News New Polynesian Resort DVC villas building to open 2024

[davis_unoxx]

I want to love it but I land here with you. They can talk about the dozens of artists that created exclusive art inspired by modern Polynesia, sustainable stories , and Disney IP.

But I miss the days when a press release did not have to explain all that to me.... It used to be a much more intuitive experience that was rich with feeling.

At WL one has to tell you the stories the totem poles are telling you, or what stones from the great fireplace represent for you to be impressed with the place.

I agree! When they say sustainable stories what does that even mean? I’m afraid they won’t have any tiki decor at this part of resort which is a shame.

Due to being afraid of “cultural appropriation” which is literally what Disney was built on… theming on different parts of the world.

 

[John park hopper]

Sorry Disney I still don't like it --it's so out if place

 

[The Hatbox Ghost]

Regarding the current exterior painting seen from the lagoon, has anyone else noticed all the white paint on the right hand side of the tower?

Both artist renderings (original and recent) do not indicate any white in these areas. In person, it almost looks as if they might be trying to tie in, or blend, the white aesthetic of the GF side of the tower on the right, with the brown/beige aesthetic of Poly side on the left. Yuck, I certainly hope not.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I’m selling my DVC points and moving to Canada!

…if they’ll have you…

Bring waffles

 

[monothingie]

I can’t help but wonder about the name, “Island Tower”. It seems so bland and generic, almost as if they were intentionally playing it safe trying to avoid offending someone.

Maybe I’ll feel different when it’s built, but it’s such a radical departure from the bold imagineering work That had been done in decades past.

 

[peter11435]

I can’t help but wonder about the name, “Island Tower”. It seems so bland and generic, almost as if they were intentionally playing it safe trying to avoid offending someone.

Maybe I’ll feel different when it’s built, but it’s such a radical departure from the bold imagineering work That had been done in decades past.

I would argue Island Tower is less bland and generic than simply slapping villas before or after the name of the existing resort like they did with GF, BW, WL, BC…..

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I would argue Island Tower is less bland and generic than simply slapping villas before or after the name of the existing resort like they did with GF, BW, WL, BC…..

I can’t see much of a discernible difference on this one?

 

[Jambo Dad]

I would argue Island Tower is less bland and generic than simply slapping villas before or after the name of the existing resort like they did with GF, BW, WL, BC…..I

I agree for the most part. Beach club is sort of hidden so it didn’t matter much. If you look at the Grand carefully - it’s a giant box with some detail grafted on i. Boardwalk is less obvious but weak. Boulder Ridge I don’t mind except that’s its color scheme is morose. Riviera is a terrible execution and poorly placed.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I agree for the most part. Beach club is sort of hidden so it didn’t matter much. If you look at the Grand carefully - it’s a giant box with some detail grafted on i. Boardwalk is less obvious but weak. Boulder Ridge I don’t mind except that’s its color scheme is morose. Riviera is a terrible execution and poorly placed.

The interior of grand Floridian is nice…so I don’t mind the bland T form to it.

Boardwalk was purpose built…so I can’t argue that.

Wilderness lodge is great…gutting half of it because they overpriced it to put bland rooms as timeshare 75 feet away from the existing timeshare block is a little suspect

Riviera is…well…

 

[monothingie]

I would argue Island Tower is less bland and generic than simply slapping villas before or after the name of the existing resort like they did with GF, BW, WL, BC…..

From the company that brought you Aulani…

Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with local artisans and cultural experts to create Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Inspired by the natural wonders and rich traditions of Hawai‘i, Aulani Resort is the ultimate family getaway—celebrating the beauty, history and welcoming spirit of the island.

What’s the “Island Tower’s” story? On the way to the Honolulu International Airport in their Uber an imagineer caught a glimpse of a Marriot near the airport and said we need to build that at WDW?

 

[_caleb]

I want to love it but I land here with you. They can talk about the dozens of artists that created exclusive art inspired by modern Polynesia, sustainable stories , and Disney IP.

But I miss the days when a press release did not have to explain all that to me.... It used to be a much more intuitive experience that was rich with feeling.

At WL no one has to tell you the stories the totem poles are telling you, or what stones from the great fireplace represent for you to be impressed with the place.

The reason they're telling you about the steps they've taken to add an air of authenticity through collaboration with Polynesian artists is that the resulting work isn't going to feel as "Polynesian" to what guests might expect.

The "tiki" aesthetic of the original Polynesian Resort (and the Tiki room, etc.) isn't based on any real cultural influences. It's a romanticized amalgam of exotica that American G.I.s brought back after serving in the Pacific during WW2. I'm a big fan of tiki and the fan-made culture that's developed around it.

As Disney embraces a more truly multi-cultural perspective, they seem to be trying to incorporate actual cultural influences and moving away from artificial/synthetic ones developed through and for an American majority perspective. Because the Island Tower is being creatively developed with actual Hawaiian and Polynesian artists, it's not going to "feel" Post-War Tiki, it's going to be more (modernly) Hawaiian/Polynesian. I think they're hoping that by showing how it's authentic, they can address casual questions about why the whole thing doesn't feel more like Trader Sam's.

BTW, I see this dynamic happening across the Disney Parks. See: TBA, recent updates to the Jungle Cruise, some changes to the World Showcase Pavilions, etc.

 

[Tha Realest]

I agree! When they say sustainable stories what does that even mean? I’m afraid they won’t have any tiki decor at this part of resort which is a shame.

Due to being afraid of “cultural appropriation” which is literally what Disney was built on… theming on different parts of the world.

The reason they're telling you about the steps they've taken to add an air of authenticity through collaboration with Polynesian artists is that the resulting work isn't going to feel as "Polynesian" to what guests might expect.

The "tiki" aesthetic of the original Polynesian Resort (and the Tiki room, etc.) isn't based on any real cultural influences. It's a romanticized amalgam of exotica that American G.I.s brought back after serving in the Pacific during WW2. I'm a big fan of tiki and the fan-made culture that's developed around it.

As Disney embraces a more truly multi-cultural perspective, they seem to be trying to incorporate actual cultural influences and moving away from artificial/synthetic ones developed through and for an American majority perspective. Because the Island Tower is being creatively developed with actual Hawaiian and Polynesian artists, it's not going to "feel" Post-War Tiki, it's going to be more (modernly) Hawaiian/Polynesian. I think they're hoping that by showing how it's authentic, they can address casual questions about why the whole thing doesn't feel more like Trader Sam's.

BTW, I see this dynamic happening across the Disney Parks. See: TBA, recent updates to the Jungle Cruise, some changes to the World Showcase Pavilions, etc.

Building that terrible bland hote and calling it authentically Polynesian feels more offensive to that culture than the Tiki aesthetic.

 

[davis_unoxx]

Seems like Disney pick and chooses what areas of the world have “culturally appropriate” theming.

They sell Ireland shirts in the UK pavilion, two countries that still have bad blood to this day and had violent attacks up through the 90s.

Also they sell Greek deserts in the Morocco pavilion. Seems like Disney only cares if it’s certain groups.

 

[DisneyOutsider]

From the company that brought you Aulani…



What’s the “Island Tower’s” story? On the way to the Honolulu International Airport in their Uber an imagineer caught a glimpse of a Marriot near the airport and said we need to build that at WDW?

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.

 

[_caleb]

Building that terrible bland hote and calling it authentically Polynesian feels more offensive to that culture than the Tiki aesthetic.

I suppose that’s for the Polynesian artists to judge? And keep in mind that while those are ancient cultures, they’re modern and cosmopolitan, too.

 

[Tha Realest]

I suppose that’s for the Polynesian artists to judge? And keep in mind that while those are ancient cultures, they’re modern and cosmopolitan, too.

It’s really not. Anyone can make an independent determination as to whether something looks and feels authentic, or is enjoyable to mass consumers. Polynesian artists aren’t gatekeepers on this - Polynesians and the audience have a say as well.

 

[_caleb]

Seems like Disney pick and chooses what areas of the world have “culturally appropriate” theming.

They sell Ireland shirts in the UK pavilion, two countries that still have bad blood to this day and had violent attacks up through the 90s.

Also they sell Greek deserts in the Morocco pavilion. Seems like Disney only cares if it’s certain groups.

Of course they pick and choose. More authentic food from other cultures doesn’t typically play well in the USA.

Things like this are relative in degrees. It’s not like there are only two options: “100% authentic” or “not at all authentic.”

And Disney’s version of cultures are still romanticized, idealistic versions of reality anyway.

 

[_caleb]

It’s really not. Anyone can make an independent determination as to whether something looks and feels authentic, or is enjoyable to mass consumers. Polynesian artists aren’t gatekeepers on this - Polynesians and the audience have a say as well.

I don’t think you believe this.

Do you think you could rightly judge the authenticity of a dish you’ve never eaten from a county you’ve never visited (or even knew existed) made by a chef who was born and raised there?

It’s not about gatekeeping, it’s about lived experience. Those who have it are in a better position to determine how well something fits.

This resort is, after all, a hotel at Disney World. But Disney is saying that Hawaiian artists were tasked with decorating it in a way that provides guests (of all backgrounds) with the feeling of an experience that reflects Hawaiian culture.

Guests are free to decide for themselves how much they appreciate the result, but it would be absurd for them to criticize its authenticity.

 

[James Alucobond]

Of course they pick and choose. More authentic food from other cultures doesn’t typically play well in the USA.

Things like this are relative in degrees. It’s not like there are only two options: “100% authentic” or “not at all authentic.”

And Disney’s version of cultures are still romanticized, idealistic versions of reality anyway.

The thing is that authenticity of the brand currently being peddled was never the original aim of the parks and resorts, nor do I think this new idea of authenticity is terribly conducive to theme park design. Successful themed design relies on place, time, and shared cultural understanding (in the case of DL and WDW, this will be through a western/American lens). Some of what you’ve said suggests that of these three, only place really matters. It doesn’t matter if a Polynesian artist is too contemporary or has a vision that clashes with the time and unique cultural perspective of the resort; it just matters that he or she is Polynesian.

 

[_caleb]

The thing is that authenticity of the brand currently being peddled was never the original aim of the parks and resorts, nor do I think this new idea of authenticity is terribly conducive to theme park design. Successful themed design relies on place, time, and shared cultural understanding (in the case of DL and WDW, this will be through a western/American lens). Some of what you’ve said suggests that of these three, only place really matters. It doesn’t matter if a Polynesian artist is too contemporary or has a vision that clashes with the time and unique cultural perspective of the resort; it just matters that he or she is Polynesian.

Good points. I didn’t intend to say that Polynesian heritage was the only criteria for authenticity.

But I do think the “through a western/American lens” is the part that’s changing/changed. What used to be “the unique cultural perspective of the resort” was largely developed by people with little connection to those cultures. Now, Disney seems to be leaning in to stories and placemaking designed by/with perspectives that are closer to the cultures they’re inspired by.

And I think you and I may agree that what this approach gains in authenticity can come at the cost of thematic consistency and integrity.