Donald and SSR? What's the connection?

[gopherit]

While my kids were delighted to see DOnald part of the water fun at SSR, I admit it -- I was puzzled. He's not a horse, or from Saratoga, or a spa-driven bird of leisure -- what gives? What's the connection? I understand the Grand Opening SSR pin depicts Donald on a geyser -- again -- huh? I don't typically think of the resorts as being tied to one character or another... they may have their hidden mickeys or Mickey topiary, but hey, he's the head cheese -- understand that. But what's the SSR/Donald connection? Did I miss something?
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[Regina]

The imagineers spoke about this at the Homecoming.

From what I can recall, they decided on Donald because of his association with water. They then went through which "Donald" to use and settled on him smiling during his endless quest for a bottle of spring water.

If someone's memory is better than mine, maybe they can explain it a bit better.

 

[kweaver]

The Donald/water theme makes some sense...but I have to say that it seems odd to me to see this little Donald sitting there in the middle of the fountains. With the lack of other character pictures/figures around the resort (other than the horse graphics in the lobby children's area)...Donald seems very out of place.

I wish they would have beefed up the area with more characters/playstructures/etc. or just let the fountains alone be the attraction.

 

[DrTomorrow]

I was at the MH event where the Imagineers discussed this; dvcreg has the basics correct.

As they were planning the children's area of the pool, they discussed which character would best "fit in" with the High Rock Spring theme - and Donald, as a duck, was their choice. Then then explained that there was a long tradition of people going to Saratoga Springs, NY with jugs in order to get some of the healing spring water. Thus, the image of Donald trying, but not quite succeeding, in catching some of the water. I believe that they made a comment about needing a Character there to clearly denote that it was a "children's area"; otherwise, folks might think it was just a fancy foot wash.

 

[WDWLVR]

I can add a little to what Reg said. The original concept had Sebastian from the Little Mermaid. Then someone asked what a Jamacian Crab had to do with Saratoga. They decided to go with a classic Disney character, someone who would have trouble doing something simple. Collecting Spring Water from Saratoga was done in the old days as the area was known for its health benefits.

So the fountain is Donald (who has trouble doing things) collecting Spring water.

I really think it is a cute addition.

Speaking of horses - I do love the collection of pictures they have of Disney horses in the children's area of the lobby. Nice touch!

 

[Regina]

Thanks Mary. I couldn't remember the original character that they considered.

The Imagineer who spoke about it apparently prefers a cranky Donald over the smiling one that was chosen.

I guess Donald fits in about the same as a palm tree.

 

[canda]

i guess you have to stretch your imagination a little. like when you see the lumberjack donald selling christmas trees at MVMCP.

My mom thinks that is the cutiest thing she has ever seem and even cries tears of joy when she looks at pictures of it.

I guess there a some big Donald fans out there, and he is starting to get his due with the SSR pool and the 3-D Ride at MK.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by DrTomorrow
I believe that they made a comment about needing a Character there to clearly denote that it was a "children's area"; otherwise, folks might think it was just a fancy foot wash.

Actually, this makes total sense to me! Sometimes, people need some obvious visual clues to "get it".

And personally, I think incorporating some Disney characters into the resort theming is a great idea. My kids have always loved the character totem pole at Wilderness Lodge, for instance. And obviously those characters don't have any connection to the theming really. But it is Disney, after all, so I think it's appropriate if done in a way that works with the theming.

My kids actually commented to me last time that they were surprised that there wasn't more Disney theming at the BWV when we stayed there. They were somewhat satisfied when I showed them the hidden Mickey's in the hallway carpeting.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I have nothing to add to the informational content of this thread but I wanted to say I find this interesting trivia on the theming of the SSR resort, as I was also curious as to where Donald fit-in here.

wasn't more Disney theming at the BWV when we stayed there. They were somewhat satisfied when I showed them the hidden Mickey's in the hallway carpeting

I also love the hidden shoes and things in the carpeting at BWV, as well as the hidden Mickey's in the picket fences at OKW, the mickey's in the archways of the VWL hallways and the hidden Mickey oranges in the trees of the Vero Beach lobby, just to name a few.

 

[TheresaOKW'97]

I know this is only a side bar but:
Believe it or not, people still get water from the springs of Saratoga. My sister and BIL do! It's better than bottled!

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by Granny
They were somewhat satisfied when I showed them the hidden Mickey's in the hallway carpeting.

Keep hunting than. BW has about 10 hidden mickey spots. The one I can easily think of is the carousel in the lobby. Look carefully at the horses, one has several hidden mickeys as spots. If you want more tips, let me know and I'll pull out my photo album.

Sandy