The Brief History of: Jessica’s Lingerie Shop
In 1989, Walt Disney Co. opened Pleasure Island as a way to keep adults on the Walt Disney World property after dark. Pleasure Island was restricted to guests 21+ (unless accompanied by an adult), and consisted mainly of shops, dance clubs and over-priced bars.
A year later, in 1990, Disney opened Jessica’s (often mistakenly referred to as ‘Jessica’s of Hollywood’) on Pleasure Island. Jessica’s was a small shop originally billed as a lingerie store, although the majority of what was inside was actually Jessica Rabbit-themed souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, beach towels, etc. A giant, neon Jessica – complete with slowly swinging leg – hung outside, immediately becoming a popular photo-op for theme park and animation fans. The sign was designed by comic book artist Mark Marderosian, who also designed much of the merchandise sold in the shop.
Sadly, Jessica’s didn’t last long. The shop closed in February of 1993, after only three years of operation. The neon Jessica was placed high atop the ‘Pleasure Island Tonight!’ sign that hung above Pleasure Island, acting as the area’s visual ‘weenie.’ The sign hung there until June 2006, when it was removed as part of a Disney-mandated ‘clean-up’ of the area. Pleasure Island closed two years later, in September of 2008. In its place came Hyperion Wharf/Disney Springs, a safe, predictable, all-ages shopping and dining area.
R.I.P. semi-dangerous Disney, Jessica’s lingerie shop and the giant, sexy, neon Jessica Rabbit sign. You will be missed.