Concept art and details were released today about the new Hyperion Wharf, the name of the project formerly known as Pleasure Island in Disney World’s Downtown Disney, and they look pretty stunning.
While the plans are vague and don’t seem to include a central theme, yet, we do know that the 120-acre “waterfront complex” themed after an old-fashioned entertainment pier will include “diverse eateries, [which] will expand dining availability at Downtown Disney by more than 25 percent.”
A couple of the new dining options will take place somewhere you’d least expect them: the AMC Movie Theater! The Disney Parks Blog promises that the theater will add a “Concession Stand of the Future” along with “Florida’s first Fork & Screen Theater” (think Studio Movie Grill to get an idea of what this might be like).
Additionally, Save Pleasure Island has reported that Steve Schussler — the developer of Yak & Yeti, Rainforest Cafe, and T-Rex — has been called in again to create new dining concepts for Hyperion Wharf. Some rumors floating around include the story that a contract has been signed for a speedboat themed restaurant tentatively called Mahogany Bay to be built in Disney World.
For more potential dining, check out Schussler’s other ideas in development listed in this Minneapolis Star Tribute article.
Images copyright Disney
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I’d love to see one of those upscale hybrid restaurant/bowling alleys added to the mix or even a sizable microbrewery would be nice.
Great … they can open a new restaurant called Primordial Ooze to complement T-Rex.
Oooh, this can only end well, right?
AJ, you and I have to go to the Movie theater with the “concession stand of the future”! It combines my 2 great loves film and food (3 if you count Disney). 2013 post it on the calendar! lol 🙂
Pudge — Interesting idea! Bowling alley! Hmm… Also, do you want a bigger microbrewery than Big River over on the boardwalk? How do you like that place, by the way?
Brenda — Snicker.
Nate — Um…right… ;-D
Dana — Woo! I’m SO there!!
AJ, I do like Big River. But I would like to see something with more seating, more brews and more varied food, plus live entertainment. I was at a great brew pub in Denver a few years ago and it was very family oriented. They even offered craft root beer and cream soda.
Something like Gordon Biersch could be really good – we tried them in Washington DC a few years back and the food and brews were excellent!
Brenda, I love Gordon Biersch. I used to go to the one in Tyson’s Corner when I lived in Fairfax. Also, note that Gordon Biersch is owned by CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Inc., which, coincidentally, also owns Big River Grille.
I also wonder why Disney has never partnered with Guy Fieri. His family seemed to have a great affinity for Disney through the DL Food/Wine Fest and during last years DL holiday special. They could probably create a great concept for a family friendly restaurant that would fit nicely in DTD/Hyperion Wharf.
Oh boy… more over-themed eateries with wayyy overpriced food that’s mediocre at best… I know Rainforest etc packs them in, but….
This is great news. Pleasure Island has been so forlorn for the last couple of years. I hope they put in a varied assortment for all tastes. They could use a big name or two and Fieri would be a great choice. A Bobby Flay Burger Palace would be fun. But your report seems to indicate that Disney is looking at Steve Schussler and his style. Certainly I would love to see some outdoor deck entertainment ala Bahama Breeze or the deck at Jimmy Buffet’s.
The Gordon Biersch in downtown DC near the MCI center is a great restaurant. We stopped there for a Sunday Brunch and loved it. It’s in a old restored bank building. Very nice.
While I enjoyed the original Pleasure Island, it didn’t seem to capture the Disney feel.
Too many amatuer drinkers and club wanna be’s.
This sounds more like the right direction. I look forward to seeing it develop.
Can you hear me jumping up and down – Excited as all get out!
I’ve actually stopped eating at Downtown Disney the last couple of years. I used to head over there a few nights each trip to have dinner and then go to the Adventurers Club or Comedy Warehouse. But since the clubs are closed I rarely go to Downtown Disney other than for a single session of shopping. Plus is seams that the quality has went downhill somewhat the the DD restaurants the last couple of years, so I’ve been sticking with the resort restaurants more and more, or renting a car and heading off-property
I hope that Disney actually brings back some entertainment to their entertainment district. Bringing back the Adventures Club and Comedy Warehouse would be a good start.