News New Polynesian Resort DVC villas building to open 2024

[Sir_Cliff]

Reducing the authenticity to mere decoration doesn’t really change that dynamic. If anything it makes it worse, it’s a thin layer on top of a completely different typology.

Yes, I really don't see this as a dedication to authenticity so much as reflecting their increasing move away from theming the hotels. You could design an office building and decorate the interiors with art from First Nations people from Australia and it wouldn't make that building authentic to their culture, for example.

Aulani provides an example of where they have created a themed environment working with local artists. This seems more like a standard hotel featuring decor by Polynesian artists as part of the interior design scheme. It's better than just putting up artwork from Lilo & Stitch or Moana, but they have to decorate the place with art from somewhere and this was a logical option more than a drive for authenticity by the people who designed the hotel as far as I can tell.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Fair point, if that is indeed what’s happening here. I’m no expert in Polynesian hotel architecture.

But it’s an interesting question: can some degree of authenticity be achieved using non-indigenous typologies?

You don’t think they’d be highlighting the contemporary Polynesian architectural influences if they were there?

A themed experience isn’t something like an exhibition hall where there can be a disconnect between venue and subject. The whole point is immersion, the venue being the subject of the experience.

 

[DisneyHead123]

Yes, I really don't see this as a dedication to authenticity so much as reflecting their increasing move away from theming the hotels. You could design an office building and decorate the interiors with art from First Nations people from Australia and it wouldn't make that building authentic to their culture, for example.

Aulani provides an example of where they have created a themed environment working with local artists. This seems more like a standard hotel featuring decor by Polynesian artists as part of the interior design scheme. It's better than just putting up artwork from Lilo & Stitch or Moana, but they have to decorate the place with art from somewhere and this was a logical option more than a drive for authenticity by the people who designed the hotel as far as I can tell.

Actual dedication to authenticity no, of course not - I think authenticity is one of the corporate buzzwords of the moment. Just like a company might talk about “sustainability” - and actually do some good things environmentally speaking - but a corporation really isn’t dedicated to helping the Earth in the sense that a nonprofit is.

I don’t know that they’re actually moving away from theming or if over-the-top theming came to be seen as gauche for awhile there. The thematic version of My Super Sweet 16, if you will. Everything has been understated, natural and neutral for awhile now. I admit that just a few short years ago I was very into the “sad beige baby” trend for my son, lol (Google if you’re unfamiliar), complete with a sad beige nursery. That aesthetic was and still is very in - but my guess is that it will give way to something more over than understated soon, as the pendulum swings. My guess is also that the over the top look of Epic Universe will really kick this into high gear in the theme park universe. Nintendo World makes even a bright, colorful area like Toy Story Land look positively sparse by comparison. There is a looot of theming happening there.

 

[mysto]

An authentic Polynesian building would have ONE floor.

Mic drop.

 

[MisterPenguin]

An authentic Polynesian building would have ONE floor.

Mic drop.

And the floor would be packed earth.

 

[monothingie]

USO is putting up two amazingly whimsical retro but modern "Space" hotels for EU. They get it.

There was a conscious decision made to make 180 from the fantasized theming that made the Poly unique.

You see that with BLT which was heavily criticized for being a bland high rise. Same thing with the proposed Reflections Resort and new Epcot which just screams unimaginative and generic with all the charm of a newly renovated airport terminal.

 

[MisterPenguin]

USO is putting up two amazingly whimsical retro but modern "Space" hotels for EU. They get it.

There was a conscious decision made to make 180 from the fantasized theming that made the Poly unique.

You see that with BLT which was heavily criticized for being a bland high rise. Same thing with the proposed Reflections Resort and new Epcot which just screams unimaginative and generic with all the charm of a newly renovated airport terminal.

I never 'defended' Riviera. It is indeed bland, IMO.

I have criticized the Bay Tower for being ugly.

I'm withholding my opinion of the new Poly towers until they're done.

And my opinion of the two new 'space themed' towers at EU is...

​

1. They colored tiles look good up close. But, from a distance, the colors form a hot mess.​

​

2. I see nothing 'space themed' about the two towers. What's 'space themed' about them?​

 

[monothingie]

I never 'defended' Riviera. It is indeed bland, IMO.

I think if the scaling were better it would appear less bland. It is too much hotel with not enough decorative elements.

I have criticized the Bay Tower for being ugly.

I don't think it's ugly and really want to like BLT because I love the Contemporary, but it is soooo generic.

I'm withholding my opinion of the new Poly towers until they're done.

And my opinion of the two new 'space themed' towers at EU is...

​

1. They colored tiles look good up close. But, from a distance, the colors form a hot mess.​

​

2. I see nothing 'space themed' about the two towers. What's 'space themed' about them?​

Maybe space is the wrong descriptor. I reminds me of Tommorowland, pre-1994. The whimsical vision of what people in the 1960's thought the 1990's would be.

 

[Sectorkeeper71]

I thought they did say restaurant?

If not…it’s the cheapo trend again. No amenities

I think there has to be a restaurant in this place. The poly main building is already busy as it is, adding this on without its own amenities would bring the poly to the verge of anarchy

 

[nicb88]

I think there has to be a restaurant in this place. The poly main building is already busy as it is, adding this on without its own amenities would bring the poly to the verge of anarchy

I’ve heard it’s multiple dining locations. But I’m unsure whether this means a restaurant, bar and pool bar, or table service and quick service, for example. Many combinations could be had!

 

[Sectorkeeper71]

I’ve heard it’s multiple dining locations. But I’m unsure whether this means a restaurant, bar and pool bar, or table service and quick service, for example. Many combinations could be had!

My guess would be sit down and pool bar/quick service. I’d love to see a sit down, QS and a themed bar, but I think that’s asking a bit much

 

[Andrew25]

Can't imagine this won't have another rooftop lounge/restaurant? Firework view dining (or jut rooftop in general) is very popular at WDW... especially at MK.

Captain Cook's is way too small to accommodate additional rooms, so I imagine another QS is coming.

 

[James Alucobond]

Can't imagine this won't have another rooftop lounge/restaurant? Firework view dining (or jut rooftop in general) is very popular at WDW... especially at MK.

I imagine this is what the large patio areas cut into the facade are for. The upper floors really don’t look to be configured for dining, though I suppose looks could be deceiving.

 

[disneyC97]

They could put dining back in Tangaroa Terrace, but choose not to

 

[Nunu]

My guess is that there'll be a full service restaurant at the top, just like at Riviera and Gran Destino Tower.

We'll see.

 

[Jumping Fountains]

I think that somewhere upthread people have said that there is not going to be any restaurant or terrace on the top floor. I don’t know anything about it though!

 

[Bocabear]

I don't believe there is any lounge or public spaces on the roof level... Well none I have seen or heard of....

 

[JoeCamel]

I don't believe there is any lounge or public spaces on the roof level... Well none I have seen or heard of....

All the noise would disturb the high roller suites on the top floor,

 

[Bocabear]

All the noise would disturb the high roller suites on the top floor,

TBH it doesn't bother the high roller suites at BLT... Nary a sound escapes to lower floors....

 

[JoeCamel]

TBH it doesn't bother the high roller suites at BLT... Nary a sound escapes to lower floors....

Just the thought of all those unwashed feet just above disturbs them....