News New Polynesian Resort DVC villas building to open 2024

[TheIceBaron]

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From the original concept art. If that’s not a restaurant I don’t know what else it could be.

I don’t like the tower but if they have a tiki themed rooftop bar that would win some points with me

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

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From the original concept art. If that’s not a restaurant I don’t know what else it could be.

I thought they did say restaurant?

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

 

[DisneyOutsider]

I don’t know if they will or not. It’s is a prime location, just not sure if the market they are targeting for this tower cares about the Marriott style of it.

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 and/or incentivise).

 

[Bocabear]

You can tell when people hate a project because no updates…

OMG i don't even know what to say....from the logo onward... it looks like French art Deco on the logo and then the interior...is just so wrong..... It is not unattractive... It is pretty enough...Looks like Bay Lake Tower...but wow what a miss for the Polynesian.... it is very sad to see. I had high hopes at one point, but this kind of seals it...

 

[BrianLo]

I don’t like the tower but if they have a tiki themed rooftop bar that would win some points with me

Nothing rooftop. Which I think we actually have consensus from all, it’s a huge wasted opportunity.

 

[TheIceBaron]

There will be a similar point gap as there is at bay lake and grand Floridian for comparables

One cool thing about the poly is that since it’s entirely inside the Monorail loop, you get at least that view even on the parking lot side

You would also get a view of the golf courses and Epcot/studios in the distance on the upper floors

Yeah I mean I don’t want it to sell well because I don’t like the tower but not sure what price guests would be willing to pay for the non lagoon facing rooms compared to what Disney thinks they are willing to pay.

 

[TheIceBaron]

Nothing rooftop. Which I think we actually have consensus from all, it’s a huge wasted opportunity.

That is heartbreaking, they did build that for Riviera and I enjoy going up there when I stay there.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

The Parks Blog doesn't mention a restaurant anywhere, nor does Scott Gustin.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

View attachment 784699
From the original concept art. If that’s not a restaurant I don’t know what else it could be.

Thank you!

 

[DisneyOutsider]

Oh my gosh, all it takes is some brown paint and everyone suddenly loves this monstrosity? Nothing about this update makes me feel ANY better about this being here. The lobby is drab and boring and could fit in any luxury hotel brand. The exterior is still just as drab as before; it's just brown now. I am astonished at the change in attitude here based on this update.

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

 

[DisneyOutsider]

The Parks Blog doesn't mention a restaurant anywhere, nor does Scott Gustin.

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.

 

[denyuntilcaught]

This looks terrible. Really a violation of design principles through and through.

 

[ToTBellHop]

The Parks Blog doesn't mention a restaurant anywhere, nor does Scott Gustin.

From the press release:

The Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows aligns with Disney's 2030 environmental goals while providing Guests with the experience and features they expect from Disney Vacation Club. The tower is projected to use approximately 30 percent less energy than a typical resort of a similar size through a variety of measures, including optimized heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient lighting, and the first all-electric kitchen on Walt Disney World Resort property within the tower's restaurant. Furthermore, the majority of the tower was constructed off-site using pre-fabrication techniques that help minimize construction waste. Like Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the tower will be a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging program, which recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

From the press release:

The Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows aligns with Disney's 2030 environmental goals while providing Guests with the experience and features they expect from Disney Vacation Club. The tower is projected to use approximately 30 percent less energy than a typical resort of a similar size through a variety of measures, including optimized heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient lighting, and the first all-electric kitchen on Walt Disney World Resort property within the tower's restaurant. Furthermore, the majority of the tower was constructed off-site using pre-fabrication techniques that help minimize construction waste. Like Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the tower will be a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Green Lodging program, which recognizes lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida's natural resources.

Where is the press release? I just saw the Parks Blog announcement and Gustin.

 

[SplashJacket]

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Comparing the original concept art to the new one I’m most disappointed at the dramatic cutback of greenery on the facade. It’s most noticeable at the corner where the left wing meets the center, but it’s apparent throughout the entire building.

You can also tell they really scaled back the size of the windows/doors, especially on the upper floors.

I think the darker color roofs are an improvement though.

The dark roofing makes it look substantially better, imho. The lobby looks very good as well.

Based on what we knew we were getting, this direction definitely feels like a best case scenario.

 

[GhostHost1000]

I know what the Poly DVC needs, some good ol trailers like at FW

 

[TheIceBaron]

Is there any word on a bigger Trader Sam’s equivalent in this tower if there is no fun rooftop? Or are all those people going to flood the existing one in the Great Ceremonial House?

 

[DisneyOutsider]

Is there any word on a bigger Trader Sam’s equivalent in this tower if there is no fun rooftop? Or are all those people going to flood the existing one in the Great Ceremonial House?

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

 

[Bocabear]

The dark roofing makes it look substantially better, imho. The lobby looks very good as well.

Based on what we knew we were getting, this direction definitely feels like a best case scenario.

Does it though? Saying "it could be worse" does not make this feel any better.
Heck, I would go so far as to say the interior looks very beautiful... It just does not look like the resort... It's too modern, lacks all the style and feeling of being at Disney's Polynesian Resort...Looks more like Miami...
boo.

 

[CastAStone]

Where is the press release? I just saw the Parks Blog announcement and Gustin.

Disney’s parks press releases generally go directly to journalists/ hype sites, and it’s unusual for them to send them to the kinds of sites that post every corporate press release. @DCBaker posted the press release in a comment several pages back.