IMAGINEERING THE ORIGINAL MAGIC KINGDOM RESORTS
The resort hotels at Walt Disney World are more than places to stay. They keep guests immersed in Disney storytelling when outside the parks; many Disney fans refer to this as “staying inside the Disney bubble.” Whether you’re enjoying the Mardi Gras pageantry at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter, exploring the rustic elegance of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, or celebrating the history of Disney films at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Walt Disney World has a story-driven accommodation for every interest and budget.
When Walt Disney World opened on Oct. 1, 1971, guests did not find four theme parks and more than 25 resorts like they do today. As this vacation destination was getting started, the offerings were limited to Magic Kingdom and three resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and, six weeks later, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. What many guests might not realize is that the stories at these resorts are not entirely random; they serve as extensions to the Magic Kingdom experience.
THE HOTEL OF TOMORROW
Tomorrowland is perhaps the most dynamic and exciting land at Magic Kingdom. Complete with a high-speed journey through space, an intergalactic battle to defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg, a highway in the sky, and an exhilarating race across the grid, Tomorrowland offers a fantastic and optimistic view of the future. It’s why guests who wish to remain in the story of Tomorrowland at a more relaxing pace might want to stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
This resort is not only the closest to Tomorrowland in proximity, but also in design. With a bold A-frame structure of concrete appearance (built using an innovative “unitized modular construction” method) and a monorail passing through the lobby, the Contempo maintains an ultramodern look to inspire a futuristic state of mind. Imagineers designed the resort to be a part of the Tomorrowland skyline. If you look at Tomorrowland from various points around the park, you might notice that the Contemporary seamlessly blends into the background, as if it’s simply another part of the City of Tomorrow.
A SOUTH PACIFIC OASIS
Enter the lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and you’ll instantly be welcomed by enchanting thatched roofs, romantic oceanic music, exotic Tiki torches, and a delightful floral scent. The spirit of aloha lives on at this property through its Cast Members and its South Pacific design, which draws inspiration from its neighboring Magic Kingdom oasis, Adventureland — most notably Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the adjacent Sunshine Tree Terrace.
Imagineers strengthened the Poly’s connections to Adventureland in 2015 when the resort debuted Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This tropical Tiki bar, in a hidden corner of the resort, draws a striking resemblance to Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and features an old animatronic from the show’s “Under New Management” days: Uh-Oa (the “Tiki goddess of disaster”).
A RUSTIC PIONEER SHELTER
Frontierland draws its inspiration from the intrepid resolve of the Old West and the pioneers of the 19th century. From a tranquil riverboat expedition to “the wildest ride in the wilderness,” Frontierland invites guests to enjoy a rugged adventure along the Rivers of America.
Walt Disney World’s third resort (or should I say campground?) evokes that same pioneer spirit. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offer a rustic retreat in nature, and while Central Florida is far from the Old West, Pioneer Hall and Tri-Circle-D Ranch use Frontierland-inspired design to draw guests closer to this Magic Kingdom land. In the late 1970s, the campground featured a railroad that would transport guests around the grounds (you can still find remnants of the track on property).
IMMERSED IN THE MAGIC
As an extension to the Magic Kingdom lands, the early Walt Disney World Resort Hotels allow for guests to stay immersed in the stories told at the park, providing a fun place to hang your hat while you recharge for another day at the Most Magical Place on Earth. No matter where you choose to stay, Imagineers have prepared a storytelling environment in which you can rest.