Wyland Galleries closing at Disney's Polynesian Resort

[Prince-1]

I understand the fact that there should be shops that cater to all of the guests that visit WDW. However, having spent many vacations at the Poly i have never seen anyone actually buy anything at Wyland except maybe a few frogs and other smaller priced items. Yes i know that they have sold more expensive items but the fact is that the gallery is not there for people to just browse and look at their paintings that cost hundreds and thousands of dollars (that's called a museum), the gallery is there to SELL their paintings.

Poly probably figured that the space can be better used for something else. Whether it is a pin store, a dole whip kiosk, or a MagicBand Crapola Enhancement Stand, it doesn't matter. I for one liked walking around at Wyland's and would have no problem if it stayed but ultimately Disney is trying to make more money and having a store that occupies space in the lobby yet does not sell enough to make it worth keeping is called business.

 

[prberk]

I much preferred the pre Wyland pre BouTiki set up myself where there were separate souvenir, men's, women's, & jewelry stores on the first floor. GCH shopping lost it's charm long before the closure of what amounts to a third party gift shop.

I remember when that shop was a newsstand and sundries shop, called "News from Civilization." That was its original incarnation, I believe, and still fits its size and location. I believe that would be its best use, although I do like the gallery. Just think it is better suited as a sundries shop and (yes) newsstand, perhaps with gadgets, food, periodicals, and other quick non-souvenir items, or at least beachy souvenirs which complement the theme of a hotel on the Polynesian islands.

 

[ford91exploder]

On November 1st Tikiman said it will have another water feature:

If the Poly visitor income demographic is changing downward, you need to up sales on lower cost merchandise.

The room rates don't reflect that though - 484 in January with 976 now for the SAME room.

 

[ford91exploder]

Because a few people have agendas and, even if the parks did everything that they recommended, would still come on an anonymous MB and post stuff degrading the experience because they had to sacrifice something at one point or another during their vacation. While maybe fun to look at, I have zero problems with the galleries going away. Maybe something will be put there that is better. It'd almost have to be.

No we are tired of being handed a pile of poop and being told its 'rose essence', No it's poop and if Disney wants to go downmarket be forthright and say so. And TWDC please stop trying to baffle us with BRAVO-SIERRA it's not working and annoying.

 

[ford91exploder]

Nope not crazy, the parrots were still there not all that long ago, its only been a few years now I think. Remember when Epcot had flamingo's?

As I recall the Birds vacated about the same time Iger arrived.

 

[MinnieM123]

I understand the fact that there should be shops that cater to all of the guests that visit WDW. However, having spent many vacations at the Poly i have never seen anyone actually buy anything at Wyland except maybe a few frogs and other smaller priced items. Yes i know that they have sold more expensive items but the fact is that the gallery is not there to let people browse and look at their paintings that cost hundreds and thousands of dollars, the gallery is there to SELL their paintings.
Poly probably figured that the space can be better used for something else. Whether it is a pin store, a dole whip kiosk, or a MagicBand Crapola Enhancement Stand, it doesn't matter. I for one liked walking around at Wyland's and would like it to stay but ultimately Disney is trying to make more money and having a store that occupies space in the lobby yet does not sell enough to make it worth keeping is called business.

Your points are well stated, and I respect and appreciate your opinions.

Sharing my own perspective on the subject, a deluxe hotel offers higher-end experiences and amenities, (in addition to a basic sundry shop). For example, if you were to look at the upscale shops in the deluxe Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons hotels, the merchandise offered would cater to that demographic.

My opinion is that if you are paying higher rates for a deluxe property, you expect the resort to offer at least one unique, high-end shop, that would not be available at a moderately priced hotel. My only wish is that any new shop that replaces Wylands (if that's even in the plan here) will be just as nice. The Polynesian is such a beautiful resort; I cherish the vacation experience I had years ago, when I had saved up enough money to stay there for a few days.

 

[Prince-1]

Your points are well stated, and I respect and appreciate your opinions.

Sharing my own perspective on the subject, a deluxe hotel offers higher-end experiences and amenities, (in addition to a basic sundry shop). For example, if you were to look at the upscale shops in the deluxe Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons hotels, the merchandise offered would cater to that demographic.

My opinion is that if you are paying higher rates for a deluxe property, you expect the resort to offer at least one unique, high-end shop, that would not be available at a moderately priced hotel. My only wish is that any new shop that replaces Wylands (if that's even in the plan here) will be just as nice. The Polynesian is such a beautiful resort; I cherish the vacation experience I had years ago, when I had saved up enough money to stay there for a few days.

Hey I agree with you but a high-end gallery shop?? I can think of much better uses for this space while still catering to the higher-end clientele. Again, having a shop where really no one shops there is a waste. Fill it with a clothes store that sells more expensive labels or perhaps a home store with more luxurious items (??). I'm not looking for anything dumbed down but just a more functional use of it.

 

[polynesiangirl]

Hey I agree with you but a high-end gallery shop?? I can think of much better uses for this space while still catering to the higher-end clientele. Again, having a shop that really no one shops there is a waste. Fill it with a clothes store that sells more expensive labels or perhaps a home store with more luxurious items (??). I'm not looking for anything dumbed down but just a more functional use of it.

I completely agree with you. I think there should be high-end retail there, but I am not convinced that Wyland was the best use of that space.

 

[wdwfan22]

BLT, OKW, SSR - You know the downscale Disney resorts,

BLT - Rust and Mold in the showers
OKW - Mold on Showers and Carpet
SSR - Crumbs in the bedding in a supposedly cleaned room

And this has only happened THIS YEAR, Yeah standards are going downhill, I've also been in Hampton Inn's for work which were trashed but called front desk and got moved to better room - unlike the static which one gets from Disney these days.

that's strange I just stayed at BLT last month and the villa was spotless, also stayed at OKW twice this year and no problems once so ever. Can't comment on SSR since i've not stayed there.

 

[Prince-1]

that's strange I just stayed at BLT last month and the villa was spotless, also stayed at OKW twice this year and no problems once so ever. Can't comment on SSR since i've not stayed there.

I agree with you. Ive stayed at both OKW and BLT this year and did not see anything wrong at all. I will say that we had issues at the new GF. When we checked in there was garabage in the trash can, a dirty rag on the counter and the toilet that wasn't flushed (still had some things in it...) The beds were made with a Mickey towel on it so we know it was hit by housekeeping. We complained and got a new room plus a free dinner at a restaurant of our choosing. So we were very satisfied to how it was handled.

 

[dgp602]

Tikiman is reporting on his FB page today that "work" to the GCH will begin in January. The closing of the gallery is the start. According to Tikiman, it is quite possible that the space occupied by the gallery will be converted to a temporary front desk. This means that they plan on closing and working on the front desk area and lobby first, but he states we won't know for sure until work actually starts. He stresses that work will be done in stages, with this being the first stage....And when I asked him point blank if the water feature is still scheduled to be removed, he stated he was told "yes"....sigh...

I'm glad I got one last visit in this December before it's transformed into something I might not recognize when I visit next year...

 

[tikiman]

On tikimans site his latest updates as of Dec 18, don't mention anything about GCH or water features going away any time soon. Paging tikiman.........we need you here lol.

Yes it is true. So far everyone I know involved with the project is saying the water feature will be removed for many reasons. As much as we all love it I have not had one person tell me it will be saved. Even the concept renderings show it removed so you can see from the front of the lobby out the back toward the new pool area. There will be some sort of water feature but not like the existing one and not in the same location.

I’m not sure what will close when inside the GCH to be redone in stages but I was told Wyland Gallery was closed to look at it being the temporary location for check in while the check in area is redone. Then it seem it is going to become an ice cream parlor or something to do with Dole Whips. When I first heard a rumor about it being a Dole Whip location I thought it was a joke but someone who would know mentioned it being something like that. Maybe it is just one of the ideas they have for the location but it looks like they will be starting soon. I know they pushed out the pool deck redesign to May because they want to focus more on the work for DVC and getting the lobby ready may be part of that.

As for the Macaws, there were 4 named Paco, O'Hare, Quick Draw Macaw and Lady Chatfield and because of abuse from guests throwing stuff from above at them they relocated them to the Animal Kingdom just beyond the entrance.

 

[ford91exploder]

Yes it is true. So far everyone I know involved with the project is saying the water feature will be removed for many reasons. As much as we all love it I have not had one person tell me it will be saved. Even the concept renderings show it removed so you can see from the front of the lobby out the back toward the new pool area. There will be some sort of water feature but not like the existing one and not in the same location.

I’m not sure what will close when inside the GCH to be redone in stages but I was told Wyland Gallery was closed to look at it being the temporary location for check in while the check in area is redone. Then it seem it is going to become an ice cream parlor or something to do with Dole Whips. When I first heard a rumor about it being a Dole Whip location I thought it was a joke but someone who would know mentioned it being something like that. Maybe it is just one of the ideas they have for the location but it looks like they will be starting soon. I know they pushed out the pool deck redesign to May because they want to focus more on the work for DVC and getting the lobby ready may be part of that.

As for the Macaws, there were 4 named Paco, O'Hare, Quick Draw Macaw and Lady Chatfield and because of abuse from guests throwing stuff from above at them they relocated them to the Animal Kingdom just beyond the entrance.

Thanks @tikiman Looks like our worst nightmares are coming true for GCH, It will indeed mirror a Hampton inn - cheap to maintain ceramic tile wasteland.

 

[tikiman]

Thanks @tikiman Looks like our worst nightmares are coming true for GCH, It will indeed mirror a Hampton inn - cheap to maintain ceramic tile wasteland.

While I agree that Disney has made some bad decisions just to save money and make the shareholders happy, I think we have to wait and see the final product. I don’t want to see the waterfall go either and while I understand the issues they have had with maintaining it now for many years, they could rebuild it and be able to keep it but the plans they have for the look of the resort from the lobby entrance, all the way out to the beach does not allow for a huge rock formation right in the middle of it. Lets fight a battle we can win like getting them to do a better job at housekeeping, guest relations/ communications and keeping the prices reasonable……ok that last one is a stretch.

 

[ford91exploder]

While I agree that Disney has made some bad decisions just to save money and make the shareholders happy, I think we have to wait and see the final product. I don’t want to see the waterfall go either and while I understand the issues they have had with maintaining it now for many years, they could rebuild it and be able to keep it but the plans they have for the look of the resort from the lobby entrance, all the way out to the beach does not allow for a huge rock formation right in the middle of it. Lets fight a battle we can win like getting them to do a better job at housekeeping, guest relations/ communications and keeping the prices reasonable……ok that last one is a stretch.

I agree this is a unwinnable battle but degree by degree Disney is removing all the reasons why you want to STAY there. I know a LOT of people who stay at the Poly simply because of the AMAZING lobby at the GCH they sit for hours just soaking up the ambiance.

Recall BLT has a 'see through' lobby with an outdoor water feature - As do many Hampton Inn's there is no draw there I feel no special attachment to the lobby, I'm an engineer and as soon as I walk in I think cheap to build and maintain.

Go visit someplace like the Del Coronado (prototype for GF) and you can stay for hours in the lobby just being amazed by the details there is nothing cheap about it.

I mean what is the Poly without the GCH lobby, It's a bunch of detached rooms built approximately to the quality level of a Marriott Courtyard or Hilton Garden Inn.

But it once again shows that Disney fundamentally does not understand their customers or care about their opinions otherwise they would invest the necessary resources to create an easy to maintain water feature.

 

[tikiman]

I agree this is a unwinnable battle but degree by degree Disney is removing all the reasons why you want to STAY there. I know a LOT of people who stay at the Poly simply because of the AMAZING lobby at the GCH they sit for hours just soaking up the ambiance.

Recall BLT has a 'see through' lobby with an outdoor water feature - As do many Hampton Inn's there is no draw there I feel no special attachment to the lobby, I'm an engineer and as soon as I walk in I think cheap to build and maintain.

Go visit someplace like the Del Coronado (prototype for GF) and you can stay for hours in the lobby just being amazed by the details there is nothing cheap about it.

I mean what is the Poly without the GCH lobby, It's a bunch of detached rooms built approximately to the quality level of a Marriott Courtyard or Hilton Garden Inn.

But it once again shows that Disney fundamentally does not understand their customers or care about their opinions otherwise they would invest the necessary resources to create an easy to maintain water feature.

I live in California so I have seen Del Coronado. Disney is all about cheap and easy to maintain but then again most products now are that unfortunately.

I think Disney is testing the waters with how much they can cut, charge and still get you to visit but there are a small few that are still at Disney trying to do things the right way so hopefully some of their ideas will make it past concept. You can see how the number crunchers got a hold of the grand plans to build new buildings and add a pool for the new DVC at the Polynesian and turned it into converting a few buildings and adding expensive view blockers….I mean bungalows that most of us will never afford to stay in for more than one night.

I just returned from Disneyland yesterday and stayed at the Grand Californian and I found services to be lacking at the resort, parks and restaurants but the place was packed so why should Disney fix it? I just see it as this I need to stop complaining about things at Disney unless I am willing to stop going. Until then I need to wait and see how the Polynesian ends up in 2 years and decide then if I am going to return.

At first I thought it was a sure thing that we would sell our other timeshare and buy into Disney but seeing the plan for the Polynesian DVC be cut so much, not being able to get into the Grand Californian DVC very easily (and not liking the resort very much), and not liking the location of Aulani is 3 strikes against Disney so far. They will have to do a great job on all the things changing at the Polynesian for me to put down that kind of money.

 

[ford91exploder]

I live in California so I have seen Del Coronado. Disney is all about cheap and easy to maintain but then again most products now are that unfortunately.

I think Disney is testing the waters with how much they can cut, charge and still get you to visit but there are a small few that are still at Disney trying to do things the right way so hopefully some of their ideas will make it past concept. You can see how the number crunchers got a hold of the grand plans to build new buildings and add a pool for the new DVC at the Polynesian and turned it into converting a few buildings and adding expensive view blockers….I mean bungalows that most of us will never afford to stay in for more than one night.

I just returned from Disneyland yesterday and stayed at the Grand Californian and I found services to be lacking at the resort, parks and restaurants but the place was packed so why should Disney fix it? I just see it as this I need to stop complaining about things at Disney unless I am willing to stop going. Until then I need to wait and see how the Polynesian ends up in 2 years and decide then if I am going to return.

At first I thought it was a sure thing that we would sell our other timeshare and buy into Disney but seeing the plan for the Polynesian DVC be cut so much, not being able to get into the Grand Californian DVC very easily (and not liking the resort very much), and not liking the location of Aulani is 3 strikes against Disney so far. They will have to do a great job on all the things changing at the Polynesian for me to put down that kind of money.

I've already stopped going and plan to sell DVC points, Just stopped being fun anymore DW wants me to give it another shot but I've had 2 vacations ruined by MM+ 'Voluntary Tests' sure they were voluntary.

 

[luv]

I think Disney is testing the waters with how much they can cut, charge and still get you to visit...

I agree.

The problem with that is that they will eventually hit the point where people stop showing up and it is so much harder to get them back than it is to keep them coming.

As soon as you realize people aren't showing up like they used to, it's way past the point where you can get them back by tweaking this or that.

It's a dangerous game Disney is playing. I pray that they change direction soon.

 

[orky8]

I agree.

The problem with that is that they will eventually hit the point where people stop showing up and it is so much harder to get them back than it is to keep them coming.

As soon as you realize people aren't showing up like they used to, it's way past the point where you can get them back by tweaking this or that.

It's a dangerous game Disney is playing. I pray that they change direction soon.

What are you talking about, this strategy worked great for the big three automotive companies. Sure, GM was taken over by the U.S. government and Chrysler is now an Italian company, but Ford still stands for America. And besides, the current execs will be long gone with million dollar bonuses from inflating the stock price by extracting capital and goodwill, so Gordon Gecko would call this a rousing success, no?

 

[ford91exploder]

What are you talking about, this strategy worked great for the big three automotive companies. Sure, GM was taken over by the U.S. government and Chrysler is now an Italian company, but Ford still stands for America. And besides, the current execs will be long gone with million dollar bonuses from inflating the stock price by extracting capital and goodwill, so Gordon Gecko would call this a rousing success, no?

I think the current crop at TWDC would make even Gordon Gekko blush with shame.