But at least the AC did actually get built. Thank goodness that this nightclub didn't suffer the same fate as "Madison's Dive." This boisterous seaside saloon was originally supposed to have been one of PI's signature restaurants with its sawdust-covered floor and its brown-paper covered tables. And as WDW guests dined on crab, Captain Spike was to have entertained the crowds by singing sea chanteys & telling tales of his lost love, Madison the mermaid from "Splash."
In an effort to contain costs on Pleasure Island, "Madison's Dive" wound up getting cut from the project's opening assortment of restaurants, shops and attractions. The Imagineers had always hoped that -- once PI proved to be a success -- that they'd then get the chance to revive their plans for this waterfront eatery. Though that was not to be.
That said, one illusion that WDI created for "Madison's Dive" still survives today. Have you ever seen the "Balderdash Cup" show in the Library at the Adventurers Club? Do you recall that moment when -- as Professor Otis Wren is spinning out his the-one-that-got-way fish tale -- where the ship-in-a-bottle that's behind the bar suddenly breaks apart & sinks out of sight? That particular effect was originally supposed to have occurred as Captain Spike was telling one of his tales from the sea.
