I was once a "Disney Snob" who refused to stay at the Swan or Dolphin because they are not Disney resorts and they ruined the forced perspective of the World Showcase (it does spoil the effect to see a huge hotel behind the Eiffel Tower; instead of looking like the tower is off in the distance like it once did, it now looks like a mini tower is on the roof!) But all that has changed. I posted this story about 8 months ago, so I apologize if this is seen as blogging (but it is so much easier to cut and paste than to re-tell this story):
For a long time, I, like many of my fellow Disney purists, have shunned the ugly ducklings of the Walt Disney World hotel scene. It's not that these hotels aren't pretty; in fact, by night, they may be two of the prettiest resorts in central Florida, but they just don't fit in the WDW landscape
or so I thought. After years of turning my head when I was near them (though megaliths such as these are impossible to avoid entirely) and driving on to my seminal homes that took shape in a Mountain Lodge, an A-framed vision of Walt's flagship, a Polynesian village, or turn of the century Floridian splendor, I began to yearn for a new experience. Do not misunderstand, I loved my Magic Kingdom Resort Area homes, but my tastes were changing, and the lure of the Yacht and Beach Clubs, with their proximity to Epcot and MGM studios was becoming enough to brave a week in the shadow of an eyesore. And so I did it. I booked a room in hotel that would soon become a favorite stop in my annual sojourn to adore at the altar of the mousethe Yacht Club. It had promised a room steeped in nautical tradition and surrounded by casual elegance, and it did not disappoint. Well, it sort of delivered. As wonderful as the Yacht Club (and soon thereafter the Beach Club) was, it was overshadowed by the Temple of the Goofy Fish that looked down on me during my activities at these resorts with a playfully stupid grin on its stone face.
That grin began to grate on me, even to my very soul; I felt watched when I would play on the lake, and leered at as I dipped into the water playground known as Stormalong Bay. I grew to hate that stupid fish. That fish kept its silly grin, and my face began to wear a scowl. After the Boardwalk Inn opened, I found a new favorite at WDW. The Innkeepers Club was the most sublime experience in WDW resort accommodations, and if you got a garden view, you were out of view of that ugly fish and his sister fowl who stoically guarded the shores of Crescent Lake. I continued on for a few more years, sometimes silently, sometimes vocally, but always hating my great green nemesis. And then came a challenge to my resolve against my gilled antagonist.
Having returned to school, I found myself depleted of funds. Still, Disney called my name. Her sweet siren song was too powerful for my flesh to resist; add to it an enabling mother who purchased for my wife and I annual passes in 2000, and the baited hook of Disney temptation had caught me yet again. But where to stay this trip? Surely funds being what they were, we could not afford our usual digs, but could I stand a stay away from my true love? It was, fortuitously, my only option, and I resigned myself to an off-site stay. And then one day from my car stereo came the call of a familiar hero from long ago; Captain Kirk was promising me a new way to travelone that would save me money if I would just be flexible enough. I was sold; and Priceline © was the peddler. I would save a bundle, and sure it would be off-site, but I would enjoy myself anyway. So off to my computer I went. These were the days of dial ups, and upon putting in my bid for a 4 star hotel for $60 a night (I could be optimistic couldnt I?) I had to wait an eternity to simply put in my request. And then
I waited. And waited
And waited. In fact, it took so long that I gave up on my request. I had not heard, so I assumed it had not gone through, and I retired for the evening, assuming I would start the search another day.
But the gods of wires and modems had other plans for me that night. Those very gods conspired against me with the icon of my enemy. In the night, an evil power colluded with my Visa, and soon a charge would appear that could not be reversed. A charge that landed for the netted fish a catch it had eyed for years. For I, in that night had been snared by the crapulence of corporate conspiracy; against my will and desire, my name was entered into the guest registry at the Walt Disney World Dolphin! The agony of defeat beset me the next morning as I innocently logged onto my e-mail account to see what news may await me. The mournful wail of a fool besieged emanated from my humble apartment as I learned of the result of the folly of the night before. I had done it to myself, but somehow I felt betrayed by my trusted captain, and I immediately set to fix my mistake. It was only after my vain attempt to correct this injustice that I learned that the fine print matters! I had been undone by the enemy within my own gates.
But then came a new realization. I had not been stricken by my patina pariah; indeed, I had infiltrated his own hallowed grounds. His intimidation for years had kept me out of his unholy home, and now, by the power of some destiny or fate, I had been thrust into his lair. But I would survive. His smirk would change to a frown as he saw me conquer his efforts to defeat me. I would go to Disney World, and I wouldnt have a good time, even if it killed me. I was going to show that fish! And so I began to prepare for the worst vacation of my life. I went so far as to type my negative comments before I left, if only as a primer. I was ready to hate the Dolphin, and I looked forward to my chance at misery. But never underestimate the power of your enemy.
Upon arriving at the Dolphin, my attitude of disdain was immediately put to a challenge. The valets and bellhops were so
courteous and efficient. I could have sworn they were Disney employees. So much so that I assumed that they must be, and I pointed my ire instead at the front desk. Never mind that the check-in had gone smooth and quick, despite the large number of guests checking in with us. I still could hate them for their
complimentary upgrade? Now, I was seething inside. I was being denied my opportunity to vocalize my disgust with the eyesore of the Disney skyline. But I realized that my mistake to this point had been in my attitude toward people. After all, people would be good no matter what their employment circumstance, right? Instead, I would turn my angst toward the very hotel itself. I couldnt wait to get to my room to hate my view.
And then, to my astonishment, I was shown to a room that I could not hate. It had a king bed and TWO balconies! The view was of Epcot, and the Swan. The bathroom was spacious, the room was well appointed, there was nothing to complain about! Well, anyone could imagine my dismay. I learned that I couldnt hate the building, and I couldnt hate the people, I already knew I couldnt hate the location, so I had to learn to hate the last two bastions of my hostility: 1.) The food, and 2.) The transportation. We decided that we would have dinner at Gullivers before taking a bus (yech!) to the Magic Kingdom. If that couldnt give me something to complain bout, nothing could. So we took an elevator to the lobby floor, and walked past what I was just starting to noticethe beauty of the resort. There were fountains everywhere, and beautiful artwork on the walls. The lobby was truly impressive, with neat fiberoptic effects in the ceiling that seemed to transport us to some location of
whimsy. I felt myself getting carried away by the romance and charm of my old enemy as we walked to the Swan. And then, the smell of the food in the restaurant hit me. It was enticing, and inviting, and the atmosphere of a fun restaurant put a real smile on my face for the first time since I had lost my epic battle with the captain of the Enterprise. I was at the Swan/Dolphin, and I was enjoying myself!
That night, we took the bus to the Magic Kingdom. The bus came quickly, and dropped us off close to the gates. Certainly there was no complaint there. Even that evening, as the crowds were leaving after a viewing of the Main Street Electrical Parade, there were busses waiting on us, and we were back to the resort in short order. That night, the charm of the resort really took hold. This place is truly beautiful at night, and I was swept up by the, dare I say, romance of the resort. My dear wife and I retired for a romantic evening, and awoke to find ourselves, to my surprise, in Disney World. I had not been taken captive by a stranger in a strange land, but instead had learned that almost as good as the mouse, are the mouses good neighbors.
Now, I cant pretend that the week was perfect, but it was magical. I enjoyed myself as much at the Dolphin as I had at many other Disney resorts. And while this wasnt my favorite vacation spot in the world. I learned that the eyesore wasnt so ugly after all. I even learned that this resort could be seen as many to be wonderful. I hope that by this I have allayed the fears of others like me. Misguided as I once was, Ive learned that once youve seen the light, it isnt any good unless you share it. So dont be afraid of our awkward looking ugly duckling. Give it a chance, and you may discover the Swan (or the Dolphin) within.
of course, great "S/D" minds think alike!
