First, Disney gives us Pirate themed rooms at Caribbean Beach:
Now, Disney is sending out surveys asking people who've recently stayed at Disney World what they would think about staying a "Royal" themed room or a "Haunted Mansion" themed room.
Here's the concept art:
Royal Room - rumored to be going into some renovated rooms at Port Orleans French Quarter.
The Disney survey apparently asks how likely the respondent is to pay an extra $30 per night to stay in one of these themed rooms.
This seems to be a trend for Disney to charge for preferred views or themes. The 2011 room and package rates were recently released. Disney added a new category at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Arusha Savannah View - and it's $30 more per night for that specific view.
Personally, I'm not a fan of the Haunted Mansion. It's just not my thing. But I LOVE the Royal Room concept. Talk about feeling like royalty, even in a Moderate resort. Some people felt it might be too girly or princessy...until they saw the art. I LOVE this concept.
Is it worth an additional $30 per night? My opinion - No. For a week's stay, that's an additional $230+ after you tack on the hotel taxes just for an uber-themed room. Now, if it was more like an extra $100+ tax, I'd consider it for the experience. But if you think about it...$30 is the cost of a counter service meal for a family of four. And you'd have to pay that much extra each day to have that theme.
I have to say that I do love themes and being immersed in the magic can definitely be worth it. There will be those who would pay it no matter what. For me, I'd have to wait for just the right occasion or just the right deal.
What do you think?
~Mary
