News New Caribbean Beach Resort table service restaurant announced - Sebastian's Bistro

[SteamboatJoe]

Key West, an Island, is a great mix of upscale and super casual Caribbean vibe...similar to a lot of SoFla’s “Caribbean island” neighbors.

I just felt like your photo examples left a lot out. Sure, islands have a lot of shacks, they also have a lot of colonial buildings.
A shack stand would be great for a pool bar.. but from the photo and description in the OP, it’s a sit down restaurant. I won’t comment on the decor until it’s completed, but I don’t get a “1% vibe” from what’s shown in the drawings. The color palette is spot on for the theme.



Maybe I’m not reading that much into it.. I don’t know. This doesn’t scream “not family friendly” to me.. looks like a Caribbean themed restaurant imo.

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The exterior, no, but the interior looks a little pretentious.

 

[Bocabear]

Did shutters make you feel like you were transported to the Caribbean? Because it always made me feel like I was being transported into a place that couldn’t decide whether it’s theme was that of a tex mex restaurant or Carribean inspired, with a touch of Luby’s cafeteria.

Absolutely not...Shutters lacked any sort of theming as well... It just was.

 

[larryz]

People still use forks?

No, they use dinglehoppers. As in "Waitress, I've dropped my dinglehopper. Can I please have another?"

 

[21stamps]

Yes, as I stated, I chose them in particular to highlight my points. I also stated that islands have both shacks and colonial buildings, sometimes right next to one another. I was attempting to highlight that this could have been an opportunity to recreate that experience.

I respectfully disagree about the color palette.

Again, if they wanted the colonial, New World, Caribbean look, they are sorta close in a very generic, my grandma won't be offended, strip mall, I-4 kinda way. I am of the belief, however, that "theme" is a poor choice, given the vibrancy of all of the culture of the islands, not just the Plantation owners.

My first thought upon seeing the exterior was “Harvest Caye, Belize” perfectly cute Caribbean island. Obviously created to be tourist centric, still has the vibe, but definitely a bubble.

I haven’t been to CBR, so I don’t know what their other buildings look like in person.. but from photos I’ve seen, this appears completely “in theme”. May be different in person though.

 

[21stamps]

No, they use dinglehoppers. As in "Waitress, I've dropped my dinglehopper. Can I please have another?"

I’m sure someone will say exactly this

 

[Bocabear]

My first thought upon seeing the exterior was “Harvest Caye, Belize” perfectly cute Caribbean island. Obviously created to be tourist centric, still has the vibe, but definitely a bubble.

I haven’t been to CBR, so I don’t know what their other buildings look like in person.. but from photos I’ve seen, this appears completely “in theme”. May be different in person though.

Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruiise Lines private island...a purpose built cruise p[ort..so, not an authentic Caribbean locale but a manufactured one for the tour ships...

 

[21stamps]

Harvest Caye is Norwegian Cruiise Lines private island...a purpose built cruise p[ort..so, not an authentic Caribbean locale but a manufactured one for the tour ships...

Yes, it’s a bubble, a partnership between Belize and NCL.. but it tries to be authentic in many ways. It does a good job of both.

That pretty much sums up Disney for me. I’ve never felt completely “transported” anywhere on property. The themes are all good, but they are what they are. A themed dumbed down tourist destination, not an exact replica.

 

[Missing20K]

My first thought upon seeing the exterior was “Harvest Caye, Belize” perfectly cute Caribbean island. Obviously created to be tourist centric, still has the vibe, but definitely a bubble.

I haven’t been to CBR, so I don’t know what their other buildings look like in person.. but from photos I’ve seen, this appears completely “in theme”. May be different in person though.

Yes, it’s a bubble, a partnership between Belize and NCL.. but it tries to be authentic in many ways. It does a good job of both.

That pretty much sums up Disney for me. I’ve never felt completely “transported” anywhere on property. The themes are all good, but they are what they are. A themed dumbed down tourist destination, not an exact replica.

Depends I guess if the "theme" is to be the sanitized Colonial version of the Caribbean you get at most all-inclusives and cruise stops or the "authentic" version of fish shacks, jerk stands, sound stations, etc. A good example on WDW property would be the Africa area of AK. There is a grittiness and authenticity provided by the more "realistic" portrayal.

Exact replicas, no, but there are opportunities to have the guest "expand one's horizons" by being exposed to a more "authentic" experience. This leads to a greater satisfaction with the overall experience, leading to greater engagement with the environment. WS pavilions are at times and in certain spaces, a good example of this, particularly some of the museum quality art and artifacts in the China and Japan pavilions. At least I'd like to think so.

But there are certainly plenty of examples on property that do speak to it being a dumbed down tourist destination.

 

[HauntedPirate]

Disney's use of IP today is usually about as subtle as a jackhammer outside your bedroom window at 2am.

 

[SteamboatJoe]

Depends I guess if the "theme" is to be the sanitized Colonial version of the Caribbean you get at most all-inclusives and cruise stops or the "authentic" version of fish shacks, jerk stands, sound stations, etc. A good example on WDW property would be the Africa area of AK. There is a grittiness and authenticity provided by the more "realistic" portrayal.

Exact replicas, no, but there are opportunities to have the guest "expand one's horizons" by being exposed to a more "authentic" experience. This leads to a greater satisfaction with the overall experience, leading to greater engagement with the environment. WS pavilions are at times and in certain spaces, a good example of this, particularly some of the museum quality art and artifacts in the China and Japan pavilions. At least I'd like to think so.

But there are certainly plenty of examples on property that do speak to it being a dumbed down tourist destination.

To be fair, historically, Disney designs leaned more towards being idealized, romantic recreations of a general theme, not historically accurate recreations of a specific place.

 

[21stamps]

Depends I guess if the "theme" is to be the sanitized Colonial version of the Caribbean you get at most all-inclusives and cruise stops or the "authentic" version of fish shacks, jerk stands, sound stations, etc. A good example on WDW property would be the Africa area of AK. There is a grittiness and authenticity provided by the more "realistic" portrayal.

Exact replicas, no, but there are opportunities to have the guest "expand one's horizons" by being exposed to a more "authentic" experience. This leads to a greater satisfaction with the overall experience, leading to greater engagement with the environment. WS pavilions are at times and in certain spaces, a good example of this, particularly some of the museum quality art and artifacts in the China and Japan pavilions. At least I'd like to think so.

But there are certainly plenty of examples on property that do speak to it being a dumbed down tourist destination.

Imo both colonial and bright colors are authentic. Colonial style is a huge part of Caribbean history, and seen all over...well outside of port shopping and all inclusives.
The combo works great together, and my take on the photos is that the restaurant is meshing the two.

I am in such agreement with you about Africa in AK.. it’s where we spend most of our time while visiting Animal Kingdom. Disney hit it out of the park on that one!
The World Showcase is such a dumbed down tourist version of all the countries though.. Morocco is our favorite pavilion, but I don’t feel like I’m actually in Morocco while there.

That’s really what Disney is, in my opinion anyway.

Are they building a new pool at CBR too? It would be neat if the pool bar was more of a brightly colored stand.. I have no idea what it looks like now or before.

 

[Missing20K]

To be fair, historically, Disney designs leaned more towards being idealized, romantic recreations of a general theme, not historically accurate recreations of a specific place.

Of course. That's why I tried to liberally use quotation marks around words like "authentic" and "realistic". I may have not been very articulate, but I meant that they could have given us a idealized, romantic version of a beach fish shack with rum bar attached.

 

[Missing20K]

Imo both colonial and bright colors are authentic. Colonial style is a huge part of Caribbean history, and seen all over...well outside of port shopping and all inclusives.
The combo works great together, and my take on the photos is that the restaurant is meshing the two.

I am in such agreement with you about Africa in AK.. it’s where we spend most of our time while visiting Animal Kingdom. Disney hit it out of the park on that one!
The World Showcase is such a dumbed down tourist version of all the countries though.. Morocco is our favorite pavilion, but I don’t feel like I’m actually in Morocco while there.

That’s really what Disney is, in my opinion anyway.

Are they building a new pool at CBR too? It would be neat if the pool bar was more of a brightly colored stand.. I have no idea what it looks like now or before.

All pretty fair points. Though I may not agree with all of them. And yes colonial style is all over the islands. My point being that it is well represented by all-inclusives, purpose built cruise stops, and CBR. I was trying to call attention to the fact CBR doesn't seem to have much theming to the other aspects of the Caribbean built environment.

I can see how one might see a mashing of the two in the concept art. I just feel differently about the direction they chose.

I don't get a huge sense of difference in execution between Africa and say, the mercado inside the Mexico pavilion or all the little nooks in Morroco. Both are very well done for my taste.

EDIT: I could be wrong but I think the pool was left untouched.

 

[tirian]

Imo both colonial and bright colors are authentic. Colonial style is a huge part of Caribbean history, and seen all over...well outside of port shopping and all inclusives.
The combo works great together, and my take on the photos is that the restaurant is meshing the two.

I am in such agreement with you about Africa in AK.. it’s where we spend most of our time while visiting Animal Kingdom. Disney hit it out of the park on that one!
The World Showcase is such a dumbed down tourist version of all the countries though.. Morocco is our favorite pavilion, but I don’t feel like I’m actually in Morocco while there.
/QUOTE]
You’re not supposed to be in any of the countries. At the classic World’s Fairs, international pavilions were built to celebrate traditional cultures in hopes of spurring tourism — and World Showcase was built along the same idea.

For decades, Disney felt that guests who wanted to see the real Morocco, France, Africa, or Caribbean should go there. The theme parks were just theme parks.

 

[21stamps]

romantic version of a beach fish shack with rum bar attached.

I’d make a special trip to CBR for that!

All pretty fair points. Though I may not agree with all of them. And yes colonial style is all over the islands. My point being that it is well represented by all-inclusives, purpose built cruise stops, and CBR. I was trying to call attention to the fact CBR doesn't seem to have much theming to the other aspects of the Caribbean built environment.

I can see how one might see a mashing of the two in the concept art. I just feel differently about the direction they chose.

I don't get a huge sense of difference in execution between Africa and say, the mercado inside the Mexico pavilion or all the little nooks in Morroco. Both are very well done for my taste.

Oh I love the WS, I just don’t view them as a replacement or accurate representation. They try, and they do a good job.. I don’t expect them to be more than they are.. because it’s a theme park.

Same with Disney resorts. For me, having lived in Key West FL, OKW is such a small representation of what KW is.. and is my least favorite resort that I’ve stayed at. But even OKW does get the point across.

I think we’re asking a lot to expect Disney to create replicas of entire towns.. at the end of the day, they’re resorts.

 

[HauntedPirate]

For me, having lived in Key West FL, OKW is such a small representation of what KW is.. and is my least favorite resort that I’ve stayed at.

What?!?! Blasphemy!!! Where's that 'Ignore' button...

I think there have been some good summations - WS is a small, romanticized glimpse into each country. Resorts, like CBR, are small, romanticized looks at their respective source locations. If you keep that in mind, it's much easier to enjoy what's there, instead of expecting each to be an exact replica and being disappointed.

 

[Missing20K]

Same with Disney resorts. For me, having lived in Key West FL, OKW is such a small representation of what KW is.. and is my least favorite resort that I’ve stayed at. But even OKW does get the point across.

I think we’re asking a lot to expect Disney to create replicas of entire towns.. at the end of the day, they’re resorts.

I think this aesthetic would have fit very well in OKW, for whatever that's worth. Could have even been plussed to become a signature restaurant perhaps.

Oh I disagree, I want my Westworld Disney-style immediately. Just boot all the residents of Celebration out and start there.

 

[Kman101]

I think everyone, myself included, needs to watch the Little Mermaid sometime this weekend. Pay attention to the crab, and we all may have that “oh yeah, I get it now” moment. @Kman101 , maybe it’s been awhile since you’ve seen it.
I didn’t know the names or who some of the Rapunzel and Tiana characters were.. happens to the best of us.

Nope. Ironically I love Sebastian. You really suggested I'm not aware of Sebastian? That's priceless! LMAO. I know Mermaid inside and out. I loved that movie as a kid. I need no refreshing

But this is not necessary. I'm glad everyone can suddenly recognize the restaurant now that it's called Sebastian's. Why can't any of you take off the glasses? I'm not a snorter nor a hater. I call it how I see it.

What makes it better beacuse they put Sebastian on it? No one seems to be able to give me a logical reason why it's "better". @Tony the Tigger ? I'm honestly asking, not being snarky, I want to know why this is a better change. They could have updated the decor without the name change. For me this shouldn't even be an issue but I resent the idea that characters make things better.

Remember all those Magic Kingdom rides WITHOUT characters you love?

Why can't we have both? But hey, how about we theme Big Thunder to Woody and pals? Who cares they already have a land in another park, it's CHARACTERS! Yay! That's what I see this as. Even though I *shouldn't* be bothered by this. I mean, I think nods are actually cute when done right. I'm tired of Disney overly doing it.

Both of you should know I try to be a little more positive than this but I think it's stupid. I'm not trying to convince anyone to think my way but I genuinely want to know how this is "more Disney" to any of you and how this makes it better? I want real answers because I'm trying to understand it.

I just don't understand the blind defense. And that's what it is.

It's interesting to me that a few posters run to the defense. It's not necessary. Just have a discussion with me.

 

[21stamps]

What?!?! Blasphemy!!! Where's that 'Ignore' button...

I think there have been some good summations - WS is a small, romanticized glimpse into each country. Resorts, like CBR, are small, romanticized looks at their respective source locations. If you keep that in mind, it's much easier to enjoy what's there, instead of expecting each to be an exact replica and being disappointed.

Ha! The main reason for my dislike of OKW is I feel like I’m at a condo and hate all of the parking lots. I do realize that parking is liked by and convenient for some.

I think this aesthetic would have fit very well in OKW, for whatever that's worth. Could have even been plussed to become a signature restaurant perhaps.

Oh I disagree, I want my Westworld Disney-style immediately. Just boot all the residents of Celebration out and start there.

Hey.. we’re getting that with the Star Wars resort! (Hopefully )

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Personally I kind of like the name, but I wish they left the actual character off the sign. I think the subtle hint of it would have been cool. I don't like that he is front and center of the logo.

Why?

I do subtle hints of Disney at my house. But you’re at WDW.