Parks and Resorts- The Triumph of Disney's Hotel Theming

In my humble opinion, the hotels of Disney's theme parks are just as much of an attraction as the theme parks themselves. The hotels of Disney properties have taken on a life for themselves and all have strong themes (if not backstories). They do not just provide elegant (or cheap) lodging, the hotel provides an experience that is worthy of vacation time in itself. The only other location in the United States with this type of diverse hotel experience is the strip in Las Vegas. Here are what I believe the top ten best hotel themes are (for this list, I limited it to U.S. Disney hotels). This list includes deluxe, moderate, and value resorts. Note, this list is not saying which hotels are the best to stay at, only the theme of the resort itself is evaluated here.



10. Grand Californian Hotel (Disneyland)- This hotel is both rustic and elegant and truly showcases the wonder of the nature of California, while also feeling fun and modern.

9.  Fort Wilderness Resort (Walt Disney World) This resort captures a wilderness charm with a communal camaraderie. This resort has both a campground and cabins and makes a guest feel like a true explorer and adventurer.

8. Boardwalk (Walt Disney World) This resort has an early 1900's feel and is definitely an adult oriented theme, but has child friendly elements. Its theme extends to the boardwalk shops and attractions as well.

7. Polynesian Village Resort (Walt Disney World) A south seas feel with full amenities and charm. The restaurants, the bungalows, and the music, the original history, and the atmosphere (along with the convenient Magic Kingdom location) make this resort have a strong and loyal following.

6. Art of Animation Resort (Walt Disney World) This fairly recent addition captures the theme of animation and movie making in a fun and bold manner. In fact, it does better to showcase the making of animation then the entire old Disney MGM studios did. This is Disney's current "living in the movies" answer to counter Universal's theme of the same name.

5. Animal Kingdom Lodge (Walt Disney World) Living next to zoo animals...need I say more? It feels like an African savannah and the lobby captures just as much of that feeling as the rooms overlooking the savannah.

4. Grand Floridian (Walt Disney World) Sparking white, elegant, and regal. This theme captures the idea of U.S. royalty in the victorian era. The backstory of Flagler is a little strange, but the piano playing in the lobby and the other elegant charms make this a resort that everyone wants to stay in at least once.

3. Port Orleans Riverside (Walt Disney World) This moderate resort has a southern charm that is reminiscent of a combination of Tom Sawyer and Dixie, with a cold glass of iced tea. The water wheel is a site that relaxes and exudes feelings of romance.

2. Disneyland Hotel (Disneyland) This resort was never intended to really have a theme, but it does today because it captures the nostalgia in Disneyland's past. Some of the best pictures and designs of Disneyland's past are here.

1. Wilderness Lodge (Walt Disney World) This resort is a true gem. It is elegant and spacious, but has the theme of a national park. It makes you feel like you are visiting the wilderness of Yosemite, but the opulence of a 1900's grand resort. A perfect mix of comfort and nature.

Honorable mention:

- The Contemporary resort (Walt Disney World) Though nice, and unique because of the monorail traveling through it, this resort no longer appears contemporary or modern in its drawer shape motif.

Thoughts?