quite as crazy as it could have been and it appeared that everyone was on good behavior and I'm not aware of any incidents. Disney Security was very much in plain clothes in addition to the normal variety of uniformed guards. Unlike last weekend, it was very low key.

Adventurers Club had hundreds in line by the time they opened at 6pm. I believe capacity is 350 so they reached capacity for the first show. Some people did leave as the shows converted however later in the evening no one was leaving because everyone wanted to be part of the final performance. Those still in line outside (and there was still a long line) could not get in and they had to watch the show via outdoor monitors that were added.

All dance clubs reached capacity before midnight. Mannequins was so crowded that just like this past Thursday night, the dance floor broke again. This time it shut down around 9:15pm and clearly that takes a lot of the energy out of the room. That was not enough though to get anyone to leave. The first couple hours of music was early Dance hits from the mid to late 90's. Once the floor broke they switched to current Dance hits; don't know if that was the plan all along. Lots of filming going on for the "Mannequins Medley" that is played each night. Watch it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kkxUOnfXVE

The end was stirring. The DJ booth was full. The girl lighting tech (don't remember her name) was being hugged and she was crying. They played until 2am and the crowd demanded "One More Song"!! Finally DJ Peapod (Jim Fox) came back to the podium and played one more. There was a lot of cheering and applause for the entire cast members that work the booth.

 

 It's hard to believe that it's been 12 years since this night. Over the years we've had Pleasure Island Reunions and 8TRAX Reunions but never a Mannequins Reunion. I know at least 3 former Mannequins DJ's who are willing to participate. We just need a venue and then a date! It's something I'll work on.