Originally Posted By jmuboy The rooms sound fine to me, but I really want to see art of what the Towers will look like when done. A giant wall of sky blue glass? Will there be any character or design flourishes added to help liven up the exterior of these dull "box-like" towers? Also, pool - restaurants - spa - workout room? Any updates to these tired areas? The entrance into the lobby area of Steakhouse 55, Goofy's Kitchen, etc is dreadfully and painfully outdated. The narrow escalators that don't work and the faux greenery between the 2 escalators? Please, please, please address the amenities overall as well.
Originally Posted By stevek I think the rooms look fantastic though I'm not sold on the exterior. Unfortunately, there is not a heck of a lot they can do short of tearing the old buildings down. I'm glad their doing someting.
Originally Posted By rtjl72 it looks like the wallpaper on the wall beside the bed is not changing. and the carpet looks the same. the mirror in the bathroom has always been held my mickeys little hands. so, that stuff will remain familiar. i, too will miss being able to open the doors on the faux balcony and hear the sounds of disney.
Originally Posted By Princessjenn5795 I think it will look really nice. I usually stay at the Grand Californian but I will have to try out the new rooms when they are done!
Originally Posted By monorailblue Nice looking rooms, but a very sad re-do. Look at the TDR Disneyland Hotel. Look at the DLP Disneyland Hotel. After seeing those, you can't look at the DLR Disneyland Hotel, because it makes your eyes bleed, your heart wrench, and your stomach turn. It is extremely sad that they are not going to go with a complete rebuild of the entire property.
Originally Posted By Mr Incredible Does anyone know how Disney may go about getting rid of their old room furnishings? Do they do some sort of auction or anything?
Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt "Nice looking rooms, but a very sad re-do." It is sad, isn't it? I'm guessing that this rather unimpressive update is intended carry the property for another decade (or so), at which time perhaps they'll consider demolishing the structures and give DLR a proper landmark hotel.
Originally Posted By TheParsec The Inside Looks Great! But I really want to see the Outside looking great also!
Originally Posted By Rider 1 The revamp sounds nice but I will miss the sliding doors and the faux balcony. When I was a kid my parents used to drag us out of the park for their afternoon nap. I spent a lot of time opening that sliding door, leaning on the rail, and looking out. Before the lagoon was in, the grounds were kind of boring. When the lagoon was in, it was enjoyable watching the paddle boats going around. (all the while trying to make noise to wake up the sleeping parents so we could get back to the park!)
Originally Posted By danyoung >It is extremely sad that they are not going to go with a complete rebuild of the entire property.< blue, I completely disagree. This property has held magic for me since my youngest days of park storming, wishing that my family could afford to stay there. I've had the privilege of staying there a few times, and the magic is still there for me. I'd heard about the possibility of imploding one tower at a time, and I was hoping they'd find another solution. Glad they did!
Originally Posted By 73baloo danyoung - I totally agree. I still miss the garden rooms; now that was relaxing. I am looking forward to this. I will be staying there in Aug and then again Nov 2010. My kids and I have stayed at the other properties and tried Hojo's but this is where they grew up and always their first choice.
Originally Posted By jmuboy Hopefully we will see pictures or hear more details on the hotel's exterior soon. As well, I'd like to know more about the retail and dining areas and what's being done with thwem. What about the sad looking Fantasy Waters lagoon! Will the lobby areas get any updates?
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 Whoa! The picture reminds me of a "boys bedroom" in a model home or a Hilton room gone wild. I'll miss the opening doors I'm usually open for any change but the doors will be missed.
Originally Posted By cinderella143also I know I said this earlier but those sliding doors are part of the magic of staying there for me. Like Rider1, I remember going back for our after noon naps (even as an adult) and opening the doors and falling asleep listening to the bustle and laughter of Disney guests mingled with the waterfall. Just thinking about it gets me all excited to go to DL!!!!
Originally Posted By monorailblue The real question is whether the Disneyland hotel is more disfunctional, more ugly, or more user un-friendly. Answer me that clearly, and then let's talk about what new wallpaper and paint can really do.
Originally Posted By danyoung blue, I don't think it's any of those things. It's functional as a great hotel, it's in no way ugly and stands to look even better after the upgrades, and I've always found it to be a very user friendly place. I can't answer that any more clearly than stating that this is just my perception, as a fan and as a user over the years.
Originally Posted By 73baloo I have stayed there once a year for the past 45+ years; back when we rode the helicopter from LAX and it had only 1 tower. I see no reason to make it a "theme" hotel. It is afterall the original. I love the grounds, walking to it from the parks; it is magic. Will I miss the sliding doors, yes. But you must take into account that complainers are heard more than others. During the 1/2 Marathon last year many people were complaining about the noise early in the morning as racers were arriving. It was wonderful weather so the doors could be left open during the night. I cannot wait to see the new rooms as yes they have needed updating. Stay at Sheratons, Westins, Hiltons, etc. and the new rooms look much the same but with a Disney theme.
Originally Posted By Hans Reinhardt I think my issue is that they are taking an inherited property with dreadfully uninspired architecture and trying to make it "Disney". Strip the Park and character references from the place and you have a hotel that resembles a bland run-of-the mill Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt. I appreciate the history of the the property, but it was a non-Disney hotel for much longer than it has been under the Disney banner, and it shows. No matter what they do to it the place will never be the showplace that it should be until the tear those ugly towers down. Until then I'll be staying at the GCH.
Originally Posted By gadzuux I've always been very happy with the sheraton and/or the hilton across the street by the convention center. For me, the premium that you pay for an 'on property' disney hotel just isn't worth it. The sheraton also has sliding doors and actual balconies. Even better - if you can get a fifth floor room at the hilton, they have a large lanai with pools and spas and gardens - all enclosed from the outside world, with sliding doors from the room onto this expansive patio. Theming-schmeming - give me value. The hilton and sheraton participate with 'Priceline' and their rooms can be had for $50 to $60 bucks a night - with any luck. Just think of what you could do with that $100 to $150 a DAY you save by avoiding the disney hotels.
Originally Posted By jmuboy I agree with post 39, and sometimes go for the cheaper neighbor hotels. But sometimes I'm willing and wantto pay a premium for a Disney Hotel. That's why I'm glad to see DL is investing in the hotel. Do I wish they would do more - yes, am I excited for these changes - yes, do I hope we see changes to the retail areas and the grounds as well - yes.
