News New Polynesian Resort DVC villas building to open 2024

[freediverdude]

When three new longhouses were added to the Poly circa 1985, all three floors had balconies. These longhouses (Tokelau, Moorea, Pago Pago) were the ones converted to DVC. No extra exterior support was required.

Well, if we are going to get picky, Tokelau was built in 1978, not 1985, and I do distinctly remember Tikiman's page describing how the exterior wood supports needed replacing, but as to the balconies, we would have to check with him, as I couldn't find any info about that anymore.

 

[John park hopper]

The only sight line Bob is interested in is the sight of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[Tuvalu]

Well, if we are going to get picky, Tokelau was built in 1978, not 1985, and I do distinctly remember Tikiman's page describing how the exterior wood supports needed replacing, but as to the balconies, we would have to check with him, as I couldn't find any info about that anymore.

“Circa” means around, not exactly.

I stayed in those longhouses many times prior to the DVC conversion. And I was present during the refurbishment to DVC. I don’t feel the need to check with Tikiman about the presence of second floor balconies. I used them.

I wouldn’t have commented on your post at all if not for your “to support those extra balconies” statement.

And I am in complete agreement with you about the hideous, poorly placed and designed DVC tower.

 

[BrianLo]

I'm looking forward to the MK view from the rooftop restaurant

Oh? The consensus was there was no top level dining.

 

[yensidtlaw1969]

Oh? The consensus was there was no top level dining.

Am I misremembering? I thought something was announced to be up there, with fireworks viewing of some sort - I haven't been following this closely so it's very possible I'm wrong, but if so that would be a HUGE miss.

 

[freediverdude]

“Circa” means around, not exactly.

I stayed in those longhouses many times prior to the DVC conversion. And I was present during the refurbishment to DVC. I don’t feel the need to check with Tikiman about the presence of second floor balconies. I used them.

I wouldn’t have commented on your post at all if not for your “to support those extra balconies” statement.

And I am in complete agreement with you about the hideous, poorly placed and designed DVC tower.

Right, if they had just made 3 more longhouses with differing villa types instead of the tower, everybody would be excited. Or even if they made the tower look similar to Aulani or something. But it's looking like a generic hotel plopped next to the Poly and calling it part of the Poly. I don't understand....

 

[Bocabear]

I am sure they will add some detailing... but the structure just doesn't seem to jive with the rest of the resort... They could have designed the building to match and in some way feel part of the rest of the resort.... Similar rooflines? similar overall design themes....that would have helped...I would have preferred all of this on the TTC end of the resort...at least it would not become a jumble close to the GF and Wedding Pavilions.... But what is done is done so to speak...Hopefully the decor, landscape and finishing will help.

 

[JD80]

Are there any views of the new Poly tower from the Wedding Pavilion that you would be taking pictures of? Most of the shots are away from it.

 

[ChrisFL]

IMO they need to move the wedding pavilion somewhere more secluded now that two DVC towers are hovering right above it...maybe one of the islands in the middle?

 

[Bocabear]

IMO they need to move the wedding pavilion somewhere more secluded now that two DVC towers are hovering right above it...maybe one of the islands in the middle?

The old Treasure Island.... Relatively quiet over there by the camp ground....though harder to get to, and not too luxe...has also been abandoned for decades.
They should build small wedding pavilions at each of the signature resorts in the style of the resort...for small weddings... and something beautifully themed to match...

 

[John park hopper]

There has been so much Disney has abandoned at WDW it's a shame

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

There has been so much Disney has abandoned at WDW it's a shame

I wonder how the Galactic Failcruiser is holding up.

 

[UNCgolf]

Are there any views of the new Poly tower from the Wedding Pavilion that you would be taking pictures of? Most of the shots are away from it.

I think the Wedding Pavilion issues are more about potential noise pollution than any visual intrusion on an actual ceremony, other than when arriving/entering.

 

[JoeCamel]

The old Treasure Island.... Relatively quiet over there by the camp ground....though harder to get to, and not too luxe...has also been abandoned for decades.
They should build small wedding pavilions at each of the signature resorts in the style of the resort...for small weddings... and something beautifully themed to match...

The money shot is the MK in the background

 

[BrianLo]

Am I misremembering? I thought something was announced to be up there, with fireworks viewing of some sort - I haven't been following this closely so it's very possible I'm wrong, but if so that would be a HUGE miss.

Unfortunately. The consensus from the Dis folks who are more obsessive about these things are no top level dining, grand villas only up there. More Disneyland tower and less RIV. There is quick service / table adjacent dining on the main level and likely a pool bar snack option.

But ultimately a missed table service up top is a wasted opportunity. Poly seems to need more dining and this won’t help move that needle.

 

[BrianLo]

Are there any views of the new Poly tower from the Wedding Pavilion that you would be taking pictures of? Most of the shots are away from it.

Agreed, I think the issues are being a bit overstated. If anything the major problem is that it’s being wedged by DVC and not hotel rooms where the guests could more easily stay. Though a bigger unit for the family, bride/groom etc is a nice feature.

I’ve been to several resort weddings recently and I see no real issue. I guess if the goal was ultimate seclusion, they could have a second wedding venue on bay lake. But some people like being in the heart of things, but still having their own carved out space, which this venue provides. It’s very similar to Aulani now.

Maybe Reflections could carry a wedding venue as well if they really have their business impacted (which I doubt, I’m sure that venue is in extreme demand).

 

[Beacon Joe]

I was only able to make it to the Seven Seas Lagoon side today, but here is a 4K video and a few photos from that side.

Are there any people who still insist that this thing does not look like a Hampton Inn?

Great job, Disney. They've even managed to exceed the lazy mediocrity that has become their signature lately.

 

[ToTBellHop]

Are there any people who still insist that this thing does not look like a Hampton Inn?

Great job, Disney. They've even managed to exceed the lazy mediocrity that has become their signature lately.

Until I see a wafflemaker, I dismiss this outrageous comparison. It’s a Super 8.

 

[optjay]

Yup, and in-person looks even worse!!

 

[Incomudro]

Are there any people who still insist that this thing does not look like a Hampton Inn?

Great job, Disney. They've even managed to exceed the lazy mediocrity that has become their signature lately.

It's really awful.
Yes, it's not done yet - but it still won't be anything special when it is.
There was a time when Disney hotels took you away somewhere with theming.