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

[PhotoDave219]

What do I expect?
Sadly...I've come to expect disappointment.

That's my struggle with WDW. I feel like I'm losing more things that I love than I'm gaining. Have been for a while. It's a very unpleasant feeling.

You're not the only one… They disappoint me as well.

Honestly it wouldn't have taken much money to make this from the Blanton generic that it is into something impressive as all get out…

 

[Incomudro]

We've got to remember, that they are dealing within the design constraints of the building itself.
The lobby of the Polynesian is relatively small, so they can't recreate the scale of the Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, AK etc.
Todays trend in homes is to open them up, and create open floor plans - just watch any home show.
I would imagine that if we were to speak to the people in charge of the design for the new lobby that the very idea was out with the dark and dated, and in with the open and natural light and lack of claustrophobia.

 

[PhotoDave219]

Photo update as of Friday, Dec 19. Overnight, the Polynesian Village Resort lobby was completed and open to guests this morning. The curtains were gone overnight. New furniture, new rugs, new seating areas. Even the carpet on the lobby stairs to the second level was completely replaced. In these photos, the lobby floor is overly "blue", but in actual appearance it is more closely like the original stone around the center lobby.

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On the second level, the waiting area for 'OHana's has new furniture and carpet to match the lower lobby.

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Finally, the kid's TV area near the front door was being completed this morning, with all new furniture.
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Well those photos make it look better… Maybe I should wait and see.

 

[Mike S]

Photo update as of Friday, Dec 19. Overnight, the Polynesian Village Resort lobby was completed and open to guests this morning. The curtains were gone overnight. New furniture, new rugs, new seating areas. Even the carpet on the lobby stairs to the second level was completely replaced. In these photos, the lobby floor is overly "blue", but in actual appearance it is more closely like the original stone around the center lobby.

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On the second level, the waiting area for 'OHana's has new furniture and carpet to match the lower lobby.

View attachment 76952

Finally, the kid's TV area near the front door was being completed this morning, with all new furniture.
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It does look ok, I guess, but it just absolutely does not compare to what was there before. Luckily I went to the Poly and ate at Ohana for the first time earlier this year and got to see the lobby before all this happened. I sat by the waterfall for quite a while just enjoying the sound and scenery of it. Not sure how I'll react if I ever go back there.

 

[Gabe1]

Interesting decorating choices. While the design is typical of the 21st century it is not what I have come to anticipate in Disney builds.

It took me a while to put my finger on it but overall it is reminiscent of the style of lobbies in DownTown Disney District, Hotel Plaza Blvd. Certainly will push me as a guest over the lake to Wilderness Lodge for ambiance.

The rugs and furnishings remind me of what I saw at IKEA yesterday.

Some will rave, I'm in the disappointed camp.

 

[note2001]

I'm looking forward to seeing this in person and making my personal judgement on the changes then. Not sure where I'll gaze off to while waiting for our O'hana's reservation though. I'm accustomed to leaning on the rail and staring at plant life and waterfalls.

The art gallery/store is gone now too?

 

[Incomudro]

I like it!

Now, look at it from this perspective:
Imagine if it was always open like this, and one day WDW decided to cram a massive two story fountain in the middle of it...
What would we think?

 

[Lee]

I like it!

Now, look at it from this perspective:
Imagine if it was always open like this, and one day WDW decided to cram a massive two story fountain in the middle of it...
What would we think?

If it was like the old fountain...I would applaud.
I value theme and immersion over open spaces.

 

[DC0703]

I like it!

Now, look at it from this perspective:
Imagine if it was always open like this, and one day WDW decided to cram a massive two story fountain in the middle of it...
What would we think?

You do have a point. I can't argue with that at all. Nostalgia is strong when Disney is concerned.

Still, for me that waterfall was very unique and something you don't see in just any hotel. That, and I have an affinity for lush, tropical decor with lots of plants. (as anyone who has seen my house can attest to!)

I am curious to see it in person. It's hard to get a sense of the view visible from those windows in the pictures, since the brightness obscures the outside ambience.

 

[lazyboy97o]

We've got to remember, that they are dealing within the design constraints of the building itself.
The lobby of the Polynesian is relatively small, so they can't recreate the scale of the Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, AK etc.
Todays trend in homes is to open them up, and create open floor plans - just watch any home show.
I would imagine that if we were to speak to the people in charge of the design for the new lobby that the very idea was out with the dark and dated, and in with the open and natural light and lack of claustrophobia.

Themed decor is just overlaying a flat look on to whatever. Themed experience is a complete guidance, including into form, space and order. Being a contemporary design trend is unrelated to designing a grand themed experience.

 

[mikenatcity1]

I like the fresh feel (but miss the big waterfall). Looking at the rendering, there is a tiki statue and mini-waterfall...are those missing in the design?

 

[MarkTwain]

It looks nice. Just nice. As good as you could want it to look considering the lobby's defining feature was taken out, and replaced with furniture and lighting.

@Incomudro asked an interesting question about whether we would like the reverse, and if after having a lobby like this, whether we would like having it all replaced by a huge fountain. I'm not sure I know the answer to that. I think scaling the fountain down or breaking it up into smaller segments would have been an understandable move, allowing further passage through the lobby while still having some of that "wow" factor, and maintaining the lush tropical feel. As it is, it looks like they tried to scale the Wilderness or DAK lodge concepts to the much smaller space of the Poly lobby, and without the extravagant theming of the lodges' architecture.

It sounds like they may be attempting to relocate the lush landscaping/fountain concept to the outside. I'll hold out to see if that's true, and I'll be somewhat happier if it is.

 

[Clamman73]

On the second level, the waiting area for 'OHana's has new furniture and carpet to match the lower lobby.

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Comparison to 9/29/14

 

[Disney Analyst]

I like the fresh feel (but miss the big waterfall). Looking at the rendering, there is a tiki statue and mini-waterfall...are those missing in the design?

Apparently the Tiki will be installed right before the official "reopening" of the newly redone resort. Sometime in March someone said.

 

[flyerjab]

It looks nice. Just nice. As good as you could want it to look considering the lobby's defining feature was taken out, and replaced with furniture and lighting.

@Incomudro asked an interesting question about whether we would like the reverse, and if after having a lobby like this, whether we would like having it all replaced by a huge fountain. I'm not sure I know the answer to that. I think scaling the fountain down or breaking it up into smaller segments would have been an understandable move, allowing further passage through the lobby while still having some of that "wow" factor, and maintaining the lush tropical feel. As it is, it looks like they tried to scale the Wilderness or DAK lodge concepts to the much smaller space of the Poly lobby, and without the extravagant theming of the lodges' architecture.

It sounds like they may be attempting to relocate the lush landscaping/fountain concept to the outside. I'll hold out to see if that's true, and I'll be somewhat happier if it is.

I am also waiting to see the main outside entrance area. I have been thinking that was what they were going for - creating a more natural water/rainforest feel as you enter the resort, followed by an open lobby that presents a view of the newly plussed pool area. Similar in thought to how the lobby in Aulani looks out beyond to the beach/ocean. But as everyone continues to point out, we will have to wait and see. At least this is moving forward now.

 

[Lee]

Maybe it's just me...but, I thought the entry area was always lush and had a water feature...

 

[aladdin2007]

Its not hideous or anything, but those red bench seats sure are, I dont like that at all nor understand why they brought in that color.

 

[dgp602]

I am also waiting to see the main outside entrance area. I have been thinking that was what they were going for - creating a more natural water/rainforest feel as you enter the resort, followed by an open lobby that presents a view of the newly plussed pool area. Similar in thought to how the lobby in Aulani looks out beyond to the beach/ocean. But as everyone continues to point out, we will have to wait and see. At least this is moving forward now.

Does anyone know ( or have a picture ) to confirm that the Hidden Mickey that was made of the stone, is still on the floor when you walk into the main entrance ( used to be right in front of the old fountain )?

 

[WDWtraveler]

Its not hideous or anything, but those red bench seats sure are, I dont like that at all nor understand why they brought in that color.

Then you'll really like the wall bench seats....

 

[Clamman73]

Does anyone know ( or have a picture ) to confirm that the Hidden Mickey that was made of the stone, is still on the floor when you walk into the main entrance ( used to be right in front of the old fountain )?

There was a tweeter pic today. Not sure of exact location.