Disney to close nightclubs at Pleasure Island

[WaltD4Me]

I shed no tears for the demise of Pleasure Island. None of it was our cup of tea to begin with. We went once to the Comedy Club the very first year PI opened, and then once walked in to (and then right back out of) the Adveturers Club. Other than that, we never set foot in the place.
Serious party and dance fans can still go to Universal or downtown Orlando--I get the feeling Disney won't mind that at all.
I look forward to some new restaurants!

I really understand the people who didn't care for PI, it isn't everyone's cup of tea, I get that, but the water parks aren't my cup of tea, I hate water parks, so that is 2 big areas of WDW that I don't utilize when I go, but I would totally understand people being upset if they closed them. I could say..."Serious waterpark fans can go to Wet N' Wild or Aquatica." but I know there are many people who can't or don't want to leave property. I know Disney is primarily for families, but PI was a small part of a HUGE resort, does every inch of space really have to be child friendly? I am honestly disappointed that Disney could not have found a better resolution to PI's problems other than closing it.

 

[ericafny]

I really understand the people who didn't care for PI, it isn't everyone's cup of tea, I get that, but the water parks aren't my cup of tea, I hate water parks, so that is 2 big areas of WDW that I don't utilize when I go, but I would totally understand people being upset if they closed them. I could say..."Serious waterpark fans can go to Wet N' Wild or Aquatica." but I know there are many people who can't or don't want to leave property. I know Disney is primarily for families, but PI was a small part of a HUGE resort, does every inch of space really have to be child friendly? I am honestly disappointed that Disney could not have found a better resolution to PI's problems other than closing it.

Well said Lisa

And for the record...I don't like water parks either.

 

[BensMom]

I shed no tears for the demise of Pleasure Island. None of it was our cup of tea to begin with. We went once to the Comedy Club the very first year PI opened, and then once walked in to (and then right back out of) the Adveturers Club. Other than that, we never set foot in the place.
Serious party and dance fans can still go to Universal or downtown Orlando--I get the feeling Disney won't mind that at all.
I look forward to some new restaurants!

Fine for you, but the dance clubs were not the Adventurer's Club, which has a marvelous cult following, and you are in the minority. Most people who go into AC love it. It's offbeat and unique...there is nothing like it in the entire world.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Well said Lisa

And for the record...I don't like water parks either.

Thanks...waiting in lines is bad enough, but waiting in line on
steps? probably wet...in a bathing suit? no thanks.


And the real kicker about the whole thing to me????
Planet Hollywood remains.

 

[meowmarie]

I shed no tears for the demise of Pleasure Island. None of it was our cup of tea to begin with. We went once to the Comedy Club the very first year PI opened, and then once walked in to (and then right back out of) the Adveturers Club. Other than that, we never set foot in the place.
Serious party and dance fans can still go to Universal or downtown Orlando--I get the feeling Disney won't mind that at all.
I look forward to some new restaurants!

I think this happened a lot with people. It wasn't heavily advertised so it was very easy to walk in, not really "get it" and leave. I wish Disney would promote it more heavily!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I think this happened a lot with people. It wasn't heavily advertised so it was very easy to walk in, not really "get it" and leave. I wish Disney would promote it more heavily!

I don't think Disney wanted to promote AC as a "must do" attraction...people were confused enough if it was an ok place to take kids, imagine what would have happened if it was heavily advertised? I think this partly why Disney prefered the word of mouth "advertising" - I also think if AC was a full house every night it wouldn't have changed this decision. Disney knows how popular AC is, they know it has a very loyal following and they are still closing it.

 

[ericafny]

And the real kicker about the whole thing to me????
Planet Hollywood remains.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Bensmom:
Yes--fine for me. Depending, of course, what they put in it's place.

But you know--when they closed Horizons, World of Motion etc it wasn't fine for me. It was sad for me. But Disney felt the guests wanted thrill rides and that's what they put it. Took away all the things I liked.
Sounds like a similar situation here, only with me on the happy --not sad--side.

 

[BensMom]

Bensmom:
Yes--fine for me. Depending, of course, what they put in it's place.

But you know--when they closed Horizons, World of Motion etc it wasn't fine for me. It was sad for me. But Disney felt the guests wanted thrill rides and that's what they put it. Took away all the things I liked.
Sounds like a similar situation here, only with me on the happy --not sad--side.

I totally understand...still bumming over 20K Leagues! I know Disney changes things because they have to bring the crowds back, and AC is like a comfortable old shoe. We went Saturday night, and I felt very sad, almost melancholy, sitting there. As I looked around the library, I thought, "Hmmm, perhaps I should decorate my house just like this, and then maybe I won't feel so bad when it closes!"

I am still glad they keep old rides such as Carousel of Progress! That's and old dog (no pun intended), but there's something very comforting about it. People try and sell me on Universal with all its thrill rides, but I say, "No thanks."

What makes AdvClub closing a bit different than just a ride is the CMs who work there, who have developed their special characters over the years, and that's who I think of when I feel bad about AC closing.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Bensmom:
Yes--fine for me. Depending, of course, what they put in it's place.

But you know--when they closed Horizons, World of Motion etc it wasn't fine for me. It was sad for me. But Disney felt the guests wanted thrill rides and that's what they put it. Took away all the things I liked.
Sounds like a similar situation here, only with me on the happy --not sad--side.

I totally understand what you are saying, there is always going to be someone upset over something closing, I bet there are even some people out there who would be sad and upset if they closed Stitch's Great Escape, although I think a petition to keep that open would be a short one!

With AC though...chances are DISNEY isn't going to be the one putting in something new, like in the parks, we don't know for sure, but I'd be shocked if the new restaurants and shops put in P.I. are actual Disney creations, which maybe would take out the sting a bit, but no, more than likely they will be just leasing out the spaces and that's very sad too.

I was thinking the other night....how cool would it be if Disney did something like AC, but with a Pirate theme? I know the pirate thing is done to death, but it really lends itself to the concept of AC. Believe me, I would pick AC to stay open over anything that is going to wind up there, but if they have to close AC, at least replace it with something DISNEY creates that is equally unique and innovative.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I just received my first official reply this afternoon. It was to an email I had sent to Guest Communications. I've copied it below:

Dear Miss M,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

We recognize that the closing of the Adventurer's Club will disappoint
Guests who have come to enjoy the unique entertainment that has been
offered over the years. With that in mind, please know a tremendous
amount of thought went into the decision as we bring the new vision for
Downtown Disney to life. As we look to the future, we are excited about
the evolution that will occur over the next two years, introducing a
brand new mix of shopping, dining and other experiences for our Guests'
enjoyment.

Our Guests' feedback, as well as their continued enthusiasm for our
products and services, are very important to us. We genuinely
appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with us.

Sincerely,

Walt Disney World Resort

 

[ericafny]

I just received my first official reply this afternoon. It was to an email I had sent to Guest Communications. I've copied it below:

Dear Miss M,

Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World Resort.

We recognize that the closing of the Adventurer's Club will disappoint
Guests who have come to enjoy the unique entertainment that has been
offered over the years. With that in mind, please know a tremendous
amount of thought went into the decision as we bring the new vision for
Downtown Disney to life. As we look to the future, we are excited about
the evolution that will occur over the next two years, introducing a
brand new mix of shopping, dining and other experiences for our Guests'
enjoyment.

Our Guests' feedback, as well as their continued enthusiasm for our
products and services, are very important to us. We genuinely
appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with us.

Sincerely,

Walt Disney World Resort

What a bunch of BS...

 

[Scurvy]

For those of you on this thread who love the Adventurers Club, please take the time to write a few actual letters to the Disney executives and let them know how you feel about the closure. While the online petitions are great, actual letters are taken much more seriously by companies.

Now that the form emails have started to go out many people are giving up. However, some people have recieved calls from the Executive offices in which they were informed that there has been more outcry over the Club closure than they expected. I believe it is still possible to save the Club in some form. Letters are our best chance at this point.

There are rumors that the closure of the Club itself was not a popular decision even among the execs, and the letters from fans might help to change the decision or at least give the Club another chance somewhere else in the World. Rumors continue to circulate that the Club could come back "bigger and better" but at this point they are only rumors.

The Save the Adventurers Club myspace page has a list of addresses for those who are willing to help. http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=392612672


Also, for those that feel that the closures will help with the drinking at DTD - there are still going to be plenty of bars. Plus, everything I have heard has the "unsavory" crowd roaming all of DTD and hanging out by the theater. I doubt that will change. I've seen behavior at Epcot that was worse than any I've seen at Downtown, so I really doubt that the Clubs are the cause of any problems there may be at DTD.

Finally, there's no need to close the Adventurers Club to make room for any of the shopping or dining that has been announced so far. There's plenty of room at DTD for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The balloon ride won't even be on PI; it's going to be by the grassy area in the West End. Closing the most uniquely "Disney" experience outside of the Disney parks in favor of outsourced shopping and dining just seems to be a sign that Disney really is ready to become just a landlord at yet another outdoor mall.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I'm looking forward to some new restaurants and shops in that area. My Wife and I never wen't to any of the clubs so it is not a loss for us.

 

[BensMom]

I'm looking forward to some new restaurants and shops in that area. My Wife and I never wen't to any of the clubs so it is not a loss for us.

Well, that's just okay for you, but you certainly missed a treat with the Adventurer's Club! It's a huge loss for us who frequent it.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Last time I tried to go to AC, I was told at the ticket booth that I could purchase a single club pass and get in, but at the door, I was told I had to have the multi-pass to get in (which, if I remember, was $21). Since there was no way I was going to pay a $21 cover charge to stop in and see what all the fuss was about, I went and got my money back. Therefore, I have never been to AC. Rather a pity that now I never will, unless they come up with a different venue and/or different pricing system.

 

[BensMom]

Last time I tried to go to AC, I was told at the ticket booth that I could purchase a single club pass and get in, but at the door, I was told I had to have the multi-pass to get in (which, if I remember, was $21). Since there was no way I was going to pay a $21 cover charge to stop in and see what all the fuss was about, I went and got my money back. Therefore, I have never been to AC. Rather a pity that now I never will, unless they come up with a different venue and/or different pricing system.

That's correct. If you read the fineprint while waiting in that horrible line, there is something that says "Multi-club, except for Adventurer's Club."

If you know someone with Disney Dining Experience card, you can get half off, which runs about $12 for multi-club, INCLUSIVE of AC. But get there while it's still there.

 

[JennL]

Very sad to see AC go. It is such a special place. So many memories and laughs and just a fun time where you could be a single person or with friends and you were all part of this bigger idea. And the theaming is so creative, layers and layers of ideas and puns.

I was so looking forward to going there the next time we are at WDW.

Sigh.

 

[meowmarie]

There is a new blogcast in 10 minutes to save the AC If you're interested go to

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/savepi

 

[WaltD4Me]

Last time I tried to go to AC, I was told at the ticket booth that I could purchase a single club pass and get in, but at the door, I was told I had to have the multi-pass to get in (which, if I remember, was $21). Since there was no way I was going to pay a $21 cover charge to stop in and see what all the fuss was about, I went and got my money back. Therefore, I have never been to AC. Rather a pity that now I never will, unless they come up with a different venue and/or different pricing system.

Honestly Mindy, I really think you would have liked it and that it was worth the $21. I know it seems steep, but there is SO much to it. I think of it as a theatre ticket and then $21 isn't bad at all.