LP Lotion: Hong Kong Disneyland - Hollywood Hotel, Part 2
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Disney's Hollywood Hotel
In talking to imagineers in Hong Kong the most striking recurring theme is that of landscaping and gardens. Research has determined that Hong Kong residents spend more time shopping, eating and generally anywhere outside their home than virtually any other western society on the planet. Therefore Hong Kong Disneyland park, Disney's Hollywood Hotel and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel have extensive gardens.
Whereas the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel has opted for a more regal Victorian garden the designers of Disney's Hollywood Hotel have chosen to theme their landscaping to that of Hollywood and the golden age of California. The gardens are locked between the hotel itself and the South China Sea. A sea breezeway has been built flanking the hotel for activities from gentle strolls to strenuous running.
The exterior of the hotel is striking. The aquamarine colors accentuate the Art Deco inspiration. Mickey heads can be found everywhere even in the form of giant portholes on the wing closest the sea (incidentally this is the wing that houses Hollywood and Dine and is next to the expansion phase).
The swimming pool entrance is a giant jukebox and a concrete vinyl record has been embedded in the walkway featuring the Hollywood Records logo. The hotel has 1 outdoor pool (its sister also has an indoor pool and spa) with a slide fitted into rockwork. The Hollywood Bowl has been replicated in miniature as a bar.
Three streets run parallel to one another away from the hotel. The first is Highway 101 and features a series of traditional American cars, road signs and even crash barriers fashioned into seats. The Hollywood Hills sign has also been replicated and can be seen from all of the ocean view rooms. Walking back towards the lobby guests will pass under the Walt Disney Studios sign from Burbank and past the El Capitan marquee complete with ticket booth. The other two streets run along this side of the hotel are Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard (note the filmstrip borders visible from the rooms).
This wacky architecture is a real departure for Imagineering. They have never had the opportunity to highlight the landscaping beyond pool areas and local foliage. It will be interesting to see whether guests do feel comfortable in this gigantic space and snap away on those digital cameras.
In our next update from Penny's Bay we will feature the first of two updates from the upscale Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. This may be the third incarnation of the Grand Floridian but the hotel is anything but a clone. It is possible to improve on an old theme.
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Posted: 3/20/10