Coming up with a solid theme for this is tough...because we have to be careful to do something original...that hasn't been planned by Disney before.
I discovered that Disney already had a lot of these ideas well into the design phase...the Asian as well as Greek were already dreamed up by them.
Does that mean a Japan resort is out? No...but it does make me want to go with something that doesn't already have illustrations for it.
I don't really like the Marvel hotel idea. The reasons are many, but mostly it doesn't translate to upscale luxury accomidations to me. How would this theme be doable? Would there be garish comic book colors and little x-men symbols in the carpet of the lobby?
There's just not a great unifying look to Marvel...it's somethng that would appeal to kids, certainly...and maybe work as a value resort. But I can't see it happening at Disney with Universal being so strongly associated with the characters already.
My thoughts on an Arabian themed hotel...is how much do we really know about the Arab world? There's quite a few things that make me want to stay away from this concept concerning sensitivity to the culture.
Or would we be making something more in the realm of a mythical Agrabah from Aladdin? and then...I worry because I was hoping we would stay away from movie and character tie ins.
My two favorite ideas here are the Roman and the Steampunk.
I do actually think that steampunk (and yes, we could call it something else!) would work in a upscale setting. I do think we could utilize the colors, brass workings and alternate Victorian vision to create something amazing and original, and really beautiful.
But I also get if it's a little TOO out there. Steam does seem to translate to dirt and grime (though it certainly doesn't have to.)
If you were to google "Steampunk" with...well, pretty much any other word after it...(cakes, costumes, home, furnishings) you would find tons of really compelling stuff.
but again...I don't want to choose a theme that doesn't excite people.
Which leads back to Roman...which I believe has astounding potential to be relaxing, upscale beautiful...with touches of whimsy in it as well.