Star Tours, Princesses, Mermaid, DC gate, Pop Century, and more... Oh My!

[WDW1974]

True. Some of the hippest boutique hotels like the Viceroy in Santa Monica, the Mondrian and the Standard in Hollywood are based on and leverage the look of their 60's hotel guts to great effect and profit. I wonder if, instead of fighting it with paint, you embraced the old tower in a very cool and knowing way. Take a 60's space age approach and then RUN with it, taking it "far out" into a Disney boutique hotel with lots of insider 60's-70's modern kind of stuff. Not hokey, but sophisticated and fun. Kind of like what the "Encounter Restaurant at LAX" was to "jet set" in it's day. Imagine "Top of the Park" coming back. Miniskirts and white boots, minimal modern, very sleek and white, adult on the surface, but with orange splashes of Tomorrowland 67 Art as supergraphics and amazing BGM tracks in the elevator. Patent leather booths ala Werner Panton. The "Monorail Bar" out by the pool, maybe just do that theme in the old Sierra Tower where you're already half way there. I know I'd be there!

http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/__PR/GIC/2008/12/04__Wolfsburg__Art__S.html

Just a thought.

Makes a lot of sense ... at this point all they are doing is giving BoTox and another facelift to a 'pig' that has gotten loads of makeovers since Disney bought the hotel from Wrather 21 years ago.

This just looks like it will be a bit more extensive since the outside will look a bit different (and prevent suicidal guests from jumping) ... but there's nothing special about it.

I tend to agree that embracing its 1960s vibe might make a whole lot more sense than contantly fighting, and losing, that battle.

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

True. Some of the hippest boutique hotels like the Viceroy in Santa Monica, the Mondrian and the Standard in Hollywood are based on and leverage the look of their 60's hotel guts to great effect and profit. I wonder if, instead of fighting it with paint, you embraced the old tower in a very cool and knowing way. Take a 60's space age approach and then RUN with it, taking it "far out" into a Disney boutique hotel with lots of insider 60's-70's modern kind of stuff. Not hokey, but sophisticated and fun. Kind of like what the "Encounter Restaurant at LAX" was to "jet set" in it's day. Imagine "Top of the Park" coming back. Miniskirts and white boots, minimal modern, very sleek and white, adult on the surface, but with orange splashes of Tomorrowland 67 Art as supergraphics and amazing BGM tracks in the elevator. Patent leather booths ala Werner Panton. The "Monorail Bar" out by the pool, maybe just do that theme in the old Sierra Tower where you're already half way there. I know I'd be there!

http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/__PR/GIC/2008/12/04__Wolfsburg__Art__S.html

Just a thought.

And, of course, it'd be a perfect excuse to bring back the Monorail Cafe!

Sure. The "Top of the Park" Skybar could interactively show aerial views of what the park used to looked like from your glass tabletop. Touch "1959" on the table and it would appear right there like a Satellite map with more info on the rides and their history. At night, you'd see those views projected on the windows overlaying today's park. Maybe over time the projections would morph the changes to the swank music that plays. The colorful Hench and Ryman Art of the '67 Tomorrowland could do alot to key the look on the walls. To keep it from being too "kooky" as you point out, you'd have to execute it in a very credible way with high quality materials (walnut and chrome, white leather, no plastic or mouse heads ) so it feels credible and luxurious and not a joke. Kind of like the prototype interiors of the Boeing 747 or the interiors from 2001:A Space Odyssey. The Story is told less as decor, and more in the touch tables and Bar Menu.

It could fall into an "Austin Powers" sendup arena if you go push the expected hippie kitchy stuff. It's a fine line for sure, that is an art to navigate. Oh well, just an idea that's hard to embrace till you see it.

Amazing idea. Why Top of the Park isn't still open is beyond me. Just based on location alone, it seems like the place would make money out the wazoo.

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

And, of course, it'd be a perfect excuse to bring back the Monorail Cafe!

So perfect for the Contemporary...

 

[Mr.EPCOT]

So perfect for the Contemporary...

That's what I've always said. Chef Mickey's is insanely overrated.

 

[Jasonflz]

And, of course, it'd be a perfect excuse to bring back the Monorail Cafe!
.

They had a Monorail cafe?!?! Details, please!

 

[PaulTetul]

Disney America 3.0 sounds interesting...doubt it will happen it was an Inser pet project that everyone was against

 

[WDW1974]

That's what I've always said. Chef Mickey's is insanely overrated.

Not by me, it isn't! You couldn't pay me to eat there.

*but the one in HK rocks ... and you get a cultural lesson while you eat too!

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

That's what I've always said. Chef Mickey's is insanely overrated.

I agree. It's loud, noisy...I don't see the allure.:shrug:

 

[Eddie Sotto]

Why Top of the Park isn't still open is beyond me. Just based on location alone, it seems like the place would make money out the wazoo.

I'm not sure why it's gone, but as I recall it was a really tiny and narrow place.
Maybe it was capacity and the notion that they could make more with suites or whatever. I went there on my 12th Birthday (see below) and recall loving the view as it made the park look like a scale model.

Ironically, our house got burglarized that same day and my mom didn't want to sleep at home as it had been ransacked, so I suggested we stay at the DH for the night. They bought it! Yeah baby yeah! We had just gone there that afternoon to play mini golf. Shhhh...I kinda thought it was all worth it! EVIL.

 

[jt04]

I'm not sure why it's gone, but as I recall it was a really tiny and narrow place.
Maybe it was capacity and the notion that they could make more with suites or whatever. I went there on my 12th Birthday (see below) and recall loving the view as it made the park look like a scale model.

Ironically, our house got burglarized that same day and my mom didn't want to sleep at home as it had been ransacked, so I suggested we stay at the DH for the night. They bought it! Yeah baby yeah! We had just gone there that afternoon to play mini golf. Shhhh...I kinda thought it was all worth it! EVIL.

:lol:

 

[EPCOT Explorer]

I'm not sure why it's gone, but as I recall it was a really tiny and narrow place.
Maybe it was capacity and the notion that they could make more with suites or whatever. I went there on my 12th Birthday (see below) and recall loving the view as it made the park look like a scale model.

Ironically, our house got burglarized that same day and my mom didn't want to sleep at home as it had been ransacked, so I suggested we stay at the DH for the night. They bought it! Yeah baby yeah! We had just gone there that afternoon to play mini golf. Shhhh...I kinda thought it was all worth it! EVIL.

:ROFLOL::sohappy:

That's not evil...it's thinking smart.:lookaroun

 

[Jasonflz]

I'm not sure why it's gone, but as I recall it was a really tiny and narrow place.
Maybe it was capacity and the notion that they could make more with suites or whatever. I went there on my 12th Birthday (see below) and recall loving the view as it made the park look like a scale model.

Ironically, our house got burglarized that same day and my mom didn't want to sleep at home as it had been ransacked, so I suggested we stay at the DH for the night. They bought it! Yeah baby yeah! We had just gone there that afternoon to play mini golf. Shhhh...I kinda thought it was all worth it! EVIL.

:lol::lol::lol:

 

[Eddie Sotto]

2nd Generation

One thing that occurs to me with stories like this is that unlike the 1st Generation Imagineers that built the parks as adults with Walt as the "child", the 2nd Generation Imagineers grew up experiencing the Parks first as children and then as fans. Very different perspective. I think this is Tony's "secret weapon" in that he still can see the place as he did then as a kid. It's still exciting to him in a 12 year old way that does not compute with the Execs. To me, the "Top of the Park" lives as a emotional memory of a 12 year old looking at the toylike park, not a research photo from an archive. Thus ideas spring from wanting to take that further. Usually those desires are shared as others felt that way too.

To me, this is a special thing and to be used by anyone. We often use our memories to "feel" the past as a means of recreating something magical. Or, in the case of DLP Main Street, to fight to include the detail that gave a 10 year old every reason to believe it was all real. I think this experience of growing up in the park really is unique among the 2G Imagineers that came in as fans first and designers second. You want to give that story, detail and magic back because you know that's what you felt and how important it was. I know Tony hired me as a designer first, but I believe he sensed we (and many others he brought in) had the passion to fight for Disney values and was driven from this emotional experience of growing up in the park as he did. We'd sometimes sit and laugh about how hard it was to choose what your last "E Ticket" was to be used on. Fun memories that we all share. Just a thought.

 

[The Conundrum]

Not by me, it isn't! You couldn't pay me to eat there.

*but the one in HK rocks ... and you get a cultural lesson while you eat too!

I remember liking Chef Mickey when I was younger but I went there again about 2 years ago with my family and it was really gross. Did the quality go down or was it always like that and I just didnt realize?

At least the unlimited ice cream w/treats is good!

 

[jt04]

One thing that occurs to me with stories like this is that unlike the 1st Generation Imagineers that built the parks as adults with Walt as the "child", the 2nd Generation Imagineers grew up experiencing the Parks first as children and then as fans. Very different perspective. I think this is Tony's "secret weapon" in that he still can see the place as he did then as a kid. It's still exciting to him in a 12 year old way that does not compute with the Execs. To me, the "Top of the Park" lives as a emotional memory of a 12 year old looking at the toylike park, not a research photo from an archive. Thus ideas spring from wanting to take that further. Usually those desires are shared as others felt that way too.

To me, this is a special thing and to be used by anyone. We often use our memories to "feel" the past as a means of recreating something magical. Or, in the case of DLP Main Street, to fight to include the detail that gave a 10 year old every reason to believe it was all real. I think this experience of growing up in the park really is unique among the 2G Imagineers that came in as fans first and designers second. You want to give that story, detail and magic back because you know that's what you felt and how important it was. I know Tony hired me as a designer first, but I believe he sensed we (and many others he brought in) had the passion to fight for Disney values and was driven from this emotional experience of growing up in the park as he did. We'd sometimes sit and laugh about how hard it was to choose what your last "E Ticket" was to be used on. Fun memories that we all share. Just a thought.

Very well said! Bravo.

 

[GothMickey]

I remember liking Chef Mickey when I was younger but I went there again about 2 years ago with my family and it was really gross. Did the quality go down or was it always like that and I just didnt realize?

At least the unlimited ice cream w/treats is good!

Ate there end of May/beginning of June and it was far from gross. Noisy, but far from gross.

 

[JWG]

Ate there end of May/beginning of June and it was far from gross. Noisy, but far from gross.

It's a extremely high volume buffet, I don't think anyone should go in with crazy expectations about 4 or 5 star quality food. I agree, we were there in February and it was loud and packed (we waited 20 minutes past our reservation time which was already an 8:20 reservation) but the food was no worse than I'd expect from a buffet. Especially considering the amount of food that buffet puts outs.

 

[WDW1974]

I'm not sure why it's gone, but as I recall it was a really tiny and narrow place.
Maybe it was capacity and the notion that they could make more with suites or whatever. I went there on my 12th Birthday (see below) and recall loving the view as it made the park look like a scale model.

Ironically, our house got burglarized that same day and my mom didn't want to sleep at home as it had been ransacked, so I suggested we stay at the DH for the night. They bought it! Yeah baby yeah! We had just gone there that afternoon to play mini golf. Shhhh...I kinda thought it was all worth it! EVIL.

I am pretty certain the Top of the Park is now the concierge lounge.
I stayed there a few years ago for the 50th and it was the first time I had been in there and I recall one of the CMs saying it was once a bar.

 

[Eddie Sotto]

I am pretty certain the Top of the Park is now the concierge lounge.
I stayed there a few years ago for the 50th and it was the first time I had been in there and I recall one of the CMs saying it was once a bar.

Makes sense. Thanks. I tried to find an old picture but could not.

 

[Captain Chaos]

It's a extremely high volume buffet, I don't think anyone should go in with crazy expectations about 4 or 5 star quality food. I agree, we were there in February and it was loud and packed (we waited 20 minutes past our reservation time which was already an 8:20 reservation) but the food was no worse than I'd expect from a buffet. Especially considering the amount of food that buffet puts outs.

I have eaten there every year for the last few years, and I agree... Teh food is what you would expect from a buffet, not great but not horrible... And I agree with the noise level... I'm may plan on skipping Chef Mickey's this year, unless my friends want to eat there.. I am not against it, just looking to eat somewhere different.... OFF TOPIC: anyone try Sanaa in Animal Kingdom Lodge yet???