News Coronado Springs Expansion - Gran Destino Tower

[Kamikaze]

No. Larping is not for Dan.

But the theming is going to be above any other resort, so shouldn't you go for that if its that important to you?

 

[starri42]

Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Port Orleans.... there is absolutely a story being told. If you can’t see that than we are not the ones being naive.

Then what are they? I'm honestly asking.

 

[DznyRktekt]

The point many are trying to make is that the new tower has theming applied to a big box hotel similar to how the wand was added to Spaceship Earth. The ornamentation applied to the surface could easily be stripped, the EIFS painted beige, and vines and rubber leaves could be added to brand it as an Indiana Jones lodging experience. Another example of this is the DVC building at Grand Floridian. Construction and design vocabulary are vastly different there as well when compared to the original building.

 

[FigmentFan82]

They absolutely can and in many cases do. As was pointed out story doesn’t necessarily have to be a linear narrative in this case.

Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, Port Orleans.... there is absolutely a story being told. If you can’t see that than we are not the ones being naive.

(rushes into WDW resort)
"Oh goody! I can't wait to experience my resort story for the next 6 days!"

 

[eddie104]

Can this thread die already posters have literally been arguing about the same thing the last couple of pages. The hotel is built whether you like it or not.

 

[peter11435]

The point many are trying to make is that the new tower has theming applied to a big box hotel similar to how the wand was added to Spaceship Earth. The ornamentation applied to the surface could easily be stripped, the EIFS painted beige, and vines and rubber leaves could be added to brand it as an Indiana Jones lodging experience. Another example of this is the DVC building at Grand Floridian. Construction and design vocabulary are vastly different there as well when compared to the original building.

Exactly. Gran Destino tower is a decorated space not a themed experience. The building itself could be “themed” to any other location or idea simply by swapping out artwork and textiles. This is not the case with Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans, or nearly any other resort.

 

[JenniferS]

Design and theme go hand in hand. If it's a failure of theme, then it's a failure of design.

FWIW.

I agree with you. The days of Wilderness Lodge, or Animal Kingdom Lodge are gone. Stinks, but it is what it is. This hotel is nice. That's good enough.

I don’t care for the Wilderness Lodge or AK Lodge. Not my cup of tea.

We didn’t upgrade our BounceBack preferred Casitas King room for the tower this trip because the price was prohibitive, but you can guarantee that will be my plan before we check out on 9/13.

I wouldn’t take AKL or WL for the same price as GDT. I really would not. We all have different things we like and don’t like. Not everything is an I’m right/you’re wrong debate. (Not referring to you specifically, just using your post as a launch point because you mentioned the two resorts that everyone loves but I do not.)

 

[Kram Sacul]

Exactly. Gran Destino tower is a decorated space not a themed experience. The building itself could be “themed” to any other location or idea simply by swapping out artwork and textiles. This is not the case with Wilderness Lodge, Port Orleans, or nearly any other resort.

It’s like a basic cheap cake with some sprinkles on it.

 

[MissingDisney]

Can this thread die already posters have literally been arguing about the same thing the last couple of pages years. The hotel is built whether you like it or not.

FTFY

 

[lazyboy97o]

I don’t care for the Wilderness Lodge or AK Lodge. Not my cup of tea.

We didn’t upgrade our BounceBack preferred Casitas King room for the tower this trip because the price was prohibitive, but you can guarantee that will be my plan before we check out on 9/13.

I wouldn’t take AKL or WL for the same price as GDT. I really would not. We all have different things we like and don’t like. Not everything is an I’m right/you’re wrong debate. (Not referring to you specifically, just using your post as a launch point because you mentioned the two resorts that everyone loves but I do not.)

Personally liking something does not preclude one from recognizing shortcomings. That’s not a contradiction, but a recognition of differing criteria. One could like Gran Destino and still agree with many of the criticisms.

 

[larryz]

It’s like a basic cheap cake with some sprinkles on it.

But you'll still sing Happy Birthday and eat a slice, especially if they offer discounts for the tower rooms.

 

[Kram Sacul]

But you'll still sing Happy Birthday and eat a slice, especially if they offer discounts for the tower rooms.

Not so much. I rather stay in the buildings away from the office tower or even in another better themed resort.

 

[Horizons '83]

But you'll still sing Happy Birthday and eat a slice, especially if they offer discounts for the tower rooms.

Yep, I’m hoping for 30% off in February using the Visa Cardholder discount

 

[Missing20K]

Personally liking something does not preclude one from recognizing shortcomings. That’s not a contradiction, but a recognition of differing criteria. One could like Gran Destino and still agree with many of the criticisms.

I'm 99% sure if I were to stay there it would be a very fine hotel stay. Comfy, clean, modern, etc.

I'm also 99% sure that a great hotel stay does not equate with a great themed experience.

 

[voodoo321]

A good example of themed decor is the Jungle Skipper Canteen. I had such high hopes of it being a themed experience in the same vein as Be Our Guest. It doesn't feel like the Jungle Cruise. Just a space with props. I think that Tropical Hideaway in DL leans that way too.

The Value resorts were designed from the beginning to be themed decor whether you like that or not. What is so bad about the GD tower is that it is plopped down on a resort that was designed to be a themed experience and pretty much ruins it.

 

[starri42]

Wait, is Coronado Springs a themed experience or is it telling a story?

 

[lazyboy97o]

Wait, is Coronado Springs a themed experience or is it telling a story?

Themed experiences are defined by story.

 

[starri42]

Aren't Vegas casinos telling a story, then? They're themed experiences.

But some of the dismissals of Gran Destino have been that it looks like that.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Aren't Vegas casinos telling a story, then? They're themed experiences.

But some of the dismissals of Gran Destino have been that it looks like that.

Being a themed experience is not itself a measure of quality.

 

[Missing20K]

Wait, is Coronado Springs a themed experience or is it telling a story?

In this instance? Neither.