So what makes a resort feel "Disney?"

[MichWolv]

All due respect, I'm not against theming at all. My point is, as nice as some of the Disney theming is, it doesn't necessarily make you think Disney. And I only bring that up because I have heard some people say that when they were at SD it didn't feel Disney enough for them. Well, again, my answer to that is there is nothing that screams Disney at most of the resorts; rather SOME of the other resorts just have cool themes.

For some people, an immersive, well-executed themed resort does indeed scream Disney, even if that theme is not Disney-related. That is because, for some, immersive well-executed themes in a resort environment have come to be associated with Disney due their previous experiences.

 

[JusticeDisney]

I simply asked you a question. Not interested in arguing.

You know what, you are correct. I got defensive when I read your post and I responded to you inappropriately. I apologize for treating you like that.

 

[epcotisbest]

You know what, you are correct. I got defensive when I read your post and I responded to you inappropriately. I apologize for treating you like that.

Wow, that is a rare and refreshing response on an online forum. I appreciate it. And while I am not sure an apology is necessary, it is certainly accepted.

 

[Disneydreamer23]

I stay at Caribbean beach and Of course it's like Disney because you have the food court and the guests walking around in Disney gear, I don't think out of all the resorts its the most Disney like,but when staying here I feel like I have no worries and life is perfect, that is how Disney makes me feel.

 

[DisneyJunkie]

It's a good - if somewhat difficult - question. I don't think it's simply a matter of decorating the resort with the Disney characters all over the place ever few feet you walk. I think the resort has to have a very clear, definite theme that permeates all aspects of it WHILE incorporating the Disney characters in a way that's not completely in-your-face. I also believe that from the resort you should be able to spot other areas of the World, whether it means being able to spot a portion of a near-by theme park or another nearby resort.......the kind of touches that, as soon as you see them, really emphasizes "you're in Disney World". I'd say most of the Disney World resorts are like that, and that's why they're so memorable to so many. Having stayed in them, I think Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian resorts very aptly fit in that description and though I haven't stayed there, AKL does as well.

 

[TXDisney]

Decor and location for us.

 

[LdyApxr]

Not having been to WDW, but a DLR person, I know that many people do not consider the Grand Californian to be "Disney" enough I guess due to lack of being banged over the head with a greeting card at all possible moments but I prefer it to Paradise Pier(there really is only so much Beach Boys/surf music you can listen to in any given time period) and the Disneyland Hotel(perhaps if my children were younger it would be more appealing?). While both of those are fine hotels, to us they are more suited to families with younger children(mine are 26 and 17 now) and I think people go there to see Disney in every corner. We've stayed at all three and like them all but for us, it is not so much about theme-ing, as it is location. The DH used to be literally ON the monorail, back before DTD and the Pan Pacific became Paradise Pier. The one thing my family liked about Paradise Pier is the 13th floor.

Perhaps after our two trips to WDW for next year, to Poly and GF, I can chip in more to this conversation at a later date. LOL

 

[ninjaprincesst]

To me it's the feeling that your not a just any chain hotel, it's the character that most Disney hotels have, the little touches like the totem poles with Mickey and friends in the Wilderness Lodge lobby. The thing that drives me crazy about the Swan and Dolphin I that it is called the Dolphin but has fish on top instead of dolphins.

 

[BrianV]

To me it's the feeling that your not a just any chain hotel, it's the character that most Disney hotels have, the little touches like the totem poles with Mickey and friends in the Wilderness Lodge lobby. The thing that drives me crazy about the Swan and Dolphin I that it is called the Dolphin but has fish on top instead of dolphins.

I agree it is the little touches. Things that an ordinary hotel wouldn't bother to do but a disney hotel does do.

But alas, that is not enough. It is that combined with the fact that after you head out the door, you are in disney world and every place beynd the hotel has the little touches. Move the Polynesian villiage to Trenton, and even if you kept it exactly AS IS, it would cease to be disneyesque.

By the way, the Dolphin is referring to the fish, not the mammal. Always confused me too until I stayed there.

 

[BrerJon]

A resort feels Disney when your wallet is a couple of hundred dollars lighter per night than in a hotel anywhere else.

 

[JusticeDisney]

A resort feels Disney when your wallet is a couple of hundred dollars lighter per night than in a hotel anywhere else.

Just laughed out loud! Well done!