Originally Posted By jmuboy I have been thinking about this hotel a lot recently. It looks like Disney plans to keep the hotel so i was dreaming up ways to make it a little better than it currently is. as for the old Yamabuki space, I would love to the great "Flying Fish Cafe" from the WDW Boardwalk Resort added here. While the Paradise Pier and Boardwalk Resorts are LIGHTYEARS apart in terms of theme, the Flying Fish Cafe concept could certainly work here in the Paradise Pier Hotel. I also think regardless of the Paradise Pier's Victorian time frame inside the park, this hotel if it stays it should be more 1950's / Beach Blanket Bingo era themed. This theme works better with the structure itself. It could simply be a more "modern 50's era" hotel overlooking the classic seaside amusement pier. It's not perfect, but with a little money it could work. I think the lobby and common areas could use some work as well. Some other changes I would like to see in the common areas: - More beach / cabana feel in the PCH Grill. Like Duke's Canoe Bar in concept (for those of you who have ever been to their LA or Hawaii locations) Maybe call it The Boardwalk Grill? - Hardwood Floors in the lobby!!! The current tile floor isn't that great and the hardwood fooring would certainly go a long way to add a nice upgraded feel to this area. - Update the billboards around the pool area since the look of the pier is also changing. - Replace all the concept art in the lobby with "real" pictures of 1950's beach scenes. Not only is the concept art format currently in use a bland way to decorate the lobby, its also quickly becoming outdated. - Add some sort of lobby seating and theme elements to the lobby rotunda area. I'm not a fan of that oversized Goofy statue. Maybe old carousel or Amusement Ride parts (tastefully done like the Treasure in Paradise gift shop interior. - Out front I think they should park and old 1950's "woody" with surf boards on top in the flower beds. This hotel really needs to pick a theme / time period and go with it. Much like the original Paradise Pier concept was disjointed, so is the theme of this hotel. Curious as to what you guys think.
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy I love the Beach Blanket Bingo idea! How fun, and I think that is the vibe the PPH is going after. I like what is already in place, but your suggestions would take it up to a whole other level.
Originally Posted By Mr F my Wish list for the hotel: -Bulldozers -Wrecking Ball What an eye sore of a Hotel.
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy Well I am hopeful you are not in charge of any heavy equipment! We have stayed there probably a dozen times, with our next trip right around the corner. We love it. The views of CA are awesome, and we love the roof top pool with where you can view the fireworks. Friendly staff. Spacious room that easily sleeps 5. Cheerful atmosphere. No complaints here!
Originally Posted By markymouse A review of my post will show that I'm as big a fan of armchair imagineering as any you're likely to find. And I really like your ideas. I think it would help make the hotel seem fun and inviting. But, sadly, I'm not sure that is Disney's goal. It's all about pricepoints. A company doesn't want to make its entry level product too good. Because if they do, then there is no incentive to upgrade to their midrange product. If people like Paradise Pier too much, they won't pay the extra to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, and they certainly won't pay a lot extra to stay at the Grand Californian. Sad, but I think its true.
Originally Posted By wachawacha As more Disney hotel options are created over the next couple of years we will see the Paradise Pier hotel become a Mid range price point. The Grand and perhaps the Disneyland hotel being the Deluxe, I am sure the properties located at the Garden Walk will we more in the Value range.
Originally Posted By dlkozy I would like PP to have a reason to visit it even if one is not staying there. Like the hotel at WDW that has the Kitchen Sink sundae, it would cause people to wander the DLR more.
Originally Posted By jmuboy I think a freshend up and better themed lobby along with a well-themed restaurant with a superior menu to replace Yamabuki would help this hotel immensely.
Originally Posted By wachawacha F.Y.I. P.C.H. Grill does serve its own version of the "Kitchen Sink". It is Served at Dinner Time.
Originally Posted By bartholomewneff Yeah, that's what we need in front of a Victorian Paradise Pier. A 50's style hotel, that'll look REAL in line with a turn of the century themed area. Jmuboy, you didn't help build DCA did you? It sounds like you were part of the original team that came up with this "winning" concept.
Originally Posted By markymouse Hey, it doesn't hurt to be nice to people. Jmuboy was exploring a perfectly reasonable topic. In this economy, Disney is not going to tear down the Paradise Pier Hotel and put up the Grand Floridian in its place. So, given that we're stuck with the exterior for a decade at least, what can be done to make it more themed, more fun? But, even if you don't care for the concept, maybe you can share your views a little more tactfully.
Originally Posted By Princessjenn5795 I actually really like those ideas...I have only stayed there once and was so unimpressed that we only stay at GCH now. If PP was spruced up a bit I would probably give it a second shot.
Originally Posted By ploeb909 hey there, just gonna give my 2 cents! I LOVE the PPH! The staff is great, could it use a few more things here and there?? Sure, but its clean, friendly, and the price is right. My kids love the view rooms, we just returned home yesterday and our view was Amazing! We could see the fireworks from one room and the Electric Light Parade from the main bedroom. I also love the pool, very kid friendly,and its great to have the "bar area" close by.
