I love to resort hop, that’s no secret, and I always find myself visiting the same resorts each trip, largely in part due to the wonderful lobbies (and of course pin trading). When Disney built the resort hotels, they definitely didn’t skimp out on the details of the resort lobbies. Each lobby is uniquely themed to match the resort and the deluxe resorts often feature the best details, but that’s to be expected given how much people pay to stay at those resorts. So, it should come as no surprise that 4 of my top 5 resort lobbies listed below are found at deluxe resorts.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge – I feel like I’m home every time I walk into this resort, even though I’ve never stayed there. We love it so much that we made three trips to AKL just to spend 30 minutes enjoying the atmosphere. When you walk in, you’re met with ambient yellow lighting that just beckons you to take a seat in the lobby and read a book or take a short nap. If you really want to get cozy, walk towards the back of the lobby and you’ll find a fire pit to your right that will keep you nice and warm (and hungry since the smell from Boma permeates throughout the lobby). If you have time, be sure to take a look around the lobby area for all the displays you’ll find related to the African culture. And be sure to take a quick walk down to The Mara to pick up some yummy Zebra Domes.
- Grand Floridian – I’m not someone who likes to get all dressed up and ‘girly’ but I have to admit that when I step foot inside the Grand Floridian lobby, I feel like royalty (and like I’m under-dressed). Saying the lobby is grand is an understatement. No detail was overlooked in designing this lobby – from the marble floors to the birdcage elevator, they all contribute to the grandeur and classiness of the resort. One of my favorite things to do is sit and listen to the big band that plays in the lobby every night – now if that doesn’t make you feel fancy, I don’t know what does!
- Wilderness Lodge – This lobby resembles the Animal Kingdom Lodge lobby quite a bit. Just like AKL, this lobby is definitely a place that makes you feel like you’re home. I’ve never stayed in a mountain cabin or lodge, but walking into this lobby definitely makes me want to do just that. I love the larger than life log pillars and totem poles that make up the interior walls and railings of the lobbies. Being Native American, I also appreciate and enjoy walking around the lobby to view all the Native American artifacts that you’ll find on display throughout the resort.
- Polynesian – The one thing most people notice the second they walk into this resort is the wonderful floral smell that fills the entire lobby. Then of course your attention turns to the sounds from the waterfalls located in the center of the lobby surrounded by lush foliage. It truly feels like you’ve stepped into a resort in the South Pacific.
- POP Century – This one doesn’t exactly fall into the ‘beautiful’ category that most others do, but if you love history and reminiscing about things of the past, then you should definitely make a visit to POP Century. The lobby area is filled with framed relics of the past decades that will instantly make you remember your childhood and the finer days of our past.
So do you agree with my top picks? If you prefer one that I didn’t mention, be sure to comment below and let me know what makes them special to you?
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