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Reviving this beloved Disney nightclub would be a great way for Disney to win back guests

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Reviving this beloved Disney nightclub would be a great way for Disney to win back guests

As a lifelong Disney enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I recall the magical, one-of-a-kind experience that was The Adventurers Club. Having visited Orlando countless times over the years, I can honestly say there was nowhere else like it on Disney property.

If Disney truly aimed to provide exceptional areas for park visitors, they should revive the beloved and timeless watering hole! (The idea being that the themed lounges are not as popular or well-received as the classic watering hole.)

For a long time, Disney parks kept away from bars and lounges as Walt had a rule about no alcohol in the parks. That’s been lessened over the years, with Epcot being the first to offer alcohol in some of the World Showcase pavilions. It’s increased since with places from the Victoria Falls lounge at Animal Kingdom to the various Disney Springs spots.

Disney has frequently employed similar elements on their cruise vessels, which often mirror Disney parks or movies. It’s been announced that the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World will feature a Pirates of the Caribbean Tavern. The artwork suggests a traditional pirate-themed bar, complete with staff dressed appropriately and possibly a performance as well.

If Disney were to reintroduce a themed bar or lounge that offers an exceptional experience, there’s essentially just one choice to consider.

The Adventurers Club.

Despite being more than fifteen years since its closure, everyone who has entered this club still recalls it warmly, and the essence of its unique ambiance is something worth rekindling again.

The history of Adventuring

1989 marked a significant milestone in Disney history as it saw the debut of the Disney-MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, and Pleasure Island. The latter was Disney’s initiative to create an evening shopping and entertainment district near WDW instead of encouraging adults to venture into downtown Orlando for similar experiences.

Originally, the entire island served as a repository for explorer Merriweather Pleasure’s global treasures, amassed during his travels. However, after Pleasure went missing at sea, his sons mismanaged the enterprise, eventually abandoning the island. Later, it was transformed into what is now known as this region.

The location boasted several entertaining spots, ranging from the Comedy House to nightlife venues, and many others. However, the Adventurers Club stood out as its core, not just geographically but also embodying the distinctive atmosphere that encapsulated the island’s special theme.

The club was conceived by Imagineers Roger Cox, Joe Rhode, and Chris Carradine, drawing inspiration from 1930s films and tales, along with elements of similar interactive clubs like Tamara in Los Angeles. From this fusion, the Imagineers built a theme that kept the ambiance of 1937 perpetually, populated by distinctive characters. Although shows were part of the experience, the main enjoyment for guests lay in interacting with others and engaging in delightful activities. The experiences offered were truly extraordinary.

The club guide

Step into the Club, and you instantly sense a change in ambiance. The atmosphere is unique, a blend of comfort and mystery that suits its theme perfectly. Entering from street level, you’re immediately drawn up the staircase leading to the main salon. A bar sits on one side, with a small stage for announcements nearby. Notable features include a grand statue of a Greek god, seemingly engaged in fishing, and walls adorned with photos, artifacts, and other items hinting at the Club’s rich history.

In this setting, you’d find two compact spaces: one was known as the Mask Room, adorned with tribal masks on the walls that seemed to spring to life during mini-performances, interacting with visitors. The other room was labeled the Treasure Room, filled with various artifacts and a unique display cabinet where a genie’s head would appear for an entertaining show.

The main library is where we find the larger productions, which are captivating due to their compelling characters.

An Adventurers Club roll call

Guests were consistently drawn back by the actors who embodied the club characters. Each figure was an iconic representation of the time period, with every performer proving their comedic talent to deliver convincing performances.

  • Hathaway Browne: An arrogant aviator and the club’s resident ladies’ man, a bit of a blowhard who’d often make innuendo-laden jokes
  • Otis T. Wren: The arrogant Club Treasurer and ichthyologist. A classic case of a guy who thinks he’s smarter and more popular than he is with many jokes cutting his ego down to size and a lot of bluster. 
  • Fletcher Hodges: The Club Curator, he could bounce between a bumbling professor, a humble know-it-all or a straight-laced observer. 
  • Pamelia Perkins: The outlandishly dressed Club President known for her high voice and wild attempts to keep order in the chaos. 
  • Samantha Sterling: Explorer and cabaret singer with a great jungle-themed wardrobe and belting out tunes alongside stories.
  • Emil Bleehall: Contender for the Balderdash Cup, the big show of every night. His character’s outfit could go from a plaid-sports coat wearing bumpkin to a “Junior Adventurer” in a scout uniform. He’s usually portrayed as a nerdy but loveable type who wins the big contest. 
  • Graves: The Club Butler with a dry sense of humor. 
  • The Maid: Her name varies depending on the night, she’s usually a ditzy gal in a classic maid’s uniform inserting herself into things. 
  • Madame Zarkov: On nights when Samantha wasn’t around, this mysterious gypsy character would appear.
  • The Colonel: A puppet stuck on the wall dressed like a classic British colonel. He’ll come alive to lead the crowd in the Club creed and song while also firing off jokes at the customers. 
  • Madame Babylonia: A huge stone head on the wall that will occasionally come to life to talk to guests. 

One intriguing aspect of the production was that the actors frequently switched roles throughout the performances. This meant that the actor portraying Graves on Monday might take on Hathaway’s role by Wednesday, and Samantha could even play the maid later in the week. This unpredictable element only served to heighten the allure of the theater club, which was already extremely popular.

Why the Club was so entertaining

The Adventurers Club was a place so enchanting it’s tough to put into words. As soon as you stepped inside, you could feel the atmosphere capture your senses. The performers maintained their roles flawlessly when conversing with visitors or putting on cabaret performances that frequently included audience participation. The most memorable moments were the radio shows where spectators might stumble lines or create sound effects, and the closing night Hoopla songs where the crowd actively participated. They’d even crack jokes about celebrating “New Year’s Eve every night.” Essentially, each visit was unique and compelling enough to bring people back again and again.

As a devoted fan, I must say, the Adventurers Club was an exceptionally welcoming place, from the melodious tune to their unique club creed, not forgetting the peculiar handwave and the infectious “Kungaloosh” catchphrase. In contrast to the structured feel of most Disney World attractions, the Adventurers Club was a breath of fresh air, radiating an atmosphere of “anything can happen.” They truly went above and beyond to make every visit memorable and special.

The place was adored by both Orlando locals and Disney visitors alike, since it offered endless entertainment that kept everyone engaged throughout the night. Particularly during holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and themed events, it was even more enchanting. In essence, any Disney trip that included the Adventurer’s Club was guaranteed to be filled with fun experiences.

The Club’s end

Regrettably, by the mid-2000s, Pleasure Island faced a range of problems from increased crime to financial struggles on Disney’s part. Consequently, in the autumn of 2008, the entire district was shut down. There was an attempt to save the Club through a massive fan petition, but it proved unsuccessful. It is possible that Disney anticipated the situation, as the economic recession of late 2008 would have undoubtedly affected the area significantly.

On September 27, 2008, the club was overflowing with a unique crowd, as it usually is for the Balderdash Cup. However, this time, instead of Emill winning due to audience applause, they chose to award the cup to Otis, who had been second place for decades.

For some time after its closure, The Club was utilized for private gatherings before being torn down in 2009. Over the years, its former actors have occasionally gathered at different functions for a “Night of Adventure.” However, Disney has not fully revived the club, which is unfortunate as it would be amazing to see it back again.

Why the Adventurers Club needs a comeback

For former Adventurers Club members, there was no place quite like it on Disney grounds. The intricate details, immersive atmosphere, and sheer joy it provided were contagious and something Disney could benefit from rekindling. Whether a new club or a revival of the old one within Disney Springs, it would undoubtedly be a success and attract visitors eagerly.

After the pandemic, it’s crucial that we reintroduce enjoyment and lighthearted entertainment at Disney World. The Club, however, chose to distance itself from traditional Disney themes and occasionally satirized them. Yet, their goal was clear: to provide a memorable experience for everyone. And they certainly achieved that as any Club member can still recite the motto and song by heart.

As a gamer, I’d say it’s the enchanting mix of fun, exploration, and immersion in an engaging storyline that makes Disney stand out. Forget about Star Wars or Pirates, it’s the allure of hanging out at the Club, where time seems to fly by, that really hooks you in. And I can bet Disney would be thrilled if we ended up spending a good chunk of our time there, sipping on delicious drinks!

Additionally, there’s a trend towards nostalgia being quite powerful these days. Reviving a cherished Disney location with a 1930s theme could prove to be successful. Merely announcing the comeback of The Adventurers Club would create immediate excitement among WDW fans, even before its opening.

Maybe it’s just a dream, but a return to the Adventurers Club should be something Disney considers. Their creed finished with the line, “If you entered here a stranger, you will exit here a friend.” Disney could use a lot of the friendship of guests back, so a return to this land of Adventure could be beneficial for both.

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2024-08-23 16:27

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