PHOTOS - Disney reveals new lobby design and Trader Sam's lounge for the Polynesian

[Father Robinson]

So far this post seems to be overwhelmingly opinionated on one side. I don't know if I've ever seen such opposition to one of their ideas. Way to go everyone! Keep it up, and maybe they'll hear us. I'm sure nothing would happen in this case but maybe they'll begin to get the picture!

 

[neoshinok]

That little fountain under the tiki man in the art is a total slap in the face

 

[BrittanyRose428]

I will miss the waterfall. If they could sell air freshener for the way the Polynesian lobby used to smell then I might be okay. Oh well, it looks like it will be less cluttered, but I loved the waterfall.

 

[FerretAfros]

EDIT/ADDITION: Does anyone else feel the Trader Sam's concept art is underwhelming (like fifth grade art student underwhelming)? Especially after seeing the concept art for the DL version. This artwork makes the venue seem like a small bar and a few barstools tucked into a corner of the lobby, not a full-fledged lounge.

As for the style of the artwork, I agree that it's not my favorite, but it seems pretty common out of WDI these days. It looks like it was done by the same person who did the art for the proposed Aurora and Cinderella "attractions" in the Fantasyland expansion

The DLH venue is also very small, so this seems pretty much in line with that. I'd guess the other version has about 10-15 seats at the bar and 8-10 small tables around the edges, and that's it. I can't tell you the number of times that we've tried to get drinks there but had to find another spot because it was full. It's annoying when you can't get a seat, but a lot of fun when you're there, since some of the effects take over the entire bar with everybody getting involved; that would be nearly impossible to capture the same lively atmosphere with a larger venue

 

[aladdin2007]

goodbye Polynesian, clearly they were out to ruin you and they are.
Those hanging balls with the nets around them are as tacky as they come and outdated, and belong on a warf/dock bar. why fill the atrium with these?

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

Oh, I totally agree.

I mean, I can see why they might want to change it. Like I said, it blocked the view from one side to the other pretty much everywhere. However... I don't see that as a negative per se. It made the lobby more intimate, more natural and alive. It fit the theme to a T. And of course, Dat Smell. I'm sure the suits wanted a wider open lobby so you can see the shops across the way, give them more room and give the lobby a larger appearance. On paper it all makes sense. But to guests, like Lee said - it's a total FAIL. The new look fits the Way Things Are (look at AKL) but it doesn't make it right.

I don't understand why there is a need to look around the entire room- or in this case, the entire lobby. I agree with you- it does make the lobby more intimate and natural. And of course, the sounds and smells are lovely.

Why remove all of that?

 

[meyeet]

Most of the DPB commentors are complaining about the loss of the water feature as well.

 

[aladdin2007]

Most of the DPB commentors are complaining about the loss of the water feature as well.

if you look closely at the art, is that a small waterfall under the tiki statue? just wondering, cant tell but looks like it might be. not that it helps matters any.

 

[Cody5242]

There's a lot of land being cleared around the Poly. I'm sure one of those plots is for Trader Sam's. I like what's been proposed so far. The waterfall does make the lobby sort of dark for my tastes. This new lobby will brighten it up

 

[Stevek]

Where is trader joes going btw?

It's actually Trader Sam's. Trader Joe's is a grocery chain.

As for the artwork, I come from a completely different angle, someone that has never visited the resort. Personally, I think it looks very nice and has a very polynesian feel. If what they've done at Aulani or Trader Sam's is any indication, I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the end product. As for the new Poly Trader Sam's, anyone else wanna bet it becomes the hangout for all the WDW fanbois/podcasters/bloggers? I can picture Louie holding court there on a regular basis...all comp'd by Disney of course.

 

[wdwmagic]

The former Wyland Gallery or Arcade would make a good location for Trader Sams.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

I don't understand why there is a need to look around the entire room- or in this case, the entire lobby. I agree with you- it does make the lobby more intimate and natural. And of course, the sounds and smells are lovely.

Why remove all of that?

So you can see the new shop across the lobby, would be my guess. Can't sell what can't be seen. Plus, it makes the lobby seem larger, more grand. But that only makes sense to the suits.

IMO, they should de-clutter the centerpiece a little and lower its profile. What's also missing is more - nicer lighting (c'mon, this is Disney). It would brighten it up and make it more dynamic. How about cutting a path or two through it? Now that would be really interesting.

But for gawd sake, don't remove it entirely and replace it with a fountain. Really?

 

[Bocabear]

it will brighten it up like a standard hotel Anywhere USA... Someone mentioned the retail area in the Contemporary they put in for Bay Lake Tower and I bet that is right... more retail will eventually fill the space.
and meanwhile it is just sort of...uninspired... And why do I need to look straight through the lobby anyway? There is no fantastic vista...it is lawn and landscape and longhouses...

 

[Father Robinson]

That little fountain under the tiki man in the art is a total slap in the face

No kidding! Would be like replacing the castle with this!!

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Well, it IS brighter in the center and the lobby does look larger... Rather than the dark, cramped look of today. Not that I'm saying this is a good thing:

 

[Bairstow]

it will brighten it up like a standard hotel Anywhere USA... Someone mentioned the retail area in the Contemporary they put in for Bay Lake Tower and I bet that is right... more retail will eventually fill the space.
and meanwhile it is just sort of...uninspired... And why do I need to look straight through the lobby anyway? There is no fantastic vista...it is lawn and landscape and longhouses...

I don't think it's THAT bad; it reminds me of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge lobbies. That still doesn't justify the removal of the iconic water feature without replacing it with something similar.

If this were concept art for a new location I would have no problem with it at all.

 

[Virtual Toad]

It's annoying when you can't get a seat, but a lot of fun when you're there, since some of the effects take over the entire bar with everybody getting involved; that would be nearly impossible to capture the same lively atmosphere with a larger venue

Ever hear of the word Kungaloosh?

 

[wdisney9000]

Welcome to the Poly-Mart Resort. A once majestic resort designed by the men and woman of Disney nobility who had more creativity in their pinky fingers than the current group has combined, gets Wal-Marted.

 

[tikiman]

The former Wyland Gallery or Arcade would make a good location for Trader Sams.

Its going where the arcade was.

 

[SkipperJason]

Its going where the arcade was.

So then Wyland will turn into DVC sales?