Archives for June 2021

Disney On Ice Returns to Orlando This September

25 June 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

For the first time in forever, Disney On Ice returns to Orlando this September with a brand new show. Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party will bring magic to guests from September 3-5, 2021 at the Amway Center.

Disney writes,

Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.

To purchase tickets, or to view times while the show is in Orlando, visit here starting July 27.

Stay tuned for more updates on the show, and check out our previous updates on Disney On Ice here.

REVIEW: F9 – The ‘Olive Garden’ of Movies

22 June 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

Before we begin, there are no spoilers in this review. I typically don’t watch trailers before I see a movie, but I have since gone back and watched the trailers for F9 so this review will only explicitly mention scenes that are already publicly available.

I didn’t think we’d be at the point where I would be writing a review for a Fast and Furious movie, but here we are. Up until about five days ago, I hadn’t seen any of the films, so I binged them all before watching this one. I’m now fully caught up on the Fast Saga, and ready to discuss where F9 sits in this massive franchise.

F1: THE FAMILY

(from left) Dom (Vin Diesel) and Jakob (John Cena) in F9

The family is back together on another crazy mission, provided by Kurt Russel’s Mr. Nobody – one of the best recent additions to the cast. Dwayne Johnson is absent, as is Jason Statham, presumably due to some events that transpired in Hobbs and Shaw – the one film I didn’t see before F9. Luke Hobbs has been one of the strongest characters for me personally, so that lack of presence is pretty noticeable.

Conversely, there are some great reprisals here as well: Jordana Brewster returns, as do Bow Wow and Lucas Black (my favorite character, which I’ve heard is an unpopular opinion). But this film also brings back Sung Kang as Han, a character who already died in Tokyo Drift, came back, and died again.

According to my research, this is because Tokyo Drift actually takes place after Fast & Furious 6, and he only really “died” once – though F9 reveals that even that was just another ruse. I did not gather this at all via just watching the films, but apparently Tokyo was stuck in 2006 until about five years ago.

But that’s not the only surprising character update here. Dom Toretto, the family man himself, once turned his back on his own brother (John Cena), who has now come back with a vengeance. I like to think he was actually in every previous film, we just couldn’t see him.

F2: BACK FOR FUN

(from left) Tej (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) and Roman (Tyrese Gibson) in F9

As a whole, F9 is a bit of a return to form for the series in my eyes. Not that I’m necessarily a long time fan, but this is definitely not one of the Fast Saga’s worst entries. 2017’s Fate of the Furious notably ditched some of the over-the-top stunts for a more reserved (if you could call Dwayne Johnson grabbing a torpedo ‘reserved’) spy romp. In a more devastating blow to fans, Fate also threw away one of the biggest aspects of the series: family. That is thankfully not the case with F9.

While Fate saw Dom turn against his new ‘family,’ in F9, we learn that once he did the same thing to his brother Jakob. I usually dislike the addition of family members late into a series who go completely unmentioned prior to their new introduction, but I wasn’t incredibly hung up on it here.

Story-wise, the Fast Saga has never been anything to write home about, at least not after the franchise reboot in 2009. I obviously wasn’t expecting anything grand here either, but I’ve seen worse. After the disaster of Fate’s story, the only place F9 could go was up. Fast and the Furious is the Olive Garden of film franchises – when you’re here you’re family. And this was perhaps the ‘family-est’ of them all.

The movie even has a few moments with Roman and Tej (who are both great here) that poke fun at the insanity of the series as a whole. Roman asks “Are we invincible?” to which the movie essentially answers, “lol.” It’s just a carefree action flick that is cool for the sake of cool and doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s way better because of that.

F3: FAMILIAR FOE

(from left) Jakob (John Cena) and Cipher (Charlize Theron) in F9

For me, the biggest hurdle for these films is the portrayal of their villains. I think to-date, Luke Hobbs was the only one enjoyable to watch, every other villain character has felt boring and dry, lacking an emotion that isn’t ‘Kill those people before they destroy my new tech-MacGuffin-weapon.’ Even Deckard Shaw, the villain that can’t seem to die, falls into this category for me, only really assisted by his evil British accent.

In F9, the family faces off against Cipher, the villain introduced in Fate of the Furious, played by Charlize Theron. While I thought her performance in Fate was one of the driest of them all, they really improved her here. She has a ‘smartest in the room’ energy that makes her almost seem like the mastermind villain in a great anime or an HBO series. She even has the same haircut!

The cast was fun to watch, the story was acceptable, and the stunts were once again out of this world. F9 wasn’t my favorite entry into the series, but it was a dang good one. I was anticipating making a reference to the F9 key – a button which these days has little to no default use – somewhere in this review, but F9 the film is worth more than that one joke.

F4: IN REVIEW

Jakob (John Cena, center) and Otto (Thue Ersted Rasmussen, right) in F9

So where does this put the series? That’s a good question. Just about every film since Fast Five ends in a way that could be the end of the series if it needed to. That’s the case with F9 as well, but they’ve already announced a tenth film, so it seems like it won’t be the true end quite yet.

In a series that’s so committed to retcons that they changed a film from 2006 to be set in 2014 to bring back an actor, anything can happen. I would like to see the films end before it just writes itself into the ground, but given how much money they generate, I don’t think that’ll be any time soon.

The past year or so has been rough for big blockbuster films, because they truly benefit from the biggest screen possible. F9 is definitely the great summer blockbuster that theaters have needed. Go see it in person to experience all the magic of a truck with super magnets pulling a car through a building the way it’s meant to be experienced.

Those interested in my ranking of the Fast Saga as a whole can check it out here. Or, check out another review I’ve done for this site.

After this week I can say that these movies have changed me. I am truly a member of la familia. I am secretly Dom Toretto’s first cousin twice removed. I am played by Timothee Chalamet but he’s incredibly ripped now. I drive a Toyota Prius with a V12 engine and helicopter blades on top. I will be introduced in F13: Revenge of the Cars, a movie that was filmed in 1983 but will be released in 2024 with zero context.

New Disney Nighttime Spectaculars and More for Walt Disney World’s 50th

22 June 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

VERY exciting news out of Walt Disney World this morning! Lots of nighttime spectaculars and other Walt Disney World 50th Celebration news! Here’s the official scoop from Disney:

Beginning Oct. 1, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” honors the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, and, wow, do we have some great new details to share with you about this incredible 18-month event.

A new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment,” will help kick off the 50^th anniversary festivities when it debuts Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom Park. Created to launch with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” this evening extravaganza will take Guests on a journey filled with adventure, wonder and empowerment. Inspiring everyone to believe in magic, “Disney Enchantment” will feature music, enhanced lighting, stunning fireworks and, for the first time, immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A.

Joining “Disney Enchantment” on Oct. 1 will be “Harmonious” at EPCOT, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide. It’s a grand, powerful tribute to the stories and songs that unite us, embracing new technical magic that incorporates pyrotechnics, choreographed moving fountains, lighting and media in new ways. “Harmonious” will invite Guests to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before, reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.

There’s also new daytime entertainment stirring at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Check out this artist rendering of “Disney KiteTails,” which will come alive several times daily at the Discovery River Amphitheater beginning Oct. 1. Performers will fly windcatchers and kites of all shapes and sizes, while out on the water elaborate three-dimensional kites – some stretching to 30 feet long – will depict Disney animal friends, including Simba, Zazu, Baloo and King Louie. These colorful creations will dance through the sky to the beat of favorite Disney songs in an uplifting, vibrant experience for the whole family.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will be the hosts for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” and they’ll be decked out in sparkling new EARidescent fashions for the 50^th anniversary. As you can see in the photo above, their best pals want to get in on the shimmer, too, as Donald Duck and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will be sporting their own custom-made EARidescent looks beginning Oct. 1. Guests will get a chance to see them when they travel through Magic Kingdom Park several times daily in the new “Mickey’s Celebration Cavalcade.”

These eight friends will also be featured in special golden character sculptures debuting Oct. 1 at Magic Kingdom; in this artist rendering, you can see Mickey and Minnie shining in the sunlight near Cinderella Castle. There will be 50 characters total in this series of sculptures that will be displayed across all four theme parks. We’ll soon reveal more of the “Disney Fab 50” as excitement builds for the big day, as well as the surprising ways Guests will be able to interact with these beautiful sculptures as part of the 50^th anniversary celebration.

This fall, Guests can bring home “Walt Disney World: A Portrait of the First Half Century,” a beautiful new coffee table book from Disney Editions. You can see the cover art above for this insider’s look at the history and evolution of Walt Disney World, written by Kevin Kern, Tim O’Day and Steven Vagnini. The book will be available for purchase beginning Sept. 28 at Walt Disney World, shopDisney.com and wherever books are sold. We can’t wait to add this to our collection!

“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” will also see the grand opening of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, icons at each of the four parks transforming into Beacons of Magic at night*, EARidescent décor all across the resort, plus much more. Our Walt Disney World cast members – who will be wearing new EARidescent nametags designed especially for this occasion – are looking forward to sharing all this magic with Guests, as they are the heart of this momentous event. Stay tuned as we continue to share more details about the 50^th anniversary of Walt Disney World in the weeks and months to come as we get ready for the festivities to begin!

Paint a Castle Activity at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

16 June 2021 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

I’m sure you’ve heard of the various Walt Disney World Resort hotel recreation activities, which can vary from Movies Under the Stars (watching Disney movies outside on the hotel grounds), to trivia by the pool, to making tie-dyed Mickey t-shirts. A fairly new activity was one I knew I had to come out and try the minute I saw it – painting a castle! The Once Upon a Painting activity takes place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You get to paint your very own ceramic light-up castle to take home, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom and monorail resorts. I signed up to paint a castle at the Contemporary and wanted to share our experience with you. We recorded a full video of the experience as well so scroll down to watch what the process was like.

Once Upon a Painting activity — Contemporary Resort Activity Schedule

The Once Upon a Painting castle activity began back in March, where it took place at Chef Mickey’s restaurant. When Chef Mickey’s reopened, the activity was moved to California Grill, so now the views are amazing inside and out. I brought my resident artist (my daughter Sophia) and camera man (my son Christian) and we had a great time deciding how to paint our castle (I let Sophia do the painting). You’re given colors to choose from and once your castle is complete, you leave it with the Disney Recreation team and they spray a clear coat on top to make it glossy. Depending on the amount of castles at your session, it could be picked up same day, or the next day.

paint a castle Disney's Contemporary — The Blank castle before

You pick up your finished painted castle at Community Hall, located in Bay Lake Tower on the first floor. Community Hall is open daily from 10am – 10pm and they have all sorts of other fun activities going on in there. If you are unable to wait for your castle to be finished by the recreation team, you can take it home without the clear coat and finish it at home if you’d like too. Here are all the details:

What: Once Upon a Painting ceramic castle activity

Where: Disney’s Contemporary Resort at the California Grill

When: Mondays and Fridays from 12:30 – 2:30p, must check in by 1:30 to participate. We used up almost all the time so keep that in mind as you create your masterpieces!

Cost: $30+ tax per castle

How to Book: Call 407-824-1347 or by visiting Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower. Space is limited, but walk-ups are possible if there is room.

Finished Light Up Castle craft — The finished product!

We had so much fun painting our castle, and watching everyone else’s creations as well. It was amazing how unique each person’s castle was. Of course, I had to go with Figment colors. Sophia even added little Figment foot prints on the stairs.

Watch our Once Upon a Painting experience here:

Have you done this or any other activity at a Disney hotel? I’d love to hear about it! I’ve always wanted to do the Mickey tie-dying too, maybe that’ll be next on our list. If you’re looking for a more adult activity, remember Sangria University at Coronado Springs Resort is open again too! We have a full review and Sangria University video as well.

BLACK WIDOW Advanced Tickets and Disney+ Pre-Order Now Available

12 June 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

The latest installment in Marvel Studios’ Cinematic Universe is another step closer to release. Starting today, BLACK WIDOW is available for pre-order on Disney+, or for advanced purchase at local theaters.

To celebrate, the studio has released another new featurette of the film and a special message from the cast:

Those wanting to see the BLACK WIDOW on the big screen can purchase tickets online through Fandango or wherever tickets are sold.

If you can’t wait to see BLACK WIDOW on Disney+ next month, be sure to check out our other updates from the film. And be sure to stay tuned for our review of it!

Caribe Royale Orlando Good Neighbor Disney Hotel Tour and Review

8 June 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When I first moved to Orlando in 1995, the landscape was quite different. In fact, I currently live in a place that was pretty much cow pastures and scrub palms. So I remember well when Caribe Royale appeared on the horizon in 1996 with its pink towers, on the corner of State Road 535 and State Road 536, or World Center Drive. At the time International Drive had just been extended there and not much existed on that road either. My point is, a lot has changed since then, including the Caribe Royale! The Disney Good Neighbor resort is currently in the process of a $125 million phased renovation, to be completed by the end of this year. One tower of resort rooms has been completely refurbished, with the other two towers being done now. We were recently invited out to check out this new renovation and experience the Caribe Royale Orlando ourselves so we can share our review here with you.

Located just minutes from Orlando’s world-renowned attractions and 16 miles from Orlando International Airport, Caribe Royale Orlando is a TripAdvisor award-winning standalone, upscale hotel and convention center. It offers guests exceptional all-suite accommodations, flexible meeting space, a multitude of on-site dining options and amenities, and unrivaled service.

Caribe Royale Orlando features 1,215 one-bedroom suites and 120 renovated two-bedroom villas. If you’re looking for a place to fit your larger family, this is a great option. I know that is a problem I always have, with 3 children, especially now that two are grown adults, we need more space, or two rooms, which can get costly quickly. Having a suite option like this is the perfect answer. If you’re worried that Caribe Royale is showing signs of being built in 1996, let me put your worries at ease. Click to enlarge the photos of the rooms below. The last photo shows the 2-bedroom villa buildings in the background.

Find our full Queen One-Bedroom Suite Tour below:

The property is in the midst of a $125 million phased renovation which includes fully remodeling all of the hotel’s one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom and pre-function space (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. The all-new 50,000 square foot Palms Ballroom is now open and ready for meetings and events. The entire renovation is due for completion by the year’s end.

New Caribe Royale lobby — Here’s what the lobby of the Caribe Royale will look like when renovated.

Caribe Royale has 6 on-site food and beverage outlets, including The Venetian Chop House, recipient of the prestigious AAA 4-Diamond rating and winner of Orlando Magazine’s 2020 Readers Choice awards in four categories. (And they even have a vegan option!) There’s also 3 Large heated outdoor swimming pools with waterfalls and a 75-foot waterslide plus two hot tubs and a separate children’s pool and splash pad in addition to:

3,500 sq. ft. fitness center
The Island Spa
Lighted court for basketball and tennis, yoga and indoor cycling classes, 1.5 mile running trail and catch-and-release fishing
Accessible suites available

But how will I get to Disney?? you may ask…well, there is scheduled transportation to the Walt Disney World TTC and evening shuttle to Disney Springs. It’s also just a short Uber or Lyft ride away if you need to get there at a certain time.

We had a wonderful lunch at Calypso Pool Bar and Grill – shown below are the vegan options, and they have a full menu and full bar as well.

Vegan burger at Calypso Pool Bar Caribe Royale

Overall, I was super impressed by the Caribe Royale Orlando. We had a wonderful stay and the pool area was so relaxing and fun. I cannot wait to see the lobby renovations, but I think it’s pretty cool as it is now, very Florida/Caribbean feeling with lots of little nooks and crannies to explore. Still, they are adding an on-site Starbucks in the location of the current gift shop, and adding a Bacardi Rum Bar to the lobby too! It’s definitely something to keep in mind for your next trip.

Rates vary depending on location and room type. They have many discounted rates, including Florida Resident rates starting at $260/nt, for two-bedroom villas — a sweet savings off regular rates of $349 – plus Military and First Responder and AAA rates, as well as BOGO deals for certain dates.

Exclusively for my blog readers, I’m offering a special for your next visit to Caribe Royale Orlando. Book your suite by June 30 for stays now through September 30, 2021 and receive 10% OFF Caribe Royale’s best available rate on select suites! Advance reservations are required, and you MUST use this link when booking to get the special offer. Reminder, must book by June 15!

Disclosure: Caribe Royale Orlando invited us out to experience their resort and provided meals and accommodations for my family. That said, as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and we are always 100% honest in our reviews.

If you have any questions on the Caribe Royale Orlando or any area resort, let me know in the comments below!

Family-Friendly Music Festival Coming to LEGOLAND Florida Resort

7 June 2021 by Chris Ryan Leave a Comment

A year that’s already been crazy just got even crazier. The all-new, family-friendly LEGO VIDIYO Music Fest is coming to LEGOLAND^® Florida Resort this Labor Day Weekend, September 4 through 6. ‘DJ L.L.A.M.A’ – the musical superstar behind LEGO^® VIDIYO™ – will be making a special appearance at LEGOLAND^®Florida Resort for one weekend only as part of his newly announced world tour.

LEGOLAND writes,

L.L.A.M.A, whose name is an acronym for Love, Laughter And Music Always is the first LEGO^® minifigure to sign a deal with a record label and the first artist to release a song via LEGO^® VIDIYO™, will be touring five LEGOLAND^® Resorts across the world to perform on stage. L.L.A.M.A is a global citizen, originally from the Andean region of South America, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of making music that keeps people happy.

The figure is part of the innovative music video maker experience by LEGO, titled VIDIYO.

VIDIYO is a brand-new way to play that helps children dream big by directing, producing, starring in, and safely sharing their own music videos, featuring tracks from across the globe, led by chart hits by Universal Music Group’s unrivalled artists.

L.L.A.M.A., who is featured in the augmented reality experience, also appears in the new DJ Llama BeatBox kit, available here.

And big DJ L.L.A.M.A. fans will be able to see even more from the artist later this year at the LEGO VIDIYO Music Fest.

This vibrant, interactive music festival will feature “dance-off” parties, interactive games, and pop-up performances. Colorful photo opportunities include larger-than-life scenes, and guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite music artist to win prizes.

L.L.A.M.A will headline the music fest with two performances on each of the three event days on a specially themed stage. During the three-day extravaganza, families will also learn more about the world of LEGO VIDIYO while they get creative and produce their own content.

All of the event activities during the festival are included with LEGOLAND Theme Park general admission and select Annual Passes. Those looking to learn more details or purchase passes to the park can do so on the event’s website.

If you’re interested in the upcoming LEGO VIDIYO Music Fest, be sure to check out our other updates about the park!

History of Pleasure Island from Rosie O’Grady’s to Raglan Road

4 June 2021 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

Welcome friends! We once again have a sparkling new Up the Waterfall podcast to share with you! This time it’s all about the interesting history of Pleasure Island. Believe it or not, our story begins with a little spot down the street from Walt Disney World – Rosie O’Grady’s at Church Street Station. In this latest Up the Waterfall, we take you though the history, the backstory, and the demise, of Pleasure Island.

As always, you can hear the full podcast wherever you download your podcasts. We’ve got a handful of places to download and listen to Up the Waterfall here and at the bottom of this post. You can also watch the video highlights version of Up the Waterfall, which will show you fun historical footage and images of what we’re talking about to go along with the show. Please subscribe to the audio or video version so you know when we next upload. We’d love to hear from you too, share with a friend, leave a comment or review/rating. That helps us know you want more fun shows!

I mention in this episode that I would list all of the “histerical” plaques that once adorned the original buildings at Pleasure Island. Here they are below, thanks to MousePlanet for providing this info.

The Pleasure Island Plaques

PLEASURE ISLAND (entrance plaque on the bridge by the ticket booths)
Founded 1911
An unverifiable, anecdotal, purely subjective, theoretical alleged purported history. Also, ersatz. A living monument to “the wise fool, the mad visionary, the scoundrel, the scalawag, and the seeker of enjoyment.” Merriweather Adam Pleasure, who purchased the island in 1911. Pleasure’s profitable canvas manufacturing/sail fabricating empire, founded on this site, provided him with the capital to indulge his lifelong interest in the exotic, the experimental, and the unexplainable. Known as the Grand Funmeister, Pleasure disappeared during his 1941 circumnavigation of the Antarctic. His sons, Henry and Stewart, took over the island and the Pleasure enterprises. Their mismanagement led to bankruptcy in 1955; Hurricane Connie hit that same year, and Pleasure Island was abandoned. In 1987, Archaeologists uncovered the site and its remains, and a large scale reclamation project was begun. In 1989, the new Pleasure Island was re-opened and dedicated to the legacy of Merriweather Adam Pleasure: “Fun for all, and All for fun!”
Placed here by the Pleasure Island Histerical Society.

THE EMPRESS LILLY
The Floating Arts Palace
1886
Originally christened The Floating Arts Palace, this vessel plied the mighty Mississippi River for 25 years. Boat fancier Merriweather Pleasure purchased it in 1911 to use as a home, guest house, and entertainment center while he began construction on Pleasure Island. In 1918, the former showboat was unmoored and transformed into a summer houseboat for steaming down the tree-lined waterways of Central Florida. In 1971 the boat was restored to her original glory and re-commissioned The Empress Lilly in honor of Mrs. Lillian Disney.

LILLY PLAZA
1922
Originally a turnaround for the limousines of guests visiting the Pleasure family houseboat. The plaza was remodeled for the July 4, 1937, debut of the 118-member Pleasure Island Philharmonic Concert Band conducted by Maestro Don G. O’Vanni. The P.I.P.C.B. concerts on this site ended with a piece Mrs. Isabella Pleasure commissioned, the haunting “Fugue for Triangle, Piccolo and Steampowered Riverboat Whistle.”

PORTOBELLO YACHT CLUB
Pleasure Family Home 1918
Island Founder Merriweather Pleasure built this home for his family who lived on their beloved island for 20 years. Here, Mrs. Isabella Pleasure hosted hundreds of tea socials, garden parties and croquet tournaments, featuring fine food and uninhibited conversation. As she often said, “If you don’t have something nice to say, come sit next to me!” Restored in 1989 as a joint effort of the Walt Disney Company and the Levy Restaurants.

PORTOBELLO ROSE GARDEN
Mrs. Isabella Pleasure, wife of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure, spent 20 years and several-hundred-thousand dollars attempting to crossbreed a “true blue” rose. Like others before her, she had to be content with variations on the color lavender. Mrs. Pleasure’s garden, first planted in 1919, was recreated in 1989 from notes in her journals and diaries.

BRIDGE
Originally constructed 1914
This bridge stood until 1943, when young Stewart Pleasure, son of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure, piloted the family showboat directly into the graceful span connecting Pleasure Island with the mainland. Stewart supervised the rebuilding of the bridge in 1944, but destroyed it again on September 2, 1954. The current bridge was built from the 1914 plans by the Walt Disney Company.

MERRIWEATHER’S MARKET
M. A. Pleasure’s Original Sailmaking Factory
1912
Foundation and wellspring of the considerable fortune of Island founder Merriweather Adam Pleasure. Once a month during the full moon, Pleasure could be seen on the roof of this building, chanting to the goddess of the the tides to keep his various enterprises afloat. Pleasure Island’s first sail was completed here December 18, 1912. After the assembly of the last sail on June 4, 1931, perfectionist Merriweather Pleasure insisted that the factory be preserved intact. The building was devastated by Hurricane Connie in 1955. Restored in 1989.

MANNEQUINS
Pleasure Island Canvas Works Fabrication Plant
1912
Second building erected on the island, this actually housed Merriweather Pleasure’s famous canvas fabrication works. In the 1930s, it was converted to a soundstage for Invincible Pictures, then into a design studio and workshop for various Pleasure projects. Most notable of these was a huge locomotive powered by a combination of steam and magnetic power. A colossal turntable was installed to facilitate the work on this revolutionary product, called Maxwell’s Demon, that was intended to revolutionize world transportation. It didn’t. For further unverifiable information on the life and times of Pleasure Island, refer to the theoretical histerical plaques located at the island’s entrances.

THE ISLAND DEPOT
Pleasure Island Administration Building
1913
Originally a wooden shack housing Pleasure Island’s paymaster/accountant/bookkeeper, telegraphy office, mailroom, first aid station, and social center, the first building on this site (constructed in 1913) burned to the ground in 1933 during a party celebrating the repeal of Prohibition. A subsequent building erected on the site was blown apart by a savage 1944 typhoon. Refurbished 1988-1989. The complete and dubious history of Pleasure Island is inscribed at each island entrance.

FIREWORKS FACTORY
Fireworks Laboratory and Storage Bunker
1922
Island founder Merriweather Pleasure had a passion for pyrotechnics. In 1922, he persuaded China’s premier fireworks inventor, The Bang Master, to immigrate to Orlando. The Master’s lab and storage bunker were built on this spot, and for the next four years Orlando’s citizens enjoyed stupendous Independence Day aerial displays. On July 3, 1927, a stray spark from Pleasure’s pipe set off an explosion that was heard in Tampa, 82 miles away. Mrs. Pleasure insisted that the wreckage of the factory be preserved as a reminder of “Pleasure’s Folly.” Renovated as a joint venture by the Walt Disney Company and the Levy World Company.

CHANGING ATTITUDES
Pleasure Perfect Upholstery
1923
Six full-time seamstresses worked here to refurbish the interiors of the custom yachts in the Pleasure Island Dry Dock. In 1934, the shop was responsible for stuffing the head of a rare Mongolian Yakoose for the Adventurers Club. This profitable sideline ended in 1943 when a war time shortage of kapok put taxidermy on the endangered species list. Further information on the incredible doings at Pleasure Island from 1911 to the Present Day is inscribed on the ersatz histerical plaques at all island entrances.

DOODLES
The Machine Shop
1937
Built as a custom tool-and-die shop for fearless flyer and Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s “X-Thing” project. His granddaughter, Katie, converted it into Katie’s Kustom Kars, the first female owned and operated auto customizing shop in the Southeastern United States. Katie, a.k.a. Doodles, closed the shop in 1954 to join the Air Force as a test pilot for the only customized X-1 ever built.

ROCK AND ROLL BEACH CLUB
(XZFR Rockin’ Rollerdome-a roller skating dance club)
Building X
1937
Island founder and UFO enthusiast Merriweather Pleasure built his experimental “X-thing” here. Pleasure himself designed this super amphibious aircraft that could harness the power of the wind. The “X-Thing” flew only once—Sept. 1, 1940—with Pleasure himself at the controls. The test flight is shrouded in mystery, but upon landing Pleasure began broadcasts to outer space. Beamed from the roof of this building, the international Morse Code messages repeated “W-E-L-C-O-M-E.” Further information on the incredible doings at Pleasure Island from 1911 to present day may be found inscribed on the quasi-historical plaques at all Island entrances.

REEL FINDS
(Hammer and Fire – shop that featured titanium jewelry, stoneware, and wall hangings)
Fittings Foundry
1923
The bronze foundry for Pleasure Island Yacht Refurbishing Inc. was built in 1923. Unique custom fittings, individually cast at great expense, were required to achieve the “pleasure principle” of lavish but functional ornamentation of sailing vessels.
Further information on the illustrious and illusionary past of Pleasure Island may be found upon the plaques at each island entrance.

YESTEREARS
Remains of Pleasure Island Ltd. Chandlery and Tool Crib
1924
One of the many support facilities for the cornerstone of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s commercial empire, Pleasure Canvas and Sailmakers, Ltd. A 1944 hurricane sheared off the front of the building, sending a million (more of less) bolts, screws, linchpins, lugnuts, and spanner wrenches into the depths of Lake Buena Vista. The silly saga of Pleasure Island is told in its imprecise entirety at each island entrance.

SUSPENDED ANIMATION
Navigational Pleasure Graphics Ltd.
1924
Island founder and graphics connoisseur Merriweather Adam Pleasure rocked the art world when he lured R. North Camilpoter, America’s premier gold leaf stylist, to Orlando. Camilpoter spent his days peacefully hand-painting the bows of the yachts Pleasure refurbished. When Hurricane Charlotte damaged the building in 1944, only three years after his patron’s demise, the graphic artist was too dispirited to rebuild. History buffs: The incredible and unverifiable story of Pleasure Island is summarized for your entertainment at each island entrance.

AVIGATORS SUPPLY
Pleasure Shipping and Receiving
1924
Island founder Merriweather Pleasure had this building constructed to facilitate his business refurbishing ships and yachts. It later became a clearing house and depot for the booty from his global adventures. In 1939, Pleasure befriended a group of native Floridian stunt pilots, the “Avigators” who operated a short-lived import/export business here from 1949-1951. The entire history of Pleasure Island is misrepresented on the plaques located at each entrance to our island.

SUPERSTAR STUDIOS
Mrs. Pleasure’s Music Parlor
Composed 1929
Built to store island matriarch Isabella Pleasure’s gargantuan collection of 78 rpm Italian opera records. Immediately upon her passing in 1949, her two sons sold her collection (valued at $475,000) to an Orlando junk dealer for $150. Refurbished by the Walt Disney Company and Star Trax Enterprises in 1989. Find the fabulous fable of Pleasure Island and its founding family on the plaques at each entrance to the island.

VIDEOPOLIS EAST/CAGE
Artificial Intelligence Lab
1929
Built for Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s son Henry, the “mad genius of Lake Buena Vista” and Henry’s life work, the Pleasure Cellular Automaton. Henry died thinking his experiments in artificial intelligence had failed. But when the building was reopened in 1987, the automaton was alive and thriving. In fact, it directed the refurbishing of its home and designed the sophisticated computer hardware that shows itself to best advantage. The complete and purely subjective saga of Pleasure Island is synthesized on the ersatz histerical plaques at the Island’s entrance.

LOMBARD PROMENADE
1929
Designed by Island founder and incurable romantic Merriweather Adam Pleasure after a trip he and wife Isabella took to San Francisco. They both fell in love with the city’s back-and-forth boulevard, Lombard Street. Isabella wanted a photograph as a souvenir, but Merriweather insisted on recreating the street itself. It later became a favorite site for the legendary, day-long hide-and-seek tournaments organized by the Pleasure grandchildren.
The fabled follies of Pleasure Island and its founding family are recorded on the histerical plaques at each island entrance.

COMEDY WAREHOUSE
Power Station
1912
This building became a storage facility when Pleasure Island was electrified in 1928. Six years later, the power station became home to the Pleasure Island Thespian Players, founded by and featuring Isabella Pleasure, wife of island founder and drama enthusiast Merriweather Pleasure. The players specialized in elaborate Central Florida Historical Pageants, including the seminal “Song of the Seminole.” After Mrs. Pleasure’s death in 1949, the building was closed and the players disbanded. Since its restoration by the Walt Disney Company, this site is again a warehouse, storing strange notions, again attractions and ideas slightly ahead of their time.

NEON ARMADILLO
The Greenhouse
1927
Constructed to house the vast array of exotic desert plants collected by island founder, a globe-trotter and amateur cactogogist Merriweather Pleasure. Pleasure regarded the Greenhouse as his personal Eden. He nurtured his “prickly pals,” as he called them, with fanatical devotion. After Pleasure’s disappearance in 1941, his Greenhouse was sealed off. When it was reopened in 1989, scientists discovered a huge and happy family or armadillos. The inhabitants were immortalized in neon by the Island renovators.

ADVENTURERS CLUB
Founded 1932
This imposing building was designed to house the huge personal library and archeological trophy collection of island founder and compulsive explorer Merriweather Adam Pleasure. Pleasure won the plans in a game of dominoes and attributed them throughout his life to noted architects Sir Edwin Luytens, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Eliel Saarinen. The building became the headquarters for the Adventurers Club, Pleasure’s zany band of globe-trotting friends. Exotic souvenirs of the members’ outlandish expeditions and riotous adventures were displayed on the walls. After Pleasure vanished at sea in 1941, the Club was sealed until it was opened to the public for the first time in 1989.

WEST END PLAZA
1941
Island founder and stargazer Merriweather Adam Pleasure was convinced during the sole flight of his “X-Thing” aircraft that he could make contact with alien beings. Working feverishly, Pleasure completed the world’s first and only Alien Landing Platform on July 4, 1941. His wife Isabella immediately laid claim to it for her beloved Pleasure Island Philharmonic Concert Band. Much to Merriweather’s disgust (“How can ‘they’ land when that blasted band is playing?’”) this became home base for the P.I.P.C.B.

THE PLEASURE ISLAND AMC 10 THEATERS
Pleasure Canvas Works
Fabrication Plant No. 12
1922
Originally constructed to house Island founder Merriweather Pleasure’s burgeoning canvas fabrication business. Hoping to discover and patent a cheap, clean, abundant, renewable source of power, Pleasure had the building refitted in 1938 as a laboratory for testing “thermomagnetics”—a process designed to harness the earth’s magnetic force. The success of the experiment was proven in 1940 when the facility blew sky high with no visible, provable use of combustibles. Pleasure commanded that the ruined super structure and outbuildings remain as testimony to “the awesome power of the planet”. Rebuilt jointly by American Multi-Cinemas, Inc. and the Walt Disney Company. Opened in 1988.

LOOKOUT POINT, PLEASURE ISLAND
Defense League
1941-44
Son of Island founder Merriweather Pleasure, “Paranoid Henry” Pleasure camped up here every single night from December 8, 1941, to V-J Day. He was convinced that the Axis powers were plotting an assault on America by coming ashore at Pleasure Island, which was then—and remains—80 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. In his nearly four years of vigilance, Henry fired his musket only once. He mistook a family of herons for the leading edge of an invasion force. The herons escaped unharmed.

Here’s the video version of our History of Pleasure Island Up the Waterfall podcast:

We hope you enjoy our History of Pleasure Island episode of Up the Waterfall! Do you have memories from Pleasure Island’s history that you want to share with us? Let us know in the comments below, or join us on our weekly LIVE show each Thursday at 8pm right on our Zannaland YouTube channel. See you there!

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