Disney UN-THEMES their BoardWalk Resort (not a joke) - Disney News
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- Опубликовано: 26 май 2024
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Coming up, we take a look at some of Disney’s latest interesting changes to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney releases official views inside the Tron Coaster at the Magic Kingdom, and Disney prepares a new round of negotiations with cast member unions as threats of job strikes are in the air. All that and more on the way. This is Mickey Views News, your source for Disney news!
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Directed By: Brayden
Thanks for Watching and Have a Magical Day! 
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As someone who actually has a degree in interior design and was several times inspired by the theming in Disney hotels... I am so disappointed, disgusted and just mad. Man, what a shame.
💯
young people don’t want certain theming and then they are too uneducated to see the difference because they don’t actually travel to the exotic places disney is now mocking.
@@People_of_the_Mouse hmmm maybe but I do think it's Disney cutting corners at this point. The cheaper the "better," who knows how much maintenance the old setting needed.
Yes I agree if you pay for a disney experience you should get one what a shame Walt Disney would be very upset to see his dream come to this.
@@annieg12 you are mad? Wow get a life!
Back when I was a cast member over 20 years ago, the Grand Floridian had fresh, beautiful flower arrangements on every table in the lobby. Now they have a few and the rest of the table space is empty or has a plate or something displayed on it. Yet the prices to stay at these resorts continues to go up and up. Sad that Disney doesn't seem to understand what makes their brand special and unique. They will continue to lose long time customers as long as they stay on this path.
All the board understand is profit. None of them would be caught dead vacationing in an American theme park where they would have to rub shoulders with the common crowd.
I remember those days - Disney was good then and it was fun being a cast member. Remember the CM appreciation parties at Polynesian or when they'd shut down Studios for us? That Disney is gone now sadly and I haven't seen it in years.
@@michaelsiebielec5554 it isn't profit anymore, now it's influence. Disney has been compromised and will be used as a grooming tool, and this downgrade is an expression of equity.
@@SuMMeRFLi5 Yes! Great memories for sure.
@@DeanDewnuffun They destroy everything they touch.
As DVC Boardwalk owners since 1997, my wife and I are appalled at these changes, which are changing the whole character of the resort. We attended the DVC Annual Meeting several weeks ago and voiced our complete opposition to these changes which will destroy the experience of the turn- of-the-century seaside resort. The Boardwalk Lobby is next on the agenda, and then the destruction will be complete. DVC leadership appeared surprised at our concerns, and our complaint that this design theory was not we we had purchased when we became members. We are in complete agreement with Brayton and suggest he recognizesmore about the importance of this WDW untheming than the current Disney managers. We have not renewed our $2k annual passes as the first phase of our protest.
Disney won't care until you hit them in the wallet. Sell & exit your DVC membership will have more impact than anything..
I’ve told my family this June of our last Disney trip. Going all in with all the add-ons. We’ve been increasingly disenchanted. We chose Boardwalk for the theming, now that’s invalid. Loved the turn of the century Beach theme.
DVC Member since 2010 and don't buy annual pass anymore as well. We generally now just rent out our points because we had enough point to stay at a most of Disney Deluxe Hotel for a week every month; which we have done in the past.
We too are Boardwalk owners and were just there before Christmas. I am so glad we didn't see these new changes before we left otherwise I might have said something to the resort manager.
Where did you learn about the annual meeting?
One of the reasons I became an interior designer was because I was inspired by the places the Imagineers created-particularly the hotels. The changes I’ve seen happen are devastating. Universal is killing it right now. Cabana Bay is my current favorite theme park hotel. I am no longer able to support Disney hotels. They’ve lost the soul and spirit that made them special.
I’m so happy to hear you say that about Cabana Bay. We’re staying there for the first time this summer!😀
@@elainehill5931 you’ll love it! Yes, it’s an atomic mid century modern design, but it’s also a VIBE. Pictures don’t do it justice. When you arrive, it changes you. Immediately transported to a different era. Just make sure you do early check in. Otherwise the line can be insane and not the best way to start your relaxing trip. Hope you enjoy your time as much as I do!
I agree Cabana Bay is amazing! I stayed there during my high school senior trip and had the best time there. In the food court, there’s a massive projection that plays old commercials from the 50s and in the room I stayed in, it even had a vintage alarm clock and a very 50s feel to it.
100% agree. Staying at a Disney resort was an experience: special theming for each resort, free transportation to and from airport, free parking, extra hours, free fast passes, free magic bands, housekeeping daily, amazing discounts like food plans…now all those things are gone but the ticket prices, hotel prices, food prices, EVERYTHING has gone up while the quality that made it worth the extra money - BEFORE the price hikes - was worth it. Disney had a brand and they used to protect it at any cost…not any more. Sad.
Excellent point!!!
Stay at universal next time
Totally agree! One reason my family does not go back yearly. Actually won’t be staying on property *IF* we ever go back.
Paying more for less has made me look at the other options. If a diehard like me is thinking about staying somewhere else I'm sure many others are thinking the same.
Exactly! I use to go yearly, but haven’t gone since 2018. 2019-2022 were either skipped or just a one day visit.
Thank you for pointing out how terrible the new cafe design is too. I was gobsmacked at how CREEPY and clinical the “design” of it is, and nobody has seemed to comment on it at all to what I’ve seen. We gotta start holding Disney’s feet to the fire for the quality of their environmental design in the hotels, restaurants,cafes, etc. VOTE WITH YOUR WALLET!
It’s funny it’s called Carousel Coffee when I first heard about it I was excited - that name had so much whimsy and seemingly goes well with the boardwalk theme but they just butchered it. Nothing but a bland run of the mill coffee shop.
At first glance, that new cafe looked like one I would find at Hampton Inn or Fairfield. It's plain, cold and almost clinical,
So agree, not appealing and like a hospital cafe!
Even just way that the framed photos look just like they were pulled from the stock images you'd see plastered on Disney's website...it feels like a template picked out of a design catalog instead of something customized for a carousel-themed cafe. Even then the showrooms in my local IKEA have better theming than that
@@RariettyC yes! They look like free stock photos one could find at unsplash-no disrespect meant to Unsplash, I expect more creatively, from Disney.
I completely agree! My husband opened that resort in 1996 and worked there for several years. I owned the Vacation Club and this resort was my "home." We absolutely adore this property and are appalled that Disney executives are signing off on these changes. As you have said, the Imagineers worked so hard once upon a time to create these resorts for us! We all have fallen in love with Disney because of the immersive, heavily themed environments whether it is in the parks or the resorts. With all these changes what will be left to separate Disney from everywhere else? We are no longer going to want to go to Disney and stay in these resorts when all the uniqueness of them is removed. I don't understand who is in charge and making these kinds of decisions. Is it really this difficult to hire people who can continue to uphold the Disney standard and create the magic we all love? It is becoming more and more difficult to justify paying to stay in the resorts and visit the parks. As a previous cast member, and longtime Disney fan/vacation guest I say with a heavy heart, I have lost my desire to visit the parks which have always been my happy place. With these changes the resorts will be next on the don't care to visit list. This is so disturbing!
It's not difficult to hire people who could Imagineer the heck out of a design. The issue is Disney doesn't want those themes anymore--it costs money to be immersive and thematic, and Disney is now just like every other mega-corporation. Their main focus isn't on creating a better product, it's on keeping the product just decent enough to keep people coming back while maximizing their profits to satisfy their major shareholders--it's simply greed when boiled down to the essence. Like you, I'm a former CM, DVC owner, and longtime Disney park/resort fan. No longer. I haven't been in 15 months and have no plans to return.
Frankly, it's heartbreaking that they're doing this. Disney has long promoted the idea of their resorts being 'homes-away-from-home'. Cast members would even greet you with "Welcome home" as you arrive. Stripping our 'homes' of everything that made them special feels like a total betrayal of the legacy that made WDW what it is today.
100% agree. Creative theming is the whole point! That's why we joined DVC while on our honeymoon at Boardwalk Inn. The immersion and attention to detail, combined with Disney's exceptional customer care, sold us.
It looks exactly like a courtyard, Marriott. As a local it’s hard for me to justify spending over $400 for a Disney “themed” hotel when I know that there are better hotels with more amenities. But the reality is that these hotels are not meant for locals like me, but for international travelers, who don’t know better.
You're right. It got to be the international travelers, who don’t know any better. I can't imagine paying a premium for this garbage.
That's selling the international travelers short. They want to see themes from other places in this country, too. Why would they want to see what they can get at home?
as an international traveler, I've stopped supporting disney. Its a rip off
@@talklifewithSylviaI’m surprised no one has mentioned Disney springs. The new design looks like a generic open air mall that you can find in any city.
Your passion and intensity on this subject is so refreshing and much appreciated. Hotels like the Grand Floridian and the Boardwalk are/were my favorite because they were themed to a specific era that I was not alive for and can only experience in places like richly-themed hotels you find at Disney, or at the rare hotels that have been historically preserved. The hotel loses all its appeal when they become so stripped down and un-themed to the level of a run-of-the-mill Marriott. The Belle Vue Lounge was one of my favorite places at the Boardwalk and seeing the current state is absolutely gutting. I'm very afraid of what this awful de-theming initiative will bring to the GF lobby.
ABSOLUTELY!! Crazy you watch Brayden too. Love your reviews BTW! 🥰 Think Disney needs some competition and I hope someone with the money will come along and do it. It would be AMAZING to have truly themed resorts of bygone eras. I'm worried one day they'll do the same to Wilderness Lodge (but then at least we'd have the actual Old Faithful Inn).
@@SuMMeRFLi5 Universal is running circles around Disney. Cabana Bay, Sapphire Falls, Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, and Hard Rock are all amazingly themed hotels at a fraction of the Disney cost.
@@JM-er2yl Oh absolutely! I know what you mean. I was kind of thinking somewhere else in the country. Like a NEW Disney-type theme park, not Universal or Disney or Bush Gardens or Dollywood...etc, that would be major competition - a new fresh destination. Something like Europapark or Xcaret, but larger.
I am so glad you and so many others are so intense about this subject. For someone who has been coming to Disney resorts since 1996 I am completely heartbroken to see this among many other recent changes (in the last 4 years or so). I agree that paying the extra to stay at a Disney resort was a huge part of what the magic has always been about. We do not like the “basic” hotels that you can find all up and down the interstate and that’s why we don’t even choose those if we go on a beach trip. These Disney resorts are the very thing that have given me the inspiration for the way I have decorated my home through the years…from the woodworking at the Grand Floridian to the “feeling” of being on a tropical island at the Polynesian…and so much more. I think Disney has become way too corporate and has ignored Walt’s dream of keeping the outside out and for that matter keeping it magical. I hope you continue to do these videos and getting the word out there to people.
YOU ARE NOT WRONG. One of my dearest memories when staying at the Beach Club (my family's favorite resort) is walking around the boardwalk with my mom and specifically walking into the different hotels to marvel at the theming. I loved the Boardwalk's dynamic and artistic style and I always wanted to stay there (but the magnificent pool at beach club always beat me out lol.) Now, I don't even want to walk through it anymore with my mom, let alone stay there.
I really hope they stop. And for the love of everything stop touching The Polynesian.
It's an opening day hotel and it used to be my all time favorite place. I really hate those Moana rooms. The Polynesian represents so much more than a Disney princess with successful marketing. Polynesia is over a thousand islands with a rich array of culture and art that was attempted to be brought to guests. That was the intent.
That IS THE INTENT IN GENERAL. God, they are so missing the mark of just...everything.
Exactly!
Well said 💯
I agree 100%. I stopped going in 2022 and will not be back any time soon. No interest in spending too much money for too little. Between the un-theming of the hotels, the lack of maintenance/upkeep/cleanliness, the high cost and added up-charges in the parks and the continual decrease in services that used to be included, it’s just not worth it. Heading to universal in a couple weeks
Universal seems to have poached all the artistic talent that Disney let go to save money and looking at the plans for the new Epic Universe, it's putting Disney, once again, to shame. Universal management has got it while Disney is throwing it away. Even Universal's Hotels are better themed and priced now.
couldn't have said it better myself. We were long term fans, coming from overseas every year to go to Disney. They have got worse and worse, and more and more expensive. It's just so sad, that all our memories are tainted with this downfall.
@@michaelsiebielec5554 and at Universal they clean your room everyday as opposed to Disney where they charge more but clean your room every other day.
On my last visit everything looked dirty and rundown. There was a time when it was spotless. Sad times for Disney.
Universal is so much better!! No reservations either. Universal seems to listens to their pass holders/customers. Been a universal pass holder for 10 yrs!
I’m a degreed Industrial Designer with 40 years of design experience and you are 100% correct. I have noticed this before, and used to joke that it looked like Disney recently bought Wayfair. 🙄
Still happy about Iger coming back to finish his hatchet job on the parks,resorts, etc. He wants to be a media mogul and says “thank you” to all of you for letting him grift his way to what he wants.👏🏻👏🏻
Edit: I wonder how much this will hurt the resale value of DVC Memberships?
I agree 100%. Staying in a themed resort was one of the things that made a Disney vacation special
I went to the Doctor in Orlando last week as a new patient and they had Disney’s old restaurant chairs for seating in their waiting room and now I know why 👀
Did the doctor's office trade their chairs for Disney's? The carousel cafe seating looks very much like the kind I would see in a hospital
Boardwalk is my DVC home resort, and I am brokenhearted that this is what they are doing to my home away from home. I could not agree with you more! I am also a travel agent specializing in Disney, and it's getting more and more difficult to give guests a reason to spend top dollar on these vanilla Disney resorts, let alone a reason to stay on property at all. I'm so sad.
I watched your last video about how the Contemporary became a hodgepodge resort and I ended up going there one day because a friend of mine was staying. I walked around the upper floor of the A-train where his room was and looked down and realized how right you were.
The Mickey fantasia shop in the middle, the small world mural on the main elevator tower then the Incredibles wall paper all over the outside looked really out of place and gave me a small headache trying to understand what the resort was trying to go for…😢
I worked for the company from 79 to 94, and as each year goes by I see more and more things that are going on and it really saddens me. The last time I went was 2 years ago and it upset me so bad to see how it is going that I ended my trip early. I don't think I will ever go back, even my kids and grandchildren didn't have a good time.
You should start a channel and share your stories. I’m always interested in the stories and critiques of long time cast members. You were there before the Eisner era. Before Epcot.
Thank you for all the magic you helped create during your tenure. I'm sorry for the heartache of having to see something you worked for become so damaged.
I love themed hotels that seem special and different from others. You end up with such great memories and it is fun to picture the places you visited in your head. I have always been interested in Vegas and Disney hotels for that reason. Disney excels in theming and creating worlds. I would be sad if they decided it is no longer important.
Uh! This same shit is also happening over in Vegas as well. This is not just a Disney problem anymore.
I think they've already decided.
Vegas hotels in the 90s were awesome, but they've been scaling back the themes lately.
As a DVC member of multiple contracts I’m ANGRY about the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa revamp! I no longer trust their discernment when it comes to knowing what the people actually want. Every DVC friend that I’ve talked to is literally dreading the new designs
What blows my mind is you get much better themming at a Disney value resort- like Pop and AoA than you do at Boardwalk, Contemporary, and Coranado Springs (which looks like a high end Condo complex you'd see in Sarasota) at a 1/4 to a 1/3 of the Price.
I couldn't agree more! I'm nervous to see what Disney has up their sleeve for the upcoming year. Honestly, being a travel agent who specializes in Disney destinations, Disney is making it hard to convince clients to stay on property. Great video as always! Wishing you a happy and healthy new year, Brayden!
Start expanding your clients to those who want to visit Universal. They're building a whole new theme park due to open in 2025.
I agree with Disney that the bar needed a refurbishment. The furniture is very old and could use an update. However, changing it to modern (which is often my preferred look) is not the thing they should do. The whole point of paying extra for a Disney Hotel is to get immersed into the theming, rather than just another normal hotel.
I could listen to you rant about this topic of un-theming forever, Brayden! You are not only spot on, but you are so reasonable, well-spoken, and articulate, that you make your case crystal clear without sounding like the internet crowd is forever mad for no reason. Coming from someone who ADORES Disney, who is beyond obsessed with this unique property and franchise, and very specifically the theme parks, I am heartbroken to see them taking this route. If people like you and I can't justify paying $600+ per night on a Deluxe Disney Resort stay, then who will?
This is exactly what I have been saying for months! When the economy downturns, who still goes to Disney? The diehards. You and I. If we don’t want this new garbage, what happens? I have dvc points to use for some visits, but I am a Floridian that comes to the parks monthly. I do not pay for Disney resorts every time and certainly won’t prioritize on site accommodations when my beloved resorts have been gutted and cheapened.
The people who will pay are probably not die heart fans who love what Disney use to stand for. It’s probably the people who will whip out the credit card , charging a large amount and not care about the design of the rooms . Maybe Disney isn’t looking for the repeat visitor as long as they can continue to get large crowds to spend money that’s their main objective.
This is such a shame to see; growing up in the 90s when a lot of these hotels were being built, they really captured my imagination and made the trip something truly special! It's sad to see how the parks are doing back in the States: dirty rides, paring down of theming... it makes me thankful that I was able to enjoy it when it was in a different shape from today. Living in Japan now, I can enjoy Tokyo Disney Resort, which still has the feeling of that Disney Magic I remember from my childhood. I'm thankful that the Oriental Land Company does what it does in terms of theming out here!
Wow. I was primarily an Epcot cast member 20 years ago and after 911 did a stint at the magic Kingdom because of how they we're shifting us around to deal with the lower park attendance. Anyway I spent a lot of time around the boardwalk lagoon and the stark contrast to the original theming which really was pretty transporting even if I didn't like it thinking it was tacky it was pretty accurate. I always thought that was the wonderful thing about Disney resorts it's that you always had a choice of what suited your personality and taste as well as budget add to that the ability to completely switch it up on a different visit. With the recent homogenization of the resorts it is turning into a Gray nightmare of the landscape with no discerning features. This new style is so far away from theming and could easily be a MCcafe in a McDonald's somewhere... But at least McDonald's hired people that knew how to do it correctly. I don't know who made the decision on these designs but it wasn't imagineers. Mid century modern certainly suits the contemporary resort if it was done correctly and not generically. So as much as their remodel has been disappointing basically slapping the same furniture and making everything Gray into the boardwalk makes absolutely no sense if you were thinking Disney but this is obviously not Disney so therefore it makes sense lol. It's really horrible bland and boring especially at the boardwalk. It's really amazing that Disney no longer seems to know the difference between its ass and a hole in the ground or weather to scratch its watch or wind its butt.
And that's being nice!
This is heartbreaking. I can’t tell you how many hours I spent in that Boardwalk lounge listening to the old-time radio shows they play on the vintage radio. Are they stripping out the radio and vintage radio shows too??? Crazy.
Me too! We’d go have a drink, listen to the radio shows and play Clue. It felt amazing and immersive.
Just spent awhile looking through the comments. A couple of things struck me. First, you have a smart, caring fan base. Secondly, a good company would pay for thoughtful feedback of this type. I sense that Disney wouldn’t care.
I remember staying at the Boardwalk in 2000 and being astonished by the lobby and all the little touches. I walked outside and saw the yacht/beach club and thought that it was worth every penny. Didn’t hurt that EPCOT was a masterpiece back then.
What is Disney thinking now? My last trip I stayed at Sapphire Falls. It was half the price and wonderful.
Thanks for talking about the labor union negotiations! The cast members provide so much value to our experiences as guests and nothing would be the same without them. They definitely need $20/hr *now* during this period of severe inflation, not 5-6 years down the line… just another thing to add to the never ending list of issues with Disney in this moment. I’m really hoping they can turn so many of these things around and start providing quality service again and treat their employees better.
0:48 🎵"Look at this stuff, Isn't it cheep"🎶
Speaking the truth as usual Brayden! It’s bad enough that Disney’s newest properties are themed in name only (Riviera for example), now they’re removing the theming from some of the classics. It boggles my mind that the decision-makers on these projects seem to have no understanding of theming or what used to set Disney hotels apart.
Things like the un-themeing is one more reason why my family and I, for the first time, will be staying off Disney property. We found a beautifully themed independent resort a few minutes away with a view of the evening fireworks and a pool with water slides - and it's cheaper than the cheapest Disney resort!
Having stayed just in the past month at Cabana Bay for the first time, I can attest it's a great hotel with a charming style and themed rooms, and amenities make it an exceedingly good value as compared to anything Disney has lately.
As a DVC member, I am upset about the new refurbishments and departure from the theming Disney is known for, this all feels cookie cutter to me. I am very concerned, especially since The Grand Floridian is my home resort and I love it. A tasteful update to some soft goods and whatnot is one thing, I’m all for it! But taking away the character and themes of these resorts is a whole different story. 😢
Our family as well..
Home resorts being BCV (2003) and AKV (2007)..
Well AKV no more we’ve sold them, BCV will possibly follow soon 😔😔
@@MC-nb6jx I am sorry, I love the resorts and am so disheartened right now. Hoping for the best for now! It's just so sad.
@@jennwilliams7415 ..Agreed it’s so sad what they’re doing😔😔
I'm with you Brayden! They are erasing the themes of the Disney hotels, using generic plain "design" to "refresh and update" the look to attract a population that wouldn't enjoy the chaotic magic that is Disney. IF I return to Disney I will be looking off property. I am not about to pay their ridiculous prices for a generic room that I can get MUCH LESS and more reasonably priced a few minutes away. I LOVE the Disney bubble, but I think Disney just popped it.
I absolutely agree with you regarding the untheming the resorts. Last year my husband and I were staying at The Yacht Club. During our stay, the carpets by the elevators were being replaced. It looked as if the new carpet was exactly the same as what it was replacing. Upon closer inspection however we noticed the new carpet didn't have the little hidden Mickeys! So disappointing. Did it ruin our stay? Of course not, but clearly it was part of a much larger trend. We always love looking for the subtle Hidden Mickeys around the resorts and Theme Parks.
I totally agree about the theming, I have always enjoyed staying onsite and was willing to pay a little extra to stay immersed in that theming. If that is not there anymore why would I pay way more to stay on property? It is so sad to see Disney slowly being eroded away into something Walt Disney would have hated….😔
We recently went in early December. It was the first time we DIDNT stay at a Disney resort, and it will not be the last time we stay "off site". We had a 2 bedroom villa for our family. The same amount of time we stayed at this hotel would have cost MORE THEN DOUBLE for 2 basic room at a disney resort. Oh yeah, we also had a kitchen and in villa washer/dryer. They constantly take more and more away from us. But the prices keep going up? We are a family of 6 so its not a cheap vacation. Honestly i wouldnt be suprised if we dont go back for a very long time.
Yes. Simply, yes. I've been saying this same thing for the last several years, particularly when they began de-wildernessing the Wilderness Lodge area by building the new cabins and adding Copper Creek into the main Lodge. I've owned at VWL (never gonna call it by its new name) for a decade and a half, and the designers stripped the WL property of its "wildness" by shutting down the nature trail, closing the walking trail to FW, removing the beach, and cutting down so many trees. Sure, I will admit that the cabins look great, and Geyser Point is a solid eatery, but they lost the essence of a lodge out of the great Northwest. Inside, they removed one of the better restaurants at WDW in Artist's Point and put in a storybook meal with an unrelated theme to the WL. The rooms in Copper Creek, while shiny and new, evoked no theme other than, as you say, an eclectic mix of things you'd find in a Marriott or even a Hampton Inn. Meanwhile, over at SSR, the refurb there was again pretty, but not at all in line with the upstate NY, race track theme from the original. The refurbishment at VWL is underway, and soon at HHI (where I worked), and again, the clean lines are winning out, reducing the actual emotional context of why I chose DVC in the first place--theming that transports you...and not to some middle of the road hotel you can find from Eureka, CA, to Norfolk, VA, and all places in between. I haven't been to Disney in over a year, and I have no plans to go back. Between the higher costs, the need to be on one's phone constantly, the removal of icons, and the watering down of the product--especially the resorts--I have no desire to return.
You are right Braden! The recent refurbishments Disney has made at various resorts does not give me any confidence other resort refurbishments will enhance the original theming. Rather it is more likely to take away from intended themes. 😢
You are absolutely on point! We cancelled our Contemporary Resort reservation , and will not be staying there any time soon, after it being our favorite resort for over 30 years. We are passholders who live in New Hampshire, and come to Disney several times per year. Lots of revenue being lost there. Keep telling the truth - we love and respect your insights.
I hope you told them why you canceled your reservation. They need to hear it.
Go off 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Staying at Cabana Bay in two weeks! Huge Disney fan but I have had it. Catch me bowling and lounging in the lazy river
I agree with you. People stay at Disney hotels for the ambiance and theme immersion. If the rooms are all the same, then there is no need to pay high prices. Stay elsewhere unless they change their ways.
Agreed.
Man, you nailed it! As your elder, it so pleases me how "on the money" and smart your analysis is with virtually every topic. Definitely the best WDW deep dive there is on RUclips! Keep up the great work and 😁!!
Agree 100%. If the furniture wears out, fix or replace it, but don’t re-theme something with cheap generic furniture
I completely agree with you on this one for sure. I have reservations at Boardwalk in Feb and I booked last year after walking through the resort loving the aesthetic and the in themed look just looks like the hotels I stay at when on business trips. Kinda sucks because now I’m not as excited as I was
I comment every time you address this issue. You are 100% correct. The split screen photos tell the whole story. Show split screens of former resort rooms next to current designs. The distinction we all loved is disappearing before our eyes…such a loss.
Dude you are completely correct and you should be worried about the redesign. I think this might be a sign of the times cuz something similar is happening in Las Vegas. Back in the 90s Vegas had amazing immersive themed hotels and over the past decade they've been watering down the themes till the hotels all generally feel the same. What really upsets me and probably other creative, is that the general public seems to be ok with this.
Brayden as always, thanks for being honest and telling the truth about how bad Disney is becoming. This starts in the upper echelon of management. Those in charge at Disney these days and for the last 10-15 years are the ones that are ruining the company and have destroyed the magic. We quit staying on property. My daughter and I stayed at All Star Music back in April of this year in the country faire section. It was nice but so generic. No excitement to the rooms, no music themed, nothing but like staying at a Motel 6. We won't stay on property any longer. We can get a full two bedroom condo for an entire week, and at Disney that same amount of money would get us 1 1/2 nights at a moderate or maybe at a deluxe. I can't do it any longer. Thanks for suggesting that your viewers quit staying on property. We need someone like you that is in the public eye to speak the truth about Disney. They certainly are NOT the magical company and family vacation destination that they once were. May we see one day the company return back to what it once was, as Walt intended it to be.
I am a Disney fan. I love the parks, love the hotel theming, but will not go anymore due to how expensive it has become. Totally agree with you Brayden. If we want Disney to consider and truly reflect on how they are changing the brand for the worst, we must do it by withholding our money; do not go to any of the parks, do not stay any Disney hotels, do not buy Disney merchandise, send reviews to Disney expressing concerns about outrageous expenses, bland hotel renovations and decor, and make our voices heard through your channel and other Disney You Tubers.
The only way the Disney corporation will understand is through us choosing not to spend our money on them. I understand companies needing to make a profit, but in my opinion, Disney sees their fans as suckers who will continue to give them hard earned money, bend over and say more please.
That is the problem though, there will always be some chumps who will pay, who won't know nor care about theming or pricing or perks, Disney will have factored this in before they wrecked their parks. I have a book about the first 25 years of Disneyworld and reading how much effort went into the meticulous design of every single element in the park, makes me sad that the current Disney just want to rip all that out, everything that made it special. Such a shame
@@bretton_woods I’d love to get that book title. Thanks.
@@David-sr3tz sure! It is called "Since the World Began: Walt Disney World The First 25 Years" by Jeff Kurtti (1996).
@@bretton_woods thank you!
@@bretton_woods You are right on that, sadly. I saw you reply on the other post for that book title. I’m buying it!
I hope that Disney never bans you from their property. These brutally honest views/opinions are GREAT!!!
Bellevue was my fav little watering hole at Disney. It has that little balcony outside and the music instantly calmed you. The music isn't doing it anymore with the new decor. I was just there for a trade show and was very bummed to see the untheming
In terms of UN-theming, you are absolutely not making a mountain out of a molehill. You are speaking facts. Unfortunately, as those of us who have been devout Disney fans start chipping away and going a different direction, the new fans coming in won't know the difference or care. They'll be none the wiser as this will be their norm. Heartbreaking to see as we know better.
I love West Elm… in my home. Easy to clean and looks minimalist. When I go on vacation, especially to Disney, I want adventure.
I can’t agree with you more with regards to the new furnishings . I can see the need for some updates but they need to be in step with the architecture. Very short sighted to use a style that has a design shelf life instead of staying classic.
Exactly this! Not only does the new furniture stick out like a sore thumb, but it's not even going to be trendy in a few years 🤦♀️
Looks more like a conference center than a lounge. Wow.
I am staying at a Disney resort this month but thankfully it is one that hasn’t been refurbished recently (Kidani). It may look a little old and tired, but it should still have most of its charm intact still.
I was going to say the Cafe looked more like something you'd see at an AIRPORT! ☹️
I live in A.C. The Boardwalk Hotel and surroundings WAS my favorite of all the on property hotels. That coffee shop is a joke. And they have completely wrecked my favorite bar. You could literally sink into those flowery armchairs. The whole space was so inviting, it made me want to stay and enjoy 15 dollar old fashioneds. (And they were so well made I Really didn't have a problem paying 15 bucks for them. BTW, WDW has some AMAZING, experienced, professional bartenders if you know where to look. ( NOT AT BEACH CLUB!)) This restyling says to me: "Hey, if you want to see this kind of stuff only done much much better, head over to the Dolphin. And they have great bartenders there too! Bye bye Boardwalk, you were awesome in your day.
Yup. The Belle Vue for old fashioneds. The wife and I always stopped in for a nightcap or two, or three, or more... "Al" was one of their coolest bartenders. The way he'd always say "Welcome!" as we walked in. Always a nice crowd. Great drinks, great surroundings and great company. For the night, we were back in another time and place.
You said so many times " I know the naysayers are not going to agree" all I can say is ........ Keep saying what you are saying. You are 100% on track. Why pay so much when others are doing the same and their entire resort theme is exactly what this was changed to.
People make fun of me, but this is why I keep saying; the best themed resorts at WDW are the All-Star resorts. Sure, the transportation is awful, but the theming is perfect.
I'd say the Art of Animation nails it. The rooms have theming to match the exterior and the lobby building.
There’s still a few that have the Disney feel, but you’re 100% correct. Sure, it still the “family” resort, but it feels like Disney.
I know you love Polynesian, that’s still a themed hotel. But Disney started moving away from it years ago, and I hope Iger really takes a look at this and goes back to proper theming for the hotels.
If Disney no longer puts in the effort to be "magical", then I have no problem with finding other places to vacation. In fact, that is exactly what my family has done the last 6 years. What use to be a yearly thing is now something we don't even consider anymore.
Bravo Brayden! Once again you’re spot on in your analysis!
I feared this a while back when Chapek was dethemeing all the Disney stores and World of Disneys! And here it is!
What’s next a Ramada style makeover for Animal Kingdom Lodge?
I rode Tron in Shanghai shortly after that park opened. It's definitely an awesome ride but too short, especially if you wait in line a very long time for it. You're right on about that as well!
I agree with Brayden 100%. That’s what happens when you don’t put Imagineering at the top of the priority list when you plan to refurbish parts of a Disney resort or park.
The un-theming combine with insane prices of rooms on property is why next year we will be staying off property at an air bnb. We love board walk but for the price of a weeks stay we can be in florida for over a month 🤷🏻♂️ keep up the great work
YOU ARE 1000000000% NOT WRONG!!!!!
THANK YOU for speaking out SO accurately about how the theme of a Disney resort is so very important and the horrible route they are taking things by un-theming. I could not have said it better, THANK YOU. Absolutely heart broken.
100% agree! So many things have changed at Disney in just the past 10 years…and not for the better.
I’m with you 100%.
I’ve been saying this since they started the bland dumbing down at POP century and the other Value Resorts. Folks said oh it’s so clean and it may be but it is also cheap and has no imagination.
Loving the rage, I feel the same with my local park (non-Disney) where all the historic areas and rides are being done over with cheap brands and experiences (latest is Jumanji) losing all of the immersion of being inside adventures out of the real world. Now you go into the park and it's like going to a cinema, but instead of 1 and a half hours stories there are 3-minutes giggly rides instead. I miss the older times where things were done with actual passion
Totally agree with you. I love the Boardwalk and you hit it on the nail. Un themed. I will be checking it outline before booking. And also, expected to pay so much and no housecleaning daily!? I go on vacation to have that luxury. So frustrating.
I saw that at the lounge the other day, as I stop there often for some quiet rest when out for a walk on property. I hadn't thought of the theming, but did think that the old stuff was looking ragged.
It is Disney's job to maintain good condition of their furniture AND have it fit the theme of the resort. Evidently they failed in both respects. Regardless of what one personally prefers in terms of new design vs old, the new is objectively off-theme. Thanks for Watching! ~Brayden
If they were ragged just replace them with stuff with the same feel or fix them
@@uhhhhhhh4040 Exactly. Every piece could have been reupholstered and the rugs and carpets could have been swapped out for new ones. These new pieces are awful and as Brayden noted, more akin to Art Deco.
I agree 100%. No reason to resort hop anymore. whats the point? That was our favorite thing to do. To go and enjoy the different environments and just soak it in. Thanks Disney for sticking it to us yet again.
I totally agree with everything you are saying. This refurb just like all the previous ones has taken every ounce of Disney theming out of the resorts. This new look is plain and very cheaply done. The tables at the bar look like something you would throw together at a Christmas dinner to seat everyone. Horrible.
We never stay at a Disney resort, each year we choose to spend our 3 weeks at Sheraton Vistana Resort at Lake Buena Vista in a two bedroom apartment, fab facilities we just love it there ❤
Excellent commentary as always. As a pass holder who stayed in and loved every Disney hotel, my family is extremely saddened to see what they are doing.
We’re taking your advise though, our next two stays are at two hotels still not hit with the “modern” wave ( yay Jambo!! ), and we will never stay at the ruined ones again. It’s a bit heartbreaking though, as we loved the hotels, but the new direction of Disney is not for us.
Thanks again for these great videos, and speaking the truth.
I think they are hoping that even though they are making these horrible changes people will still pay a premium price for the perks of being an on site guest… (early entry etc) That’s the only reason I would consider it in the future if they keep doing this to our favorite resorts… so frustrating!!
They will keep doing it as long as guests keep paying them.
As a family of six our only option is two overly priced rooms or an overly priced suite. We have stayed at different Disney resorts until our most recent trip in which we stayed at the Marriott in Flamingo Crossings. I can attest to what you are saying. The only noticeable difference is the price.
The added plus is being within walking distance of multiple restaurants as well as a target.
No reason to pay for the “Disney markup” when you are getting the exact same experience. You are 100% correct.
You're right! It's not just Disney. I've noticed this in Vegas and other tourist destinations. I think the big theming of the past, especially the 90s, is not the trend now. Modern and sleek is replacing immersive fun theming. Places like Rainforest Cafe are leaving replaced by generic restaurants too. I'm watching a local Cheesecake Factory to see how long it lasts. I love theming and miss the whimsy. It's not the trend now, but maybe it will swing back in the future.
I agree with you 100%! Part of being at Disney is staying at a Disney themed resort! And I love Disney, but I don’t like that They’re just taking every resort and modernizing it and taking away the theme of that resort because then it just feels like a Marriott or Hilton, like you explained in your video, I get that Disney wants you to spend less time in the resort and spend more money and time at the parks but again, like I said before staying at A Disney themed resort is part of being at Disney!
I miss how Disney used to be 😢 universal studios is killing it. Cabana Bay is so fun and so cute. They family suite was fabulous when we stayed there! Sapphire falls is so nice and the boat transportation was lovely.
Universal theming is top notch! We are staying at Cabana Bay for the first time this winter. So excited! Staying at Boardwalk this summer, and really sad to see the reason we chose Boardwalk is no longer valid. Loved the old NJ Beach resort theming. 😟
I agree. We go several times a year to enjoy the resorts and restaurants. Over the last year disney is turning into a Big Lots store.
"Medley of modern furniture," "Am I in a padded cell,".... great one-liners. And way to tie it all together at the end.
Your passion is coming from a genuine place. Follow how you feel. Thank you for voicing and putting energy to it. So many of us feel the same way.
You nailed this.
Unfortunately Disney won’t feel it until the hospitality shifts downward and the new fans are burnt out and the old legacy fans are left and won’t go. We shall see
They have un-themed, and removed ALL perks to the point that we DON'T stay at ANY Disney resorts. I can get a freaking THEMED HOUSE for a FRACTION of the cost and have a much more immersive experience. Disney really needs to wake up. Brayden you nailed it.
I totally agree, Brayden! I saw the redesign of Boardwalk (and the Contemporary, and the Grand Floridian, and the new tower at Polynesian), and I thought “no thanks.” I’m not paying that much for a room that looks identical to other cheaper hotels down the street. I agree it’s all about the immersion and the escape. I’ll spend money to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Caribbean Beach or Grand Californian. Love the theming at those places. I’m totally disinterested in the 3 original resorts near Magic Kingdom now. Too homogenized. I don’t know what they’re thinking.
You're right. You always are, but this needs to be said. The rooms at the value resorts have essentially 0 theming and it's making its way to the high end resorts.
What about Art of Animation ? There is great theming in those rooms . We stayed in The Nemo Suites with wonderful theming .I haven’t heard that it has been changed . It was a value resort in 2018 when we were there .
@@franklinmimi Art of Animation is hardly a value resort. Those rooms are great. But the rooms at the All Stars, and Pop Century are unbelievably bland.
@@disneyscott98they’ve always been bland tho. If anything they’re better now, because they used to look like a $5 per night room
Are they getting some kind of bulk discount on medical teal? Why is it cropping up everywhere?! Great coverage, as always.
And it seems so dated too!
I absolutely agree with you Brayden. My wife and I are passholders. We can stay at the Marriott at Flamingo Crossing and pay for a rental car and still pay far less than even staying at the lesser priced Disney Resorts. The accommodations are very nice, great pool and bar area, and the customer service is always on point. We always like to resort hop and talk about maybe eventually experiencing a Disney Resort stay and just dropping the money. However, with these un-theming changes along with the raising in prices we really don't feel like we're missing much anymore. It's a real shame.
You are 100% correct with regards to the "un-theming" of the resorts. Those resorts, particularly the MK resorts like the Grand and the Poly, are being slowly gutted and destroyed. What Disney was, what drew so many of us to it and has kept us drawn to it, is rotting from the inside out. At this point I'd rather just stay off property and save $400 a night. (They really lost me when they destroyed the luau space to build that DVC monstrosity at the Poly... man what a disaster.) Love your videos dude. You, and a few of your colleagues, are voices in the wilderness.
Love seeing all the fellow DVC families. What do we do? This month will be the first time EVER that we are going to Orlando and bringing kids to Universal. They are excited but sad at the same time.
Agreed! I stopped staying at Disney hotels a few years ago. Just not worth it anymore especially when I can rent a 4 bedroom 2 story condo for $120 a night almost walking distance from Animal Kingdom.
Stayed in Kissimmee in october, whole house for $119 a night, just had to drive to the parks. was worth it.
@Dadpool_Chicago 06 Exactly. Too bad parking has gotten more expensive though but a $20 uber ride to and from the front of the parks is pretty nice and ultimately less then preferred parking.
@@catalyst6313 we didnt pay for preferred and still got a decent spot not too far away (magic Kingdom) my only issues was animal kingdom...the crowds were terrible
Honestly, the parks as a whole have just been going down lately. Disney got rid of innoventions at EPCOT, which was the whole point of EPCOT (at least to me) just to squeeze in some more IP and put in what will probably be a fairly basic festival hall. Instead of building something new, Disney just updates splash mountain. After Tron opens, we probably won’t get anything new for a while, seeing all we got at the d23 was blue sky ideas. And now they’re de-theaming the resorts . . . It’s very sad to see. I really hope Disney gets better.
My family have been going to DisneyWorld since day one and one thing that always impressed was the ability to be transported to the time period and place of the themed hotels. You are sooooo right. They are removing the magic of Disney by only thinking of their pockets. They’ve accomplished this in the parks by removing the spontaneity by not only raising pricing and adding price to what was free, but now you have to be specific on the day and rides you will experience and don’t forget having to have your phone so you can have some computer dictate where you will go to next and art what time. Now they are removing the magical experience at the hotels at a far more higher price. I am a DVC member and can say that for less money than the cost of a stay at a DVC room you can stay at many larger and just as nice places elsewhere in the Orlando area, but you spent the extra because of the theming. Now all I can say is why? What’s the point. I think if we. Could bring back Walt Disney and show him what these money hungry executives that have taken over his company are doing, he would be as disgusted as we as fans are. Thanks for your honest critique.
Hey Brayden! Thanks for the update, and no worries on simply being real, you work really hard to bring it on and that should be respected period! Happy Wishes for 2023 boss, thanks for always being absolutely amazing!! 🍾🥂🎉🎆
Hear here!
The contrast of before and after the updated lounge is stunning. That update is ridiculously bad. It’s like there is no theming.
Man…………..I think at this point they’ll just put a box and call it mid century theming
We agree! We have been going to the parks since 1971. When we started a family we found the Boardwalk and became hard core fans of not only Disney but of the themed resort as well. It's really disappointing to take a place so beautifully designed, so popular, and so well booked, then distroy it. We had already cancelled our most recent vacations at the park and on the cruise because of their policies and changes obviously not made for the customer experience. But this breaks our hearts. At least they can't take our memories.
100% agree with you Brayden! The theming is what differentiated Disney resorts from all the others and now they're systematically destroying them.