PI Update: Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from Save Pleasure Island Blog!

CW Update: Remembering a Prior Halloween At The Groove

Just posting a few fond memories from Halloween 2010 at The Groove in Universal CityWalk.

A good time was had by all.

Club Reports: Bellhop, Fixtion, Proper, Barbarella

This is the EDC-Orlando Daisy sculpture located in downtown Orlando. The festival is just two weekends away! Last night our sister website Orlando Entertainment News visited the sculpture plus 4 new bars/clubs that have opened in the city in the past two years. Check them out here.

Club Reports: The H, The Terrace At Norman’s, Heist Lounge

The legendary DJ MAKOTO (J) brought his fast-paced Drum & Bass expertise to Orlando last night and our sister website Orlando Entertainment News was there. You can find the pics here.

Friday Funny

 

This Weekend In Techno Town

EDC is just 2.5 weeks away yet there's lots going on THIS weekend!

FRI     27OCT     HEIST LOUNGE     Torque: DJ Makoto (J)

FRI     27OCT     CELINE     DJ ACraze (USA)

FRI     27OCT     OPTIVIEW 360 (Longwood)   DJ Rob GEE (USA) 

FRI     27OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Sullivan King (USA)

SAT    28OCT     ORLANDO AMPHITHEATER   Halloween Story Music Festival

SAT    28OCT     IOA PLAZA @ UCF     DJ Diesel (USA)

SAT    28OCT     THE PATIO (Daytona)  DJ duo Snack Pack (USA)

SAT    28OCT     MANGO's ORLANDO     DJ Victor Calderone (USA)

SAT    28OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Atnarko (USA) & DJ Flashdrive (USA)

SUN   29OCT     ELIXIR BAR     DJ Danny Daze (USA)

TUE   31OCT     CELINE     DJ OMNOM (USA)

PI Update: Memories From 10 Years Ago This Month

The Adventurers Cart.

 

AAHZ Reunion Tickets Are Now On Sale!

Tickets have finally gone on sale for this year's AAHZ Reunion taking place at The Beacham downtown on Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22nd. You can see the lineup on the flyer including DJ duo Dynamix II (USA) and DJ Icey (USA). In addition, everybody knows DJ Dave Cannalte (USA) from Mannequins Dance Palace! Grab those early bird tickets while you can here.

Club Report: The Castle (Ybor City)

Built into a former church, this is The Castle in Tampa's Ybor City district and it's home to Tampa's Goth & Industrial scene. Orlando Entertainment News visited last night and the pics are here.

 

Trip Report: Daytrip To Cancun

Had some business to take care of in Cancun, Mexico yesterday so we're posting this quick summary of the trip since Cancun may be of interest to you. The flight only takes around 1.5 hours from Orlando and only cost $77. As you can see, the outbound flight was on Frontier Airlines.

It was cloudy and overcast there as we passed over Cancun's famous hotel zone, a narrow "barrier island" strip of land away from the city's downtown area.

Little bit closer view on the approach. It would turn sunny by late morning.

Not supposed to take pictures in the Customs area but couldn't miss this one. The Immigra officer was a bit skeptical that we were just there for the day but that was the story and we were sticking to it!

Cool sign heading into town.

Mexico is known for their sugar skulls, especially this time of the year. We saw quite a few.

Although Mexico has now allowed foreign oil companies to operate gas stations in the country, the only brand seen here in Cancun is the Mexican national oil company PEMEX.

Going to Cancun is really about going to their beautiful white sand beaches during the day and going to their famous clubs at night. Since this was just a daytrip, did not check them out but CoCo Bongo looked huge and there was a booth outside selling tickets for that night's show & disco.

Hard Rock Cafe and Señor Frogs were nearby.

After taking care of business, it was back to Cancun International Airport for the ride home.

As you can see, my Spirit Airlines flight was pulling in. The return flight was $92 because of international taxes and U.S. Customs user fees you get flying "to" the United States. With that in mind, if you don't already have Global Entry to enter the United States and you're a U.S. citizen, you should download the free Mobile Passport app (CBP MPC) on your phone. With it you submit all your travel declarations upon arrival at most U.S. international airports including MCO. There was a long queue last night to see CBP officers but I was 3rd in line for Mobile Passport and entered the country in no time!

On the climb out of CUN, one last view of the hotel zone in the distance. A good time was had by all.

Friday Funny

 

DS Update: $10 Before 10AM Costs More Now

The best deal in Disney Springs has been the balloon ride before 10AM which was priced at just $10 before 10AM. And that price included sales tax. But like everything nowadays, the price has increased to $15 before 10AM and they now add sales tax for a total price of $15.98. The balloon is operated by Aerophile and it's still a bargain considering the Aerophile-operated balloon ride at Coco Cay, Bahamas is around $100!

This Weekend In Techno Town

Not much going on in Orlando this weekend! Might need to look elsewhere.

THU   19OCT     CHURCH ST BLOCK PARTY    DJ LOST FREQUENCIES (B) 

FRI     20OCT     IRON COW     DJ Nick Muir (GB)

SAT    21OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Morten (DK)

Disney At The Tour De France

When we were a spectator for the Tour de France race finale parade a few months ago, we got to witness many advertising vehicles pass by including this one for Disneyland Paris.

It competes in the French market with Parc Asterix Paris. The latter is much more of a local and regional park while Disney of course draws from international visitors.

Blog Mission Statement And Disclaimer

The original goal of the Save Pleasure Island Blog was to rally support to reverse the decision to close Pleasure Island. There were Save Pleasure Island and Save The Adventurers Club petitions and letter/e-mail campaigns. Unfortunately, all that fell on deaf Mouse ears.

The current mission of Save Pleasure Island Blog is to keep you informed about what is happening with our beloved Island now that it has been converted to Disney Springs. Factual information is provided when available but much of what is printed is rumor-based. Please understand that rumors by their very nature are very unreliable. Even if a rumor was true at one time, it's possible that things change and it never becomes reality. Thus, readers should consider the information on SPI Blog to be fiction and opinion and not rely on any of it in any way. Do you have any inside information? Please email me at: king bob of the north at gmail dot com.  Thanks so much to those of you that have been doing that all these years.

With PI closing, so many people kept asking me where I would be hanging out. Thus, this Blog also evolved into reporting on nightclub alternatives and DJ concerts playing various forms of Electronic Dance Music. Around four years ago we acquired Orlando Entertainment News and have been using it for club & DJ reports. Only Orlando Entertainment News covers the clubs, the clubbers and the DJ's!

In conjunction with Federal Trade Commission Rule 16 CFR Part 255, all opinions are my own and I accept no consideration for any endorsements made.  In conjunction with European Union regulations and for our EU readers, please be aware that Blogger and Google use cookies on these websites to give you a better experience.

At press time number of hits: 2,385,326 (SPI & OEN combined) 
Thanks for tuning in!

Concert Report: Roots (Iron Cow)

DJ R-Fresh (USA) came out of retirement for last night's "Roots" show at Iron Cow. Seven DJ's played overall and the vibe was thick. Pictures can be found on Orlando International News here.

 

Club ReportsL Fixtion, Monkey Bar, The Vanguard

While you couldn't actually see DJ Carl Cox (GB), there was no mistaking the outline of his distinctive head and body. Friday night pics are on sister website Orlando Entertainment News here.

Friday Funny

The sad demise of DJ duo Daft Punk (F).

 

Concert Report: Depeche Mode (Amway Center)

Our sister website Orlando Entertainment News covered Tuesday night's Depeche Mode (GB) concert at Amway Center and it was pretty amazing. They also went to the After Party at Barbarella. Check out the article here.

EDC Weekend In Techno Town

EDC Weekend has arrived!! EDC is taking place Friday afternoon through Sunday night at Tinker Field adjacent Camping World Stadium. Listed below are other club concerts taking place around town,many officially in conjunction with EDC.

THU   09OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Deadmau5 (CDN)

THU   09OCT     CELINE     DJ Kayzo (USA)

THU   09OCT     HOME BASS     DJ Will Clarke (GB)

FRI     10OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Subtronics (USA)

FRI     10OCT     CELINE     DJ Hugel (F)

FRI     10OCT     HOME BASS     DJ Lee Foss (USA)

FRI     10OCT     OPTIVIEW (Longwood)     DJ Suzy Solar (USA)

FRI     10OCT     HEIST LOUNGE     DJ OnDaMike (USA)

FRI     10OCT     BARBARELLA   Memento Mori: DJ Lavidicus (USA)

FRI     10OCT     PROPER     DJ Diamond D (USA)

SAT    11OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Excision (CDN)

SAT    11OCT     CELINE     DJ Mau P (NL)

SAT    11OCT     HOME BASS     DJ Rusko (GB)

SAT    11OCT     OPTIVIEW (Longwood)     DJ Robotic (USA)

SAT    11OCT     MANGOS     DJ Chus (E) & DJ Tony Guerra (YV)

SUN   12OCT     VANGUARD     DJ duo The Chainsmokers (USA)

SUN   12OCT     CELINE     DJ duo Gorgon City (GB)

SUN   12OCT    HOME BASS     DJ Ghengar (USA)

SUN   12OCT    OPTIVIEW ( Longwood)     DJ Darcii Darka (USA)    

This Weekend In Techno Town

So many concerts, so little time!

FRI     13OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Carl Cox (GB)

FRI     13OCT     CELINE     DJ Deeper Purpose     (GB)

FRI     13OCT     BARBARELLA     Memento Mori: DJ Lavidicus (USA)

FRI     13OCT     IRON COW     DJ BMF (USA)

FRI     13OCT     MONKEY BAR     DJ Hulian (USA)

FRI     13OCT     OPTIVIEW 360     DJ Ms. Chevious (USA)

SAT    14OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Wooly (USA)

SAT    14OCT     IRON COW     FSOB Presents "Roots": DJ R-Fresh (USA)

SAT    14OCT     KNIGHT LIBRARY     DJ Max Styler (USA)

SAT    14OCT     WALL ST PLAZA     DJ trio Autograf (USA)

SUN   15OCT     ELIXIR BAR     DJ Le Youth (USA)

SUN   15OCT     TACO KAT     DJ Carlos Mendoza (USA)

 

DS Update: The Mystery Building

Last week we spotted this building over in Disney Springs Marketplace kind of across from Earl of Sandwich. It has kind of a City Hall look to it because above he doors you'll see the Great Seal of the City of Disney Springs. Some kind of Star Wars game used to be housed in there.

But the building is more or less vacant and even the Disney Springs GuideMap is blank for that spot. It appears from an old Downtown Disney GuideMap that this used to be a rear section of the Once Upon A Toy store before it was separated.

DS Update: The Strolling Piano Continues

Last week on Save Pleasure Island Blog we showed you the new Strolling Pumpkin that has a DJ on it interacting with the crowd. That can be found through Thanksgiving in Disney Springs Marketplace. But over in Disney Springs Town Center you can still find The Strolling Piano.

This is a long-running feature there that is not related to any holidays. The piano drives around the stores in the area with that evening's female vocalist singing mostly Disney tunes. If you've not seen it, it's worth a search for. While she does wander around, you're most likely find her in the area at the base of the Lime Garage escalators near Uniqlo.

Concert Report: DJ Justin Martin (Elixir Bar)

DJ Justin Martin (USA) was in town last night at Elixir Bar and our sister website Orlando Entertainment News was there to capture it. The pics can be found here.

Concert Report: DnB Night (Iron Cow)

Internationally famous Drum & Bass DJ Roni Size (GB) performed last night at Iron Cow and our sister website Orlando Entertainment News was there. Check it out here.

 

Friday Funny

Now that's funny!

 

DS Update: The Strolling Pumpkin DJ

A Strolling Pumpkin DJ? Yes, come check her out at Disney Springs Marketplace nightly through Halloween. We've got the pics on sister website Orlando Entertainment News here.

This Weekend In Techno Town

Small number of events but a lot of BIG names playing in town this weekend:

FRI     06OCT     CELINE     DJ Aneme' (GB)

FRI     06OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Nicole Moudaber (GB)

FRI     06OCT     IRON COW     DJ Roni Size (GB)

FRI     06OCT     IMPERIAL @ WASHBURN IMPORTS   DJ Frankmatik (USA)

SAT    07OCT     ELIXIR BAR     DJ Justin Martin (USA)

SAT    07OCT     VANGUARD     DJ Dr. Fresch (USA)

SUN   08OCT     GRAPE & GRAIN     DJ Atnarko (USA)

PI Update: Remembering What Remains

With last week's 15th anniversary of Pleasure Island's passing, we wanted to take a moment to remember what little remains of our beloved Island. Irish bar and restaurant Raglan Road is still there under its original name. It was operational when PI closed and we don't recall being able to go there during the evenings when the Island became a ticketed event.

Adventurers Club is still there, heavily renovated to become The Edison. Although much has changed inside, one can definitely detect some AC when you're there!

Of course 8TRAX still exists. The front upstairs part of our beloved club was shaved-off and became retail as you can see facing Hill Street. The middle towards the back became part of the kitchen of Morimoto Asia. In between, directly behind the retail store and the kitchen, we're told, is a small piece of 8TRAX standing still in time. We'd like to check it out sometime!

Lastly, Mannequins still looking like its former self although now completely taken over by the Morimoto Asia restaurant. If you've not been inside, behold there area where the light wall was, look up and see where the DJ/Tech booth once overlooked the action below and notice the thin concrete floor where we're certain the former revolving dance floor still resides! Unfortunately, this is all that remains of our wonderful clubs. The buildings holding Motion, Rock'N'Roll Beach Club, Soundstage and Comedy Warehouse were all demolished,

DS Update: Summer House Got Signs

That's new restaurant Summer House which is under construction in Disney Springs West Side as seen from Save Pleasure Island Blog's exclusive SkyCam.

And they now got signs! This is the north facing sign on the Village Lake side of the building

And the sign most people will see is the one along the main pedestrian walkway facing the theater. They might actually get this place open before the end of the year!