Given the flailing about that Disney has done in trying to turn its Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney (Walt Disney World) into a popular (but not teen-hangout-friendly) area, this was perhaps inevitable (and long rumored), but … it’s very sad. All of the Pleasure Island clubs will be closing on 27 September — including the Adventurer’s Club. The formal announcement:
We are taking the Downtown Disney experience to the next level. We are doing this through enhancements to existing Downtown Disney locations. Extraordinary new shopping, dining and other experiences — including a completely re-imagined Pleasure Island, and enhanced theming and story telling brought to life by Disney Imagineers.
[…] We are taking the Downtown Disney experience to the next level for a few reasons. It’s consistent with our commitment to regularly evaluating and refreshing our product to ensure it is relevant to our Guests and providing them with new and exciting experiences they can only have at Walt Disney World Resort. In addition our Guests are telling us they want additional shopping and dining experiences at Downtown Disney and we want to position Downtown Disney for long-term success.
Feh. In other words, more shopping and restaurants. Wow. There’s some big “Imagineering” for you, “exciting experiences you can only have at Walt Disney World Resort” — or your local shopping mall.
When I first visited WDW, I was told in no uncertain terms that the AC was the one must-see place to go. I made a point of going there for Margie and my first “date” at the park, and we’ve made a point to visit each time ever since.
Set up as a rather quirky club house for world adventurers (or people who claimed they were), the AC was an immersive experience, filled with bric-a-brac (some of which is more than it seems) and a cast of wonderful comedians all playing club members ready to ring in the New Year for 1937. Hang out in the central bar for some drinks and bits of character interaction. Step into one of the small side rooms — or the main “library” — for a set of rotating shows over the evening. It was all freaking hilarious, greatly entertaining, and full of tremendous memories.
Alas, now to be torn down. Possibly replaced in a few years at a new venue in the park. But … never quite the same again, if ever around again. There’s a petition to save it, but, y’know, the decision’s been made.
And, frankly, one less thing to get excited about at any future prospect of going to Walt Disney World.
*sigh*
So to the cast (and crew) of the Adventurer’s Club, may your future endeavors be as entertaining as you past ones. Thanks for the memories. Kungaloosh!
Some past articles on the subject:
***Dave :: The Lost Pleasure Island
***Dave :: WDW 06 – Day 4 – Monday
***Dave :: WDW – Day 6 – Wednesday, 15 Dec 04
***Dave :: Night Out
Peter David weighs in. He’s a bigger fan of the place than I am (having proposed to his wife there). http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/006323.html
He also quotes (which I’ll echo here) the Adventurer’s Club Creed:
We climb the highest mountains,
just to get a better view.
We plumb the deepest oceans,
because we’re daring through and through.
We cross the scorching desert,
martinis in our hand.
We ski the polar ice caps,
in tuxedos looking grand.
We are reckless, brave, and loyal,
and valiant to the end.
If you come in here a stranger,
you will exit as a friend.
KUNGALOOSH!
Yeah, I thought of you and Margie when I read about this a couple of weeks back.
PAD recounts the proposal: http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/006332.html