Originally Posted By AutoPost This topic is for Discussion of: <a href="http://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2014/03/03/changes-are-coming-to-the-polynesian-resort/" target="_blank"><b>3/3/14: Changes Are Coming to the Polynesian Resort</b></a>
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I'm curious to see what comes from this. From what I've seen of the DVC plans, I'm not impressed; the new over-the-water villas will block the views from the mainland rooms, and appear to be too close together to have any real sense of seclusion. I also hope that the tropical plants/fountain in the center of the lobby survive, since they really add a lot of character and atmosphere that would be hard to recreate with potted plants It's also interesting that they have a new running trail sign sponsored by New Balance. NB and Disney have a partnership for the runDisney series, but this is the first I've seen of any other connection between them I'm a little sad that my flight on my recent visit got in later than scheduled. I was planning on heading to the Poly to watch the MK fireworks and Dole Whip, but I missed it. Hopefully the beach will still be intact so I can do it on a future visit
Originally Posted By RoadTrip We'll have to see what happens. With the outrageous rates they get for the MK views at the Poly, I can't imagine they would let those be blocked. It seems that the DVC addition will be largely off to the side of where the majority of the Poly rooms are. I can't imagine 'Ohana or Kona Cafe going away... both are very popular. Dinner at 'Ohana is one of the hardest to get reservations at WDW. Have mixed feelings about the Lobby... while beautiful and unique, it fills the place with an odd musty odor.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA That odd musty smell in The Poly lobby is as recognizable as the water in The Pirates of the Caribbean. Love it!!!
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Recognizable is 100% true. Enjoyable? A matter of taste... not for me... in either place.
Originally Posted By DC7800 By all accounts, the 'water feature' in the lobby of the Polynesian is slated to be completely removed. It is truly a shame that one of the very features which had made the resort a unique destination for all these years will just be demolished. Of course, partly due to the outrageous prices charged, Disney us having trouble filling its deluxe resort rooms, hence the move to DVC. At least they are not demolishing part(s) of the resort to build a tower - such as at the Contemporary - which thematically clashes with the the rest of the resort. It could be much worse than just losing the lobby centerpiece.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 giving dvc'ers access to the Poly will fill it for sure going forward..as far as the lobby..I too will miss the 'water feature' as to me it was a signature part of hotel - somewhat 70's ish in nature but love it
Originally Posted By TMICHAEL Since they're doing the Volcano pool, I sure hope they rip the entire thing out and build out something with more natural looking quality, like the wonderful pool at Aulani. The Poly has always been my favorite on property, since my first trip there in 1982. But their pool area is straight out of cheap water park hell. Aulani's pool area is really the best thing about that resort. (Ok, Amu Amu was pretty good too)
