I’ll admit it right up front: I’m a Mousejunkie – I drink the Kool-aid.

So it is completely without my journalist’s jaundiced eye I that I read over the planned changes to Pleasure Island/Downtown Disney today.

I totally think the crowds will be this sparse.

My initial reaction – I love it, and I can’t wait.

I can’t say I was giddy over Pollo whateveritscalled. But this… This looks big.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, you can wave goodbye to Pleasure Island (such as it is) and say hello to Hyperion Wharf.

FTA:

“The district will come to life with a nostalgic yet modern take on an early 20th century port city and amusement pier. By day, stylish boutiques and innovative restaurants will draw you in and by night, thousands of lights will transform the area into an electric wonderland.”

Dining availability will increase by 25 percent at Downtown Disney.

Hyperion Wharf. Love the traditional moniker. I think I know that guy in the red shirt.

Also, the Lego Imagination Center is embiggening by 3,500 square feet, and we’ll see new exterior models from Disney films.

The AMC Theatres are getting a makeover, taking the movie-going experience “to the next level.” (That’s a dumb cliche. It means nothing.) But what does carry some meaning is that it’ll have new digital technology, a “Concession Stand of the Future” (Space coke and intergalactic popcorn?) and Florida’s first Fork & Screen Theater. (Ya got me there. Umma go look that up.)

OK, I’m back. Fork & Screen is kind of what I thought it would be. Get a meal, watch the show. Possibly recliners or similar comfy seating. Kind of like Chunky’s Cinema Pubs around where I live.

We’ll also be getting new shops and “merchandise vignettes.” Yes, merchandise vignettes. I remember walking around Downtown Disney a couple weeks ago thinking, “What this place needs is more merchandise vignettes.” Well – dream come true.

I think I see a DVC kiosk there. Shhh... Dont give away the Best Kept Secret or anything.

Construction on the district begins immediately and is scheduled to be completed in 2013.

Wait – isn’t the Fantasyland expansion slated for completion in 2013? 2013 is going to be an awesome place to be.

Here’s why I – admittedly a crusty ‘get off my lawn’ kind of guy,  is completely in love with this…

I’m not a dancer, which made most of the clubs on Pleasure Island useless to me. I’m not 22. I’m 43. I also loathe dance music. I’m a dad with an 8-year-old who won’t be up late pumping my fist in the air and shouting “woo!” a lot. I might be in the minority, but a nightclub district was a complete waste of space on me. All these new plans are not.

My home DVC resort is Saratoga Springs. I’ve always loved its easy access to Downtown Disney, and now with all this new stuff happening, it makes my home resort’s location that much more attractive.

Plus I love the images Disney puts out when they announce plans like this.

Put up those construction walls and let’s get this thing going!