Originally Posted By Mr X **And I would also like to kindly request you, leemac, to stop bringing up the past to support your statements. I know I have acted rather brass at times. I also admit that I have lost my temper at times. Doesn't everybody? I really am biting my tongue here in this thread. Please understand that I have nothing against your opinion; I simply have to argue for what I believe in. And while I'm at it, I would like to apologize for calling you out in the past as well. It would be nice if you did the same for me. I may be a bit stubborn, but I'm really quite a nice person.** EXCELLENT post, very well said! I know I've felt the same way at times (going too far and losing my temper and all that stuff). We're ALL very passionate about Disney stuff, right? Otherwise, why would we be posting on such a geeky site right? (no offence, Doobie lol) The phrase "can't we all just get along" springs to mind. I, for one, have been trying hard to respect the opinions of others and NOT immediately jump to the "YOU MUST BE STUPID" zone... SO, anyway awsome comments TDR_fan...much appreciated! (I have actually given up on posting in WorldEvents, the reasons should be obvious...and so my sole motivation for checking into LP these days is to chat about fun stuff we all enjoy and, perhaps, engage in enjoyable debate...I've turned over a new leaf as far as that is concerned...life is too short to bitch at each other about DISNEY PARKS, right?) But, DCA still sucks.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<life is too short to bitch at each other about DISNEY PARKS, right?)>> Haha, I can only imagine what non-Disney fans think of us. I've had friends tell me to get a life when I obsess over the little details. They'll just never understand, those non-Disney fans...
Originally Posted By Mr X >>Dude I'm not about to post ad naseum a description of every room I've stayed in at the MC. Suffice to say I guarantee it is significantly more than you. And a large majority of rooms I have stayed in do not have a comprehensive panoramic view for either Mythica or BraviSEAmo. Some do and some don't. I'm not about to engage in an analysis of every room. You point to "fact" about the rooms selling out. Of course they will. All of them do. It is a hugely popular resort with only one park hotel and another Disney-branded hotel. Heck the Ambassador sells out quicker on some dates than the MC. And the Ambassador has no decent views. Not one. It is about price point and amenities. When you have access to those rooms with harbor views of course you will select them (especially considering the non-harbor views are also so expensive it isn't a big step up to the views). For every person you can point to that say the MC is the best I can find another to say the GC is the best. Again another example of you trying to shout down someone else's opinion or twist opinion into fact.<< Okay, here goes... Lee, I do respect your opinions and think that you are a very knowlegeble guy about all things Disney. And we all know that you and TDR_fan have been having an ongoing feud (as well as you and I ...common LP knowledge right?)... But after all that was said here, did you HAVE to write a post that was so SNOOTY? Seriously, it doesn't seem to me that this was necessary in the least...perhaps YOU could agree that we could all get along much better and have much more fun if we all drop the "I'm right, you're wrong" attitudes? I think that TDR_fan has made that very clear. And I've even tried to "tone it down" a bit. Maybe it's time you did the same? I'm saying this in the spirit of, well not "friendship" of course (since we really don't like each other), but in the spirit of "cameradery"...since we all pretty much like the same Disney stuff (thus the geek website, right?). Just for the record, saying stuff like "Suffice to say I guarantee it is significantly more than you", happens to be insulting, degrading, and snooty. imho. Any chance you might want to change your attitude here? I sure hope so.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan I agree. Discussions are so much more fun when everyone's opinions are respected. Really, things would be a lot easier if we just provided reasons for our opinions instead of name calling or hostility. Like I've mentioned, there is no "correct" opinion; there will always be people who feel differently than you. Every opinion should be welcomed, no matter how ridiculous or unbelievable it may seem to others. That's what discussions are about; to share different perspectives.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<The Peninsula Hotel is widely regarded as the finest hotel ON THE PLANET...with rates comparable to the Mira Costa. And, no disrespect to DisneySea, the views of Hong Kong Harbor overlooking the most amazing skyline on Earth simply blow away the lovely (but themeparkish) DisneySea views.>> Believe me, I have stayed in many 5 star hotels during my travels. But being a Disney fan, I think I would rather stay in the MiraCosta or Disneyland Hotel over something like the Peninsula Hotel. I haven't personally been there, but it looks quite similar to some of the 5 star places I used to stay. And I agree that the view from the Peninsula Hotel is spectacular. But being a Disney fan, I must say that the view from the MiraCosta is more dramatic and sweeping to me. As impressive as the view of the Hong Kong harbor, it just doesn't move me emotionally. Reason why I prefer the magic and immersiveness of the MiraCosta's Mediterranean Harbor view. The Italian background music just does it for me. I love it!
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan And I must ask, since you didn't specify; have you, Mr X, ever stayed at the MiraCosta. If you haven't, you really should just try it- even just for one night. It would really give you a lot of perspective in this discussion, not that you haven't already provided some. Having stayed in at least 50 different hotels of the deluxe range (some Disney, some not), I still consider the MiraCosta my finest experience. It's simply one-of-a-kind and the only 5 star experience among the Disney hotels in my opinion.
Originally Posted By leemac X: I am sure we have had this discussion before but I think it boils down to: Snooty=British I'm not about to apologize for anything I've said. I stand by it. That said neither you or TDR_fan should feel that I have either a low opinion or hate/dislike you. I'm pretty dispassionate about personalities on the boards. Everyone has a POV and is entitled to it in the LP community. I don't necessarily see a correlation between people's online persona and who they are in reality. I'm unlikely to ever encounter either of you (I've actually met remarkably few LP-ers over the past 8 years). I'll be absolutely honest and say that I suspect there are very few people that know how Disney operates like I do. Very few indeed. I hope I impart some of that on the boards. Sometimes it comes off as either arrogant or dismissive to some. It is never my intention for that to the case. I don't crave attention like Lutz or Hill. It just isn't in my nature.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN When you agree with everything Disney does, then what's the point of "craving attention" as you put it? But enough about you. TDR_Fan... I understand your love for the Miracosta and that's fine. To each his own... but in regards to other hotel chains like the Rits and the Peninsulas, with the exception of few of their locations, what distinguish them apart is their excellence in service, and not necesary the theme or decor of their properties. I feel you can get the same level of service at the Miracosta as you would at the Ritz or the Peninsula. Case in point, the Peninsula in Manila..where the service is great, the food is wonderful but the location in Makati area is simply... meh! Other hotels do offer an exceptional experience.. like the Burj in Dubai, which is a stunning building when you drive up to it (after passing the lovely security check point), and the lobby is simple breathtaking with the fountain leaping about, and the pyro at night. But frankly..I feel it is (like the Miracosta) way overpriced. I much prefer the Kempinski Mall of Emirates Hotel over the Burj, which offers exceptional decor with equally exceptional service, stunningly appointed rooms, a great bar (1897 Bar) to hang out and relax, shopping and amusement, etc. It's the closest I have come to the Miracosta experience. My point is... yes, it is posible to find other locations that offer as much enjoyment as satisfaction as the Miracosta.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Ooops for got to add, the indoor snow park and ski slopes in the areas next to the hotel are simply FABULOUS! and worth the price you pay there. I loved it! Sadly, I can't ski if my life depended on it. But it sure is one heck of an impressive sight.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>And I must ask, since you didn't specify; have you, Mr X, ever stayed at the MiraCosta. If you haven't, you really should just try it- even just for one night.<< I like the MiraCosta a lot, but that's never gonna happen. I've seen the whole place, been in one of the rooms, and in any case I've spent more time at DisneySea than anyone else on these boards so it's not like I haven't seen those views a bazillion times. Even if I moved away from Japan and came back for a visit, if I was going to spurge I'd stay at the Brighton. The rooms don't even compare, the Brighton is FAR superior. But yeah, I do like the MiraCosta it's a lovely hotel and I've no doubt the service is excellent (assuming you care for the Japanese style of service).
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<Even if I moved away from Japan and came back for a visit, if I was going to spurge I'd stay at the Brighton. The rooms don't even compare, the Brighton is FAR superior. But yeah, I do like the MiraCosta it's a lovely hotel and I've no doubt the service is excellent (assuming you care for the Japanese style of service).>> True. I have stayed in many 5 star hotels with much larger and comfortable rooms than the MiraCosta's, all for a lower price too. And I've had equal treatment and level of service at several others too. Still, I think the MiraCosta is tops when it comes to Disney hotels. And as far as theming and beauty goes, the MiraCosta is my favorite. By the way, in response to your previous question, the rates I posted were for a single night each; expensive, I know. I stayed in one of the Speciale Rooms my first night, hence the $940/night cost. I felt it was completely worth it though. It felt incredibly exclusive and Salone dell'Amico was fantastic. From the free drinks and breakfast to the classy check-in/check-out service, the experience was worth it in my opinion. They even purchased the park tickets for us and gave us free goodies without us even asking. For example; one of the cast members from Salone dell'Amico came to my room with umbrellas for us to use since it was raining that day (without us requesting them). By the way, I have tried to stay at the Peninsula Hong Kong about 10 years ago when I had to make a sudden trip to Hong Kong. However, I couldn't get a reservation and was forced to book a reservation at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong(which was an excellent hotel as well). I thought its lobby looked better than the Peninsula's.
Originally Posted By Mr X >>Still, I think the MiraCosta is tops when it comes to Disney hotels.<< Well, certainly the park views alone make it extra-special. I've got nothing bad to say about the Mira-Costa, I just don't see myself staying there (more likely I'll save the cash and stay in the motel under the tracks lol).
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<Well, certainly the park views alone make it extra-special.>> That, and the magic and immersion of staying in Mediterranean Harbor. That alone pushes the MiraCosta above the experience I've had at other 5 star hotels. It's so relaxing. Opening a window and hearing the sweeping background music of Mediterranean Harbor while you sleep is simply phenomenal! And I know this will make me sound even more geeky, but I took the time to record those music loops from my balcony too (I had a balcony room for the second and third night). I must have gotten very weird looks; standing over the balcony after park closing and holding an audio recorder. But that was the only time I could get audio without any disturbances.
Originally Posted By Mr X Many people also stay at MiraCosta in the hopes of catching late night and early morning show rehersals.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<Many people also stay at MiraCosta in the hopes of catching late night and early morning show rehersals.>> I did. I caught the rehearsals for Chip and Dale's Cool Service and also saw some very interesting sights pre-opening and post-opening. It was quite surreal.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I caught the rehearsals for Chip and Dale's Cool Service and also saw some very interesting sights pre-opening and post-opening.>> I think that is one of my big issues with the MC (much like the Cinderella Castle Suite) - the notion that guests can see them preparing for the day just seems wrong to me. If a Disney theme park opens up like a three-dimensional movie then this should not the opening scene. I prefer the DL Hotel at Paris where you can see the train station and a glimpse of Main Street but the illusion of Disneyland remains intact. Much the same as the GC and its views. I remember when we had Mythica in rehearsal in the lagoon. We would finish before 6 and people would have spent all night peeking out of their rooms as the floats were prepped. I just can't understand why someone would want to "ruin" that first experience of a show or parade by seeing the tech runs or rehearsals.
Originally Posted By leemac <<I much prefer the Kempinski Mall of Emirates Hotel over the Burj, which offers exceptional decor with equally exceptional service, stunningly appointed rooms, a great bar (1897 Bar) to hang out and relax, shopping and amusement, etc. It's the closest I have come to the Miracosta experience.>> Wow. Really? Haven't stayed there but it did look remarkably unremarkable when I walked through the lobby earlier in the summer. It is right on the busiest street in Dubai and attached to a mall so it certainly didn't feel grand to me. I know the brand is meant to stand for excellence (I've never stayed in one myself) but it didn't particularly inspire me. It just seems odd to me that people would go to somewhere like Dubai and then not stay on the beach.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<I think that is one of my big issues with the MC (much like the Cinderella Castle Suite) - the notion that guests can see them preparing for the day just seems wrong to me. If a Disney theme park opens up like a three-dimensional movie then this should not the opening scene. I prefer the DL Hotel at Paris where you can see the train station and a glimpse of Main Street but the illusion of Disneyland remains intact. Much the same as the GC and its views. I remember when we had Mythica in rehearsal in the lagoon. We would finish before 6 and people would have spent all night peeking out of their rooms as the floats were prepped. I just can't understand why someone would want to "ruin" that first experience of a show or parade by seeing the tech runs or rehearsals.>> Well, it's not like you have to look. I simply looked out of curiosity, as did many guests of the MiraCosta. Those that want to preserve the experience can just keep their curtains shut. And I've seen similar sights at the Grand Californian too; trucks and cars driving around after closing. Frankly, I think the views from the Disneyland Hotel in Paris are disappointing. I much prefer the views of the Grand Californian and MiraCosta. A view of the Main Street Station and the top spire of the castle is not worth the price in my opinion. There is practically no view of Main Street at all since the train station blocks it.
