I'm with ya both on AKL. I've just stopped trying to convenience people about AKL for two reasons:
Art of Animation may have charm, but that doesn't mean that the hotel's theme is any more integrated than the All Stars or Pop Century. Without delving too deep in to architectural theory, there are two basic approaches to a "themed" structure: the duck building (which takes a form to reflect the function within) and the decorated shed (which convey their purpose through signs and other surface-applied decorations). A quick internet search for "Learning from Las Vegas" can give a deeper understanding of these approaches.Agree on All Star and Pop. They're trash. But I think Art of Animation is excellent, especially at night and especially at that price point.
The resort grounds and activities at Aulani are great, but the hotel towers themselves leave a lot to be desired. Once you look past the surface-applied décor (thatched rooftops, artistic murals, and comically-oversized "wooden" posts), the structure could be practically any hotel tower in the world. This conveniently-cropped photo highlights how insignificant the veneer really is; without the roof add-ons, the tower really doesn't look all that different from the Marriott World Center:
Architecture is a component of theme, but it's not the whole thing. The success of AoA is not how the buildings are designed, it's the way the courtyards are populated and the decor in the guest rooms.Art of Animation may have charm, but that doesn't mean that the hotel's theme is any more integrated than the All Stars or Pop Century. Without delving too deep in to architectural theory, there are two basic approaches to a "themed" structure: the duck building (which takes a form to reflect the function within) and the decorated shed (which convey their purpose through signs and other surface-applied decorations). A quick internet search for "Learning from Las Vegas" can give a deeper understanding of these approaches.
AOA (along with all the other Values) is a classic decorated shed: the hotel blocks are a basic box adorned with murals and fiberglass décor to give each area its distinct character. That the same basic hotel building can be redecorated to represent a desert, jungle, or underwater reinforces that the architecture here really has no bearing on the theme.
Contrast that approach with the design of the Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Yacht & Beach Clubs, or even Riverside and (the existing parts of) Coronado Springs. While all of those contain similar a similar function (rectangular hotel rooms), their arrangement and massing reflects the original architecture they're trying to imitate. Poly's longhouses are very distinct from the cottage-like Yacht Club, and Riverside's Alligator Bayou shacks are completely different from the Casitas at Coronado Springs, despite each set of rooms being essentially the same within.
Instead of identical T-shaped buildings, they have a variety of structures that evoke real iconic architectural styles, are oriented in a way that develops a sense of place, and are scaled appropriately to their (alleged) building materials. The variety and texture of spaces creates an informed environment that is far more realistic and compelling than one formed only by superficial details.
The resort grounds and activities at Aulani are great, but the hotel towers themselves leave a lot to be desired. Once you look past the surface-applied décor (thatched rooftops, artistic murals, and comically-oversized "wooden" posts), the structure could be practically any hotel tower in the world. This conveniently-cropped photo highlights how insignificant the veneer really is; without the roof add-ons, the tower really doesn't look all that different from the Marriott World Center:
Yes, the rooms are very nicely appointed, and the grounds are lovely, and there are fun details tacked on to every space. But none of that can bypass the fact that all this is surrounded by a pair of 150' towers whose form is in no way influenced by their alleged theme. As enjoyable as I found the resort, getting truly lost in the theme required ignoring the metaphorical elephant in the room, when it would have been easier to ignore a literal elephant that can hide behind some greenery or a small wall.
Well that's for darn sure...Ugly boxy buildings with graphics applied...couldnt get any cheaper...Probably even less money to create than the All Star Motels...
Disney measures the success in how many rooms are occupied, of course. And of they can keep filling them on the cheap, they'll probably just repeat the same design over and over. Uni will probably do the same if rooms are all filled in the arguably boring design of the Aventura. Which looks like any other hotel in any other town, but can you blame them? If there's demand and the rooms fill up, why go extravagant? We all wish the "Disney difference" was still something they sought, but WDW has forgotten that and because people keep flocking to the parks, I doubt they'll remember it any time soon.
Due to lack of availability we only spent 3 nights at Aulani out of an 8-night visit to Oahu. We absolutely loved the resort and spent 3 full days there to enjoy it as much as possible. However, we agreed that staying there for a week without leaving the resort and shopping area across the street would get a bit boring. We would absolutely stay there again and use it as a home base, but we didn't feel there was enough to do to fill a week. If you're happy spending every day by the pool or the lagoon you'll be fine. We also missed some variety in the food offerings but that's why many guests venture across the street.
I agree!
On our arrival night (after a 30-hour journey!) that entrance drive had us more excited than any Disney resort had since we first visited DLP in 1995. None of the WDW resorts even come close to that wow factor imo.
If they had something fabulous up their sleeves, I think they would have lead with that when presenting the project to the public... The whole point of concept artwork is to excite the public and market the resort...you certainly would not use the most boring and pedestrian aspect of your hotel to get people excited... So...I think they probably don't have anything up their sleeves... It will be a hotel with Gondola access...Most likely the same boring DVC pool we see everywhere... Simple shallow pool with one slide, and maybe a little cocktail bar by the pool. When you compare that to the Universal hotel pools (especially the new ones) they come up very short....And remember this is a premium product...not a budget hotel...
You certainly could be right, but also keep in mind that it's often in DVC's best interest to be vague about a new project while they are actively selling another. Look at how much of BLT was built before they would even admit what it was.
The building is still in use until OPR reopens fully. Once that is complete they can close and demolish the custom house.
Comments To Wdw affect future developments.
