Around the Resorts in 30 Days

spacemt354

Chili's
I'll add this over here - so we can expand on it and add in the Resort description!
Albertlogo_zpsdszvzvee.png

Timber Peak Saloon
3_zpsma8xrx7r.png


Prelude
The essence of Disney parks and resorts has always been a sense of exploration and an immersion in your adventures. They also incorporate rich backstories that develop the narrative of your adventure, to provide context and clarity. The one commonality that the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge have is that spirit of adventure. For our new bar surrounding a S.E.A. character, we have chosen Barnabas T. Bullion, owner of the Big Thunder Mining Company. Throughout our narrative, we will explore his character development and interactions with other S.E.A. member Jason Chandler, explorers such as Ezekiel Moreland of the Wilderness Lodge, and most notably the relationship with his daughter Abigail. As you progress through the narrative, and ultimately see the final product, you'll be able to understand Bullion's motivation behind the bar/local meeting place, how it connects with the Big Thunder Mountain attraction, S.E.A., and Bullion's innate, yet sometimes hidden, compassion for his daughter Abigail.

Backstory
20160708_194320_zps5htqvypp.jpg

The Wildest Ride in to The Wilderness
Timber Peak Saloon Origins

20160706_121241_zps5sygwasb.jpg

The year is 1882, in the mountains of the Arizona Territory. Barnabas T. Bullion, a greedy and stubborn businessman, continues to mine in the Big Thunder Mountain Region despite several cave-ins due to what locals call a "supernatural" presence in the mountains. The tiny town of Tumbleweed neighbors the mountain range, where Bullion has taken residence for the past several years, as he feels it is his birth-right and entitlement to find the gold out west. Growing up with an East Coast fortune, Bullion made the journey west to find gold and increase his fortune.

Along for his endeavors has been his daughter, Abigail Bullion. A young, restless, and rebellious woman, Abigail has gone on several adventures in the Big Thunder Mountain landscape, sometimes teaming up with cautionary miner, Jason Chandler. Chandler, while having respect for Barnabas (nickname Barney), has always warned the greedy businessman of the supernatural forces that haunt Big Thunder, making it dangerous for the miners, and recommending to Bullion that he move to a different mountain range. Stubborn and persistent, Barney consistently denied Chandler's recommendations, while simultaneously having to deal with his rambunctious daughter, who would, with the help of Chandler, attempt to steal her father's gold, and give it to the poor citizens of Tumbleweed.

After decades of searching for gold, and the appearances of a runaway mine train roaring through the desert landscape, Barney Bullion had developed high stress and needed a change of scenery. While a ruthless businessman, he did have a soft spot for his daughter, Abigail, and always wanted the best for her, especially after her mother passed away. Being the only parental figure in her life, and wanting her away from the harsh environments of Big Thunder, Barney asked his daughter if she would like to take a trip north with him to build a new vacation estate.

Being close to Jason Chandler, Abigail asked Chandler if he could come along on the journey so she didn't have to constantly talk with her father, and Chandler, aspiring to expand and develop his secret society, the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, decided to take the trek north through the untamed wilderness. Chandler also took this journey to avoid having to interfere with the spirits of Big Thunder, something he had always professed while on the mining job.

The trio of explorers set off from the northern Arizona border on horseback with a goal of reaching the Grand Tetons, as a new estate location. However, early on in the trip, Barney's motivation for the trip swayed back to his greedy personality, and rather than looking out for his daughter, spent most of the days making Chandler search for new areas to mine for gold. This frustrated Chandler and alienated Abigail, who wish she never made the journey with her father.

Reaching the basins of present-day Utah, they arrived at a small frontier town of Arches in the snowy winter, where the native town folk greeted the travelers with hospitality. One of the townsmen was Reginald Rosenfield, who greeted the trio and invited them to his local meeting place in the town. Walking inside the expansive space, Chandler was impressed by how it brought everyone together, and recommended to Bullion that he would help him build and construct his estate, as long as there is a local meeting place for S.E.A. Even Bullion was impressed by the design of the town meeting place, and made a deal with Chandler that they would build a local meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventurers in the same vein as the local meeting place in Arches, Utah. They thanked Rosenfield for the hospitality, however when they went to stay the night, Bullion realized that Abigail had run away.

Suddenly overcome with remorse and grief, Bullion set off with Chandler on horseback through the Utah canyons and mountain ranges, searching for Abigail. Bullion remembered that Abigail's favorite spots were high above the ground below, and gazing at the vista below. So Bullion climbed to the tallest mountain in the region in search for his daughter. Eventually, on top of the mountain, Abigail was sitting with an easel and paint, turned it around, and showed her father a portrait of him coming to find her. Bullion realized he had been distance with his daughter, and asked for forgiveness and was remorseful. He promised that while he may go back down to Big Thunder, he will always find the time to spend with Abigail. She forgave him and they continued on their journey north.

United States Map
Bullion's Travel from Tumbleweed, AZ to Yellowstone, WY
20160707_161139_zpsk7fxhs8a.jpg


Reaching into the mountains of Wyoming, the trio came across a towering lodge next to a spring with a geyser, neighboring a large lake. Approaching the large atrium, they were greeted by the founder of the property, an elderly Colonel Ezekiel Moreland. Sitting in a rocking chair by a large fireplace in the main concourse, Colonel Moreland greeted the travelers and introduced them to his daughter Genevieve and her companion, an Austrian artist, Frederich Alonzo Gustaf. They toured Silver Creek Springs and fell in love with the land just as Ezekiel Moreland did in the early 1800s. Growing older and passing of his land to his daughter, Bullion, being the businessman that he is, however with a newfound softer side, asked Ezekiel if he could help maintain and expand his land with new additions and a local gathering place on property. Ezekiel was happy to make the agreement with Bullion and soon work began on an expansion of the property.

After a few years of work, the Cooper Creek Cabins were built for members of S.E.A. as well as the local meeting place for the organization. The local meeting place was given the name Timber Peak. It featured a fine assortment of beverages and food for the S.E.A. members, as well as a second level for a game room, and a private S.E.A. lounge, along with a balcony wrapping around its exterior for the inhabitants to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding area. To elicit the new amicable relationship with Bullion and his daughter, the first decoration he added to his local meeting place, was the painting Abigail drew of him trying to find her in the Utah mountains. This painting meant something special to him, as it was the moment he realized that while you can't take the persistence of adventure and exploration out of him, he should reconcile and nurture the relationship with his only daughter.

Abigail's Painting of Barnabas T. Bullion in Utah
BuionPortrait_zpsvqnj5xyo.png


Furthermore, as part of the construction agreement, Colonel Ezekiel Moreland and his family were all inducted into the S.E.A. community by Jason Chandler, as well as Abigail Bullion, who took up a permanent resident in Silver Creek Springs, having fallen in love with the atmosphere. She was quoted regarding how there is much to explore in the American Northwest without the risk that was bestowed upon everyone at Big Thunder. Furthermore, Jason Chandler sent out letters to other members of S.E.A., in particular Lord Henry Mystic, who in 1880, attempted to build a secret meeting place for members in the rain-forest, however over the years it was taken by natural elements. Now with the new location in Silver Creek Springs, several of the S.E.A. members soon flocked to the wilderness and the community grew and prospered, and the Boulder Ridge Villas and Wilderness Lodge Resort opened in the later 1920s.

Over the years, Barnabas T. Bullion still travels back down to Tumbleweed for business, and Jason Chandler, who decided to also stay in the Cooper Creek Cabins, would write letters to Bullion when he was in Tumbleweed, slightly jabbing at his colleague for his persistence in digging up gold he shouldn't tamper with. Ultimately though, the local meeting place served as a reminder and acknowledgement for Bullion that there is more to life than gold, and somethings in life, you can't put a price-tag on. Timber Peak, the meeting place for S.E.A. and a local gathering location, still stands and is open to guests today at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

Location - Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort

20160708_085047_zpsduvtkyf1.jpg

Timber Peak Saloon will be located in between Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort and the adjacent Boulder Ridge Villas (The Wilderness Lodge DVC Villas). There is a covered walkway right starting at the Buttons and Bells Arcade attached to the main lobby and traveling all the way to the lobby of the Villas.

The bar will be located to the right of that in the open area to the right of the covered walkway. This is an ideal location because it is also close to the bus stop for quick and easy transportation.

In addition, as we will see in the exterior and interior description, Timber Peak's color pallet is a blend of both the Wilderness Lodge green and brown exterior, with a hint of the villas dark red roof colors, making it a transition piece between the resort and the villas. both in location and thematically.

Timber Peak Saloon - Exterior Description
1_zps54zgx4eg.png

The quaint, two-story Timber Peak Saloon is a seamless blend of the architectural designs of both the Wilderness Lodge and Boulder Ridge Villas. It also is reminiscent of a small town saloon, typical in the American Frontier, which ties it back to the local meeting place location that Bullion stumbled upon in his travels through Utah, and is also a subtle call-back to the greater Frontierland/Big Thunder Mountain Railroad archetype of a saloon.
2_zpsuyz63mp8.png


Timber Peak Saloon - Interior Description
Render_zpsphbov5s8.png

5_zpsst31mf6e.png

Using the Bullion family fortune and gold profits that Barnabas had inherited and found, the interior of Timber Peak keeps a rustic vibe, but also adds a sophisticated touch as well. The wood panelings blends in with the cabin atmosphere of the Wilderness Lodge, while the more vibrant olive green furnishings offer a unique atmospheric location within the resort, while still keeping true to the overall Wilderness Lodge theme.

Barnabus T. Bullion outside of the Timber Peak Saloon (circa 1882)
Bullion_zps0gpke1mg.png

Inside Timber Peak Saloon there are two floors.

The first floor includes the bar area, majority of the seating locations, restrooms, as well as a corner for live western music to be played on select nights. As you take the stairs up to the second floor, you can walk out onto a balcony that wraps around the majority of the saloon, providing grand vistas of both the resort and villas. Moreover, on the second floor, there is additional seating for the food/beverage area, and two private rooms that can be used by the guests.

6_zpskfzr3dzg.png


There is a Billiards room on the second floor, continuing the rustic theme in its design, equipped with a billiards table and an assortment of other games.
20160707_202631_zpsaadsnrpu.jpg


There is also an elaborate S.E.A. private meeting room next to the billiards room, which was used by Jason Chandler, Barnabas T. Bullion, and several other S.E.A. members who would visit Timber Peaks for secret meetings in the American Wilderness.

The Society of Explorers and Adventurers Secret Meeting Room
20160708_172729_zpspiwsujd5.jpg


Timber Peak Saloon - Elevation Chart
Elevations_zpsejlofjsi.png

Timber Peak Saloon has an elevation of 37 ft above sea level and rises two stories in the air (at a height of approximately 23 feet tall).

Timber Peak Food Menu
TimberPeakMenu_zpsoxa95gvp.png


Appetizers/Bar Menu
Pork Chili - $5.25 ----- Served in a Frybread bowl - $7.50
Vegetarian Chili - $5.25 ----- Served in a Frybread bowl - $7.50
Homemade TNT Salsa with Sweet Potato, Tortilla, and Frybread Chips - $9.50
Thunder Mountain Golden Onion Rings - $9.50

Nachoes - loaded with white queso, shreaded Jalapeño Cheese, tomato, refried beans, and sour cream $9.50
Steam Train Salad served with Bacon, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, chicken, and Jalapeno Ranch dressing --- $9.50
Frybread topping Trio - BBQ Pork, Refriend Beans, and Geyser Guacamole $5.25


Lunch/Dinner
Tumbleweed Trout - served with a sweet corn, peppers, and tomato Salsa. - 19.50
Rainbow Ridge Citrus Fire Grilled Chicken - 1/2 Chicken seasoned in a Savory Marinade of Cumin, Garlic, Cilantro, Lemon and Lime served with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans - 16.50
Big Thunder Burger - TNT Salsa, Lettuce, Pickle, Tomato, Bacon, Onion Rings, Jalapeños, and Pepper Jack Cheese.
Chandler's Switchback Nachoes - loaded with white queso, BBQ shredded pork, shreaded Jalapeño Cheese, tomato, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, geyser guacamole, and queso fresco. $17.50
Sizzling Southwest Fajitia - Choose from Chicken, Steak, BBQ Pork, or Fish, with fresh 5 fresh tortillas, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, geyser guacamole, and shredded cheese to build your own Fajitias. $20.50
The Bullion Family Sizzling Southwest Fajitia Dinner - Choose from unlimited Chicken, Steak, BBQ Pork, or Fish, with fresh fresh tortillas, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, black beans, refried beans, sour cream, geyser guacamole, and shredded cheese, quesco fresco, green and red peppers, and red cabbage to build your own Fajitias. - 32.50 per person
Steam Train Salad - served with Bacon, cheese, tomatoes, peppers, BBQ Pork, cucumbers, Jalapenos, and Jalapeno Ranch dressing --- $14.50


Kid's Menu
Thunder Mesa Golden Nuggets - Corn Dog Nuggets or Chicken Nuggets served with fruit (Grapes, Apples or Strawberries) and a vegetable (carrots, side salad, or mashed potatoes). - $13.50
Railroad Wheel Macaroni and Cheese - Mac and Cheese in the shape of train wheels served with fruit (Grapes, Apples or Strawberries) and a vegetable (carrots or mashed potatoes).- $11.50
Cowboy Cheese Pizza - A Small cheese pizza in the shape of a cowboy hat served with fruit (Grapes, Apples or Strawberries) and a vegetable (carrots, side salad, or mashed potatoes) - $15.50


Desserts
Peanut Butter Frybread with Grape pie topping a la mode - 7.45
Carmel Corn Cheesecake with Strawberry Topping - 8.45
Goldmine Chocolate Cake - Chocolate cake topped with dulce de leche - 8.25
Gluten Free Berry Crumble - 9.45
Goat's Dessert Trio - Go Out with a Bang! Choose any two desserts served with 3 strawberry filled, chocolate covered cannoli "dynamite") 14.45


Kid's Desserts
Cowboy Chocolate Cake - A Small vanilla cake in the shape Mickey Ears with a frosting cowboy hat.
Gold and Dirt - A take on the Classic "Worms and Dirt" with candy chocolate gold nuggets, chocolate pudding, and oreo crumbles.


Timber Peak Saloon - Beverage Menu
20160707_133825_zpsofwdcpgo.jpg

Mixed Drinks/Liquors/Spirits
Thunder Mesa - Whiskey with cherries for garnish, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. $12.99

Old Faithful - a classic old fashioned. Bourbon Whiskey with two dashes of bitters, simple syrup, and an orange slice. $13.99

Nature's Wonderland - bombay sapphire gin, cherry brandy, lemon juice, and choice of soda mix. $11.99

Moreland - Galliano Liqueur, Cointreau Liqueur, orange juice, and a dash of creme. $11.99

Rainbow Ridge - bourbon, mint sprigs, rainbow syrup. $10.99

Teepee Cocktail - Dewar's White Label Blended Scotch Whisky, cooled darjeeling tea, orange juice, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, sugar, and soda water. $12.99

Steamroller - 23 year old DeKuyper Strawbwerry Schnapps, apple juice. $14.99

"Fire in the hole" - Tequila Cazafores Blanco, grapefruit soda, lime juice, club soda. $12.99

Bullion's Last Resort - Dry Sherry Wine, martini rosso, orange bitters. $12.99

Redstone - bombay sapphire gin, cherry brandy, lime juice, sloe gin, grenadine, creme de cassis liqueur. $13.99

Grand Valley - Sour apple liqueur, pure vodka, apple juice, fresh lime juice. $12.99

The Conestoga Wagon - martini bianco, chambord liqueur, pineapple juice. $11.99

Albert's Delight - sloe gin, apricot brandy, bacardi dark rum, lemon juice, grenedine. $12.99

Backstory - When Lord Henry Mystic first arrived at Timber Peak after an invitation from Jason Chandler, his monkey, Albert, ended up drinking a concoction that was on the bar table. Soon, Albert was the happiest monkey around.

The Explorer - southern comfort liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice. $11.99

Cowboy Up! - Mckenna Bourbon, sugar syrup, orange peel, and angostura bitters. $11.99

Beer on Tap
Coors, Coors Light, Bud Light, Miller, Sam Adams Seasonal, Narragansett

Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Genevieve's Pink Lemonade

Soda Geyser
- Choice of Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Iced Tea, Soda Water.

Custom Bar Glasses
Glassesforbar_zpsrqwxg7jt.png


Additional Timber Peak Saloon Facts

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Hidden Easter Eggs:
The original concept for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was inspired by the Disney film The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band, starring John Davidson. On select nights, a live music band of the same name will play, with the name being a tribute to the inspiration for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

The horseshoe in the bar is right-side up. On the ride, before you enter the bat room mine section at the beginning of the attraction, there is an upside-down horseshoe, which superstitious people think is bad luck. When Barnabas T. Bullion built his new saloon, he made sure any horseshoes inside were right-side up.

Timber Peak's founding date was September 23rd, same as the opening day of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom.

The famous saying "Hang on to your hats and glasses" can be seen as you walk towards the rest rooms on the first floor.

Holiday Overlays
20160708_193124_zpss9yal8s5.jpg

Disney's Wilderness Lodge is one of the most decorated resorts during the holiday season, and Timber Peak Saloon will follow suit with the greater resort area. During the Christmas Season, the Saloon will feature various decorations including wreathes, garland, and lights, to add to the holiday cheer. There will be special holiday menu items that are only available from November till the beginning of January.

Some prominent menu items are Peppermint Vodka drinks, Egg Nog (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as a variety of mixed beverages with a dash of seasonal delight, such as festive bar glasses and elaborate decoration displays.

Timber Peak Saloon Information and Statistics

Hours: 11:30 AM - 1:30 AM
Capacity: 86
Bartenders: 6
Servers: 9
Cooks/Chef: 5
Attendance per night: Slow Season 250/High Season 500
Dining Plan?: Yes, Quick Service Credit
No Reservations and No MyMagic+ Pre-Ordering
Custom Cakes for Celebrations? Yes, Call 407-WDW-DINE
Phone: 407-234-9396
Address: 902 Timberline Dr, Orlando, FL 32830

Conclusion
The Timber Peak Saloon hopes to offer an adult location in the vein of Trader Sam's at one of the more romantic and secluded resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort. The saloon also ties together and expands several of the intertwined Disney story-lines in their parks and resorts, tying the S.E.A. mythology with the explorers who founded the Wilderness Lodge, as well as giving a greater character development to Barnabas T. Bullion.
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Timber Peak Lodge
(@MonorailRed - when you get a chance can you do some drawings for this, please!):) For now though I'll put some of the inspiration pictures up from some areas that I'd think the Lodge would look like.
historic-main-inn-s-courtyard.jpg


- Resort Overview
- Backstory
- Resort Map
- Exterior Design and Location
- Lobby Description
- Resort Room Description
- Services and Amenities
- Restaurants and Lounges
- Recreation and Activities
- Transportation

Following posts will detail the categories above over time.
 

MonorailRed

Applebees
Original Poster
United Kingdom

Welcome to the United Kingdom Pavilion! Where Adventure is hidden behind every corner!

Unlike it's "real" timeline Epcot/World Showcase counterpart, this Pavilion has four different sections based on the United Kingdom: The Welsh Castle, Cliffs of Dover, the English City, and The Countryside of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

uk.gif


I'll be doing a writeup on each section today, so stay tuned!

The Welsh Castle
caernarfon_castle_wales.jpg


As you enter the pavilion on the left, you see a towering castle connected by an old bridge that resembles Caernarfon Castle in Wales. As you pass the bridge, you see many small fishing boats below to convince you that you, the guest have just entered a small Welsh fishing town.

Entering the Castle, gives a different perspective, where you see medieval vendors and street performers line the grassy areas of the interior.

6a62a492848d70a2b9d4939eb866fd1d.jpg



If you choose to explore the walls of the castle, however, you may find a more medieval experience.


holygrail.jpg


These walls contain the history of English folklore of Medieval Times, with King Arthur, Robin Hood, the Holy Grail, and the mysterious Welsh Dragon.

dragon.gif




This is a first of it's kind interactive walkthrough experience, but it takes artistic and storytelling elements of Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough at Disneyland Resort in California.

Walking past the Welsh grounds, guests can choose to roam the pathways that are surrounded by the Cliffs of Dover.

These paths include the English gardens and
 
Last edited:

spacemt354

Chili's
United Kingdom

Welcome to the United Kingdom Pavilion! Where Adventure is hidden behind every corner!

Unlike it's "real" timeline Epcot/World Showcase counterpart, this Pavilion has four different sections based on the United Kingdom: The Welsh Castle, Cliffs of Dover, the English City, and The Countryside of Scotland and Northern Ireland.

uk.gif


I'll be doing a writeup on each section today, so stay tuned!

The Welsh Castle
caernarfon_castle_wales.jpg


As you enter the pavilion on the left, you see a towering castle connected by an old bridge that resembles Caernarfon Castle in Wales. As you pass the bridge, you see many small fishing boats below to convince you that you, the guest have just entered a small Welsh fishing town.

Entering the Castle, gives a different perspective, where you see medieval vendors and street performers line the grassy areas of the interior.

6a62a492848d70a2b9d4939eb866fd1d.jpg



If you choose to explore the walls of the castle, however, you may find a more medieval experience.


holygrail.jpg


These walls contain the history of English folklore of Medieval Times, with King Arthur, Robin Hood, the Holy Grail, and the mysterious Welsh Dragon.

dragon.gif


This is a first of it's kind interactive walkthrough experience, but it takes artistic and storytelling elements of Sleeping Beauty Walkthrough at Disneyland Resort in California.


Walking past the Welsh grounds, guests can choose to roam the pathways that are surrounded by the Cliffs of Dover.

These paths include the English gardens and
Oh you added some stuff - nice!

Tonight I'll post some artwork for the Lodge. :)
 

spacemt354

Chili's
1896903_10152287942465742_207759902_n-560x420.png

On a quest to find a personal imagineering challenge for myself -- over the next 30 days I will post one idea/project per day, so that by March 26th -- I'll have a library of 30 pitches for projects.

It's an experiment -- so we will see what happens, and anyone can join in too if they'd like to. I also think this was one of the better competition ideas on the forum from way back when -- which was recently modified into a storage thread for brainstorming -- so here is the new incarnation of the thread, and the newcomers can feel free to browse back through a pretty great old comp in the meantime!

First project will be up tomorrow!​
 

spacemt354

Chili's
--Day 1--
February 26th 2017

--Location--
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

--Title--
Stormalong Bay Refurbishment

--Resort Music--


--Introduction--
Taking the spin on the title of the thread Around the "Resorts" - most of the projects I have will be more realistic and moderately priced, and therefore moderately detailed as well. I can just see myself going all out for the first few projects, then slip up halfway through, run out of time and let the detail slip. I'd rather start slow and simple. If there's a project down the line I want to truly expand upon then that can be a surprise, but best not to start with that as the norm.

Needless to say, sticking with the resort, realism, and simplistic style of these projects -- Day 1 will be at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. One of my favorite areas in all of Walt Disney World, the Epcot Resort Area is so charming and quaint compared to the grandiose Magic Kingdom Resort area, or any of the other Resort areas. That's not to say I don't enjoy any of the others (in fact 2/3 favorite Resorts are in the MK Resort Area), but there is an unmistakable uniqueness to the Epcot Resort Area. Two theme parks within walking distance of each other. Restaurants, dining, amenities all around Crescent Lake -- as well as 3 deluxe resorts a stones throw away from one another. Nowhere on Disney property compares to that.

With all that said, one of the main draws to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is the shared "mini-water park" pool called Stormalong Bay. Marketed as such, it is one of if not the most expansive Deluxe pool on property, with a sand-bottom, large slide, and even a lazy river.
353fc238b03fe7da7f60f68982632476.jpg

Situated in the middle of both resorts, the massive wrecked ship which holds both the main slide, and the kiddie slide into the deck of the ship, can be seen throughout the Epcot Resort Area. From across the way of the Boardwalk, to approaching from the International Gateway, the pool and its surrounding areas is quintessential to the design of both resorts which opened in 1991, and are in the middle of renovations themselves, with the Beach Club finished and the renovations moving over to the Yacht Club.

With those renovations, the final phase of them should include a refurbishment of the Stormalong Bay pool. For all the amenities and offers of the pool itself, there are several maintenance areas that could be tweaked. And that's what we will cover in this project.

For starters - the Flying Jib Slide.
243.jpg


The main slide of Stormalong Bay is great -- but after a few rides, especially if you ride on your back, you'll notice some red jaded marks from the slide itself. The long tube that you travel down over the walkway has seen its better days. I can remember back in 2009 this never happening, but just recently last year was probably the worst it has ever been.

A complete remodeling of the slide would do wonders, and you can even throw in a new design to the slide as well.
maxresdefault.jpg

Personally I like the design -- though removing the jaded marks and having one long continuous tube would eliminate the segments that are current there that make it hard to ride (you can see the segments on the left of the image above)
Cq55y-iW8AALUqw.jpg

The other thing I would adjust is this waterfall. It smacks you right in the face as you are going down the slide. I don't know if that is intentional...but I don't see the point...as you have to keep your eyes closed in this part and throughout the rest of the ride or else get water in your eyes. A better solution would just have it either go over the slide completely, or have it trickle into the slide, so you slide under, or past, the waterfall - rather than directly into it.

The Sand-Bottom Pool (More Shade Pls)
SAB+kid+activities.jpg

Being, you could say -- fair skinned :p -- I tend to get burnt very easily in Florida, especially at the pool where the water reflection and more exposure heightens the chance, so with that -- it's very tough to stay out for a long time in the sun, as there aren't a lot of good shady spots in the pool to relax and unwind. Being a sand-bottom pool that's only 3-5ft deep, some shade to relax would be nice.

Right here would be a really nice shady location. It's out of the way of most of the pool, on the Yacht Club side, and near the hot tub. Some trees and greenery in this area would block the sun for most of the day. With the sand-bottom pool at your feet, and the shade blocking the sun's rays, a relaxing hideaway awaits!
1ac8456ba8f221a9aa4e54d773cb292e.jpg


The Lazy River and Sand Kiddie Pool
sbriver.jpg

Another unique feature of the pool being the Lazy River, situated right next to Hurricane Hanna's which we will get to next, is a great component of the pool. It's also around 7-8 feet deep in some locations -- which makes it a great place to swim laps. However it's really tough to do that when there are so many people just floating around in rafts. I would install a scheduled time (similar to Adult Swim) that is specifically for swimming laps. It doesn't have to be often throughout the day, but gives people an opportunity to do it without crashing into tubes. In addition -- I don't recall off the top of my head if the kiddie pool (seen above in the back of the image) has Sand Castle creation contests. If they do then great, if not I'd have those throughout the day. Especially being encased in sand, it could be a great kid friendly activity, and there could even be sample sand castles set up around the pool.

Hurricane Hanna's Seating
HurricaneHannaMenu.jpg

DSCF1138.jpg

This last one isn't anything more than wishful thinking haha but I'll toss it in anyway. Hurricane Hanna's in on the first floor of the gazebo seen above which has seating available for pool guests. Especially around lunch time if the guests sitting up there want to get something to eat, instead of having people carry the food up the stairs and dropping it (I've seen this happen many times), a conveyor belt system where you just send the food up to the second floor :D You place your order and then the food is sent up to your seat above -- a bell rings and you go pick it up, no spill!

Ok that one was for fun -- but still it could be helpful:p


And that's it for Day 1 -- simple refurbishment, but could be feasible especially with the resort undergoing a renovation anyway. Hope you enjoyed! Check back tomorrow for Day 2!

Actually if anyone wants to give a review of it, feel free to. @kmbmw777 @Pionmycake @MonorailRed @englanddg anyone if they want to -- and you can toss in any of your ideas as well.

 
Last edited:

Suchomimus

Well-Known Member
Okay, since Spacemt asked for my thoughts on his Stormalong Bay Refurbishment, so here are my two cents.
--Day 1--
February 26th 2017

--Location--
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

--Title--
Stormalong Bay Refurbishment

--Resort Music--


--Introduction--
Taking the spin on the title of the thread Around the "Resorts" - most of the projects I have will be more realistic and moderately priced, and therefore moderately detailed as well. I can just see myself going all out for the first few projects, then slip up halfway through, run out of time and let the detail slip. I'd rather start slow and simple. If there's a project down the line I want to truly expand upon then that can be a surprise, but best not to start with that as the norm.

Needless to say, sticking with the resort, realism, and simplistic style of these projects -- Day 1 will be at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. One of my favorite areas in all of Walt Disney World, the Epcot Resort Area is so charming and quaint compared to the grandiose Magic Kingdom Resort area, or any of the other Resort areas. That's not to say I don't enjoy any of the others (in fact 2/3 favorite Resorts are in the MK Resort Area), but there is an unmistakable uniqueness to the Epcot Resort Area. Two theme parks within walking distance of each other. Restaurants, dining, amenities all around Crescent Lake -- as well as 3 deluxe resorts a stones throw away from one another. Nowhere on Disney property compares to that.

With all that said, one of the main draws to the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is the shared "mini-water park" pool called Stormalong Bay. Marketed as such, it is one of if not the most expansive Deluxe pool on property, with a sand-bottom, large slide, and even a lazy river.
353fc238b03fe7da7f60f68982632476.jpg

Situated in the middle of both resorts, the massive wrecked ship which holds both the main slide, and the kiddie slide into the deck of the ship, can be seen throughout the Epcot Resort Area. From across the way of the Boardwalk, to approaching from the International Gateway, the pool and its surrounding areas is quintessential to the design of both resorts which opened in 1991, and are in the middle of renovations themselves, with the Beach Club finished and the renovations moving over to the Yacht Club.

With those renovations, the final phase of them should include a refurbishment of the Stormalong Bay pool. For all the amenities and offers of the pool itself, there are several maintenance areas that could be tweaked. And that's what we will cover in this project.

For starters - the Flying Jib Slide.
243.jpg


The main slide of Stormalong Bay is great -- but after a few rides, especially if you ride on your back, you'll notice some red jaded marks from the slide itself. The long tube that you travel down over the walkway has seen its better days. I can remember back in 2009 this never happening, but just recently last year was probably the worst it has ever been.

A complete remodeling of the slide would do wonders, and you can even throw in a new design to the slide as well.
maxresdefault.jpg

Personally I like the design -- though removing the jaded marks and having one long continuous tube would eliminate the segments that are current there that make it hard to ride (you can see the segments on the left of the image above)
Cq55y-iW8AALUqw.jpg

The other thing I would adjust is this waterfall. It smacks you right in the face as you are going down the slide. I don't know if that is intentional...but I don't see the point...as you have to keep your eyes closed in this part and throughout the rest of the ride or else get water in your eyes. A better solution would just have it either go over the slide completely, or have it trickle into the slide, so you slide under, or past, the waterfall - rather than directly into it.

The Sand-Bottom Pool (More Shade Pls)
SAB+kid+activities.jpg

Being, you could say -- fair skinned :p -- I tend to get burnt very easily in Florida, especially at the pool where the water reflection and more exposure heightens the chance, so with that -- it's very tough to stay out for a long time in the sun, as there aren't a lot of good shady spots in the pool to relax and unwind. Being a sand-bottom pool that's only 3-5ft deep, some shade to relax would be nice.

Right here would be a really nice shady location. It's out of the way of most of the pool, on the Yacht Club side, and near the hot tub. Some trees and greenery in this area would block the sun for most of the day. With the sand-bottom pool at your feet, and the shade blocking the sun's rays, a relaxing hideaway awaits!
1ac8456ba8f221a9aa4e54d773cb292e.jpg


The Lazy River and Sand Kiddie Pool
sbriver.jpg

Another unique feature of the pool being the Lazy River, situated right next to Hurricane Hanna's which we will get to next, is a great component of the pool. It's also around 7-8 feet deep in some locations -- which makes it a great place to swim laps. However it's really tough to do that when there are so many people just floating around in rafts. I would install a scheduled time (similar to Adult Swim) that is specifically for swimming laps. It doesn't have to be often throughout the day, but gives people an opportunity to do it without crashing into tubes. In addition -- I don't recall off the top of my head if the kiddie pool (seen above in the back of the image) has Sand Castle creation contests. If they do then great, if not I'd have those throughout the day. Especially being encased in sand, it could be a great kid friendly activity, and there could even be sample sand castles set up around the pool.

Hurricane Hanna's Seating
HurricaneHannaMenu.jpg

DSCF1138.jpg

This last one isn't anything more than wishful thinking haha but I'll toss it in anyway. Hurricane Hanna's in on the first floor of the gazebo seen above which has seating available for pool guests. Especially around lunch time if the guests sitting up there want to get something to eat, instead of having people carry the food up the stairs and dropping it (I've seen this happen many times), a conveyor belt system where you just send the food up to the second floor :D You place your order and then the food is sent up to your seat above -- a bell rings and you go pick it up, no spill!

Ok that one was for fun -- but still it could be helpful:p


And that's it for Day 1 -- simple refurbishment, but could be feasible especially with the resort undergoing a renovation anyway. Hope you enjoyed! Check back tomorrow for Day 2!

Actually if anyone wants to give a review of it, feel free to. @kmbmw777 @Pionmycake @MonorailRed @englanddg anyone if they want to -- and you can toss in any of your ideas as well.


If I was to give this a grade, it would be an A for the following reasons. I really love how you addressed and solved the problems of Stormalong Bay, my personal would be what you did with the Flying Jib, and how you gave it life back into it. However, I have to ask about using sand at the bottom of the pool(s), wouldn't that create problems with the pool filters? What about changing the pool bottom into a different color to block out the sun?
 

Magic Feather

Well-Known Member
and @S.P.E.W @tcool123 @Voxel @David2319 @..everyone Whenever I tag too many people, they don't get an alert so that's why I only do around 4 at a time.:bookworm:

Thanks!
This is great. Only thoughts are gpregarding the jib slide. Maybe make the bottom clear acryllic, when it goes over the path? Also possibly adding shipwreck things in the rest if the slide. Also, maybe an infinity hit tub over crescent kake on the ship?
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Okay, since Spacemt asked for my thoughts on his Stormalong Bay Refurbishment, so here are my two cents.

If I was to give this a grade, it would be an A for the following reasons. I really love how you addressed and solved the problems of Stormalong Bay, my personal would be what you did with the Flying Jib, and how you gave it life back into it. However, I have to ask about using sand at the bottom of the pool(s), wouldn't that create problems with the pool filters? What about changing the pool bottom into a different color to block out the sun?
This is great. Only thoughts are gpregarding the jib slide. Maybe make the bottom clear acryllic, when it goes over the path? Also possibly adding shipwreck things in the rest if the slide. Also, maybe an infinity hit tub over crescent kake on the ship?
Thank you both! Great suggestions.

I really like the adjustments to the ship itself, not only with more ship wreck details, but the infinity pool off the back. That would make it more enticing than just a small kiddie area.
 

Daveeeeed

Well-Known Member
Timber Peak Lodge
(@MonorailRed - when you get a chance can you do some drawings for this, please!):) For now though I'll put some of the inspiration pictures up from some areas that I'd think the Lodge would look like.
historic-main-inn-s-courtyard.jpg


- Resort Overview
- Backstory
- Resort Map
- Exterior Design and Location
- Lobby Description
- Resort Room Description
- Services and Amenities
- Restaurants and Lounges
- Recreation and Activities
- Transportation

Following posts will detail the categories above over time.
That's Asheville right?
 

Daveeeeed

Well-Known Member
How was it?
Amazing!
Disney has had some really good deals for some of the resorts so we were able to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge for 2 nights (got upgraded to Savannah view for free) then DCL Fantasy cruise (probably the best week of my
Life even with getting an ear infection -- got antibiotics that night and felt almost like New the next day) and one night at the Yacht Club (got upgraded to concierge for free with an epic view). Literally the luckiest trip ever!
 

spacemt354

Chili's
Amazing!
Disney has had some really good deals for some of the resorts so we were able to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge for 2 nights (got upgraded to Savannah view for free) then DCL Fantasy cruise (probably the best week of my
Life even with getting an ear infection -- got antibiotics that night and felt almost like New the next day) and one night at the Yacht Club (got upgraded to concierge for free with an epic view). Literally the luckiest trip ever!
That sounds awesome! (not the ear infection) but that you had a great trip!

Were you able to do much at the Yacht Club or was it more just a quick stayover and then to the parks?
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom