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

[Mr. Peabody]

Very much looking forward to seeing and experiencing Trader Sam's, the buzz sounds very promising.

The new lobby is not a patch on the old one. Some things just shouldn't be tampered with and the old Polynesian lobby was one of them, it gave the hotel so much character.

You said it, Frank. The new lobby is just pathetic. A first-timer at the Polynesian won't know what they're missing most likely, but I don't think the new lobby will make much of an impression either. Certainly not like the old water feature did. I know that the old water feature had its problems, but I do believe that, once upon a time, a more ambitious Disney company would have found a way to make it work.

 

[PhotoDave219]

I did a PI. It's fun but doesn't mean ****.

I'm not really taking a poop on it; its a nice resume builder for the world outside of Disney.

As for Disney management culture? Its almost a necessity anymore. Disney is building its own management culture from within, with people not getting outside experience or a connection to how things are done in the real world.

And thats dangerous when you're a guest service company whos primary goal is to serve people from the real world.

 

[betty rose]

You said it, Frank. The new lobby is just pathetic. A first-timer at the Polynesian won't know what they're missing most likely, but I don't think the new lobby will make much of an impression either. Certainly not like the old water feature did. I know that the old water feature had its problems, but I do believe that, once upon a time, a more ambitious Disney company would have found a way to make it work.

I like that people keep avoiding the lobby, nice place in the afternoon to listen to Hawaiian music, and get cool. But, I loved the old Poly too....I don't expect Disney to go back

 

[Jen B]

I have never posted before - but I can't help myself I was at WDW last month and I had dinner at the Polynesian and I was so depressed about the new lobby - it's so boring and generic and the magical feeling you got when you walked in is gone. I was trying to look at it with fresh eyes and not be so tied to how it used to be...but I just couldn't! The prices at the Polynesian were already insane..but I used to think it was occaisonally worth it...I just don't anymore.

 

[betty rose]

I have never posted before - but I can't help myself I was at WDW last month and I had dinner at the Polynesian and I was so depressed about the new lobby - it's so boring and generic and the magical feeling you got when you walked in is gone. I was trying to look at it with fresh eyes and not be so tied to how it used to be...but I just couldn't! The prices at the Polynesian were already insane..but I used to think it was occaisonally worth it...I just don't anymore.

I could never afford a stay at the Poly, but I did like the music in the lobby....it did remind me of the Hawaiian Hilton on the Big Island....Not great, but it does relate to something?

 

[George]

Ground Control to Major Tom..... (Sorry, couldn't resist that joke)


4-430 is when all bars open on property. Disney is likely modeling this on the behavior of other establishments .....and then going to Force this into their existing model of 8 hour shifts. It's determined by labor & budgets. If it was open from 11 or noon on? You'd need two shifts of workers at six hours. In this case you only have one shift at 8 hours. It's how they work.

Which is fine with me if they keep it in the PM. I really move a ton of speed, nose candy, and jazzed up Red Bull (with my secret ingredient) to slow moving parental units at 4/4:30 in the AM. Don't want them moving in on my clientele.

 

[CentralFLlife]

Closing at midnight is the bigger travesty here, this is the kind of place that should close after 2. Why do they insist on closing lounges so early.

 

[Next Big Thing]

They will. Look how fast they added breakfast to Be Our Guest.

If you consider 2.5 years fast, then you should work for Disney.

 

[Next Big Thing]

Closing at midnight is the bigger travesty here, this is the kind of place that should close after 2. Why do they insist on closing lounges so early.

Yep, they are losing more money closing early than if they were to open early.

 

[ryguy]

Or maybe they subscribe to the theory that nothing good happens after midnight

 

[dreamfinder]

Isn't the Nautlius drink rumored to be pretty pricey? I keep seeing people saying $50.

Order it sans mug. You are probably paying $15-20 for the drink, and then $30-35 for the mug. A more traditional rum barrel type will probably run you $7 without mug, $15 with.

 

[Bocabear]

We live in the land of The Mai Kai...their signature drink, The Mystery Bowl is about $49.00.
It serves a couple people, is accompanied by a show of sorts, and most people don't flinch over the price... It's an event...it's something special. it's not like ordering a quick soda...and at the Mai Kai, you don't get to keep the mug... but you can buy it in the gift shop for $75.00
If the $50 Nautilus Drink comes in an actual nautilus that you get to keep, that will be one popular beverage!

 

[ford91exploder]

You said it, Frank. The new lobby is just pathetic. A first-timer at the Polynesian won't know what they're missing most likely, but I don't think the new lobby will make much of an impression either. Certainly not like the old water feature did. I know that the old water feature had its problems, but I do believe that, once upon a time, a more ambitious Disney company would have found a way to make it work.

Yes they would have, But now it's 'How can I make a bigger bonus' not 'How can I AMAZE the guest'.

 

[ford91exploder]

Are we talking about a different kind of money than normal money?

Difference between revenue and PROFIT, P&R has only been able to increase profit by CUTS they have done little on operational efficiency and creating new top line revenue streams.

 

[Sage of Time]

My Disney Tiki mug addiction has led me to be blind to the ridiculous prices that Mickey demands. I am there in 20 days....please don't run out.

Preach. eBay is going to a mess for these damn things.

We live in the land of The Mai Kai...their signature drink, The Mystery Bowl is about $49.00.
It serves a couple people, is accompanied by a show of sorts, and most people don't flinch over the price... It's an event...it's something special. it's not like ordering a quick soda...and at the Mai Kai, you don't get to keep the mug... but you can buy it in the gift shop for $75.00
If the $50 Nautilus Drink comes in an actual nautilus that you get to keep, that will be one popular beverage!

HEY! A fellow Mai Kai-er. Mystery Drink/Girl is awesome. This is basically the same concept. Agreed in full.

 

[Bocabear]

Yay another Mai Kai lover!

 

[jeffk410]

Still no word on whether or not TiW will be accepted? I assume not, but am hoping so.....

 

[Sage of Time]

Still no word on whether or not TiW will be accepted? I assume not, but am hoping so.....

I hope not, if just to keep the lifestylers away. LOL

 

[asianway]

I hope not, if just to keep the lifestylers away. LOL

They successfully have drained all the value from the card with added block outs I'm pretty sure they don't want to drive additional people there

 

[betty rose]

Yay another Mai Kai lover!

I've never been to a Trader's , so what is a Mai Kai? Just curious.