In the hotel, everything must be themed and relate back to the animal you have chosen for your theme.
In your proposal, you must include the name of the hotel, a small description of a restaurant, a small description of a shop, and some examples of room sizes, rates, and anything else that will help to promote your proposal as the best one for this challenge.
The Deadline for posting is July 14th at midnight, website time.
Kodiak Retreat is an upcoming moderately priced hotel coming to the Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring 5 large separate buildings, 1 lake, 2 pools, 2 water-slides, and a world class restaurant, Kodiak Retreat does it all and more. Themed to a town nestled in the dense forests of Alaska where the Kodiak bear is always present, Kodiak Retreat immerses guests into a wonderful animal-themed experience and a top-notch resort into one!
Exterior & Layout
Located off of Western Way, Kodiak Retreat offers close access to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Guests will turn off of Western Way onto Den Drive, which will take them instantly to Kodiak Retreat. The closer guests get to the resort, they will begin to see two large wood carved Kodiak bears on their hind legs greeting guests from both sides of the road. Guests will pass the statues and enter the parking lot. If you're simply checking in, or just unloading your belongings, cast members will direct you to the un-load area in front of the lobby.
The main building is where the load/un-load area and lobby, main restaurant and shopping areas are located. Made up of large timber, the main building looks like a magnificent log cabin. On the left, right and middle sides of the main building, even larger Kodiak bear statues can be seen, each holding out their paws and holding a constant fire which illuminates the front side of the building at night. Just below the bears and surrounding all of the buildings are large pine trees specially imported from Alaska. The unload area is large enough to fit quite a few buses. The roof of the unload area is held up by Kodiak bears, holding their paws up to support the roof. The roof of the unload area and main building is composed of light blue shingles. The unload area has many wood arches, and if you look closely, they are Kodiak bears all holding on to each other by their paws. On the roof of the main building, large chimneys jut out of the structure. However, these chimneys are actually Kodiak bears made out of rock, and steam from inside foyer spouts from their head. Large, glass windows are built into the timber structure of the main building, allowing natural light to be let into the lobby during the daytime, and for guests to see a clear view of the stars and moon at night, right from the lobby area or restaurant. Each window frame is large timber that is painted a light grey which contrasts the dull brown of the rest of the building.
The other four buildings are built in a similar fashion. There are two buildings to the upper left and upper right of the main building. The buildings to the left are called the Escape Den and the buildings to the right are called the Wilderness Camp. These buildings house the rooms, and are also made up of timber. The roof is the same light blue shingles. Instead of large glass windows, there is small windows built into the structure for the rooms with a view and with each room with a view, there is a porch which is made up of timber also and is held up by the same arches described in the unload area (Kodiak bears holding on to each other). The window frames are also dull grey. There is one large chimney jutting out of each building and is just stone, instead of stone carved into a Kodiak bear as on the main building. Each building is walking distance away from the one next to it, but are almost hidden from one another by the large pine trees. The buildings (except the main building) are completely hidden from the parking lot by the coverage of the large pine trees.
Interior
Prepared to be amazing as you walk into the foyer of Kodiak Retreat. The walls around you come to life with carved images of Kodiak bears fishing, exploring and fighting. The ceiling has large, wood-carved buttresses and dazzling chandeliers which hang from the ceiling. However, these are more than just chandeliers. If you look closely, you can see each candle is held up by a mini Kodiak bear! And to add to that Alaskan feel, the chandeliers are decorated with many different types of pelts. In the center of the foyer, is a large steam vent coming out of jagged rocks, and that steam escapes out of the chimneys on the roof. Around the steam vent is many benches for guests to keep warm in the colder months while also being able to look up at the night sky. On the left wall is a large gift store where you can purchase many Disney memorabilia and souvenirs. On the right is the mysterious cave entrance to Bear Den, the resort's restaurant.
Behind the steam vent, you will find the check in counter and guest services. Here you can even buy tickets to any of the 4 Disney parks! And are you concerned about the slightly long walk to your room with your luggage? Don't worry! A cast member will take it there for you while you explore the grounds! Closer to the end of the foyer and on the left side of the lobby (next to the gift shop) is Club Kodiak, a raging dance spot and adult bar! However, on the opposite end of Club Kodiak is Iqniq Spa, a relaxing sauna and massage center for those who just want to relax.
Landscaping
As you approach the main building, you will see pine trees, large rocks, babbling brooks, flowers and shrubs all surrounding the main building. However, behind the main building, you will see Akiak lake, a large man-made lake that helps created that Alaskan feel! In the center of the lake is a small island with large rocks and pine trees. Surrounding the lake is a dense forest of pine trees to add to the mystery of Alaska. On the hotel side, you will find pathways that split up at the lake and will take on a trail to either the Escape Den or Wilderness Camp. Where the pathways split, you will find a statue of a mother Kodiak bear laying on her back and holding her cub into the air and smiling at him. The statue is surrounded by flowers and small shrubs. Behind the statue is a dock that stretches out into the lake. It is heavily lit by torches at night and features canoes modeled after the natives in Alaska's canoes floating in the water. To the left of the statue is the first trail that will take you to the Escape Den section. The trail is beautiful and takes you through a forest where you can see many different types of birds and small animals along with creeks, rocks, shrubs and tall pine trees and even the occasional sight of Eskimo camps. In between the two buildings of the Escape Den you will find a pool, hot-tub, and many water play areas and a water-slide. To the right of the Kodiak bear statue is basically the same journey to the Wilderness Camp. Though the pool, water-slide, and rooms are different. The view of Akiak lake is visible from all of the buildings, as the resort is built around half of it.
Dining
Kodiak Retreat offers a fine dining option that is a destination in it's own for anyone staying at the Walt Disney World Resort. The restaurant is located in the right side of the main foyer of the hotel and is actually underground! Guests walk down a small gentle slope through a rocky cave entrance into an amazing setting where even the walls are rock! It is called "The Bear Den" and offers anything from fresh Chilean Sea Bass rubbed with a delicious zesty lemon sauce to even your kid's favorites! The restaurant always has something for everyone and offers plenty of entertainment along the way! If you're up for the challenge, sit around the statue of the Kodiak bear. When his eyes glow, the real fun begins! Wind and snow effects will take place for a few seconds as you enter a full scale blizzard while you're eating! Do you dare to face the wrath of the Kodiak? If you're not up for that kind of fun, sit in the other side of the restaurant for a more traditional dining experience.
In the morning, The Bear Den hosts a free complimentary breakfast with eggs, toast, milk, cereal, cinnamon buns and more! However, you can't experience the wrath of the Kodiak during these hours.
Rooms & Rates
Standard Room - 150$ per night - Head on over to the Escape Den where you can be a part of this standard room deal. Two queen sized beds, a bathroom, cable T.V., fridge, wifi, bathtub, ceiling fan, table and chairs, towels, sink, microwave and room service are included.
Standard Room w/ View and Porch - 164$ per night - Same amenities as standard room but with view overlooking pool, forest or lake.
Deluxe Room - 250$ per night - Enjoy your stay over at the Wilderness Camp in our deluxe room. Featuring a king-size bed, fold out couch, shower, bathtub, complimentary dinners, wifi, larger fridge, table with soft chairs, HD T.V., cable, and room service.
Deluxe Room w/ View and Porch - 264$ per night - Same amenities as deluxe room but with view overlooking pool, forest or lake.
Fun & Entertainment
Looking for a fun and exciting hotel experience? Kodiak Retreat has it all and more!
At the Escape Den section of the hotel, you can find the Secret Pond, a large pool located inbetween the two buildings of the Escape Den. The pool is built slightly below sea-level and is hidden by large jagged rocks that jut out around the pool and a mist that engulfs the pool. The pool ranges from 2 ft. deep to 9 feet deep and features a wild water-slide at the end of the pool that takes guests on a daring adventure through the jagged rocks of the Secret Pond. The pool also features a nice hot-tub that is built into the jagged rock-work and many lounge chairs and showers located around the pool area.
At the Wilderness Camp section of the hotel, you will find K'eyush Lake, a pool themed to a mystical spring. Surrounding the pool is a plentitude of pine trees and, of course, the two buildings of Wilderness Camp. Once guests enter the pool area, they will see many mysterious totem poles all around them and what looks like remnants of an old Eskimo Camp, still with a fire burning (steam instead of smoke). This pool features a more impressive water-slide, that intertwines with the trees and has a steep drop into a separate, smaller pool built for the slide. Two hot-tubs are featured here and many lounge chairs and showers surround the pool.
Are you on an adventure for some exciting night-life close to you? Kodiak Retreat offers plenty of options! Adults can hit Club Kodiak, a neon bar located in the main foyer. It opens at 10 P.M. nightly and adults can sit down for a drink, dance, and socialize without the burden of kids! You'd never guess you were at Walt Disney World here!
Want a family night-life experience? Join cast-members every night by the dock for some s'mores and ghost stories! No extra charge. And on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, special showings of Disney classics ranging from The Little Mermaid to The Incredibles will take place behind the pools at both the Escape Den and Wilderness Camp.
Sometimes it's just better to kick back and relax and Kodiak Retreat offers that amenity. Join us at Iqniq Spa and sit in the warm sauna for as long as you want or pay extra for a special massage treatment. Relaxation is key and nobody does it like Kodiak Retreat!
The hotel will offers buses that will transport guests to Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot. The service will begin at 7:30 A.M. and continue throughout the entire day.
Come on and join us at Kodiak Retreat where the possibilities of fun and comfort are endless!
When visiting Walt Disney World... Why not stay with family?
Hahahaha... I tried.
Need a good place of HANG out? Need somewhere to rest, away from the kids who are driving you BANANAS? Tired of these terrible puns? (Too bad, there's one more!)
Come on down to Walt Disney World's "Monkey Inn"! (heh heh, get it? Monkeyin'?)
Don't kwitcher day job, Andy. :)
The Otter Lodge
Located near the existing Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Otter Lodge is the second moderate scale resort near Disney's Animal Kingdom, and the fourth at Walt Disney World.
Exterior: The hotel building resembles a large wooden cabin. A small stream flows out from the lobby and winds through the moderately-wooded surroundings. Windows are visible up and down the sides of the building, which stands five stories tall. The hotel is one of Disney World's smallest properties, with only 900 guest rooms.
Lobby: Although the lobby is indoors, it feels just as woodsy at the exterior of the hotel. The stream winds through here as well, and the floor in the center is made out of a stone. All furniture is similar to what one would expect to find in a rustic cabin in the woods, and the decorations scattered around are similar in style, providing a casual, comfortable space for guests to relax.
Floor Plan: The lobby is located in the center of the hotel. From the front door, the check-in counter is located to the right. The two guest wings are to the right and left of the lobby, and extend straight before bending toward the back of the hotel area. At the back of the lobby, the hotel's gift shop is located to the left, the main restaurant is directly ahead, and the pool and otter exhibit entrance is to the right.
Gift Shop (Pups Mementos): The gift shop contains various snacks and sundries, as well as an assortment of souvenirs. Some items are unique to the lodge, while others are generic Disney souvenirs. The shop resembles the interior of a log cabin, and includes a decorative hole in the ceiling. A projected image can be seen through this opening, creating the illusion that guests are looking up at the sky. This image changes depending on time of day, depicting a clear blue sky during the day and a star-covered one at night.
Restaurant (The River Holt): The hotel's main restaurant is themed to a cave, similar to that in which an otter may make their den. In keeping with the otter theme of the hotel, the restaurant serves primarily seafood, but other options are available to accommodate as many diners as possible. The restaurant also has a full bar carved into the wall at the back.
Additionally, the hotel has a coffee shop to provide more casual dining throughout the day.
Pool Area and Otter Exhibit: The outdoor pool area contains three separate sections. The first is a lazy river surrounded by trees. The river is about 1000 feet long, and passes by the otter exhibit, which gives guests a view into it through a clear glass wall. The second section of the pool area is a regular swimming pool that shares a wall with the aquatic section of the otter exhibit. Swimmers can view the otters from underwater as well as at water level since the two bodies of water are the same depth. It is possible for guests to get from the lazy river to the pool by sliding down a short waterslide, but the reverse cannot be done without exiting the water. The third part of the pool area features a water fortress themed like a treehouse. Guests can climb throughout the structure, play with the many water features inside, slide down the two waterslides, and stand under the tipping bucket to get soaked. This is centrally located in the pool area so parents can keep an eye on their children.
Next to the pool area is the otter exhibit, which shares walls with a couple of the attractions in the pool area. This exhibit is spacious enough that the otters don't feel cramped inside. The primary viewing area is located next to the land part of the exhibit, and a set of stairs descends to an underwater viewing area nearby.
Other smaller shops and snack bars surround this outdoor area.
Guest Rooms: Three types of rooms are available. Most of the rooms are of the first two types: standard rooms with either one-king or two-queen beds. These rooms can sleep 2 or 4, respectively, and go for $150-250 per night depending on time of year and day of week. The third type of room is a mini-suite, which has two twin beds in the main room and a separate bedroom with a king bed. Mini-suites also have a small kitchen and a TV area. These rooms are especially good for families, and typically cost $350-550 per night. All rooms feature rustic furniture similar in style to what is found in the lobby, and have wood-paneled walls along with modest decoration to accent the otter theme of the hotel. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combos.
Amenities: The Otter Lodge has the standard amenities of a four-star hotel, and free WI-FI is available throughout the building. Guests staying at the lodge also have all the benefits of those staying at any other Walt Disney World resort.
*EDIT* Sorry..meant to post this on the Chatter thread.
Coming soon to Walt Disney World Resort is Lion Paradise, a new moderate rate hotel coming near Animal Kingdom. The hotel has 2000 rooms, with 300 standard rooms, 1,500 family rooms, and 200 suites. Lion Paradise stays to 2 themes: Lions and Africa.
Layout
Main building:
The main building includes the lobby, restaurant, and gift shop. The lobby is themed to an African outpost and features many lion and African decorations. Cast Members clothes look like a lion including an orange collar! The gift shop is called Freshly Hunted Gifts and includes hotel merchandise, African decorations, stuffed zebras, and more!
Hunters is the name of the restaurant and includes a lot of meat. Steak among other meat is here, including African foods such as potjeiko and kitcha fit-fit. The signature drink is Mageu, a non-alcoholic drink made from mealie pap and wheat. You can get it in Banana or Cream flavors. 
The restaurant includes normal breakfast foods in the morning. It isn't until lunch time when these special foods come out.
Rooms:
The rooms are very special as they each represent a habitat of the lion.
Standard and Family rooms- The standard room is themed to an outdoor habitat. It features 1 queen sized bed (2 in family), refrigerator, closet, and a convertible couch, sleeping 4-5 guests (7 in family). For things like shower curtains and sheets, fake zebra fur is represented. A fake tree or two is inside. Behind the TV is a screen that changes with the weather and time of the day. For example, if it's raining, it will be cloudy with rain dropping. If the sun is setting, you'll get a beautiful sunset. Additionally, you have a porch with every room.
Suites: You'll be the lion king when you stay in a suite (No, you will not be Simba, Mufasa, or Scar)! With massive space, 2 bedrooms, and a beautifully themed room, it is lion paradise! The look of these suites are similar to Pride Rock in the film The Lion King. The entire room looks like it's made from rock!
Enough with the slumbering, let's get to some of the fun activities the hotel has to offer!
Activities:
The pool is themed to a watering hole, a giant watering hole that is! The pool is 30 yards long, 5 yards bigger than an Olympic sized pool! One end of the pool has 3 water slides: A spiral tunnel, a zigzag, and for those brave enough, a straight slide that is 55 feet tall! Nearby for nighttime is a stage for a fire show, showing nightly at 10 PM nightly. You can also go down The Lion Trail, a walk through with live lions.
Rates:
Standard Room: $140 per night during the off-season; $175 in peak seasons
Family Room: $160 per night during the off-season; $205 in peak seasons
Suites: $215 per night during the off-season; prices vary in peak seasons
Young or old, you'll greatly appreciate Lion Paradise!
Need a good place of HANG out? Need somewhere to rest, away from the kids who are driving you BANANAS? Tired of these terrible puns? (Too bad, there's one more!)
Come on down to Walt Disney World's "Monkey Inn"! (heh heh, get it? Monkeyin'?)
Monkey Inn is a moderately priced resort located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Located near the Animal Kingdom park and Animal Kingdom Lodge, Monkey Inn features 1000 rooms across four five-story buildings, a large pool, and of course, views of those comedic monkeys!
Buildings (Interior and Exterior)
The 4 buildings form a sort of "U" shape on the hotel grounds, with a large semi-circle drop-off area that leads to the parking lot.
Inside the "U" would be the monkey habitat, which would include several species. These species include capuchins, chimpanzees, spider monkeys, and howlers, as well as others.
On the outer sides of the "U" would be the pool, game room, picnic tables, and entrance to the Monkey Interaction (when open), as well as other recreational activities.
Much like Animal Kingdom Lodge, the buildings of Monkey Inn would have an African architectural style to them, inside and out. Several aboriginal monkey statues would surround the buildings, and a few could be located in the lobby.
Rooms
Rooms would be moderately priced, following this system:
*$150/night- Standard room w/o view of monkey habitat
*$175/night- Standard room w/ view of monkey habitat
*$225/night- Deluxe room w/o view of monkey habitat
*$275/night- Deluxe room w/ view of monkey habitat
*$375/night- King Ape Suite
Standard rooms would include the following:
*2 queen size beds, as well as a bed that can be pulled out of the couch
*Small table with chairs
*Small closet
*Bathroom with tub (with shower), toilet, and sink/vanity area
*Small kitchen with minifridge, coffeemaker, microwave, sink, and cabinets
*Window with balcony overlooking the outer side of the hotel
*Standard definition television
Obviously, the standard rooms with a view of the monkey habitat would overlook the inside section of the hotel.
Deluxe rooms would include the following:
*1 king size bed
*Larger table with chairs
*Large bathroom with toilet, tub, shower (separate from tub), vanity area, and sink (also separate).
*Medium sized walk in closet
*Window with balcony overlooking outer side of the hotel
*High definition television with game console
*Medium sized kitchen with stove, microwave, coffeemaker, medium sized fridge, and sink.
All rooms would include free complimentary Wi-Fi connection and room service (discounted for deluxe room guests).
The King Ape Suite is the largest and most grand room at the hotel. The King Ape Suite consists of 2 rooms, both a little larger than a deluxe room. Each room would feature the "features" of the deluxe room, only larger (i.e. the bathroom would be bigger, as would the kitchen, bed, etc.). The King Ape Suite would be placed at the bottom of the "U" shape, allowing for a view of the entire habitat.
Recreation
Obviously, nobody wants to stay cooped up in a hotel room for 2 or 3 nights, so Monkey Inn offers a wide variety of recreational activities for guests to experience if they get cabin fever!
Pool
The hotel features a large pool nestled within some rock formations and palm trees. With a drink bar and 3 slides, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Kufurahi Pond ("kufurahi" is Swahili for "relaxing") is a 3500-square-foot pool that ranges from depths of 3 feet to 10 feet. The first slide is a small, straight slide nestled in the rocks. This slide is suitable for any age, as it empties into the 4 foot depth section and is quite short and simple.
The second slide is around 10 feet tall, and twists twice before emptying into the 6 foot depth section. The third slide is around 20 feet tall, features many twists and drops, and empties into the 8 foot depth section.
As well as the slides, the pool features a rope swing accessible through a staircase in the rocks. The rope allows guests to swing into the deepest section of the pool, as if they were one of the monkeys from the habitat!
For guests who don't want all the excitement of the pool, guests can relax in one of the many lounge chairs, the jacuzzi, or have a drink at the drink bar (must be 21 to order alcoholic drinks).
Monkey Interaction Tour
Fridays, Saturday, and Sunday are special days at Monkey Inn. For a fee, guests can go out into the habitat with a trainer and experience the monkeys first hand.
Game Room
For the kids (or even adults) who enjoy their technological recreation aren't lost at Monkey Inn. A large game room features several arcade cabinets, as well as more modern aracde-style games.
Food
When you get hungry, Monkey Inn offers a quality restaurant, Ladha Cuisine (ladha is Swahili for "delicious"), that features traditional African cuisine for your lunch and dinner meals. Of course, American food we have come to know and love are available for those who aren't so courageous in their dining habits. Occasionally, a traditional African dance would be performed, with dancers interacting with guests as they eat.
As well as dinner and lunch being served at Ladha Cuisine, a complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning in the main lobby.
Transportation to Disney Parks
We all know that nobody wants to try to maneuver through that crazy Orlando traffic to get to The Happiest Place on Earth, so Monkey Inn offers monorail service to the 4 parks.
When visiting Walt Disney World Resort, Monkey Inn really is the place to HANG out! There's something for everybody!
Chimp & Zee's resort celebrates not just the Chimpanzee as an animal in its own right, but also its relationship with mankind - they are perhaps mankind's closest animal relation and have been "working with people" in the entertainment industry for a very long time. The Hotel has features inspired by the life and times of you average chimp, the ecosystem you'll find wild chimps in, as well as a few home comforts to reflect just how close man and chimp are.
(Note, in Disney style we're glossing over the controversial parts of the chimp-human relationship, especially medical research, just focusing on the positives).
The slogan, whilst a pun reference to the biological similarities to man and chimp can also be adapted to instead focus on the quality service of the resort for markets where potential customers may not be entirely comfortable with the biological/evolutionary connotation.
As a "Moderate Supplement" to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Chimp & Zee's does have a few intentional similarities in style to Animal Kingdom lodge. It tries to offer some common experiences, but not at the higher price point that Animal Kingdom Lodge demands - as guests are only likely to stay at one or the other a little overlap shouldn't present a problem. This said, Chimp & Zee's also puts its own spin on things by the inclusion of "Stars" Chimp and Zee, and a nod towards the not-too distant all-star themed resorts, and puts more focus on "jungle" than generic Africa.
Backstory/Disney “Myth”:
Like many facilities in Walt Disney World, Chimp & Zee's has been built around an invented "myth" to tie the themed elements together.
“Chimp” and “Zee” have been one of Hollywood’s darling couples for decades - despite their abundance of body hair (but thats okay, they're Chimpanzees after all). After appearing in countless animal based comedies they’ve decided to retire from show business. After a few months of swinging from tree to tree in the Congo, Chimp and Zee realised that the happiest they were on the road, staying in hotels and getting the full star treatment. With this in mind they could thing of no place better to spend their retirement than their own hotel?. When their friend Mickey Mouse offered them a prime piece of Disney World Resort to build their dream, they just couldn’t refuse.
Chimp & Zee have scoured the world’s best human hotels and attractions to learn how to provide the best experience to their human cousins, and hope to provide a great experience to other members of the “family” too; but they know all of their guests can't be movie stars, and have built an experience that you'll still remember long after your bank balance has forgotten it.
Hotel Structure:
The Hotel is made up of 3 9 storey (inc ground level) hotel buildings, arranged in an capital I shape. The first 6 levels taken on their own form a trapezoidal shape each level moving "in" 1/3 of a storey's height on the long side; However 2/3 up the floors begin to move out again the same amount with them seeming to just hang out slightly.
A crude attempt to show the shape is below, colours selected are just to highlight the various faces, and not indicative how how it would actually look. (Yes I know its a horrible picture, but I sadly am no artist).
The hotel shape is 3 of these in a row (so theres 3 room sections, 2 internal supporting curve walls, and 2 exterior curve walls. This is then mirrored on the other side to create an hourglass shape (but with a much smaller top section). Its coloured in timber shaded browns on most sides, except for the South building on the West side, which has a simulated rock face and waterfall.
The Rooftop areas cover approximately the same footprint as the 3rd level, however the"inward" side of the "Top" and "Bottom" of the I shaped group are slightly larger in the middle, making all 3 rooftop areas meet and combine for a single rooftop plaza (this plaza is known as the canopy… More on this later).
Placed between the Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Animal Kingdom Park, The Middle stroke of the I aligns more or less along a North-South axis; with the southern building hosting the reception area.
In line with similar resorts in Walt Disney World, there are around 2000 rooms.
Reception:
Reception is themed to be like the living/lounge room of someone quite well off, but with large pictures of Chimps working on movie sets. This area is meant to help establish the feeling of being in the home of family you might be staying with on vacation, its a link to the Chimpanzee's biological and cultural links with humanity.
Cast Members operating in the resort are briefed to try and make the experience as much like staying with family as they can. Where there is scope to they're asked to try and remember names, and when guests are leaving they're asked "to come back and visit us again real soon".
Hotel Rooms:
The rooms within Chimp & Zee's are in line with other moderate resorts. Guests on level 1 (that is, the one directly above the ground level) through 5 have a small balcony space that slightly overhands the levels below. Guests on higher levels are treated to floor to ceiling windows offering spectacular views on the resort (branded as "Sky view"). In addition to normal beds, Childrens rooms contain the option of having a children's hammock (in addition to the normal bed - just in case they change their minds later), and a two-person hammock can be found on the balcony (in balcony rooms), or by the large window (in higher rooms).
Basic Facilities:
• Concierge Services
• Laundry Services
• In-room Refrigerator
• Accessible Rooms
• Extended Theme Park Hours
• Key to the World Card
• Resort Transportation - links to all attractions similarly to other Disney resorts.
• TableServiceDining
• Purchases Delivered to Resorts
• Room Service - Order from The Congo River Grill
• Cable TV with Disney programming
• Pack 'n Play Playard available
• Rooms and facilities for Guests with disabilities
• Self-parking
• Wi-Fi is available
• Hairdryer
• Safe
• Iron and ironing board
• Coffee maker
• Mini-fridge
• Ceiling fan
• Full-length mirror
Standard Room: $160 - Two Bedrooms, Two Queen beds, or two singles and a queen, your choice of Balcony or "Sky View" room (subject to availability), plus all basic amenities and pool/congo Jungle facilities included and basic coffemaking facilities. Nb, Does not include access to "Dive in movies", meals, drinks or Zee's Parlour (these are an optional extra).
The Alpha's Room: $225 A larger room with a King Sized bed, and either 3 Single beds, or an additional Queen and Single. Pull out couch available for a small charge extra. Includes as per basic room. In addition includes complementary access to "Dive In Movies", and self catering kitchenette.
Chimp & Zee's Room: Starts at $350 (depends on number of guests and selected configuration) - Can be configured to a space for larger families (up to 8 persons, up to 4 may be on pull-out couches), for an executive retreat, or as a romantic getaway (honeymoon suite). Includes as per The Alpha's room (less Kitchenette), "Close Encounter" and Breakfast/dinner included.
Childminding:
Kids, do your parents want to go to some boring fancy restaurant or show? Why not give them the night off and come to Chimp & Zee’s comedy club - after all Comedy is how they got their start in show business, perhaps it will be for your little animals.
Some of Chimp & Zee’s favourite clowns and comics will show you how to get a laugh from your friends and parents for when you get back home in this part cabaret part hands on experience… If your folks want to stay out a bit later, we also have a “tuck in” service available for an extra charge.
Bigger kids might prefer the Jungle lounge. This area contains a juice bar, TVs, video and board games, books, and hammocks, the perfect place to just "veg" out in.
Don’t worry parents, our staff are registered with all relevant authorities and have passed extensive criminal checks before being hired – your little animals are in safe hands.
Restaurant/Cafe 1: The Orangery Fast Casual/Informal $-$$
Chimp and Zee are superstars, and expect their guests to be treated as no less than stars. To ensure this they travelled the world to learn what it takes to make sure their all members of the Hominidae family would be absolutely delighted with their stay, looking at the best places to visit and the best places to stay for ideas.
As they travelled they were inspired by the great Orangeries in Europe and elsewhere built around the end of the 19th century – giant temples dedicated just to growing Chimp and Zee’s 3 favourite foods – fruit, fruit and more fruit! Chimp and Zee couldn't wait to build their own, with a jungle spin of course.
(For those unfamiliar with the term, think a greenhouse built on a grand scale, populated with mostly fruit trees and you're most of the way there).
At the Orangery Restaurant and Café, you can relax in what amounts to our own mini indoor orchard and enjoy menu inspired by the fruits of the world (Chimp & Zee have travelled the world to sample them all, and know where to get the best) – don’t worry it’s not just slices and pieces of fruit at the Orangery (although they make a mean fruit salad, approved by both Chimp and Zee); you can find a range of other (fast service) fruit inspired dishes - Pork chops and Apple Sauce, Ham Steak with Pinapple, Nachos with a fruity Salsa and Guacamole are just a small selection of mains. For desert try a Black Forest Cake, or perfect for those hot Florida days (and nights) a nice cold sorbet.
Why not wash it down with a selection from our as-you-like-it juice and smoothie bar? Tell us your favourite fruits, and we'll mix it! Not sure what you like, well we can suggest something great too.
Too hot to eat in? You can also dine al fresco.
The Orangery sits in a separate building to the east side of the central building. Between the Central building and the Orangery building you'll find the Al Fresco section for the Orangery, as well as the outdoor fruit garden. Specials at the Orangery include fruit currently in season from the indoor and outdoor garden.
(The Orangery along with Chimp and Zee can potentially be used in a healthy eating campaign to help get kids excited about fruit and healthy eating).
Restaurant 2: Congo River Grill - Counter service, Cooked to order. $$-$$$
The Congo grill offers a completely different experience to the Orangery. Chimp & Zee know their human cousins and friends like foods other than fruit too (although they have no idea why…) and have looked for other tastes and flavours from their homeland that their guests might enjoy, when Zee remembered a strange fruit that humans used to add a strange taste to other food that humans seemed to love - although when she tried it, it wasn't quite to her taste.
The Congo River Grill specialises in Peri-Peri (or Piri-Piri/Pili-pili depending on language/dialect) flavours, particularly with steak and grilled chicken in almost any form you care to name - wings, pieces, wraps or burgers; not to mention our Peri-Peri seasoned fries. For those who like their food with a little less spice there's also our signature Lemon, Lime and Mango marinade perfectly designed to give your chicken you'll never forget. For those who prefer not to eat meat ,there's also a vegetarian burger range. We also have a few classic western dishes for the not so adventurous.
The Congo River Grill also offers some of the best selling desert options from the Orangery, as well as more traditional restaurant deserts.
Retail - Goods & All
Named for Chimp & Zee’s close friend Jane (Jane Goodall, not Tarzan’s Jane), Goods & All promises not to make a monkey out of you (that’s a different animal!) Goods & All carries our signature Orangery cookbook and other Orangery-inspired products like preserves, and the Peri-Peri spice mixes used in the Congo River Grill. You can also find stuffed Chimp & Zee toys (along with other Disney characters), hard candy made with real fruit, and other home art pieces inspired by Chimp & Zee’s homeland - Africa. You'll also find here the basic daily essentials, just in case you run out.
Goods & All is themed around being a warehouse for an old African Trading company, with fake crates and barrels used to display the stock.
Ordering away from home? Selected Goods & All items can be delivered to your door, wether your order online or in store (saves finding space in your carry on luggage).
Activity Area/lounge: The Canopy, Pool Deck, Sun deck and Top of the Forest cocktail bar
As previously mentioned, the top decks of all three buildings combine to create one complete "upper plaza" named "The Canopy" - just as Chimp's don't climb down from each treat to travel in the jungle, but rather move through the branches of the jungle canopy, Chimp & Zee's canopy allows you to move from building to building without touching the ground.
Chimp & Zees' canopy however is much more entertaining for humans than just a plain rooftop, Above the southern building you'll find a great swimming pool with movie screen for "Dive in Movies". The central building includes a sun deck and hottubs, whilst northern building has the "Top of the forest" Cocktail and Mocktail bar, serving fruity drinks and familiar favourites.
To help the canopy look more green, the most edges of the plaza are flanked with a "goldilocks" level of foliage - not too much to adversely effect the view, but enough to offer a somewhat effective windbreak and give a "green" effect. The windbreak effect can also be boosted by retractable plexiglass screens when required.
During warmer months, between 7 and 9, the pool is configured for "Dine In Movies", whilst the top of the Forest is roped off for Adults only after 8pm (note screen is not visible from Top of the Forest, and as such can be accessed during Dine In Movies without surcharge for Standard Room Guests). These some of the more recent family films to come from the Disney group of companies.
Lounge 2 - The Clubhouse
Situated just under the Top of the Forest, the Clubhouse offers an all weather alternative to "The Top of the Canopy". The two facilities are affectively the same, are interconnected by stairway and share a common staff and menu. It also contains an all ages recreation area with poll tables and arcade machines.
Activity Area: Congo Jungle
The Pool at the top of the Southern building on the western side ends with a rock wall with the water seeming to go through this rock wall spill off the side (there's actually a hidden wall stopping the pool water leaving the pool, and a few water jets feeding the spill off) creating a waterfall cascading down the side of the building in a similar style to the Boyoma Falls in the Congo. the base of this (protected against guest intrusion) flows through another rock wall and into a lazy river, that makes the heart of the "Congo Jungle" activity area.
The area also includes several small and midsize pools, and zip lines that allow riders to drop straight into pools(not unlike those at Wet n Wild Australia)
The Congo Jungle doesnt end there, it includes a series of pools, caves, rope swings, treehuses , and rope bridge paths making it a true jungle play area, celebrating one of the favoured habitats of the Chimpanzee (and some of their cousins too). Real and simulated trees help ensure that this is a true jungle experience.
Facility: Zee's parlour.
She may be a Chimpanzee, but Zee likes to look good too - although what looks good to a chimp isn't quite what humans have in mind. Zee however has assembled a fine staff to help her customers look just the way they like, no matter what species they may be.
Animal Area - The Chimp Hotel
Perhaps the key feature of Chimp&Zee’s, the Chimp Hotel is a home for retired (or perhaps semiretired) showbiz, circus or medial research chimps. These animals, accustomed to humans, are unlikely be a good fit for zoos or wild release. Their long exposure to humans means they are likely to be comfortable offering a “Close encounter” experience to visiting “family”. With the notable exception of Chimp & Zee, tourism isn’t yet common amongst Chimpanzees so the Chimp Hotel is still quite small. Rumour has it that Mickey opens the park after hours especially for guests in the Chimp Hotel.
If you're in the North building, you'll see a roped off reception area, have a good look through the door and you might notice an (animal animatronic) chimp at the reception desk, taking phone bookings and processing requests for chimpanzee guests. The Chimp Hotel itself is just to the north of here.
Chimp & Zee have no plans to stop there, if their human and Chimp hotels are successful they hope to open hotels for other “family members”– Bonobos, Gorillas, Orangutangs, and more. not just in Walt Disney World, but elsewhere too.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE JUDGING PANEL:
Our first change of the season has to do with our elimination process. Due to circumstances that have been observed, we feel that the poll has been possibly tampered with over the past few weeks. While it is a more difficult process to tamper with this poll system, it can be done. Unfortunately, we feel that extra security is needed to ensure a fair vote. We have decided to keep a poll, but will eliminate at the judges' discretion. If we feel tampering has taken place, a close race (or tie) occurs, or any other reason that we feel is applicable, we may choose to eliminate a person who is not necessarily at the bottom of the poll. While this was not our intent for this competition by any means, we had to enact this extra rule to protect the security and integrity of this season of Theme Park Apprentice. We hope to further rectify this issue in future Theme Park Apprentice seasons.
We now return you to your orginally scheduled TPA 4: Challenge 6. Thank you.
Disneys Animal Kingdom has opened its doors of the much anticipated hotel, Elephants Parade. The Hotel which is themed to the Elephant, provides a moderately priced alternative to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
In a nod to one of Disney’s iconic figures (Dumbo) The hotel offers comfort and quality at affordable prices with the impressive Elephant the centre piece of this fantastic addition to Walt Disney World.
EXTERIORS
Dependant on whether you book in the African Wing or the Asian wing will determine wheter you see a typical African Rondavel or an Asian style pagoda.
The various wings are laid out in a symmetrical fashion with the décor being alternative depending on your rooms location, Asian or African.
AFRICAN WING
In keeping very much with the African style of the existing hotel, The African wing has a life size wooden African elephant greeting guests as the building itself looks like a large Rondavel complete with thatched roof.
ASIAN WING
The Asian Pagoda is guarded by a Bronze Asian elephant. The Pagoda is impressive with its striking red on black color scheme, it really does bring the oriental to Orlando.
ROOMS
Both Wings offer 3 types of room. Standard, Deluxe and Ambassador. The Map highlights these as A (standard) B, (Deluxe) and C (Ambassador)
Each wing provides 60 Standard rooms, 30 Deluxe rooms and 3 Ambassador suites. Prices are the same regardless of which wing you choose.
Standard Room with Standard View of Elephants Parade - $165 per night (based on 2 sharing)
Standard room with Pool View - $189 per night (based on 2 sharing)
Deluxe room with standard View of Elephants Parade - $239 per night (based on 2 sharing)
Deluxe room with Pool view - $259 per night (based on 2 sharing)
Ambassador Suite - $699 per night (suite can accommodate up to 4)
Standard rooms are available as Twin single beds or as a King size Double bed and come with Color TV including access to all the Disney Channels, Tea and coffee making facilities, en suite bathroom, complementary toiletries, microwave, free wi-fi and telephone.
Deluxe rooms are also available as Family suites but this may require an additional fee, the Deluxe room in addition to the standard rooms include Early pass to the restaurant, free dry cleaning of upto 4 items per person per night, HD Television, full cable TV. Deluxe rooms come with a King Size bed as standard and the option to add twin single beds at a small charge of $12 per night.
Ambassador suites are large 4 room appartments that include 2 separate King size bedrooms, a large marble finished bathroom and a living space with access to a deck area that includes hot tub and outdoor seating seating area. The Suite also includes HD TV in each of the rooms, the early pass to the Restaurant, Champagne waiting on your arrival, free dry cleaning of up to 10 items per day per person, Free Valet parking if you have your own vehicle and your own private Concierge service.
Included in the Ambassador room rate is unlimited use of the on site spa (one treatment per person per day), Sauna, Gym and Swimming pools.
INTERIOR OF ROOMS
AFRICA
The African rooms feature oranges, browns and yellows heavily in the rooms décor, Elephant head shaped door handles are a feature that both sides to the hotel share. The Rugs on the floor are all shaped like African elephants. The Elephant theme expands into the architecture with every room having an elephant motif on the window in etched glass. The African wing also shows off the African warrior nature as well with animal hide shields and spears decorating the hall ways.
(example of African room)
ASIA
The Asian rooms are slightly more darker in the color choices with Reds, Dark Blues and Pinks featuring quite a lot, possibly with a tendancy to lean towards the Chinese style in terms of décor and architecture, there is a clear nod to the Indian region as well with some silk tapestries along the corridors. As with the African wing, Elephants are etched into every window, although this time it’s the Asian Elephant.
(example of an Asian Ambassador suite’s main living room)
COMMON THEMES
As mentioned every window has an elephant etched into the glass, the door handles have the respected elephant carved into the wood. Every room has a small wooden elephant in the living space, rugs and mats are shaped like elephants. Towels and Linen are available in Grey with the elephant embroided in white, or vice versa. No matter which side you decide to land, be it Africa or Asia, you will be surrounded by one of natures true giants. Both sides of the Hotel have a luscious lobby entrance that hosts the checking in and out desk, shops and Disney World Ticket and Transportation desks. Please note that shuttles to the Various Disney World theme parks are available throughout the day but times may vary dependant on season.
One of the features of each lobby is the fountain. In the Centre of each fountain is a statue of Dumbo, decorated according to which side of the hotel you are visiting.
DINING
The Main restaurant, “The Parade” is really two dining experiences under one roof. The Dining area slowly changes from Asian to African décor. The Menu is split into two separate sides. Guests can choose from the Pagoda side or the Chakula African side.
The Menu is pretty diverse but also offers a smaller range of food under the ‘Tourist’ menu. Simple food for those unwilling to dive into the depths of cuisine from two very different cultures. Specialalities of the house include from the Pagoda Menu: Cang Cua Boc Tom, Bulogi, Indian Peanut Stew and Machhere Jol. The African Menu, equally mouth watering lists Koshari, Egusi Stew, Doro Wat and Shuku Shuku as some of its most enticing dishes.
The Restaurant opens for breakfast at 9 am but with an early pass, guests can be admitted from 7.45 and breakfast finishes at 11. The lunch time sitting starts from 1.30 with Early Pass guests being admitted from 12.45 and the main evening menu starts at 7pm with early passes being seated from 6.
The Parade carries the theme with its cutlery using faux ebony handles and the knives are shaped to look like the tusks of an elephant.
RETAIL THERAPY
Each of the Lobbies sport a gift shop that is generic and one unique store. Throughout the hotel the theming has been set to the Wing you are in but the gift shop, aside from the décor, will sell the identical things, T-Shirts, postcards, stuffed toys etc.
The other shop is tailored to match the wing. The Asian side houses TOKO, a shop that offers A whole range of Asian goods from confectionary to traditional clothes from India, Japan, Korea, Thailand to name a few. It is here in TOKO that you can buy your elephant related gifts from around the Asian countries. From Wood Carvings made in Thailand to Bronze statues made in China.
Africa’s wing has KOOP. Like its alternative, KOOP sells African artwork, clothing, jewellery and elephant related gifts from African tradesmen like carvings and paintings.
POOL
The pool is themed from each side to match the wing but as the 2 smaller ‘tusks’ merge to the main head of the pool, the theming disappears. The Pool is open from 8am til 10pm on a daily basis with sun loungers and chairs available for guests use. The Pool features a wave machine and 2 slides, one from the African side, one the Asian side.
(pool from the Asian side)
SPA
The Resort offers Spa treatments at affordable prices although Ambassador guests do get free treatements. The Spa offers various types of massges, beauty treatments and aromatherapy.
DISNEY WORLD LINKS
This is a Disney hotel so you will see the usual Mickey Mouse ears in certain things but these will not be as prominent as the elephant motifs, but more subtle such as carved into the back of the faux ivory handles on the cutlery for example. Dumbo can be seen all over the place if you take time to look for him. Most notably he can be seen on the pool’s floor in a mosaic of light and dark grey tiles against the white background.
The Hotel offers the usual Disney Shuttle service to the rest of the Walt Disney World resort and usual times and restrictions apply. The Hotel gives guests the option to purchase tickets to the parks and offers local advice on tourist attractions in the Orlando area.
This unique and first Disney Resort will cater to guests who can’t just leave a part of their family home on vacation! This new Resort will give the opportunity for dog owners to bring their dogs to WDW and knowing that they will be well treated and cared for while in the parks and stay with them.
Theme:
Because of being close to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and in the vicinity of DAK the Canine Club will keep the theme of the African décor. The Canine Club was once a hunting lodge in South Africa during the 1800’s but those times has passed and has decided to open a Canine Club for the most prodigious families to show off and celebrate their dogs!
Set aside but in walking distance to DAKL the Canine Club will have many of the same architecturally designs of DAKL but with a European touch. Because hunting lodges were introduced by European settlers, both English and Dutch, it will have touches and traces of these settlers.
Exterior:
The building and grounds of the Canine Club while being close to DAKL with walking paths to the resort but will have noted differences. DAKL is themed after the indigenous people did in Africa the Canine Club will mirror what the European settlers did in setting up permanent structures in Africa to trade with the African people.
There will be sparling grounds around the Canine Club with the main building as the focal point of the Resort. The building will be a wooden structure with a wide verandah and wooden columns to great guests as they arrive. From the outside guests can see 2 large fire places bookending the building.
Interior:
In the check-in/out building the colors are warm but dark using deep browns, red, yellow, and orange. Here large comfy chair are set up to give you the weary hunters or in this case travelers to sit, relax, and cool off! The walls will look like old stucco or plaster walls with pictures of famous hunts, prizes (lion heads, antelope heads and others, not much to scare or creep people out), and “famous” dogs that tell the story of the hunting lodges history throughout the years. Some of these stories are funny, some are sad and some are heroic so look around and enjoy.
Like this picture! Is it funny, sad or heroic?
The resort will be shaped in a U with the lobby and check-in/out as the center. This part of the Resort is the only part that has 3 levels while the other extensions are only 1 floor this will be explained later. Inside the main building are the “Duke of Beaufort's Table” restaurant and the gift shop is the “Tod and Coppers”
Rooms:
All 300 rooms will be dog friendly of course with a maximum of two dogs per room. The exception to the two dog rule are the 50 family suites which are bigger and can hold up to 8-10 guests and 4 dogs. We will also ask what type of dogs you are bringing because the pictures and other themes of the rooms will reflect that type of dog. So if are going to bring a German Sheppard pictures of those dogs will be in your room. But the theme of the room will still reflect back to the Hunting Lodge theme with the same colors and feel.
Standard Rooms: $170.00 these rooms will be on the 2 wings of the resort and hold a max of 4 guests and 2 dogs.
Concierge Rooms: $200.00 these rooms will be on the 3rd floor of the main center building. There is a max of 4 guests and 2 dogs. Here guests can enjoy our concierge level “kitchen” and offer you complimentary snacks, drinks, and beer.
Family Rooms: $250-$270.00 these rooms will be on the outer 2 buildings and have occupancy of 8-10 guests and 4 dogs. They will also include a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 1-2 baths, and dining area.
Amenities: All rooms will have the normal amenities that all WDW rooms including free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV’s etc…but because of bringing dogs to stay with you we added some extra features you might enjoy.
Standard and Family Suites: We added a fenced in area outside to your room so that your dogs can be outside while you are there. All fenced in areas will be grass and will be partitioned so that dogs from other rooms cannot see each other.
Concierge: Because they are on the second floor we created a large temperature controlled “gym” inside on the 3rd floor. This is so if it’s raining and your dogs need to relieve themselves it can here with the real grass that grows in the gym. Also the “gym” will be open all night for those late night potty breaks!
All rooms: When you make your reservations at the Canine Club we are going to ask what type of dogs you are bringing and specifics about the dogs so that we can anticipate the needs of the dogs.
We know that bringing food down to Florida will be costly and bulky so the price of the room will also include all food and treats that your dog will require for your stay. Every night outside the doors food will be placed for you to use. We will cater to any of your dog’s nutritional needs and health requirements.
All rooms will be sound proof. So that if a dog is barking up a storm and it’s not yours you can sleep while the owners will not.
We do ask that every day that you will not be there for an extended amount of time that you not keep your dogs locked into your rooms. This is so that we can properly clean your rooms. So we have provided, included with your price, Kennels to house and feed your dogs when you are at the parks. Heck you can even use them if you do not want to sleep with the dog’s in the room with you. Here the dogs will be washed, feed, needs taken care of and even have doggy massages and other spa treatments, for extra charges of course.
Vets will be always on hand for any medical needs the dogs may have. You can even have vet checkups while at the parks for your dogs. Think of this as the one stop shop!
Restaurant: Duke of Beaufort's Table
Duke of Beaufort's Table is an upscale restaurant featuring some game that hunters have hunted in the past or hunted today! Sorry no vegans here! But will always cater to any needs you may have. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner and will have plates that are more upscale between $17-25 per plate. Some options will include:
Pheasant
Buffalo
Steak
Pork
Venison
All with proper vegetables.
Adventurers Club
Here guests can get breakfast, lunch and dinner and get the “classic” theme park fares.
Gift Shop: Tod and Coppers
Tod and Coppers will feature Disney characters from “The Fox and the Hound”, “Lady and the Tramp”, "101 Dalmations", Pluto and Goofy. It will also sell A LOT of dog and pet accessories that you can dress up, pamper, and also get the necessary essentials that a dog owner must have!
Recreation:
There will be two pools. The first the big pool or the “Hydrant” will look like a big fire hydrant that has been cut into the ground. This pool will allow guests to let their dogs swim in it with them! The Oasis will be the “quiet” pool where dogs cannot go in. The Oasis will be hidden by foliage and cannot be scene from the other pool.
Located in-between each wing and the main building there will be “The Proving Grounds”. Here setup like a track and field will be a wide area to exercise your dogs.
On the edges of the field is the track which encompasses the location. Guests can either stroll around or jog with your dogs. Every day at 5:00pm it’s the Parade of Champions where all guests can show off their dogs to other guests. Guests will line the track and one dog owner can bring the dog around the track and do tricks and show off their dog’s skills! Also on the edges will be areas for your dogs to relieve themselves and tools for you to clean up after them.
In the field in the center of the track will be an area for two things. On one half wide open fields for Frisbee or playing catch with your dog. On the other half, for the more adventurous and sporting dogs, the obstacle course. Here guests can send their dogs though a course that will excite and exercise your dogs!
Once a week a “Walk in the Park” event where guests can stroll around one of the parks, only one park per week on a rotating basis, will be open for guests staying at this resort to bring their dogs and walk around one of the parks. It will be open an hour and a half before the park opens and lasts an hour, Guests will have to use a special exit and designated buses to return to the resort.
Rules:
No dogs after 10:00 o’clock in the recreation areas only “rest areas” will be allowed.
No dogs in the Gift Shop
No dogs in the Restaurant
No dogs in the quiet pool
Dogs must be leashed except in the recreation areas
If fighting occurs then dogs will be placed into the kennels for the remainder of your stay or the family will be asked to leave.
We rarely see owls. They’re hidden, yet they’re everywhere. We may hear the creatures of the dark, or we may even see them in the light. Disney’s Night Owl Resort, a more adult oriented moderate resort, is centered on these elusive birds.
Specifics: The 1,200 room moderate resort is separated into three main areas: Arizona, South East, and Wyoming. The South East area also contains the primary lobby. A long winding road encircles the entire resort with access to each area. The road intentionally winds so as to make the driving transition to each area longer. However, since each area is inside the loop, walking between them is a short walk. In the center of the resort is a common area, forested to transition between the tree main areas. 800 rooms are similar in design and price to other moderate resorts. The remaining are 2 person suites, slightly more expensive than the 800.
Entrance: The extended entry drive is located between the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom off of Osceola Parkway. The entrance sign is an 18’ two dimensional black tree. In a dark brown, the resort’s name sticks out in the lower branches. At night, the entire tree is dimly back lit and owl eyes blink occasionally. The drive way winds for about half a mile before coming to the main building and area, the South East.
South East: The first area seen, also containing the main lobby, is themed to the south east. The parking lot is surrounded by oaks with Spanish moss hanging from above. The occasional palm tree also resides in this area. Planters separating rows are adorned with cycads and the aforementioned plants. The rows of foliage lead to a large, four story plantation house, white, with double doors to the lobby. All of the cast members act as if they live at the plantation. As guests enter, they may notice small references to owls. Nothing about owls stands out, only small things, like an owl in the tile floor, a nest high up in a wall, or feathers on a sofa pattern. Adjacent to the lobby is a large cafeteria style restaurant, Mama Owl’s Kitchen. Mama Owl is the head cook at the plantation and bird watches more than any other, hence her nickname. While typical American food (burgers, fries, etc…) are available, southern favorites like fried chicken, hoppin’ johns, and green beans are the specialties. On the other side of the lobby, a small gift store, Plantation Gifts, sells owl themed gifts and items guests may need during their stay. Leading from either side of the main plantation house are the plantation guest rooms, rooms situated around large courtyards. Each courtyard is an aviary with owls from the south east including, barn owls, eastern screech owls, and others. All of the guest rooms are comparable to other moderate resorts in size, but are accessed from an inner hallway instead of the outside. In the back of the plantation, the scenery shifts to a pine forest without Spanish moss. The oval pool is adorned with small carvings of owls in the sides.
Arizona: This area has far less plants and trees than the copious trees in the South East. Barren ground and the occasional cacti are visible. A much smaller lobby awaits. The architecture has a slight Spanish feel, but the terra cotta colored building blend into the land. The majority of the rooms look out into the open landscape, and into the forest beyond. The Burrow Bar and Grill is the resort’s one upscale restaurant. Loosely themed to a burrowing owl’s tunnels, the restaurant lies low to the ground with windows facing aviaries with burrowing owls (active during both the day and night). The cuisine is primarily upscale burgers, stake, bison burgers, and elk. The rectangular pool in this area lies in the middle of the landscape and is surrounded by four hot tubs. A large 6 acre aviary lies closer to the central trees. Guests can access it 24/7 to owl watch. The entrances are dimly lit at night.
Wyoming: Wyoming is made of up two story long wooden cabins containing multiple rooms each. These cabins rest on a large hill sloping down toward the central forest. The roofs are dark green and shingled. The wooden walls are meant to look aged, but each cabin looks a different age. Some seem as old as time, other fairly new. The references to owls are more obvious here. Most are larger and there are far more. The pool here is the largest and sprawls in a random manor of shape. A single straight water slide through a fallen tree provides lots of fun for children. The more family oriented pool follows the pattern of the rest of the area, owl things everywhere. Closer into the central forest is the Owl Wild Theater. Both an afternoon and late evening owl show takes place here almost every day. Only owls native to the Mid West are used in the show. The afternoon show focuses more on education while the late evening show focuses on the mystery and awe of the owls.
Central Forest: Multiple trails connect the three areas letting guests have plenty of room to explore and discover. At night, most of the trails are dimly lit. Guests are encouraged to explore the resort at all hours to see and hear the owls.
Disney’s Night Owl Resort caters toward adults in most areas, but still accommodates all ages. The unique resort offers a welcome change of pace from the other moderate resorts with its sprawling trails, unique food, and subtle details. Stay at the Night Owl, a world where both adventure and relaxation continue all night long.
Bryce McGibeny: You chose a surprising and in some ways brave theme when you proposed creating Kodiak Retreat. It is inevitably going to be compared to Wilderness Lodge, one of the finest resort facilities at WDW, and I will do that at the end of my critique. Going head-to-head with it demands a first-rate presentation, and your proposal is just that- first rate in its layout and descriptions. The organization of your proposal into unified sections was very easy to read and follow, and demonstrated your continued improvement in presentation.
Your attention to detail and description made it very easy to visualize your concept for this beautiful resort. The way you incorporated the bear motif into such things as the chimneys and the chandeliers showed an awareness of the Disney attention to themed details such as these. You also were very aware of the importance to landscaping and the surrounding layout to make this resort an island of Alaska in the middle of Florida.
This was overall an outstanding proposal presentation, with very carefully developed concepts throughout that would make this a complete resort destination. But I need to mention some things that I found didn't fit or wouldn't work. Small stuff first: 1) The steam vent in the foyer, with steam venting from the heads of the bears outside the building. Isn't Florida in the summer steamy enough? I think that the site of steam venting from the head of giant bears would be more confusing than impressive to guests, and the steam inside the foyer could make this interior space extremely uncomfortable. 2) the pelts decorating the chandelier are in direct contrast to the animal preservation theme that Animal Kingdom likes to emphasize. There are other decorative motifs that could have been used. 3) I think the blizzard in the restaurant was a very interesting and original idea, but would need to be extremely carefully controlled. Many people already complain about how cold restaurants are kept- a short snowfall would be fun, but cold wind would make many people dressed lightly for Florida weather uncomfortable, even a short-lived one that they knew was coming. An effect like this would be next to impossible to limit to just the area around the bear.
My biggest concern was the choice of the Kodiak bear as the theme for the resort. Kodiak Retreat would probably quickly be called "Wilderness Light Lodge" and be compared to Wilderness Lodge. While in many ways it compares as equal in quality at a lower rate, questions will be raised as to why have it so closely designed around a theme that most people won't see as different. It looks like you reinvented the wheel, or in this case the Wilderness Lodge. Your proposal is a very impressive one with good, imaginative details throughout, but instead of thinking outside the box you reworked a box that has already been done, and done well.
AJ Hummel: Otter Lodge would be a pleasant, relaxing place for families visiting WDW. Your proposal was perhaps handicapped by having to be written earlier and possibly faster than the other proposals due to your European vacation (show-off!). It was well- organized, easy to read and follow, but not really as well-detailed as I would have liked. You chose a theme very similar to a small version of Wilderness Lodge, and as I said with Bryce's concept, it would be compared to that great resort as Wilderness Light Lodge. I did love the idea of a stream running through the lobby!
I though the description of the pools and the relationship with the otter exhibits was very well done and extremely imaginative. Being able to practically swim with the otters and having an otter exhibit as part of the Resort is a definite bonus for guests, one that would beg families to stay here and enjoy a unique opportunity. I think you found just the right balance of water slides, etc. for the pool area- enough to be great fun for the family, but not enough to dissuade guests from checking out Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.
I didn't understand the decorative hole in the ceiling of the gift shop. The only log cabins I've ever been in with a hole in the ceiling were abandoned cabins that were falling down. From a merchandising standpoint, this is not a good idea. Vendors don't want customers looking at the ceiling, they want them looking at the shelves and finding things to buy. Unless there is something up their to encourage them to make a purchase, they would want their customer's attention aimed at the stuffed otter toys and t-shirts.
I sort of got the reference to the name of the restaurant ("The River Holt") but had to look it up to be sure. I don't think it really has anything much to do with the setting of the restaurant, especially on a Disney property where the names usually trigger instant recognition of something familiar.
This was a very good proposal overall. More details might have been helpful in making it more exciting and a more unique experience, which is what Disney wants in their resorts- an experience, not just a room. Be sure to make your proposal presentation as exciting as the actual facility will be for Disney guests.
Dominick D.: "Lion Paradise" would certainly be seen as a moderately priced supplement to Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I question if it would be seen more as a new Lion King-based wing and less as a stand-on-its-own resort facility. It is difficult to tell based on your proposal presentation. You start out by stating emphatically that the resort has nothing to do with the movie, but one of the few pictures you used is from the film, and you state that the suites are similar to "Pride Rock in the film The Lion King." So what is it? You need to be more clear about your theme and less ambiguous about what this resort is going to offer guests.
The diagram of the layout of the resort was completely illegible and distracted from the proposal. If you want to use such diagrams, or drawings, or whatever they may be, make sure they actually add to the proposal and don't just cause confusion. A well-written description can do more than a poorly presented sketch, and encourages the reader to fill in plenty of artistic details in their minds.
A suite carved out of rock, while interesting in concept, does not sound especially comfortable or welcoming, especially after a long day of park-hopping. I know, it would still have soft beds, chairs, etc. but this was never stated in the proposal itself. When proposing such a heavily themed concept for a room, you must be complete in your description. Having a screen in each room showing what the weather is like outside is an unnecessary gimmick- just look out the window!
So much of this proposal was weak in detail, and what was there was not well written. The description of Hunters, the restaurant, a feature of most Disney resorts, was glaringly incomplete, and featured Mageu, a beverage that sounds like Cream of Wheat with too much water added. Saying a restaurant called "Hunters" "includes a lot of meat" is almost insulting to the reader. Any restaurant this close to Animal Kingdom Lodge and its renowned trio of restaurants (Boma, Sanaa and Jiko) must establish its own identity and individuality or there is no reason to waste the space trying to put in another African restaurant.
This proposal had lots of potential, but was not well thought-out and poorly presented.
Andy Milito: The tongue-in-cheek teasers and approach you had to introduce the Monkey Inn was an interesting way to develop interest in what you had to offer. This is a case where you didn't try to out-Africa the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but created a family resort, moderately-priced, with a unique and easily relatable attraction in the monkey habitat. Here the photos and sketch added to the presentation, although perhaps a more complete diagram of the layout with labeling might have given it a more professional appearance. One problem with your logo- you show a chimpanzee, and chimps are not monkeys.
The description of the Recreation areas was well-developed and would be a fun area for the entire family to enjoy. The restaurant could have been expanded on to give us a more complete idea of how it would stand apart from the fine restaurants down the road at Animal Kingdom Lodge. The dancing show would be entertaining, but also needed to be further expanded on. Is it a regularly scheduled show which is part of a feast? An entertainment that is presented several times a night? It could be a big draw, but the excellent photo of it and the rather glancing mention of it in the proposal didn't quite fit together.
I would have liked more description of the Monkey Habitat and how guests can enjoy it without paying for the Interaction Tour. Also, why only have it scheduled three days a week? Guests who only stay for a shorter visit would miss out on this great opportunity to interact with the monkeys.
One think jumped out at me, and that was Transportation. You said that the monorail would be available from the Monkey Inn to all four parks. That service would never be possible without a major monorail expansion involving a huge financial expenditure that a moderate resort would never be able to repay or justify. If Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge or any of the Epcot area deluxe resorts have to do without monorail service, Monkey Inn would never be able to offer it.
Chad H.: "Chimp & Zee's Resort Hotel" is an extremely detailed and complete presentation for a new resort that would be a memorable experience for anyone lucky enough to stay there. I must say that I feel that you took it a bit too far- this would not be a moderate scale supplement to Animal Kingdom Lodge, but a Deluxe facility in all but perhaps room rates.
The backstory was very entertaining, perfect for this resort. Your concept for the physical design of the resort structure was quite unique, unlike anything at Walt Disney World, and your coloured drawing of it did help to explain it better. Do NOT include anything in your proposal where you say something disparaging about your own proposal, like you did in describing this drawing. You must be positive and excited about everything you present, or at least pretend to be.
The rooftop recreation area would be an amazing place to swim, sun, or just relax. The dive-in movie idea is not new, already being used in other Disney properties, and I think limiting it to higher-paying guests would be a very unpopular decision. Several places you mentioned benefits for these guests, and unless you were able to limit them to areas not accessible to the other guests it could lead to confusion and complaints.
As a whole, I think this resort would be a fascinating place to explore, with a multitude of amenities that would put this resort in the Deluxe category. "Chimp & Zee's Comedy Club" and the "Jungle Lounge" are unique facilities that address the interests and needs of younger family members, and "Zee's Parlour", while not specifically described as such, would (I assume) offer spa facilities that few other Disney resorts can offer.
The restaurants, The Orangery and The Congo River Grill, would provide a good variety of foods for all tastes. I was especially impressed with The Orangery, which shows that a family-type restaurant can still be beautifully themed while offering foods that all can enjoy, and that are healthy options. The strength of the Congo River Grill is that it didn't seem to be trying to out-Africa the Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants, but attempted to introduce African foods and flavors to guests who are mostly unfamiliar with them in a non-intimidating way.
The Chimp Hotel would be a great opportunity for guests to have physical interaction with live chimps, and the themed story around it was a good use of tying this section to the backstory, but it almost came across as an afterthought. The end of your proposal seemed rushed, like you ran out of time and had to get it posted. Try to have a closing section to your proposals, to wrap up the entire proposal and leave the reader impressed with the idea and excited to see it be chosen.
This critique may not sound like it, but I found your proposal very imaginative and complete, if a little bit too ambitious for a moderate resort. My complaints were about details- the general theme and most of the major ideas were well conceived and presented. A very impressive proposal.
Alan Hiscutt: I was very impressed with the general concept of "Elephants Parade". I thought that it was extremely inventive, imaginative, and combined the Disney classic "Dumbo" seamlessly with real societies that have integrated African and Asian elephants so deeply into their culture. Another thing that I noticed was that you resisted the urge to include an "elephant encounter" where guests could ride on or somehow interact with an elephant. This showed an awareness that these intelligent creatures have been long mistreated and should not be used as amusement park rides.
The very fact that you have two sides to the resort, Asian and African, would be a way to educate resort guests about the two different species of elephant, but having two different lobbies might lead to confusion during check-in. Your lay-out diagram was very helpful in visualizing the two parts of the resort, how they are separate and how they interact. I'm not sure the shape of the pool as shown quite matched the written description, but I got the idea.
The use of the restaurant to blend the two cultures together was well thought-out and would offer a wide variety of both familiar and exotic foods to the diners, but I wish you would have given a brief description of what the dishes were ("Koshari, an Egyptian dish of rice, lentils, chickpeas and macaroni topped with tomato sauce and fried onions"). One major problem with your proposal does involve the restaurant- limiting the hours of the restaurant for meals, especially having breakfast not starting until 7:45 a.m. at the earliest and 9 a.m. for most guests would be extremely inconvenient for anyone wanting to visit any park at rope drop, and esp. for Magic Hours in the morning. Seatings like this might work on a Disney Cruise Line ship, but never in a WDW resort catering towards families.
The descriptions of the rooms were very complete, and the pictures showed just how attractive they would be, but here again I think you alienated the family base for this resort. So many of your rooms are designed for 2 people only, and I know from experience that adding beds to a room designed for 2 people makes it extremely cramped. If your resort is aimed at an audience of "empty-nesters" then it might work, but families would have a tough time fitting comfortably into all but the more expensive rooms. They might as well stay at All-Star Anything or off-site.
Other services of this resort, esp. the free dry-cleaning and spa facilities, threaten to push this resort into the Deluxe range. They would be great to have, esp. the dry cleaning, but cost would be prohibitive and the logistics a nightmare.
Your basic concept was outstanding and very original. It would be a beautiful facility and an attractive companion to Animal Kingdom Lodge, but you might have gotten lost a bit in the details from your "mission". Keep your proposal focused on your target audience, and if it is different from what the reader is expecting, then say so at the beginning. If you are aiming at visitors with no kids or at singles or single parents, say so at the beginning of the proposal. This is a growing percentage of tourists and perhaps should be considered by Disney in the future. But I digress- this was a very good proposal in general theme and originality.
Dan Babbitt: "The Canine Club Resort and Pet Spa" earns a "ten" for originality. You not only thought outside the box, you thought outside the continent when you went with this theme so close to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I thought that this was a very well-designed proposal for a very original concept. I doubt that I would have ever thought of making the family pet such a centerpiece for a great resort. You perfectly met the demands of this challenge.
The details you mentioned throughout this proposal would make staying here a memorable experience for all guests. The breed-specific photos in the room (what do you do about mutts?), the private fenced-in areas for each room, the dog-friendly pool and Proving Grounds are just some of the things that stood out to me that showed you had thought this proposal through very well. The special services provided just for the dogs (free food, vet care, spa care) show that this resort understands what is important to a family which is owned by a dog.
The "Walk in the Park" feature would undoubtedly drive the Disney Park maintenance staff nuts, but would be a priceless experience for everyone who could enjoy it. The photographers in the parks would make a fortune! The guests would have photo memories to last a lifetime and make all their undogged friends back home jealous and ready to go out an adopt a dog.
This was an outstanding proposal, with photos that added greatly to the visual concept and a careful attention to practical details throughout. Now, if I can just get you to proofread and check the spelling of your work ("There will be sparling grounds around the Canine Club...")!!
David L.: This is the most sophisticated proposal so far, and the most sophisticated resort concept presented. You established from the start that Disney's Night Owl Resort is geared more to the adult crowd, and while still welcoming families, it is not going to feature Archimedes the owl from "Sword in the Stone". This is almost a refreshing break from non-stop Disney stuff that can become oppressive sometimes at WDW.
I was extremely impressed with your use of descriptive works to make visualizing your concept both simple and enjoyable. I found that I had a great time just reading through this proposal and discovering what was around the next turn in the road through this resort. You took a brave route in the choice of making this resort an all-American design this close to Animal Kingdom Lodge, and while it may not be seen as a supplement to AKL I think that it stands by itself just fine. It is a unique collection of rooms, entertainments, recreational areas, and places to just relax and unwind. The use of the Central Forest to unite the three uniquely-designed areas gives the resort a unity while still maintaining the individuality of each space.
Another advantage to the locales you chose is that you could create restaurants that would not be in competition to the AKL restaurants, but could offer unique menus not found elsewhere in WDW. The foods found in Mama Owl's Kitchen and The Burrow Bar and Grill would be familiar and welcoming, almost comfort food, but in a setting both fun and unusual.
The integration of aviaries and the Owl Wild Theater into the facility would provide an added ambience that took this resort proposal to the top. I must say, as a Midwesterner, I was a bit startled to see that a show featuring owls native to the Midwest was located in Wyoming! But I'll give you a pass there ;+)
I would have been proud to have written this proposal.
AJ- There has been several comparisons between your proposal and Bryce’s. However, I think you took a bolder route by going with an animal like the otter. It was such a weird and quirky choice, that I almost love it. Again, the hotel resembles Wilderness Lodge quite a bit, but still manages to come across as a moderate resort, more so in your proposal. I think a major benefit to your proposal is trying to theme things to the river, instead of basing it on the wilderness in general. Your restaurant is another great touch to the proposal, especially by modeling it after the otters’ living quarters. One thing noticeably absent from the proposal is the lack of much of a room description. I wish I received a little bit more description as to how the otter theme played into the room, rather than just a rustic description. The pool is themed a bit too exceptional for a moderate resort, especially with the inclusion of a lazy river. However, rethinking it the lazy river adds to the lackadaisical otter theming of the hotel. One thing you needed to take in consideration was to avoid any type of extra luxuries, like “swimming with the otters”, at a moderate resort. The goal is essentially to deliver guests an immersive experience, while not seeming to lavish.
Dominick- I almost wish you somewhat themed this to the Lion King, just a bit. It would have been a great opportunity to attract kids with some elements relating to Simba, while remaining true to the lion nature. In your proposal, we received no sense of what the main building would look like from the outside. The cast member costumes are a bit bizarre in my opinion as most hotel staff would rather not where costumes. It was a very short proposal, that did feel a bit rushed in my opinion. I think there could have been some further emphasis on the restaurant, and hotel descriptions. In the room descriptions, some things were just not worded right. You did have some good ideas such as the weather screen within your proposal. I thought this idea is actually quite clever and could easily be included on doors at Disney resorts. As for the suites, I am not sure if guests would find sleeping in a rock themed room to be ideal. This description seemed cut a bit short as well. And then comes the Lion Trail, where guests walk with live lions. Not only is that not safe at all, but would probably scare most people. Even if the lions were behind a fence (which should be specified); it would still be extremely dangerous. A lot more of background work and finishing touches need to be added in the future to make sure everything reads cohesively and will not confuse the reader.
Andy- I indeed thought I was on a bad monkey themed version of the Jungle Cruise, with those awful puns. The Monkey Inn is a clever play on words. You gave great emphasis on the structure and layout of the buildings, but seemed to lack much description. Saying that they look like the Animal Kingdom Lodge, does not give the reader much sense of how they would obviously be different from the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The large monkey habitat included sounds amazing, but this may have been best reserved for a deluxe hotel. Heading over to the pool, I think the rope swing was a simple, but excellent touch. It allows the guests to swing like a monkey actually would swing. You kept the pool pretty simple beyond the slides, something that is expected in moderate resorts. The monkey interaction tour sounds like lots of fun, and could be a great experience for resort guests. In the dining proposal, you did extend it a bit too far here with the dancers and a dinner show. Overall I think the idea, while clever and witty, could have used a bit of touch ups and made to sound less like a deluxe resort in some obvious places.
Chad- Seeing your proposal, I thought this would be very similar to Andy’s Monkey Inn. I thought the name Chimp and Zee’s was much better for a name of a hotel. It was very clever, and I think this is my favorite name of any of the hotels this week. The angle you went for here is different, relating human convenience to the primeval chimpanzee. The myth you included was a fantastic touch in my book, giving some backstory to the undefined characters of Chimp and Zee. The further backstory in the retail shop, with a play on words of Goodall, was another excellent choice. You clearly showed how the hotel would be structured and laid out in your proposal. The chimp theme continues from the outside to the inside, notably in the reception area. I thought this part sounded very homey, yet not sounding too cheesy. The buildings are definitely a first for a Disney moderate resort. Typically, they will be three or four levels, and I fear that nine might be a tad bit too high for standalone structures. The extras, such as the restaurant and play area, were designed fantastically. The Orangery Restaurant sounded absolutely perfect, giving guests a taste at the relatively fresh and vegetarian chimp life. I could go on and on about how much I loved your hotel, but I will stop here. It was designed fantastically, while keeping the moderate hotel theme in mind.
Alan- I really appreciated the pictures you decided to put in this week’s proposal. They gave me a good sense of how the hotel was planned out, as well as similarities to the guest rooms. Getting to the proposal, I thought this was further improvement over last week, especially by adding small notes to Dumbo, while not having this theme be too overbearing. The use of two wings, based on the different elephants, was a great idea! I liked that the hotel could offer two unique hotel experiences, similar to Port Orleans. Yes there are a few spelling mistakes, but I do understand what you are trying to say in your proposal. Your focus on the decor with specific color schemes, is something I have to laud over with being involved in the arts. It made for a separation of the two themes, and cohesively tied each section together. The Parade sounded wonderful, but don’t be afraid to encourage guests to adapt to the surroundings. Some dishes can be made picky-eater friendly, but I would not design a whole menu for them. That pool does seem to be quite massive, but I loved the idea of two elephant cultures coming together in the center. The small Dumbo touches, again, were a great idea, but did not control the whole resort. I think you really did a great job this week, and this is one of your best proposals.
Dan- I thought the idea to have canines live besides humans in a hotel was a very interesting and imaginative idea. It would however only attract a limited audience, as there are multiple people without dogs, or even allergies. You accurately described the atmosphere within the hotel paying close attention to the color palette that would be used. I thought the small connection to Fox and the Hound fit perfectly with your theme, and it was not overused in any way. The special attention given by cast members to the caring of each type of dog would be an excellent service! One thing I would not be too sure of in your hotel would be the noise level. Yes you stated that the walls would be soundproof, but with hundreds of dogs barking on different floors, it might be hard to keep every single room sound proof. When I got to the pool descriptions, I thought the hydrant pool was an excellent choice! I loved the concept behind this pool, but also liked the fact that you included another pool for humans, only. The proving grounds area, with the parade of champions sounds like a great way for everyone to showcase their best in show dogs. While obviously this hotel would attract a limited audience, I think you managed to design a very unique hotel with special dog themed touches.
David- The idea to have a more adult oriented resort was a marvelous idea, focusing on staying up late, and partying. Theming it to the owl is what made this resort different by connecting this theme to animals. The separation into three distinct areas was a marvelous idea, which resembles something in the lines of Port Orleans. You divulged guests into extensive theming, which closely matches the style of each habitat. I think my favorite habitat that you described was the South East. Everything sounded so lush, and serene within this description. When getting to the Arizona description, you managed to make this remarkably different from the South East description. The inclusion of Spanish architecture, and deserted land made this another interesting area to the resort. The Wyoming area sounds like it would be the most acceptable area for families. The log cabin feel resembles Wilderness Lodge, but does not engulf the guests in the same exact theming. The shows and walk-through aviary were additional touches that would only added to the extensive owl theming present in the hotel. Great work this week.
AJ Hummel – The Otter Lodge – I am wondering a bit about the logistics of an actual stream that starts inside and then runs its way outside. I know that it would look very nice, but typically an indoor body of water is treated to keep the bugs and algae down, whereas you can’t have those chemicals continue their journey outside. I think that making this resort one of the smallest is also a bad move as the only way to make a profit on a moderately priced resort is to have a bunch of rooms. It seems like you have a similar theme to Bryce, but while he mentions his bears throughout his proposal and talks about all of the different tie-ins, the interior of your resort doesn’t seem to mention otters at all. In fact the only real mention of otters is in the exhibit outside in which the lazy river moves past it, creating a very iconic and memorable experience. I would have liked to see you do more with the theme.
Dominick D – Lion Paradise – I think you have a really good theme and at least a few good ideas, but I would like to have a much better picture about what is going on here. The notes that you put into your proposal saying that it has nothing to do with the Lion King were almost distracting, and then you reversed course on that and have the rooms looking like Pride Rock. I really don’t mean to throw down an attack here, but saying that a hotel room looks like Pride Rock is going to take a little more explanation than just saying it is so…..and I don’t know how comfortable a room designed to look like it is made of rock is going to be. You seemed to also skip over any type of description about what the exterior of the hotel is going to look like as well as your iconic attraction of the resort, the lion walkthrough. In order to complete with the other proposals, I would need a much better description about what is going on here.
Andy Milito – Monkey Inn – While I like the pun in the name, I can only image how old the pun would get if the resort was actually named that…..it would quickly become the type of bad joke that the other hotels make fun of in a snide way. I don’t know how advisable it is to put howler monkeys right next to hotel rooms where people may be trying to sleep….they are called howler monkeys because they make a ton of noise. I wonder why the Interaction tour is only open on weekend days…..presumably the people staying at the hotel would only be staying there if they are on vacation and not having to go to work/school the next day, therefore having the tour only open on weekend days doesn’t make much sense, particularly during the middle of the busy season. At least you were brave enough to get the monorail over to your hotel…..to heck with all of that bus nonsense. The game room kind of seems a little off theme. I wonder about how the monkey habitat is integrated into the rest of the resort…..it doesn’t really seem like it is and the décor is African based and not really about the monkeys.
Chad H – Chimp & Zee’s – While I like your pun a little better than Andy’s, I also feel like it sounds more like a restaurant than a hotel…confusion that may turn guests away, even though you did well with the theme of the two chimps throughout your proposal. I like the idea of the myth, but didn’t quite think that your choice of myth was quite up to par with most of the myth’s in the Disney catalog. I like the shape of the hotel, but can’t quite correlate it to what it has to do with Chimps. Ok, the light went on…..this is like a love letter to the Barenaked Ladies song “Another Postcard”, where someone anonymously keeps sending them postcards showing chimps doing very human things. I am wondering how you are going to keep only certain guests out of the dive in movies and, frankly, why you would want to do that, it is going to be the cheapest thing for the hotel to do, since Disney already owns the movies. I really like your evening kids programs and the tuck in service, but more information would be essential. Nice restaurants….and very diverse. Nice job with the retail store, something old and something new. I really like the added touch of a animatronic chimp acting as the check in clerk for the chimp habitat….although a photo real projection might be a little longer lasting. Nice addition of further expansion plans. Well done.
Alan Hiscutt – Elephants Parade – I think you start well with having the two different sides of the hotel, allowing for people to stay at the hotel and get a different experience on the second time through. It is someone unnerving to have an elephant themed room and then have “animal hide shields”, it makes me think that the theming is not in the best interest of the animals. I like how the African and Asian themes, while definitely referencing the elephants also make their way through the many aspects of the hotel and rooms. I think you did a really good job here with subtle references to Disney and Dumbo while staying true to the actual locations of real elephants.
Dan Babbitt – The Canine Club Resort and Pet Spa – This is a very intriguing idea seems on the surface that it would be much more trouble than what it is worth. We need to keep in mind that not everyone’s pets are as well-adjusted as our own and I think that fights would happen regularly. Right off hand, you would need to ban certain dogs like pit bulls that make wonderful pets but have a tendency to get aggressive, because while the resort is about the dogs, the last thing you want if for another dog to be killed or injured by an aggressive dog, or worse, having a guest killed or injured. With that in mind, you would almost need to break the resort up based on the different types of dog. Small dogs get their area, medium dogs theirs, working dogs and guard dog should have their own areas too. I like the idea of keeping it somewhat related to the DAK hotel, but thought that more effort could have been put into to make it more unique. I know it sounds like I am griping about the little things, but that is only because as a bigger picture I really like what I see. I just wonder how feasible it is.
David L – Disney’s Night Owl Resort – This seemed like the perfect setup to a fantastic resort: owls as an allegory of people who like to stay up late and need something to do in an adults only resort. But then you seemed to back off this wonderful idea and make it more about a family oriented resort that is in many ways except the décor exactly like so many other resorts. While some of your theming is pretty good, other than your bird watching trail, there is very little other than generalize decorations that refer back to your owls theme. I think that this would have been fantastic if you had stayed with the original theme and run with it a little more, instead of calling it an adult resort and then putting nothing in there that would make adults want to choose this resort over any of the other ones.
1. David L – Disney’s Night Owl Resort
2. Bryce McGibeny – Kodiak Retreat
3. Chad H – Chimp & Zee’s
4. Alan Hiscutt – Elephants Parade
5. Dan Babbitt – The Canine Club Resort and Pet Spa
6. Andy Milito – Monkey Inn
7. AJ Hummel – The Otter Lodge
8. Dominick D – Lion Paradise
With the new rules, since the judges were unanimous on the last place proposal, there will be no vote this week.
Dominick D, you are fired.
