Recent content by DisneyOutsider

Aulani is the name of the resort. Island Tower is not the name of the resort. It's just a quick reference for way finding purposes. It's more analogous to the two sides of Aulani, name Ewa Tower and Waianae Tower. Pretty similar functional naming conventions.

You've never noticed all of those rectangular satellite buildings sprawling out from the main building at Grand Floridian? Those were the DVC additions over a decade or so ago. Not as jarring as it doesn't hover over-top of the main building like the Poly addition does.

The kind of already did that? Not as tall as the Poly addition, but the Poly plot was a bit more land-restricted.

I don't think there's any lack of clarity at all, here... It will be a part of the old association... that's a done deal. They have repeatedly said so in all of their communications. Rooms haven't been declared yet, but this is not a new association. They're not going back on that now. Not to...

They could alleviate this in the future with a new fleet with open gangways optimized for capacity, but I'm guessing that most here would complain about that as well. Maybe a new fleet could also decrease headways for the MK loop, but there may be other limitations preventing that.

I'm mostly relieved that they didn't vomit a Moana-bomb all over the lobby. DVC seems to be showing more restraint in that area after that Reflections scare combined with the Incredibles re-theme at Contemporary.

Yeah it's definitely a legit concern. It's also adding demand for the existing monorail station and ferry boat landing, though of I ever stay there I'm likely walking to MK being that close to GF. Will be interesting to see the final amenities line up and how things play out.

Someone who follows the goings on at WDW closely and who saw the concept art should have known not to expect a continuation of the kitschy mid century tiki theme from the original build. I think that's the context that OP is speaking from

I would bet on at least two bars at the new tower, with none of them being tiki bars. That being said, Trader Sam's is already easily accessible to everyone in the MK-area as is, hotel guests and TTC patrons

It also doesn't mention a pool, but we all know there is a pool. Wasn't an exhaustive list of amenities. Also Scott Gustin is reacting to the press release the same as we are.

Vast majority of folks here seem to agree with you. Not sure where you're sensing any kind of vibe shift.

It's more aesthetically pleasing than the Riviera build-out with a much more substantial lobby, has a better location as you mentioned, and comes with none of the re-sale restrictions that Riviera has. I think it will fly off the shelves as fast as they want it to (depending on how they price it...

You don't think they'll sell? I think they'll move these rather quickly, at least compared to other recent DVC declarations. Riviera got off to a slow start and there's no denying the timing with COVID played a big role in that, but it has actually been selling very well in recent months.

FWIW, lobbies in DVC buildings are always a bit muted/toned down, with the emphasis and money being spent on the accomodations and surrounding amenities. This looks to be the most substantial lobby they've ever built for a DVC building besides Aulani.

So, essentially , it's complicated. Re-wilding of former farmland definitely appears to be a factor in the population recovery, but definitely not the only or even primary factor, at least not in most of North America. I would guess that, given the current development and land-use trends...