http://micechat.com/forums/ en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:52:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://micechat.com/forums/images/mc3/misc/rss.jpg http://micechat.com/forums/ http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127458-loews-portofino-bay-resort-universal-orlando-pictures.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:27:11 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Loews Royal Pacific Resort photographed in November 2008:
The three resorts on the Universal Orlando property are linked by a river-like waterway and water taxis that go to the Universal Citywalk lake from which both theme parks are entered. This resort is themed to the Italian resort town, and is a large complex of piazzas and three pools surrounded by hotel wings that successfully appear to be a panorama of connected antique town buildings.







Porte Cochere:
The fountain in front has a collection of Italian cars and scooters parked in front to complete the theme.





Courtyards:





Pools:









Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127458-loews-portofino-bay-resort-universal-orlando-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127455-loews-royal-pacific-resort-universal-orlando-pictures.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:49:47 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Loews Royal Pacific Resort photographed in November 2008:
The three resorts on the Universal Orlando property are linked by a river-like waterway and water taxis that go to the Universal Citywalk lake from which both theme parks are entered. This resort is themed to the tropical islands of this ocean and features a lush landscape, although the exterior is decidedly contemporary and bland.

Water Taxi Entry:
The approach from the water is dramatic and features a lagoon with a simulated seaplane and a beach that adjoins the pool area.





Lagoon Pool:
This large pool area features the Bali Sea water play area.





Entry Bridge from Porte Cochere:



Lobby and Courtyard:
While the exteriors are bland, the interiors are a nice contemporary mix of Pacific cultures.







Exterior:



Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127455-loews-royal-pacific-resort-universal-orlando-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127454-hard-rock-hotel-universal-orlando-pictures.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:33:52 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Hard Rock Hotel photographed in November 2008:
The three resorts on the Universal Orlando property are linked by a river-like waterway and water taxis that go to the Universal Citywalk lake from which both theme parks are entered. This resort is styled in a California Mission theme, with several wings surrounding a large pool and recreation area. The interiors feature many of the rock and roll artifacts for which this chain of hotels and cafes is famous.















Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127454-hard-rock-hotel-universal-orlando-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127392-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge-pictures.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:53:36 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge photographed in February 2008:
The three large African savanna exhibits containing a mix of live hoofstock species and birds that surround most of this resort make this an attraction unto itself. It is a contemporary-styled interpretation of Africa, arranged in several large curving wings of rooms that radiate from an impressive central lobby. The interiors of the public rooms and restaurants strikes a great balance of sophistication and exotic whimsy, while the exterior viewing areas for the animal habitats and the Uzima Pool area are perfect compliments to the theming of the nearby Animal Kingdom theme park. A similarly styled second resort complex has opened adjacent for Vacation Club members.

Lodge Entry Exterior:





Lodge Exterior facing Uzima Pool:





Uzima Pool:







Flamingo Exhibit:







Boma:
One of the restaurants adjoining the lobby.





Victoria Falls Lounge:



Sunset Overlook:
This intimate lounge and outdoor balcony has a view of one of the savannas.





Ankole Cattle:



Lobby:





























Lodge Exterior facing the savannas:







Arusha Rock Savanna Overlook:
This rocky viewing area of the central savanna extends outdoors from the lobby along a short trail.







Savanna hoofstock:
This view includes roan antelope, bontebok, and zebra.



Giraffe:



Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127392-disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127386-boardwalk-villas-upgrades.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:53:14 GMT I understand that BoardWalk Villas have been going through some major upgrades...particularly in the hallways, studio, one bedroom and two bedroom... I understand that BoardWalk Villas have been going through some major upgrades...particularly in the hallways, studio, one bedroom and two bedroom rooms. The posted photos look pretty awesome with new rugs, wallpaper, furniture, TVs etc. Does anybody know if the Grand Villas are going to be upgraded too. If so, when will the work be done? Thanks! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews Lanmon http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127386-boardwalk-villas-upgrades.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127353-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-pictures.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:51:38 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort photographed in November 2008:
6 large Victorian styled red-gabled buildings compose this lakeside resort that recalls the opulence of the elite seaside resorts of 100 years ago, especially close in style to the still-existent Hotel del Coronado near San Diego, CA. Seperate buildings for a convention center, lakefront restaurant, summer house, wedding pavilion, monorail station, and health club also dot the property and match the style. The buildings surround the central Courtyard Pool.













Grand Lobby:





Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127353-disneys-grand-floridian-resort-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127336-disneys-pop-century-resort-pictures.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:55:12 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Pop Century Resort photographed in November 2008:
This resort focusing on popular culture is similar to the three All-Star Resorts in another area of the Disney property. It is composed of a central check-in and amenity building surrounded by 10 low rise three-winged hotel buildings that are all identical in layout to the others as well as the All-Star Resort hotel buildings. All feature fun oversized iconic elements that decorate their facades and create a bright and brash abstract environment.

Classic Hall:
The central hall is decorated with giant elements that announce the themes of the hotel buildings...the later decades of the 20th century.









50's:
These three buildings cluster around the Bowling Pool.











60's:
These two buildings face each other across the Hippy Dippy Pool.









70's:











80's and 90's:
The two 80's buildings and the adjoining 90's building surround the Computer Pool.













Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127336-disneys-pop-century-resort-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127334-disneys-all-star-resorts-pictures.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:10:45 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's All-Star Resorts photographed in November 2008:
Three resorts focusing on popular culture adjoin each other in one area of the Disney property. Each is composed of a central check-in and amenity building that is identical to the other two in layout, and each is composed of 10 low rise three-winged hotel buildings that are all identical in layout to the others. These hotel buildings come in matched-theme pairs, 5 pairs per resort. The three resorts each have different layouts of these standard components, and feature different themes and unique pool areas. All feature fun oversized iconic elements that decorate their facades and create a bright and brash abstract environment. I will feature the three from North to South:

All-Star Sports Resort Stadium Hall:



All-Star Sports Resort Surf's Up! Buildings:
These two hotel buildings face each other across the Surfboard Bay Pool.





All-Star Sports Resort Hoops Hotel Buildings:





All-Star Sports Resort Center Court Buildings:





All-Star Sports Resort Touchdown! Buildings:





All-Star Sports Resort Homerun Hotel Buildings:
These two hotel buildings face each other across the Grand Slam Pool.







All-Star Music Resort Melody Hall:



All-Star Music Resort Calypso Buildings:
These two buildings face each other across the Calypso Pool.







All-Star Music Resort Jazz Inn Buildings:
These two buildings are near the Piano Pool.







All-Star Music Resort Rock Inn Buildings:





All-Star Music Resort Country Fair Buildings:



All-Star Movies Resort Cinema Hall:



All-Star Movies Resort Fantasia Buildings:
These two buildings face each other across the Fantasia Pool.











All-Star Movies Resort Toy Story Buildings:







All-Star Movies Resort Love Bug Buildings:



All-Star Movies Resort 101 Dalmatians Buildings:





All-Star Movies Resort Mighty Ducks Buildings:
These two buildings face each other across the Duck Pond Pool.





Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127334-disneys-all-star-resorts-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127330-walt-disney-world-swan-dolphin-resort-pictures.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:48:47 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort photographed in February 2008:
These two hotels on Disney property are operated by Westin and arranged on an axis on opposite sides of a small formal lake. Both were designed by famous architect Michael Graves and his prolific office as a complimentary pair. Both are typical of the Postmodern forms of his work, featuring bright abstractions of iconic architecture and in this case highly stylized tropical themes. His other work for Disney includes the Team Disney Building at the Disney Studios in Burbank, CA. Although it is a striking and sophisticated complex, its close proximity to the three Robert Stern-designed resorts (all of which are lower buildings with more traditional themes) makes it a rather imposing attention-grabbing neighbor.

Swan:
The smaller of the two, the major elements of this building are the large arched midrise and lower wings decorated with wave patterns and topped by two swan sculptures and two scallop shell fountains. Smaller swan sculpture fountains are located at the porte cochere, courtyards between the wings, and inside the lobby. The lobby entrance from the lake features a brightly striped pavilion inspired by beach cabanas while a large rotunda inspired by a tropical lath house serves as a restaurant and leads to the pool. Another, called the Grotto Pool, extends around the lake on one side to connect to the Dolphin's own pool and forms an extensice recreation area.























Dolphin:
The larger of the two, the major elements of this building are the triangular highrise, sloping midrises flanking each side decorated with banana leaf patterns and topped by 2 dolphin statues, and lower wings topped with 4 lotus fountains. The lobby entrance from the lake features more of the brightly striped pavilion details inspired by beach cabanas, as well as a giant stepping scallop shell cascade. The massive porte cochere on the other side is decorated with more dolphin details and fronted by a dolphin statue fountain.



















Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127330-walt-disney-world-swan-dolphin-resort-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127316-disneys-yacht-beach-club-resorts-pictures.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:53:45 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts photographed in February 2008:
Two similar resorts adjoin one another on the shore of a lake and share a wonderful central recreation area and convention center. The complex was designed by famous architect Robert Stern and his prolific office. Other projects designed for Disney include the Boardwalk Resort and Casting Center at Walt Disney World; the master plan, Town Center, and Florida Hospital at Celebration, FL.; the Feature Animation Building in Burbank, CA.; the Disney Ambassador Hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort; and the Hotel Cheyenne and Newport Bay Club Hotel at Disneyland Resort Paris.

Resort view across lake:



Yacht Club:
The gray building features its own porte cochere and lobby and has a water taxi pier with a lighthouse on axis with the lobby.











Beach Club:
The two blue buildings feature their own porte cochere and lobbies.









Stormalong Bay:
The two resorts surround this central amenity and recreation area that has three free-form pools and a picturesque simulated shipwreck emerging from the lake.







Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127316-disneys-yacht-beach-club-resorts-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127314-disneys-boardwalk-resort-pictures.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:34:39 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Boardwalk Resort photographed in February 2008:
This large building with numerous wings was conceived as an ode to the seaside resorts and amusement piers of the early part of the 20th century. It features a half-circular boardwalk on a lake lined with restaurants and shops that integrates public and hotel spaces more fully than any other resort property here. The complex was designed by famous architect Robert Stern and his prolific office. Other projects designed for Disney include the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts and Casting Center at Walt Disney World; the master plan, Town Center, and Florida Hospital at Celebration, FL.; the Feature Animation Building in Burbank, CA.; the Disney Ambassador Hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort; and the Hotel Cheyenne and Newport Bay Club Hotel at Disneyland Resort Paris.

Port cochere:



Hotel exterior:



Boardwalk Exterior:















Lobby:





Luna Park Pool:
The main pool is a delightful amusement park and circus themed area featuring elephant character statues and a rollercoaster-like waterslide.









Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127314-disneys-boardwalk-resort-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127312-disneys-wilderness-lodge-pictures.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:46:02 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Wilderness Lodge photographed in February 2008:
Composed of two large buildings, this is probably the most successfully themed resort at Walt Disney World. It is inspired by the large National Park lodges of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but surpasses them in size and detail. The front of the U-shaped main building is one of the few resort properties that is a very close simulation of a real building, in this case the Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone National Park. The other building matches the style of the first but is a smaller facility for Vacation Club members.

Wilderness Lodge exterior entry:









Lobby:























Whispering Canyon Cafe:



Artist Point:



Silver Creek:
This waterway begins inside the back of the lobby with a bubbling pool that forms the creek and then flows outside into the landscape of rocky outcrops and a waterfall. It then leads Silver Creek Springs, the main pool area that is contained in the courtyard in the center of the main building's U-shape.















Fire Rock Geyser:
Beyond the pool area, on the shore of Bay Lake, is a steaming water feature that occasionally erupts, adding a great thematic punctuation to this fine resort.





Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127312-disneys-wilderness-lodge-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127309-disneys-saratoga-springs-resort-spa-pictures.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:07:39 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa photographed in November 2008:
Designed to recall the golden era of the real upstate New York resort area, Saratoga Springs is a Victorian themed complex with a central check-in and amenities building group that surrounds the main pool area called High Rock Spring Pool. Details in this area enhance the recollection of natural spings, horseracing, gaming, and high society that was prevalent in the area in the late 19th century. Rooms are in grand midrise buildings that line several small formal lakes and several larger freeform ones.















Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127309-disneys-saratoga-springs-resort-spa-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127307-disneys-port-orleans-resort-pictures.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:33:42 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Port Orleans Resort photographed in November 2008:
Linked together by a water taxi on a man-made waterway called Sassagoula River, the resort is composed of two distinct sections that recreate very different areas of Southern Louisiana.

French Quarter:
This section is located on one side of the river and features a rectilinear layout of low hotel buildings along walkways themed as city streets with small formal park squares between. Many of the buildings have lacy ironwork balconies like those in the resort's namesake city, although the detailing is far simpler than the fantastic New Orleans Square area of Disneyland. The buildings cluster around a central check-in and amenities building group called French Quarter Square, and a promenade leads from there to the brightly themed pool area called Doubloon Lagoon with its playful Mardi Gras alligator character statues and waterslide.





























Riverside:
This section is the larger of the two and lines the river on both sides. It also has a central check-in and amenities building group, this one more rustically themed to a riverboat landing with a nearby main pool on a small island called Ol' Man Island. Two sections of distinctly themed low hotel buildings further delineate this section: one is Alligator Bayou with small rustic cabin-like buildings while the other is the grander plantation-themed Magnolia Bend.

















Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127307-disneys-port-orleans-resort-pictures.html http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127305-disneys-coronado-springs-resort-pictures.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:50:47 GMT My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the... My picture threads consist of images I have taken that focus on the architecture, landscape architecture, planning, design, and theming of the facilities highlighted. They may also contain short descriptions and commentary, but will not focus on construction progress or special events or memorabilia or food selections or my traveling companions. Hopefully these threads are a good introduction for those who have not seen these places yet. All killer, no filler!

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort photographed in February 2008:
This large resort is grouped around a central lake called Lago Dorado and is broadly themed to Spanish Colonial Mexico. It was not conceived as a faithful recreation of any one city or building; instead, it is an impressionist vision of an era. Multiple low hotel buildings are arranged in clusters and are labeled as casitas, ranchos, or cabanas. The central building group on one side of Lago Dorado is called El Centro, composed of check-in and amenities as well as a convention center. The main pool is not adjacent to El Centro; it is located on the other side of the lake and is more central to most of the hotel rooms. It is called The Dig and features a nicely-themed hybrid ancient Mexican culture temple and playground area.

El Centro:

























Enjoy! ]]> Orlando Hotel Reviews geomorph http://micechat.com/forums/orlando-hotel-reviews/127305-disneys-coronado-springs-resort-pictures.html