Walt Disney World Unveils Plans for Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney Revamp
Work will soon begin on a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island and other one-of-a-kind experiences as Walt Disney World Resort continues to bring new stories to life at Downtown Disney. Combined, the projects are expected to create an estimated 1,200 new jobs over the next three years.
“We have made great progress since first announcing our vision to bring new shopping, dining and entertainment experiences to Downtown Disney, many of which can’t be found anywhere else and have already become guest favorites,” said Keith Bradford, vice president of Downtown Disney. “We look forward to providing even more ways for our guests to enjoy Downtown Disney, while at the same time creating new jobs for Central Floridians.”
A nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier will evolve Pleasure Island into “Hyperion Wharf.” By day, the bustling port district will draw guests in with its stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland.
Taking its name from Hyperion, the Greek god of light, as well as the street on which Walt Disney built his first major animation studio, the wharf district will also feature a relaxing lakeside park and enhanced pedestrian walkways. Its diverse eateries will expand dining availability at Downtown Disney by more than 25 percent.
“Hyperion Wharf will offer guests of all ages a vibrant atmosphere and new experiences that can be enjoyed by day or by night,” said Bradford. “Whether looking for a great place to dine with the whole family or a place to relax and enjoy live music, Hyperion Wharf will provide the perfect setting for guests to make new memories with us.”
In addition to the new wharf district, numerous other projects are underway at Downtown Disney, including:
- an extensive renovation of Lego Imagination Center, which will increase its overall footprint by nearly 3,500 square-feet and add new Lego exterior models featuring scenes from classic Disney movies;
- enhancements at AMC that will take the movie-going experience at Downtown Disney to the next level with new digital technology, a paradigm-shifting Concession Stand of the Future and Florida’s first Fork & Screen Theater; and
- numerous new or renovated retail shops and merchandise vignettes, as well as additional atmosphere entertainment, throughout Downtown Disney.
Combined, these projects are expected to create an estimated 600 construction jobs, 500 restaurant, retail and entertainment jobs and support 100 vendor and supplier jobs.
Categories: Downtown Disney, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: DTD, Hyperion Wharf, Pleasure Island
Pollo Campero Opens at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney Marketplace with First-of-its-Kind Fresh A-Peel
Starting today, visitors to Downtown Disney® Marketplace will experience the amazing flavors of Pollo Campero, an international Latin chicken quick service restaurant, and the first-of-its-kind Fresh A-Peel, featuring made-to-order fresh selections.
“I wanted to create nutritious foods even my grandchildren would love. All of them have favorites on the Fresh A-Peel menu, whether they are picky eaters or adventurous tasters.”
At Pollo Campero, Walt Disney World® guests can savor combinations of freshly prepared Latin chicken, unique flavorful side dishes such as yuca fries and sweet plantains, and Latin drinks including horchata and tamarindo. Pollo Campero’s fried and grilled chicken is marinated, sending the distinctive Pollo Campero flavor all the way to the bone. Fried chicken is hand-breaded in seasoned flour and slowly pressure-cooked without trans-fats, resulting in a flavorful and juicy meal. Grilled chicken features the taste of lime and orange juices, red bell peppers, and a special blend of Latin herbs and spices.
“Today is a landmark day for Pollo Campero,” said Roberto Denegri, president and chief operating officer of Campero USA. “We’re thrilled to open our newest restaurant at Disney, the No. 1 family vacation destination in the world. Most importantly, we’re excited to introduce guests to the fantastic flavors of our legendary Latin chicken.”
Inspired by Disney’s commitment to offer its guests great-tasting more healthful options, award-winning restaurateur Larry Levy and Pollo Campero teamed up to create Fresh A-Peel. Operating in the same location as Pollo Campero, Fresh A-Peel features a nutritious and delicious array of hot-off-the-grill items and chef-prepared salads and wraps, as well as gluten-free cupcakes and bakery treats.
“Our menu relies on the freshest, most flavorful ingredients,” said Mr. Levy. “I wanted to create nutritious foods even my grandchildren would love. All of them have favorites on the Fresh A-Peel menu, whether they are picky eaters or adventurous tasters.”
The restaurant has a back-to-basics approach to serving family favorites that are prepared in a better-for-you way. Chef-prepared entrees including salads are made with locally grown produce and available in a bowl or as a wrap, and all-natural burgers are prepared to order and packed with flavor. Balanced kids meals are served with fresh fruit and healthy sides, while other delicious menu offerings are gluten-free, low-sodium and vegetarian.
“This single restaurant offers guests an incredible range of dining choices, all in one location,” said Adam Cummis, president of the joint venture. “Not only can guests order Pollo Campero’s legendary fried or grilled chicken and signature side dishes, but they can also indulge in Fresh A-Peel’s nutritious and delicious meals. By pairing these two concepts together, we’ve created a destination that offers something for every diner, and we’re changing the way people think about quick dining.”
Categories: Downtown Disney, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Dining, DTD, Marketplace, Pollo Campero
Disney Vinylmation Announces Sorcerer Mickey/Park Series 5 Combo Pack
On October 29, Disney Vinylmation will release a followup to the Plane Crazy/Park Series 4 combo pack with a Sorcerer Mickey/Park Series 5 combo pack at D Street in the Downtown Disney Districts of both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
The 3″ Sorcerer Mickey figure was designed by Monty Maldovan and will be packaged with a random Park Series 5 Vinylmation in a blind box. As with its predecessor, it’s likely to retail for $24.99. You can read more about it on the official Vinylmation blog which has been previewing Park Series 5 and has today highlighted an upcoming 9″ limited edition (800) Halloween-inspired Holiday #2 figure by artist Lin Shih which will be released on October 22.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Merchandise, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Collectibles, D Street, DTD, Merchandise, VCD, Vinylmation
Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney to Host ‘The Benefit Sale’ for United Way November 6
Just in time for the holiday season, United Way (UW) is announcing The Benefit Sale, hosted and sponsored by Walt Disney World Resort. Supporting the efforts of UW and other local nonprofit agencies, the inaugural retail event on Saturday, November 6 from 5:30 – 9:30 a.m. will feature incredible discounts of up to 50 to 75 percent off select merchandise at many of the participating Downtown Disney locations.
Access will be limited; a special voucher will be required for entry and can be purchased in advance for $5 from HFUW or from local participating nonprofit agencies. All of the proceeds from the sale of vouchers will go directly to HFUW and the 94 health and human service programs it supports through nearly 50 social services agencies throughout Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
“The Benefit Sale is a great way for residents to kick-start their holiday shopping while helping their friends, family and neighbors in need,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, HFUW President/CEO. “We all know someone who’s been tremendously impacted by today’s economy. United Way and our partner agencies are doing everything that we can to help residents who are in dire need. Your contribution by purchasing a voucher to The Benefit Sale will have a tremendous, lasting affect for so many people right here in our own community.”
In addition to helping Central Floridians in need, residents can enjoy great discounts for early birds. The sale will also feature door buster specials, surprise markdowns and more from Downtown Disney area merchandise locations.
Also, special boutiques from Epcot will be offering several unique assortments in a rare opportunity to shop from outside the park. Beauty specialists from Dior, Pucci, Acqua di Parma, Guerlain and Givenchy will be on hand with special offers on the latest cosmetics and fragrances.
A preview of many other special promotions, product launches and discounts from Walt Disney World Resort will be updated throughout October and can be viewed in advance at www.thebenefitsale.com.
On Nov. 6, only shoppers with vouchers will receive wristbands to gain access to The Benefit Sale. Wristbands will be required for admission to the Downtown Disney merchandise locations during the hours of The Benefit Sale. Vouchers and wristbands are not required for children ages 12 and under. To purchase vouchers for The Benefit Sale or for more information about Heart of Florida United Way, please visit www.hfuw.org or www.thebenefitsale.com.
Categories: Downtown Disney, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Charity, Counnity, Discount, DTD, United Way
New Cirque du Soleil ‘La Nouba’ Act Skips Every Performance
A rhythmic and artful Skipping Ropes act joins the cast of La Nouba, an original Cirque du Soleil production performed at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The pair of Japanese rope skippers balance speed, grace and agility in a series of solo, duo and group rope formations.
Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Resort.
Categories: Downtown Disney, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Cirque Du Soleil, DTD, La Nouba, West Side
Vinylmation: Nightmare Before Christmas Release Date Announced
The Vinylmation Nightmare Before Christmas 3″ and 9″ figures will be released at D-Street at both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts on September 10, 2010 a per the official Vinylmation blog.
The 9″ Oogie Boogie and Santa Jack (with elf) figures are limited to an edition size of 1,000
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Downtown Disney, Merchandise, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Collectibles, D Street, DTD, Merchandise, NBC, Nightmare Before Christmas, VCD, Vinylmation, West Side
Dooney & Bourke to Launch Exclusive Disneyland ’55 Collection at Disneyland Resort July 17
On the 55th Anniversary of the Disneyland Resort, Ian Ray of Dooney & Bourke will be on hand to celebrate the release of an exclusive Disneyland-inspired handbag collection.
The bags’ design features iconic Disney and Disneyland elements such as Mickey Mouse through the years, Mickey Mouse Club member IDs, Ears and more. Although the event will take place at Downtown Disney’s Vault 28 from 2 pm – 4 pm PT, the bags will be available for purchase at the store at opening. A special gift with purchases over $150 will be offered and distributed at the time of the event.
The special 55th Anniversary Dooney & Bourke collection consists of: Large Wristlet ($70), Letter Carrier ($155), Checkbook Wallet ($175), Small Messenger ($255), Medium Tote ($270)

Categories: Disneyland Resort, Theme Parks Tags: Collectibles, Dooney & Bourke, DTD, Fashion, Merchandise, Vault 28
Vinylmation: Release Dates Set for Urban #4 and ‘Have a Laugh’ at Walt Disney World
We have previously advised that both the Urban #4 and Have a Laugh Vinylmation series will be released at the Disneyland Resort on July 2.
We can now confirm that both series will become available at D-Street at the Walt Disney World Resort’s Downtown Disney West Side exactly one week later on July 9.
Both series have already been on sale at the new Disney Store in Montebello, CA, the first Disney Store to sell Vinylmation figures. Although the store has also been selling the Toy Story series, no release dates for the Parks have been made available to us at this time.
Categories: Downtown Disney, Merchandise, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Collectibles, D Street, DTD, Merchandise, VCD, Vinylmation, West Side
Vinylmation: Release Dates for ‘Black Cauldron,’ Disneyland Anniversary Sets
We have learned of two additional Vinylmation release dates.
First, the Black Cauldron 25th Anniversary set consisting of a 9″ Horned King and 3″ Gurgi by Disney Design Group artist Monty Maldovan will be released on July 2 at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts at their respective D Street shops in Downtown Disney districts.
Then on July 9, D Street at Disneyland will exclusively begin offering the Vinylmation ’55 collection, a combo set of two 3″ mousketeer figures and a set of 9″ Bandleader Mickey and a 3″ figure, both sets of which are limited to an edition of just 555 pieces and detailed on the Disney Parks blog here.
Note that on July 9, Disneyland’s D Street opens early at 8 am PT to accommodate early sign-up for the Pin-vited Press Event.
Categories: Merchandise Tags: Collectibles, D Street, DTD, Merchandise, The Black Cauldron, VCD, Vinylmation
Vinylmation: Disneyland Release Dates for ‘Have a Laugh’ and ‘Urban #4′
We have confirmation that the Have A Laugh Series and Urban Series #4 will be released at Disneyland’s D Street located in Downtown Disney on July 2.
No dates for Walt Disney World or DisneyStore.com have been released as of yet, nor has there been a date mentioned for the Toy Story series which made its Disney Store debut at the Montebello ‘Imagination Park’ store earlier this week.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Merchandise, Theme Parks Tags: Collectibles, D Street, DTD, Have-A-Laugh, Merchandise, Urban, VCD, Vinylmation




Disney’s ‘Story’ App Uses Personal Media on iPhone to
CONFIRMED: ‘Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh’ on Blu-ray;