How much does themeing add to your enjoyment?

[Kay7979]

I am a big fan of resort themeing. You can stay at a nice hotel anywhere, but there's something charming to me about Disney resorts, and their creation of the illusion of a different place and time. On our last trip, I took a lot of pictures at the various resorts, so I could look back on the landscaping and the architectural details of the buildings and get ideas to use at home. I just love Disney resorts. How much of your enjoyment at Disney is from themeing at the hotels and parks? Have you ever added any "Disneyish" design elements to your own home?

 

[drakethib]

Very much so.

I am one of those people who enjoy the resorts as much as the parks.

 

[magicmouse2]

Theming is no 1 for me. I have loved the themes of every resort at WDW we have ever stayed at. I like tropical so loved OKW, loved the southern feel of POR and POFQ, loved the victorian splendour of the GF and adored the Poly. Loved the African vibe of AKL. I even loved the DIsney theme of ASMO. Cant wait to try SSR.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i love the themeing. On my last trip i spent more time touring the resorts than i did the parks. It was wonderful just ckecking places out. I love the WL. It was one of the most stunning places I had ever seen, i cant wait to go back.

 

[drdelsol]

I always use my own transportation, so hotel themeing is the main reason I stay onsite. I can get a much nicer room for less off site. Next month I staying at a townhouse suite offsite for $70.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

The theming in Disney resorts are so magical. From a value all the way to a deluxe, the details and decoration are one of a kind and a very hard to find off site.

I would never stay off site again. i know for the price I pay at a value, I could get more amenities and space.....but no Disney magic....Well worth it to me.

 

[Nolcrest]

Themeing is everything. I get more excited about the resort I choose than going to the parks.

 

[rayelias]

The theming, for me, MAKES the experience.

I have relatives, on the other hand, who don't see it that way. Honestly, whether you're staying at Grand Floridian or at Pop Century, the room size (for the most part) is the same, you're not getting any "luxury bedding" with 1000 thread count sheets, complimentary breakfast, chocolates on the pillow, etc. So, they don't "get it." They much rather stay in some 5-star "luxury" hotel. You know the ones... the room's really nice and all, but it's a "generic" hotel and you feel like your staying in a hotel. Not like feeling like you're staying in the Pacific Northwest at FW, or in the Florida Keys at OKW, or in the South Pacific at Poly.

Having stayed at both, I'll take on-site every time. Disney makes sure you're IMMERSED in the experience.

There is no off-site 5-star hotel that offers "magic" an an option - at ANY price!

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

Very much so.

I am one of those people who enjoy the resorts as much as the parks.

I agree 100%. We get as excited about a new resort opening up as we do about a new attraction. If we're there at Christmas time (been a few years) we can spend a day or two looking at the decorations and gingerbread houses at the different resorts.

 

[leighe]

Very much so.

I am one of those people who enjoy the resorts as much as the parks.

Me too. That's what make Disney resorts so special, so unlike any hotels anywhere else. There's just a certain feeling I get at a Disney resort that I don't get at other resorts - even really nice ones.

However, I'm a wierdo. The theming has to match the weather or the season for me. I don't think I'd care for staying at the Poly during a December trip and I wouldn't want to stay at WL during the summer - it seems Christmasy to me. I know, I know. DH thinks I'm a Disney resort maniac.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

The theming is what makes staying on-site so magical.

 

[Luv2trav]

I would say 80% of my enjoyment is picking with resort to stay at!! I love the theming!!!

 

[bicker]

Theming: 25%; Service 20%; Location 20%; Comfort 20%; Resort Facilities (pool, health club, etc.) 15%.

 

[gingermommy94]

It's ALL about the theming for us! No matter how many times we are at Disney, I'm still in awe over all the small details that make the themes so magical.

As another poster said, we could stay off-site (and have) and have more room, but it's SO not worth it...nothing compares to the Disney resorts

 

[jenrose66]

I think theming adds immensly to the enjoyment. If everything wasn't so beautifully themed you could just be at any old hotel.

 

[momxx5]

I agree - the theming is what makes it unique and fun. Staying at different resorts, feeling like you are totally somewhere else - it is magical.

When we lived in FL we often stayed at Dixie Landings, the Yacht Club, even All Stars. I never had interest in staying at Polly, funny though now that we live north, I can say that I would like to try Polly. Recently we have been staying at the Ft.W cabins and are a great little secret - awesome theming, a mini cabin in the woods, etc.

Last year I re-did our bedroom....actually doing it for the first time because it was just plain white walls with hand-me down furniture. We purchased our first formal bedroom set, splurged on fancy comforter, beautiful sage green walls, white wood blinds....when it was done it looked like a room out of the Mansion Riverside at PO. We honeymooned at Dixie Landings. I had not originally set out to do our room like the resort.....but once it was all done and we loved it, we made the connection.

 

[wdwdavem]

The theming of the resort is very important to us. Amenities aren't quite as important. That feeling of being transported to somewhere else is great.

 

[Mister Disney]

Theming: 25%; Service 20%; Location 20%; Comfort 20%; Resort Facilities (pool, health club, etc.) 15%.

I have to agree

Theming is a portion of my enjoyment at a resort. I would say though, that theming for me is probably more like 50% and 50% for the other things such as service, location and comfort.

 

[auntpolly]

oops!

 

[princess927]

Themeing is what makes a Disney Resort. It is part of the magic of a Disney Vacation.