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Both Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge represent the pinnacle of Disney's ability to create immersive, thematically rich resort experiences that elevate the guest experience beyond just a place to stay.
The Decline of Disney Theming and the Rise of Bland Towers
Unfortunately, the quality and attention to detail that defined Disney's resorts during the Eisner era has been in decline in recent years. Resorts like the Riviera and the Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs are prime examples of a shift towards bland, corporate-style towers that lack the thematic depth and architectural significance of their predecessors.
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Disney's Architectural Masterpieces: The Resorts That Elevated the Guest Experience
The Eisner Era Expansion and the Rise of Themed Resorts
Disney's first foray into the hotel business began in 1971 with the opening of Walt Disney World, where alongside the Magic Kingdom they opened the Polynesian and Contemporary resorts, followed a month later by the Fort Wilderness Campground. From the start, these resorts were very much products of their time, with elements that scream design trends of the late 1960s.
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The real standout, however, was the Contemporary resort. Erected as a giant A-frame with pre-fabricated rooms that slid into place, the design of the building was intended to emphasize the large open atrium, which at the time was incredibly new and novel. Designed with input from architect Welton Becket, the Contemporary likely took inspiration from the massive atrium that defined the Regency Hyatt House in Atlanta.
In an era where Disney was always pushing the limits of what was possible, it's not surprising that the company would embrace such challenging engineering and architecture. The monorail traveling through the building was, and still is, an enchanting novelty that felt futuristic for the mid-century.
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While many resorts of architectural significance were proposed for early Walt Disney World, the only other development of the pre-Eisner period was the Disney golf resort in 1973, which was nowhere near as interesting as what came next.
When Eisner became CEO in 1984, he recognized the potential for Disney to expand significantly, including a substantial increase in resort capacity. This led to the opening of the Grand Floridian in 1988, followed by Caribbean Beach in October of the same year.
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The Caribbean Beach resort, despite its motel-style buildings, is quite interesting, with its Caribbean colors and design, and a central pool themed as a Spanish Fort overtaken by Pirates. The Grand Floridian, on the other hand, is an elegant Victorian-era style resort that takes heavy inspiration from many real and culturally notable resorts throughout the United States, particularly the Hotel del Coronado in California.
The Epcot Resorts and the Pinnacle of Disney Theming
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1989 was a milestone year for Disney, with the opening of the Wonders of Life at Epcot, Pleasure Island at the Walt Disney World Village, and two brand new parks: Disney-MGM Studios and Typhoon Lagoon. It's clear that the Grand Floridian and Caribbean Beach were greenlit to accommodate the increased demand that would follow.
The next notable addition was the Walt Disney World Swan, which opened in 1990. This hotel, designed by architect Michael Graves, was the beginning of what became known as the Epcot Resort area, which was followed by the Disney-owned and operated Yacht Club and Beach Club later in 1991, and eventually the Boardwalk Resort in 1996.
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The Yacht Club and Beach Club, designed by architect Robert Stern, are notable for their distinct New England nautical motifs, with the Yacht Club having a more sophisticated sailing theme and the Beach Club feeling more casual and beachy. The Boardwalk Resort, on the other hand, is architecturally inspired by Atlantic City and other old American seaside boardwalks, with a wealth of cultural references and decorative elements that evoke the early 20th century amusement park era.
The Pinnacle of Disney Theming: Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge
While the Epcot Resorts are exceptional, Disney's true architectural and thematic masterpieces are the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
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Wilderness Lodge, which opened in 1994, is a massive Lodge-inspired building that celebrates the American West and the grand National Park lodges. The lobby is filled with incredible details, from carved totem poles and animal-themed chandeliers to a massive fireplace with rock layers representing the Grand Canyon. The resort also features fantastic outdoor elements, like a geyser and a waterfall-fed pool area.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, which opened in 2001, is smaller in scale but no less impressive in its theming. Designed to feel more intimate and exploratory, the resort features an impressive lobby with African-inspired art and architecture, as well as the ability to view various African animals from the guest rooms and throughout the resort grounds.
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The replacement of unique theming elements with character overlays and the removal of distinctive details in favor of minimalism have cheapened the overall resort experience. This trend is deeply concerning, as it represents a move away from the core principles that made Disney resorts so exceptional and memorable.
As Disney continues to prioritize cost-cutting and brand synergy over the creation of truly immersive and artistically significant resort experiences, it is up to guests to voice their concerns and demand a return to the high standards that once defined the Disney resort experience. The resorts of the Eisner era stand as a testament to the company's ability to craft architectural masterpieces that elevated the guest experience, and it is crucial that this legacy is not lost.