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

[kev24135]

Was at the poly today and struck up convo with a long time employee. I asked how they felt about the refurb and they said point blank they aren't happy with it. Which was not the first employee on my trip to say they are unhappy with the new lobby. Also a side note that I guess I can't say for sure if it's true but the employee told be that the pool project is already 6 months behind. Hot tub will go where old kids play area was. And they also mentioned that originally the plan was not to change the actual pool but rather just the area around the pool. But due to issues they now do plan to change the pool. But anyway who knows how much of the what was said is accurate but I thought it was interesting. They said realistically the pool will be ready by this time next year Not this spring despite what they hope

 

[mm121]

it looks so empty and dead

and whats up with the bright blue stone floor, its so bright thats where attention is instantly directed too.

 

[Next Big Thing]

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.

This isn't Trader Sam's.

The Trader Sam's at the Poly will be very similar to the DLH, just with a nautical theme.

 

[Californian Elitist]

This isn't Trader Sam's.

The Trader Sam's at the Poly will be very similar to the DLH, just with a nautical theme.

Yes, someone told me already.

 

[BoarderPhreak]

 

[TheRabbit]

You can never convince me that this will look better than that beautiful water feature they had in the lobby. (RIP water feature)

 

[Incomudro]

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.

It's dark because the curtains are there.
I would argue that when the curtains are removed we'll be seeing a whole lot of outside - more so than when the fountain was there, which may be part of the intention.

 

[jmmc]

I will always hate the removal of the big waterfall feature, but I don't think this new design is actually ugly or anything. It's just that in contrast to the cool look it once had, it just feels like a let down. I mean, if this was a hotel that always had this lobby design, it would be a perfectly nice area.

 

[Lee]

What an amazing...step backwards.
Lots of poor decision making going on of late.

 

[Bocabear]

on the plus side, the float light chandeliers are very interesting... exotic and retro... actually quite nice.
The Rubble Fountain is awful...Maybe once the tiki is put on the top and water is running it will be better? not sure...dont think that could save it... Well the objective was to open up the space, so I would say they were successful in doing that. More than that, we will have to see when the furnishings arrive...
it looks pleasant... just a huge step backward. Have not heard anything about the water features at the entrance that are supposed to be so spectacular they will make all of this ok...
Anyone know more about that?

 

[Sage of Time]

The fountain being topped off with the tiki and some running water can only help, because that little pile of crappy rubble is laughable and looks so depressing.

They should have done something similar around the other columns in the lobby...

 

[BoarderPhreak]

Yeah, I'm totally not digging that pile of rubble. What the heck? It looks idiotic.

The cooler light (shade) doesn't help the look of the new floor; it should look dramatically better once the actual lights are in/on, and the floor polyurethaned to match the old.

 

[GrammieBee]

Compared to the way it once was, we are definitely " underwhelmed". The new lobby has absolutely no character and certainly evokes no images of Polynesia. Maybe when it is finished it will, hopefully, be somewhat better.

 

[Bocabear]

The actual architecture of the building is nice...and removing all the trees and water feature will certainly show this off...It is a nice building and will no doubt look nice.
not a wow... not a transportive moment... but nice. especially if you never saw what it was.
Tikiman, do you have any info on the outdoor water features??

 

[sshindel]

Just a quick note or two, don't know if this has been covered or not.

Just left the poly and am wandering the construction wall maze at DTD.

First, to me that stone work did not look blue, but it matched the stone in the rest of the lobby.

Second, the CM at the store told me they are telling her it opens Friday.

Take that with the standard shaker of salt, and sorry if either has already been covered.

 

[Next Big Thing]

Just a quick note or two, don't know if this has been covered or not.

Just left the poly and am wandering the construction wall maze at DTD.

First, to me that stone work did not look blue, but it matched the stone in the rest of the lobby.

View attachment 76781

Second, the CM at the store told me they are telling her it opens Friday.

Take that with the standard shaker of salt, and sorry if either has already been covered.

Seeing as there's a Christmas tree in there now, i'm inclined to believe it. They aren't putting holiday decorations out there if it isn't opening soon.

 

[note2001]

Neither negative nor positive: That lobby always had an echo to it, covered mostly by the rush of the waterfalls. Without the sounds of the water I'm curious how that will have changed and if they'll have more materials around to absorb echos.

As disappointed as I am so far, I still wouldn't mind being there to walk around myself. I appreciate all the photos posted by those who are there. Thank you!

 

[Fox&Hound]

I am probably in the minority, but I always thought the fountain was too large for the space and the lobby was so dark and uninviting. I like that they are trying to clean up the space a little. The colors don't seem to all match, though. But, I'll wait until it's finished.

 

[Incomudro]

I know I'm repeating myself here, but I believe there is an intention to bring the outside - in.
There's going to be a heckuva lot of light and much better views of outside when those curtains come down.

 

[baymenxpac]

are there people that really thinks this looks better? it looks, for lack of a better term, just plain sad.

what a bummer.