Attention to Disney Mosaic Tiles

Anyone who has been aboard the Disney Cruise Line knows the attention to a myriad of details is what makes that experience so incredible. The furnishings are exquisite, from lighting to railings to flooring. Our focus today is on just one small part of the total experience–mosaic tiles.

Mosaic tiling is an often used in a functional format when water is involved, and there is much water to be found in and around the Disney Dream. A simple touch is seen here in a shower wall in the adult pool area:

A shower wall in the adult pool area. Photo by J. Jeff Kober. — *A shower wall in the adult pool area. Here we see a simple design that goes from shallow waters to a deep blue. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

The Senses Spa & Salon has beautiful tile work throughout. Not only is it functional, but it suggests quality. Consider the use of copper tiles throughout this private hot tub in one of the Cabanas.

*A private cabana at Senses Spa and Salon. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

But tiling can be more than just providing a functional purpose, however classy. In the refreshment area of Senses we see this beautiful tile work that suggests the swaying of palms in a tropical paradise.

*The mosaics here almost give a sense of a swaying wind blowing through. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Step into the Enchanted Garden, where the centerpiece is a mosaic with a floral style mosaic circling around it. Similar tiling can be found throughout from the entrance way to the buffet area.

The Royal Garden on The Disney Fantasy. Photo by J. Jeff Kober. — *The Enchanted Garden on The Disney Dream. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

More artistic uses of mosaics can be found elsewhere. This one celebrates Pixar’s Finding Nemo, its long murals transitioning guests from the Cabanas area to the Nemo’s Reef water play area.

*A colorful underwater world presented with mosaics. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Perhaps the most exquisite use of mosaics in this ship are two companion areas off the main lobby. Both of these sitting areas take their cue from the corridor found running through Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. One side is the prince carrying Cinderella away happily ever after. Note the amount of 14K gold used as a backdrop to this image, and how its colors beautifully tie to the regal blue throne sitting next to it.

*An artistic interpretation of Cinderella being carried away happily ever after. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Its companion piece is on the other side of the lobby. Here we see the moment that Cinderella puts on the glass slipper. It’s companion throne is royal red and is the perfect place for a photo. But before you take a photo, look closer at the details in this picture. One of them is nearly so obscure that the throne practically covers it up.

*Note that the official holding a scrolled document is a caricature of Imagineer John Hench, who was the master designer of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Upon finer examination we find the two stepsisters. It’s probably a detail that you haven’t paid attention to, since the focus is designed to be on Cinderella. But take a closer look:

*You should note that in the film, the step sister Drizella (on the left) wore a green dress, and that Anastasia (on the right) had red hair. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.*

Looking up close we see that one’s face is “red with rage” while the other’s is “green with envy”.

With thousands upon thousands of details to consider in building a cruise ship, Disney pays attention to small tiny details that are nearly hidden. But those are the details that wow guests and keep them returning, often paying a higher price point for that attention to detail.

Thinking about your own organization, what are the mosaic tiles that matter most to your organization? What are those mosaic tiles that are foundational to the functionality to the products and services you provide. Which are intended to wow your customers? How do you go about paying attention to those mosaic tiles?

From castles to cruise ships, Disney pays attention to small tiles less than an inch in size. What details do you pay attention to?