News New Polynesian Resort DVC villas building to open 2024

[correcaminos]

Count me as another person who did it. I know it may sound trivial to others but it was a great QUIET walk away from other people. Especially after the last Poly update left us with a giant airport lobby and an Astroturf tumble spot out at the pool area and the elimination of the quiet pool. I would walk to the Grand and then take the boat back. It was just a great part of my trip.

I do remember walking there one time (before the fences/barriers were up) and a giant alligator was sunning on the beach. I ended up turning back and had to tell a guy and his 4 year old kid and turned around and we all walked back together. Never saw an Alligator that close and you almost don't think it's real, lol

The quiet pool wasn't eliminated. I know many disagree on the lobby changes but my allergies thank them for the change. We use the lobby a lot now before I'd leave quickly.

If you ever were by us while walking it was likely never quiet. We always talked and laughed our way over so yes, for some it might be a change. For us? Nah. Only our last walk over did it feel quiet. I enjoy hearing sounds from resorts myself. Makes me happy to hear happy people. I'm sorry this disappoints you though.

 

[ChrisRobin124]

I have not seen that it was blocked off. They did some keep out type signs around luau cove. I think you'll be fine. My VGF in June I am slightly worried about. That was one of the ways to convince my 14yo to stay there lol.

Thanks so much!!

 

[Monkee Girl]

The quiet pool wasn't eliminated. I know many disagree on the lobby changes but my allergies thank them for the change. We use the lobby a lot now before I'd leave quickly.

If you ever were by us while walking it was likely never quiet. We always talked and laughed our way over so yes, for some it might be a change. For us? Nah. Only our last walk over did it feel quiet. I enjoy hearing sounds from resorts myself. Makes me happy to hear happy people. I'm sorry this disappoints you though.

Everyone has their own preferences. I am definitely not saying I don't want to be around kids...we are in Disney after all. But for someone who doesn't have kids, it's just nice to take walks around places where people aren't bumping in to you; running around and not paying attention and all that. And it's fun to go on a winding path that feels hidden.

as for the quiet pool; physically it's still there. But it's not quiet, lol. not with a grill and teens thinking it's their private spot now. and parents bringing the babies to splash around. I've stayed at the resort for 13 years (had to correct myself....2006-2019) in a row and have noticed the difference. But that's just my experience. But all those things are why I chose not to go there in 2019 and spend my money elsewhere. outside of Disney.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Everyone has their own preferences. I am definitely not saying I don't want to be around kids...we are in Disney after all. But for someone who doesn't have kids, it's just nice to take walks around places where people aren't bumping in to you; running around and not paying attention and all that. And it's fun to go on a winding path that feels hidden.

as for the quiet pool; physically it's still there. But it's not quiet, lol. not with a grill and teens thinking it's their private spot now. and parents bringing the babies to splash around. I've stayed at the resort for 10 years in a row and have noticed the difference. But that's just my experience. But all those things are why I chose not to go there in 2019 and spend my money elsewhere. outside of Disney.

I think this actually highlights an important change in the ethos. (And I clearly am using you both to paint very broad stereotypes of Disney goers.) Disney is quickly going the way of Vegas - getting rid of as many quiet, relaxing places to ensure every inch can be monetized as much as possible. For those who love the energy, that is great. And, Disney has an overcrowding issue right now, no doubt. So, why not go for the energetic crowd as they do tend to spend more. The sad part to me is the doubling down on this at the expense of the quiet spaces. I get logistics totally. It just seems sad with the amount of space they have they can't find a balance to provide both.

 

[correcaminos]

Everyone has their own preferences. I am definitely not saying I don't want to be around kids...we are in Disney after all. But for someone who doesn't have kids, it's just nice to take walks around places where people aren't bumping in to you; running around and not paying attention and all that. And it's fun to go on a winding path that feels hidden.

as for the quiet pool; physically it's still there. But it's not quiet, lol. not with a grill and teens thinking it's their private spot now. and parents bringing the babies to splash around. I've stayed at the resort for 10 years in a row and have noticed the difference. But that's just my experience. But all those things are why I chose not to go there in 2019 and spend my money elsewhere. outside of Disney.

Maybe it's me as someone who has been going to Polynesian regularly for almost 4 decades but that quiet pool was never quiet - not even when it was known by other names. Of course I'm the one bringing a teen now and when I stated going I was a kid so you might just "hate" on us anyway only really quiet pools I've experienced were at OKW. Btw the grills near Moorea are pretty quiet if you want a spot. Never see them used. Sunset point is also largely still ignored and a great spot to visit.

Maybe I just never felt it was a hidden path because it was used so much by us.

My issue as a whole is people always being so negative before even knowing what one gets. Life changes. The resort has changed over the years and I still love the vibe and feel. It feels like those of us who welcome change are the bad guys is all.

 

[Bocabear]

Maybe it's me as someone who has been going to Polynesian regularly for almost 4 decades but that quiet pool was never quiet - not even when it was known by other names. Of course I'm the one bringing a teen now and when I stated going I was a kid so you might just "hate" on us anyway only really quiet pools I've experienced were at OKW. Btw the grills near Moorea are pretty quiet if you want a spot. Never see them used. Sunset point is also largely still ignored and a great spot to visit.

Maybe I just never felt it was a hidden path because it was used so much by us.

My issue as a whole is people always being so negative before even knowing what one gets. Life changes. The resort has changed over the years and I still love the vibe and feel. It feels like those of us who welcome change are the bad guys is all.

Well it clearly doesn't affect you...there is no judgement about that...we all have things we are passionate about. The "Vibe" of the Polynersian is changing...If you like the change, then great for you... Some of us don't care for the changes to the overall feel of the resort... When the Poly no longer looks like the Poly perhaps then you will see what the changes are leading too...but each change is a decline in the character of the resort... little at first and slowly adding more and more changes. A modern, non island style building that doesn't match any of the rest of the resort and more closely resembles an Aloft tm hotel, might not be the right fit for an established resort with an established theme...
When they relased the concept art for Riviera, there were many that said it was just concept art, and the hotel will look very different when built... Well, it looks EXACTLY like the concept art, but not quite as nice... Expect this to be the same.
Again, if you like is, then great for you...no judgement...

 

[mysto]

The grill at the quiet pool has good and bad elements to it. I think the new DVC tower will have good and bad elements to it.

The old school feel of the poly was finally destroyed when they put up the bungalows and covered the beach with rocks. This gave the resort waterfront the feel of an armed military camp. The lobby change was just another step in that direction, grill another, dvc tower another big one. I'm not saying the poly is bad it's just not what it was. I mean you could rent a boat, float around the corner, and be looking back at a scenic sandy beach with swimmers and hammocks. Today you look back at real estate investment.

 

[correcaminos]

Well it clearly doesn't affect you...there is no judgement about that...we all have things we are passionate about. The "Vibe" of the Polynersian is changing...If you like the change, then great for you... Some of us don't care for the changes to the overall feel of the resort... When the Poly no longer looks like the Poly perhaps then you will see what the changes are leading too...but each change is a decline in the character of the resort... little at first and slowly adding more and more changes. A modern, non island style building that doesn't match any of the rest of the resort and more closely resembles an Aloft tm hotel, might not be the right fit for an established resort with an established theme...
When they relased the concept art for Riviera, there were many that said it was just concept art, and the hotel will look very different when built... Well, it looks EXACTLY like the concept art, but not quite as nice... Expect this to be the same.
Again, if you like is, then great for you...no judgement...

Yeah this is what I was meaning. And no the concept art wasn't identical to what we got at RR. Not the initial one.

For someone who says no judgment it sure doesn't feel this way. Enjoy your day.

 

[Bocabear]

Yeah this is what I was meaning. And no the concept art wasn't identical to what we got at RR. Not the initial one.

For someone who says no judgment it sure doesn't feel this way. Enjoy your day.

I apologize if it came off judgy..It sure wasn't meant that way... Just an explanation that some of us are very passionate bout the character of that resort...

 

[correcaminos]

I apologize if it came off judgy..It sure wasn't meant that way... Just an explanation that some of us are very passionate bout the character of that resort...

I accept your apology. Just realize telling someone that some day they will understand doesn't sit well and even this comment about being passionate is a bit unfair. I'm just as passionate. We just don't agree.

There are people like me who have been regulars to the Polynesian for decades - in my case 40 years this summer. My emotional attachment almost literally a lifetime of visits with a very emotional tie to the resort both from my mom who passed away when I was still a kid and to my current family as that was our honeymoon destination.

When the lobby changes came to light I was seriously worried. I had taken a final tour as it was a connection to my mom. She was rarely in photos and one of the few I have of her is with me by the fountain. I was heartbroken. However I gave the lobby a chance and you know what? I love it. It's usable and quite lovely. I look at the last photo and see red eyes, not from crying but from the mold which sets me off. There was a huge connection to the lobby for me but I gave it a shot. I'm glad I did. It feels far more open and welcoming than before. I do miss some of the specialty shops and have mixed feelings on Trader Sam's and Capt Cooks removing those. The main lobby though? I adore it and my son and I were all teary eyed relaxing in there on our last day, sad we'd leave.

It gets rather old when people claim I have no passion for the resort or that I don't understand. I absolutely do and yet I am open to change. So many Disney people are not. Take a look at Mr. Toad for example.

I love the look of the bungalows in both aesthetics and how they are to stay in (15th wedding anniversary there). I still walk in the sandy beach though always get bit by flies at night doing so. The vibe is absolutely there. I walk along with torches lit at night and every CM saying aloha as I walk by. I hear the same happy kid sounds I likely made as a kid. I'm raising a third generation of Disney and Polynesian lovers. When we heard the news we happened to be at WDW at the Polynesian and even though we were waiting on ROFR for CCV, hearing the news made me and the third generation Polynesian lover giddy as all get out.

We took the walk envisioning where the building would go and it made us smile. I have nearly 40 years of solid and emotional Polynesian memories in my pocket. So please stop acting like people who are for this are not connected or passionate. We are. You are as well but we simply have a difference of what makes the resort what it is. I've watched lots of changes over the decades and so far I am happy. But that's the good thing about Disney, don't like the resort? They have plenty more to pick from.

 

[TikibirdLand]

I apologize if it came off judgy..It sure wasn't meant that way... Just an explanation that some of us are very passionate bout the character of that resort...

Maybe it never was "our" resort. But, we loved the times we spent there. It's a DVC resort now; Families like ours are pushed out so there's more room for the DVC. Prices are ridiculous ($700+/night) for the hotel. Not worth it.

 

[JoeCamel]

The grill at the quiet pool has good and bad elements to it. I think the new DVC tower will have good and bad elements to it.

The old school feel of the poly was finally destroyed when they put up the bungalows and covered the beach with rocks. This gave the resort waterfront the feel of an armed military camp. The lobby change was just another step in that direction, grill another, dvc tower another big one. I'm not saying the poly is bad it's just not what it was. I mean you could rent a boat, float around the corner, and be looking back at a scenic sandy beach with swimmers and hammocks. Today you look back at real estate investment.

Before then. When they ripped the fountain out of the lobby the Poly died

 

[networkpro]

From my personal perspective, the Poly and WDW have always been changing since I first visited 50 years ago. I'm glad they planted foliage as it was pretty bare on the lakeside of the road.

 

[TikibirdLand]

From my personal perspective, the Poly and WDW have always been changing since I first visited 50 years ago. I'm glad they planted foliage as it was pretty bare on the lakeside of the road.

Some of us see those changes for the worse. Others tell us those changes are for the better. Well, better for Disney's portfolio. Better, if you like the Waikiki vibe vs the Maui one.

 

[correcaminos]

Some of us see those changes for the worse. Others tell us those changes are for the better. Well, better for Disney's portfolio. Better, if you like the Waikiki vibe vs the Maui one.

Interesting choice of words. How about we see the changes as an improvement. For ever hater, there is often a lover.

 

[TikibirdLand]

Interesting choice of words. How about we see the changes as an improvement. For ever hater, there is often a lover.

I think we're saying the same thing. You have a vested interest in seeing increased DVC conversions, builds and sales. I get it. I just don't think that was the vibe they were going for back in the 70s and 80s.; hence Waikiki vs Maui.

 

[correcaminos]

I think we're saying the same thing. You have a vested interest in seeing increased DVC conversions, builds and sales. I get it. I just don't think that was the vibe they were going for back in the 70s and 80s.; hence Waikiki vs Maui.

Oh my goodness no we do not agree, you are 100% wrong about what I am saying.

I like the changes, because I like the changes. Not because of a portfolio. Why can't you accept people appreciate different looks? Again my allergies hated the lobby even though I had a strong connection to it due to my mom who has since passed on. It's open and beautiful. What they did in the 70s and 80s was for the 70s and 80s. It's now 40-50 years later. To not change would be dated and frankly, tacky looking still.

Please stop acting like my opinions are not emotional or about aesthetics and only about a portfolio. It's honestly becoming rather uncool.

I get it, you hate change. So honestly sorry, but stop acting like only those who agree with you care about how it looks, feels and functions.

 

[TikibirdLand]

Oh my goodness no we do not agree, you are 100% wrong about what I am saying.

I like the changes, because I like the changes. Not because of a portfolio. Why can't you accept people appreciate different looks? Again my allergies hated the lobby even though I had a strong connection to it due to my mom who has since passed on. It's open and beautiful. What they did in the 70s and 80s was for the 70s and 80s. It's now 40-50 years later. To not change would be dated and frankly, tacky looking still.

Please stop acting like my opinions are not emotional or about aesthetics and only about a portfolio. It's honestly becoming rather uncool.

I get it, you hate change. So honestly sorry, but stop acting like only those who agree with you care about how it looks, feels and functions.

Speaking of "not getting it". I really don't hate change. I hate change that separates the classes. DVC vs commoners in this case. If the Poly was updated to provide better amenities, services, or atmosphere, I'd be 100% behind it. But, the conversion to "DVC club" status doesn't provide any of that. So, the view of the castle at the beach is better with the bungalows? Oh, it's better for the DVC owners that have the bungalow! The aloha show is better with a tower to replace it? Well, there isn't one anymore. Is that better?

If tacky is what the rooms were pre-remodel, I'll take tacky. I felt it had the same vibe Trader Sam's was going for: retro-tiki. Cool that you don't like it. But, it's not about not changing, it's about changing for the better. I think that's where our disagreement lies. Glad you like it. Many here don't.

 

[correcaminos]

Speaking of "not getting it". I really don't hate change. I hate change that separates the classes. DVC vs commoners in this case. If the Poly was updated to provide better amenities, services, or atmosphere, I'd be 100% behind it. But, the conversion to "DVC club" status doesn't provide any of that. So, the view of the castle at the beach is better with the bungalows? Oh, it's better for the DVC owners that have the bungalow! The aloha show is better with a tower to replace it? Well, there isn't one anymore. Is that better?

If tacky is what the rooms were pre-remodel, I'll take tacky. I felt it had the same vibe Trader Sam's was going for: retro-tiki. Cool that you don't like it. But, it's not about not changing, it's about changing for the better. I think that's where our disagreement lies. Glad you like it. Many here don't.

No, I get it. It's obvious you don't like the changes. Not literally all change.

I also am not sure what you mean by separating classes though. Concierge does that, is that bad? DVC rooms are often rented for less than the resort room counterpart. So are you disliking the watering down?

You are allowed to like what you like and I am as well. I'm not here to argue. I just dislike the treatment those who are for this are getting.

Even saying some like and many don't is trying to prove your side. There is no winning. Many are loving the changes. Many are not. End of story.

 

[HauntedPirate]

No, I get it. It's obvious you don't like the changes. Not literally all change.

I also am not sure what you mean by separating classes though. Concierge does that, is that bad? DVC rooms are often rented for less than the resort room counterpart. So are you disliking the watering down?

You are allowed to like what you like and I am as well. I'm not here to argue. I just dislike the treatment those who are for this are getting.

Even saying some like and many don't is trying to prove your side. There is no winning. Many are loving the changes. Many are not. End of story.

Wait... so you're saying that if someone has been going to a place for 40 years, they may know a thing or two about that particular place?

*Heads over to every Epcot thread*