Save the ADVENTURERS CLUB at Pleasure Island!

[Master_Gracey]

Originally Posted by meowmarie

Subject: EMERGENCY EPISODE OF SAVE AC RADIO--TONIGHT!

If ever there was a time we needed every minute of the radio show filled, it is
tonight. After a long hiatus, we are back tonight after a short but critical fight with
our BlogTalkRadio network, who dropped the show because of an email complaint.

CALL TONIGHT! 11:30 p.m. EST (AC TIME!)
http://blogtalkradio.com/savepi

According to the "Save The Adventurers Club" Facebook Group messages, the Executives are begining to monitor the program. So "every voice is needed to fill every minute. Bring your opinions and lets ask the executives to save the Adventurers Club/Pleasure Island".

Tonight, 11 p.m. EST (that's Florida time, ya'll! Adjust for your own state... 10 p.m. CST (Texas), 9 p.m. Mountain (Utah), 8 p.m. Pacific (California).

Friday night, from 10 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. EST (again, adjust to your own time slots if you're not in Lake Buena Vista, FL.)

CALL IN NUMBER (CALL FROM WHEREEVER YOU HAVE A SIGNAL!!!): (347) 633-9577

P.S: POST THIS ON EVERY DISNEY BOARD YOU CAN THINK OF. EMAIL EVERYONE. DON'T STOP.

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here is the new Facebook Group Message concerning the "Save the Adventurers Club" Radio Show:

"TONIGHT'S SHOW: STEVE JOBS MAY BE IN THE AUDIENCE

Everyone,

Tonight, our final show of the week, may very well include Apple CEO
Steve Jobs as an audience, maybe a caller, according to an email I
received from an executive at Apple.

This executive told Steve about our fight and Steve said he'd consider,
from what I've been told; HOWEVER, I am not going to verbalize this as
much as I am going to ask him for help on tonight's program.

AND I NEED YOUR HELP.

If we have dead air at all tonight, he might think its not a real fight
and might care less...BUT, if we fill those precious 90 minutes with our
stories and our suggestions--and of course--Apple/iPod/iPhone worship,
we might stand a chance haha

http://blogtalkradio.com/savepi
TONIGHT! 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. EST TIME (Florida Time!)
STUDIO LINE--CALL IN: (347) 633-9577

--Brandon (Executive Producer, Host)

P.S: PASS THIS ON!"

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here are two more avenues to attempt in the campaing to "Save The Adventurers Club".

According to the "Save The Adventurers Club" Facebook Group:

After a written letter and e-mail I did have a DVC rep contact me. The CM (and it was a true cast member not an outside firm) did say that they encourage all DVC members to contact member services if they were upset with this issue. So it was a general response but it's keeping them busy so all DVC members heres the info you need:

Member Services: 1-800-800-9800

Disney Vacation Club
Attn: Jim Lewis (president of dvc)
200 Celebration Place
Celebration, FL 34747

While many may think, why should DVC have anything to do with the closing of Pleasure Island, a follow up reply stated:

DVC makes a huge effort to sell additional ownership interests to existing DVC members. Each year, DVC sends a number of expensive mailings to existing members, solely for the purpose of selling additional ownership interests.

DVC does not want their reputation tarnished with existing members or serious prospects. For many Saratoga Springs Owners, DVC used the proximity of Pleasure Island in their sales presentations to get prospective owners to purchase into Saratoga Springs. If DVC sold Pleasure Island as a "benefit," its fair to ask DVC to do something about keeping the AC around.

By going after DVC, you're going after the goose that lays the golden eggs.

So all DVC and Prospective DVC Members, here is another step to take in this fight.

Also, it seems that people have been recieveing non-form responses by mailing and e-mailing:


Walt Disney World Guest Relations
P.O. Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040


wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com


Though it is still a hard fight, please let us keep fighting until we have The Walt Disney Co. keep the Adventurers Club Doors open for future generations of Walt Disney World Guests.

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here is an E-bay auction for Save The Adventurers Club Business Cards that caused quite a controversy at The Adventurers Club last Friday!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pleasure-...QQcmdZViewItem

The listing includes the story of that night, and from the story, it seems that executives are taking notice of the campaign, and are not liking what they see! Also, from the chatter around the Adventurers Club, a rumor has surfaced that not a single contract has been signed for the "Bold New Vision" of Pleasure Island Project! If this is true, this decision can still be reversed! Please keep sending letters and emails everyone, for we can save the Adventurers Club (and maybe all of Pleasure Island) yet!

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

So a quick quiz, which of the below looks like the better use of the island situated between The Marketplace and The West Side?

A.

or

B.

There is still time for this travesty of “Destruction of Disney Theming” for quick profit to be rectified, please continue to send your letters to Disney Executives, letting them know what the Disney Guests actually want.

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here is a list of usefull tactics, generated by the "SavePI" radio broadcast, that can be used at Downtown Disney in hopes of getting some results in this campaign.

Save the Adventurer's Club Strategies

1. Letter Writing

Write a letter to voice your concerns. Emails are great, and should be written, but because of their electronic nature, they can also be easily ignored. A form letter is fine, but writing from the heart is the best way to go. It shows that you are willing to take the time to physically write a letter and apply postage to make sure your concerns are heard. The addresses of the right people can be found here:

http://kungalooshforever.com/addresses.html

Be respectful, but firm. Let them know that you won't be spending your money, or as much money at WDW, especially at DTD as a whole. Be sure to specifically mention the good times and unique experiences you've had. Also, include photos of you enjoying the club(s). Some have even suggested sending in old maps or (paper) tribal masks.

2. Sales Slowdown

There is really no reason to purchase things at DTD necessarily. The vast majority of items at downtown Disney can be purchased at numerous other locations on Disney Property. Avoid spending money down there (Except PI and the AC). If you must purchase something, this is the suggested protocol:

Me: "Mr./Ms. CM, I'd love to purchase this. Could I speak to someone in charge? I'd like a few moments of their time."

CM: "Sure."

Me: "Mr./Ms. Manager, I would love to purchase this. However, given the current situation with PI/CW/AC, I refuse to spend another dollar at DTD until the situation is resolved. Could you assist me in locating this item elsewhere on the resort? I will go and purchase this item from the other location directly. Could you also convey to your management and Kevin Landsberry that you have customers that are directly refusing to spend their money at DTD because of the current PI/CW/AC situation? In return, I would be happy to phone call or e-mail whoever you'd like to let them know of the outstanding service I've received from you today."

Be respectful, but firm. They will be happy to assist you, because guest satisfaction is a huge concern of all DTD managers. This will also have the added benefit of tying up their time as well as hitting DTD where it hurts: The Bottom Line ($)

3. Phone Calls

There are two different types of phone calls that need to be made. The first type can be made by anyone.

3-1. Call Kevin Lansberry at (407) 828 - 4591 and leave him a message. This is his private and secure voicemail number. If you leave a phone number, they will most surely call you back and try to "sell" you off of your concerns using copious amounts of pixie dust and doublespeak. Tell them that this is unacceptable, again being respectful but firm. Mentioning a declining level of satisfaction with your Disney World trips couldn't hurt either.

3-2. When you are at the resort, call guest services from your room telephone and voice your concerns. Ask to recieve a call back from Kevin Lansberry or Meg Crofton personally. They may not actually return your call, but rest assured someone will. This not only shows them our resolve, but it also ties up their time and office staff doing rudamenary tasks that are usually shoved onto Guest Services cast members.

4. Resarchers / Guest Services

While on Disney property actively seek out Disney Research cast members and ask to take their survey. This is especially important when at Downtown Disney. Be sure to always rate your experience as poor, and for the reason, state the closing of the AC/CW/PI. These are the surveys Disney uses when they use the "Our Guests Say they want...." excuses.

In addition, stop at every Guest Services location you pass to lodge a formal complaint there. The cast members who work there are there to rectify problems and keep guests happy. A flood of upset guests regarding an issue will get it noiced. It is important to do this every time you go, many many times per trip. The more of their time we waste, and the more they hear us complain, the more high profile our cause becomes.

5. Anouncements / Busses and Guerilla Marketing

While on our trips to WDW, it is imperative that we spread the word to other guests we encounter on our stay. It is important to note that this does not mean we need to harass other guests and ruin their experience, but during a day in the parks most people strike up casual conversations with other guests during which the subject of the AC closing and what they can do about it can be brought up. You don't need to lecture them, but a quick mention of something they can do about it will help. Grow our numbers.

Disney's bus system is a great resource. Thousands of people traveling, very little going on and for the most part, quiet. One could simply make an anouncement that the AC/PI/CW is closing on Sept. 27th and that a great piece of what makes Disney, Disney will be lost. Make it clear we are not asking for money, simply a moment of their time to tell them what they can do to help our (and now hopefully their) cause.

Wear a pin, shirt, sticker, etc. supporting the AC/CW/PI. Not only will it strike up conversations about our efforts, but you'll clearly be one of the most dapper individuals around.

6. DVC Members and serious prospective Members

The first step is to have all current DVC Members call the DVC Member Services line at 1-800-800-9800 and let them know that you are not happy about this decision as a member, and that it will affect your decision to buy more points and/or reccomend the DVC to friends. They may mention that your real complaint it with Disney, and not the DVC. Do not accept this. Tell them that WDW and the DVC are the same company and that company is not treating is doing its best customers a HUGE disservice by closing down PI/AC/CW. They will list your name and tell you that your concerns have been heard. Also, be sure to contact your Sales Guide and DVC president Jim Lewis.

The CMs manning the DVC kiosks across the resort can't do anything to help our cause. Their job is to get potential customer's information into the DVC computer system & to get potential customers over to Saratoga Springs for a sales presentation. What prospective members can do is to go on a sales presentation, listen to what the guide has to say and then tell them something like this:

"I could be interested in what you have to offer. I want to think about it for a while. However, there is one thing I do want to make clear to DVC: For such an expensive purchase (current entry price is around $16K), I have an expectation that Disney will provide some sort of (evening) adult entertainment area as part of the resort that is not an additional shopping venue. I am watching the problems over at the Downtown Disney area carefully & if I see adult entertainment venues such as the CW & AC being eliminated, it will directly impact my decision to purchase a DVC ownership interest. Could you convey this message back to DVC management by e-mail & copy Kevin Landsberry on the e-mail?"

With the summer vacation season, Disney is now into one of their peak DVC selling periods. There are a limited number of DVC sales presentations each day. If you start cutting into these presentations with people who won't buy due to Mr. Landsberry's new strip mall project, it will get their attention. Remember, DVC is the goose that lays the golden eggs.

Remember, if we do all this our impact will be felt.

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

So, I was perusing a ton of old Disney News Magazines this weekend, and came upon some very interesting articles on the once proud Pleasure Island. Proud, that is, until Disney decided to let its magic fade away. Here are some images and stories Disney would rather sweep under the rug and pretend never happened!

Pleasure Island Ad circa 1989

Disney News- Fall 1989

Newsweek 1989

More to come, as soon as I finish scanning more. Let us continue to let Disney know we are not willing to forget our magical night time refuge that is Pleasure Island and most importantly the Adventurers Club!

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here is another Disney News article about Pleasure Island! This one includes quite possibly my favorite exterior Adventurers Club photo (note Chipmunk in the bottom left corner)!

Disney News- Summer 1991

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

More articles to post! Take a look at the variety of celebrations that were once held at Pleasure Island!

Disney News- Spring 1995


Disney News- Fall 1992


Disney News- Winter 1990


Disney News- Winter 2001


Also, just read and wanted to share an uplifting post on the DIS Discussion Forums from "Bill From PA"

To anyone who thinks this is a futile effort, a few years back Disney planned to abolish Early Entry for resort guests, claiming that they took a survey that indicated that WDW visitors would rather have some lame 'Character Caravans' visit the resort instead. I and many others e-mailed in protest, I received a phone call from Disney Guest Relations as a result and eventually the Caravan idea was dropped and EMH restored. Disney does listen, and they'll pay more attention to a letter than an e-mail. Personally, we were in the market for a DVC property, now, that's off the table because of the AC closing. I'll be including that in my letters.

Bill From PA

Lastly, for this post at least, I have it on good authority that Disney has not been able to keep up with the letters, e-mails, and phone calls due to the shear volume of the guests responses! Keep up the fight everyone, and just maybe we shall continue to march along as Adventurers for many years to come!

Some days you eat the mouse.

Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here are a few more articles to add to the mix. One including a rare site, Cinderella Castle and The Adventurers Club sharing the same page! Another one describing not only the clubs, but the MERCHANDISE LOCATIONS and RESTAURANTS Pleasure Island once held. If anyone knows why they were closed please enlighten, for if Disney wants stores and restaurants on Pleasure Island, just utilize their existing space and leave our clubs (particularly the Adventurers Club) alone!

Walt Disney World Vacations Magazine




Good Hopusekeeping- 20th Anniversary Guide to WDW

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

Here is another Disney News article describing the amazing “New Years Eve Every Night” celebration, and the first Pleasure Island Cast Photo.

Disney News- Summer 1989






Pleasure Island Cast Photo


With the one month mark approaching, it is now the time to fight hardest! Do not give up hope Adventurers; we will save our beloved Club somehow.

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

As I was perusing Youtube today, I came upon an amazing video. It shows what has to be the most magical moment that I have ever seen come out of any Disney park, and of all places it is at the Adventurers Club!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oX7-W0vSPA


We have less than a month, but there is still time to let Disney know that adults deserve Magical Moments while visiting Walt Disney World and the best place for us is at The Adventurers Club!

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!

KUNGALOOSH!

[Master_Gracey]

If there is anyone out there that still doubts the family friendly aspect of the Adventurers Club, to them I say watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY1zY7FQgIE

There is less than a month left Adventurers, and we must continue to flood The Walt Disney Co.'s executives with letters, emails, phone calls, photos, maps, coconuts, masks, duck sauce, hot mustard, egg rolls, and anything else that will get the point across that we want the Adventure to continue well after Sept. 27th 2008!

Some days you eat the mouse.
Some days the mouse eats you.
But never give into the mouse without a fight!
KUNGALOOSH!

[aimster]

That kid had obviously been there many times since he totally knew that song.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

I'm pretty bummed about this myself, as I've been hearing about how awesome it is since my friend Goot went when I was in High School (1992-ish or so), and I've never been there myself.

As far as the internet petitions go...I'm not trying to be snotty, but I think that sending something in writing would be the better way to go. Barbara Mikkelson at snopes.com had a pretty interesting article to this effect, if anyone's interested, here's the link.

snopes.com: Internet Petitions

Again, not trying to poo-poo everyone's efforts, just trying to help!