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PHOTOS - Disney reveals new lobby design and Trader Sam's lounge for the Polynesian
- Thread starter wdwmagic
- Start date
dhall
Well-Known Member
The first thing I think of when I see the blue stones is that they'll probably get Sebastian in there singing 'Under the Sea' with an Ariel meet-n-greet, because they live in the ocean and nothing will reinforce the Polynesian theme more than a northern European crag singing with a Jamaican accent.
Incomudro
Well-Known Member
Well, as optimistic as I am - I can say this:
When I took my boys to the Polynesian for the first time (they were 8 years old I believe) via monorail from our stay at Boardwalk, not only was the trip to the Poly an adventure, but entering the Polynesian and gazing down at the fountain (we went to the Polynesian for the dinner) was a huge part of the experience.
It really took us away in our minds.
It is indeed unfortunate that feeling will not be recaptured, and I'm sure that should I take my boys (now 13) back to the Polynesian this spring - they will indeed miss the fountain.
I understand why WDW did what they did, and I'm hoping the finished product will be beautiful as most of their work is.
When I took my boys to the Polynesian for the first time (they were 8 years old I believe) via monorail from our stay at Boardwalk, not only was the trip to the Poly an adventure, but entering the Polynesian and gazing down at the fountain (we went to the Polynesian for the dinner) was a huge part of the experience.
It really took us away in our minds.
It is indeed unfortunate that feeling will not be recaptured, and I'm sure that should I take my boys (now 13) back to the Polynesian this spring - they will indeed miss the fountain.
I understand why WDW did what they did, and I'm hoping the finished product will be beautiful as most of their work is.
Disney Analyst
Well-Known Member
I'm excited to see it all furnished, planted, and ready for Guests 
asianway
Well-Known Member
Tell me...what would WDW need to take away for you to stop going?I'm excited to see it all furnished, planted, and ready for Guests
Disney Analyst
Well-Known Member
Well, I have no plans on going. I can't afford it, I live on the West Coast, and the only interest in going back to Florida is for Diagon Alley.
I think WDW has many great things, and many bad things. I worked there, I saw that a lot of magic is still alive... but there are areas that are lacking. WDW comes across as a Walmart of Disney Theme Parks. Get in, Get Happy, Get out. But, I do not see this change as anything dreadful. I do admit still, I have no nostalgia towards WDW as I do for Disneyland.
I found the Poly, when I went inside the few times I did, confusing, cluttered, and odd smelling... I never took the time to take in the Lobby, maybe if I had I would have cared more... but I did not... and looking at photos, I don't find myself too impressed with the old waterfall... I prefer the open vibe, and I like the concept art. So, thus.. I am excited to see what the finished product is (as I do love change and new things), and then will make my assessment.
It's really a strange thing to see people freaking out about a Lobby in an overpriced hotel.. I myself would never stay at any of the Disney Resorts, unless for a very very very special occasion because I felt like I could part with a ton of money to sleep in a bed. But again, the experience I go for is the Parks, not the hotels.
The biggest loss for me was the self-serve dole whip (only reason I went to Poly, and to watch fireworks)... after serving Ice Cream at the Magic Kingdom, I became quite good at swirling a cone... goodness I could pile that thing!
Walter Elias Disney
Well-Known Member
Lobby is looking great! Hats off to the cast members that are working diligently to get the area presentable for our holiday guests. Looking forward to the extra space and the new tiki.
asianway
Well-Known Member
Interesting. Thanks
John
Well-Known Member
New Poly lobby?........ppppffffffttttttt!!!!! As I seen somewhere else the fountain looks like a kit you could purchase at Home Depot! So unimaginative, so underwhelming. It just isn't fitting for a "deluxe" resort. I have seen better in my local mall. Wait till other elements are added? OK.....I will. Don't see where it will matter much. The water feature is what it is. A pile of rocks and a few potted plants I can get a my local nursery. A must do at the Poly was to have your family stand in front of the water feature and have their picture taken. If you have your families picture taken in front this feature.....you wont be able to see it.
hpyhnt 1000
Well-Known Member
Hmmm. Definitely more open than the previous lobby. Need to see it with the new furniture and accessories before making the final judgment. Really hoping there will be some additional plants and potted palms in the final design.
Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
roj2323
Well-Known Member
I'm very disappointed. I hope they do something to liven up the space. it seems really dark and boring to be honest. The old water feature was huge, and obnoxiously so I think, but it added energy and Color which this space now needs more than ever.
Soarin' Over Pgh
Well-Known Member
Bam! *drops mic*
I honestly have nothing positive to say about the lobby defurb. But I'm trying this whole "positive thinking" nonsense so... I like the rubble. Even if it looks like Fraggle Rock's Red is stuck underneath it and desperately trying to escape.
alissafalco
Well-Known Member
Epicpilot
Active Member
I was optimistic about the new lobby, as open lobby's when done right can be great for a resort but this just makes the area look dead. The lobby is supposed to be a lively area, now it looks like a back corner converted to some sitting space as an afterthought.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
This looks very different from Trader Sam's at the DLH, but then again, that's a bar and this one isn't, right?
It really doesn't look terrible to me so far. I never did see the lobby prior, though.
It really doesn't look terrible to me so far. I never did see the lobby prior, though.
Little Green Men
Well-Known Member
This isn't the new Trader Sam's, just the main lobby of the resort. Trader Sam's is in a different location.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Ooohhh. I didn't know that, thanks for that.
note2001
Well-Known Member
This image evokes a feeling of peace, tranquility & vacation.
I never considered myself attached to the Poly fountain. Then I saw the following and realized that they paved paradise:
Is anyone else's stomach hurting when they see this. No? Think I'm coming down with something.
I've never stayed at the poly, but have always loved walking through the lobby, stores and eating there. My sister even mentioned she's dying to try the bungalows when they're ready. Not sure how she'll feel about this as like many here, she also loved the old fountain.
To me, the space just feels odd and the ceiling decor to me just isn't blending well with old architecture. There are far too many straight lines and although geometrically balanced, the space is feeling very awkward. It needed the randomness of the plant life and waterfalls the old fountain had to bring peace into the space. The way it is now looks reminds me of a Ramada inn. If I were to walk in there and see this now I'd get the feeling I might as well be on a business trip and not on vacation.
The only thing I can think of that will save this at this point is a whole lot of palms in giant pots. Please let me be wrong.
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