"Saved by the Bell: Palm Springs Weekend" Filming Location Tour!
November 2012
Television lovers know there's no greater joy than removing our favorite characters from their familiar sets and sending them on vacation. Scenes are exotic and more vibrant, hijinks are hijink-ier, and we're left with fun, quirky memories with our pretend family that will last a lifetime. If Hawaii, Disney, or Las Vegas are involved, we're in for the best damn time a sitcom can give us.
Exactly 21 years ago today, November 16, 1991, one of the most-loved "Saved by the Bell" episodes aired, "Palm Springs Weekend," kicking off a two-parter in which the gang vacations to Palm Springs to celebrate Jessie's father's wedding at the resort hotel he manages.
You know it all too well...Slater meets Christina, ze Princess from ze fake country of Lichtenberg, Jessie spastically hates on her aerobicizing new step-mommy, Zack rekindles his romance with Kelly for a hot second by warming her up whenever there's a chill in the air, and Lisa, who yet again pulled the short straw on hunky love interests, sails around with Screech, who makes a splash in the lagoon while working on his game.
"Saved by the Bell"'s fictitious Bayside High (meant to exist in Pacific Palisades) would be an approximately 2.5-hour drive to Palm Desert, CA (Palm Springs adjacent), where the episodes were filmed on location at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort.
I recently explored the property in hopes of tracing our beloved characters' footsteps and living out some great SBTB moments. Much of the hotel has been remodeled (as one would hope after two decades!) and many scenes featuring the gym, dining areas, and golf course areas are not to be found. Though, I was delighted to discover a few recognizable spots and realized the dream of being a Spano wedding guest!
Exactly 21 years ago today, November 16, 1991, one of the most-loved "Saved by the Bell" episodes aired, "Palm Springs Weekend," kicking off a two-parter in which the gang vacations to Palm Springs to celebrate Jessie's father's wedding at the resort hotel he manages.
You know it all too well...Slater meets Christina, ze Princess from ze fake country of Lichtenberg, Jessie spastically hates on her aerobicizing new step-mommy, Zack rekindles his romance with Kelly for a hot second by warming her up whenever there's a chill in the air, and Lisa, who yet again pulled the short straw on hunky love interests, sails around with Screech, who makes a splash in the lagoon while working on his game.
"Saved by the Bell"'s fictitious Bayside High (meant to exist in Pacific Palisades) would be an approximately 2.5-hour drive to Palm Desert, CA (Palm Springs adjacent), where the episodes were filmed on location at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort.
I recently explored the property in hopes of tracing our beloved characters' footsteps and living out some great SBTB moments. Much of the hotel has been remodeled (as one would hope after two decades!) and many scenes featuring the gym, dining areas, and golf course areas are not to be found. Though, I was delighted to discover a few recognizable spots and realized the dream of being a Spano wedding guest!
Take a guided tour with photo comparisons from THEN & NOW:
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The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in 1991 and 2012
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Flamingos by the street entrance to the resort
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Zack introduces Pt. 2 in front of the entrance fountain
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The friends arrive at valet!
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Entering the hotel lobby
"Jessie told us this hotel was beautiful, but I never expected this!" - Kelly
"Jessie told us this hotel was beautiful, but I never expected this!" - Kelly
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"Health spa, golf course, swimming pool...her father is the manager of heaven!" - Lisa
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Zack and Jessie have a heart-to-heart about her father marrying Leslie on the stairs by the dock.
The architecture of the main floor / lobby area has completely changed but retains a similar design.
The architecture of the main floor / lobby area has completely changed but retains a similar design.
On the stairs leading to the boats
Notice the parrot in the above photo perched in the right corner...
well, they still have parrots, and I couldn't help but think of Zack and Kelly when I spotted literal lovebirds Romeo and Juliet sharing a peck! |
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All aboard the indoor boat! Inspired by the canals of Venice, the resort features a water taxi that takes guests
on a 15-minute ride around the resort waterways and makes stops at the hotel restaurants
on a 15-minute ride around the resort waterways and makes stops at the hotel restaurants
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The group walks across the bridge (where David proposed to Leslie!) as a boat passes underneath
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A.C. and Christina on their moonlit stroll, which is located outside the hotel ballroom
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The tree where Zack offers Kelly his jacket! Swoon alert!
For a little perspective, the tree is located between the bridge that everyone crosses
and the area where Slater and Christina go for a walk
For a little perspective, the tree is located between the bridge that everyone crosses
and the area where Slater and Christina go for a walk
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Lisa and Screech walk along the waters' edge until a certain sailor goes overboard
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Waiting for a lift at the golden elevators, right before they run into Jessie, who feigned a headache to avoid her "cradle-robbing" father and stupid, stupid Leslie. Spoiler alert: The "headache" returns, and she continues to act like a little bitch.
Someone really should've offered her some pain medication. Oh, wait...
Someone really should've offered her some pain medication. Oh, wait...
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Such a beautiful golf course!
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One of the main pools featured in the episode
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Fun fact: Apparently wildlife may also use the resort amenities for an activity I hereby name "Skinny Ducking."
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In the far back corner, Zack helps Kelly out of the pool
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and in a toweled embrace, they kiss!
Happily Ever...not just yet. They still have to go to Hawaii and Vegas first.
Happily Ever...not just yet. They still have to go to Hawaii and Vegas first.
Thank you, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, for a lovely trip down memory lane and a volcanic, sunset boat ride,
a fitting backdrop for a first kiss...just like David's and Leslie's.
a fitting backdrop for a first kiss...just like David's and Leslie's.
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