Disney’s Polynesian Resort is Changing in a Big Way

[*NikkiBell*]

Big changes are underway at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The eastern portion of the beach and Sunset Point are unavailable, the Great Ceremonial House Lobby is about to begin an extensive rehab, and Captain Cook’s will be closed from next month until the early summer. Construction crews, hard hats, and trucks are becoming a common sight. So, what exactly is going on? Rumors are flying faster than Aladdin on his magic carpet which is exactly why I made a point of stopping by the resort last week to do a little snooping and find out what was happening. Here’s what I discovered.

See more at:

http://blog.wdwinfo.com/2014/02/24/...s-changing-in-a-big-way/#sthash.HEkFN2Bh.dpuf

 

[rrali33tt]

I have only stayed at the Poly once. It is a shame that they would remove the waterfalls and rocks in the lobby. I think that is one of the best features of the resort and central to the theme of the resort. I don't think I will return to the resort anyway. I think it was overpriced and the monorail was down during my stay (making the value even lower). The lobby is one of the best features so now its value in my mind is at the lowest it could be.

 

[TooExcitedCantSleep]

I don't know what to think.....should I get excited or sad? Probably both....I can't imagine the Poly without waterfalls and rock features. That said- the lobby could use an update though......just hope it will be an upgrade instead of a downgrade.

 

[wiigirl]

I don't know what to think.....should I get excited or sad? Probably both....I can't imagine the Poly without waterfalls and rock features. That said- the lobby could use an update though......just hope it will be an upgrade instead of a downgrade.

ditto...

 

[rteetz]

I'm just waiting to see how expensive those water bungalows are going to be. 18 water bungalows with view of the magic kingdom and wishes just think of the price.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm a big fan of the Polynesian Resort but I can't say that I like these changes so far. I feel that too much of the character of the resort might be lost by this but we'll see.

 

[Grand Admiral]

Aw, I have fond memories of the rock waterfall from staying there as a kid. I remember being so impressed by that.

 

[PuppyJonathan]

Is this confirmed? because I would hate for this to be true. How come they don't convert the desks to the art of animation system?

 

[profdsny]

We love the Polynesian, and will buy DVC points as soon as they are available. BUT, not if they remove the waterfall. Then it just becomes another hotel.

 

[Figmentforever24]

I am new here but I have to say I am actually looking forward to the renovations. Honestly we will have to wait and see before passing judgment.

 

[faneuil]

Does that mean no quick service dining for a few months?

 

[Figmentforever24]

Captain Cooks will be closed down but I believe there will be a small quick station outside the construction area for people still wanting to eat. There will be no dole wips during the process though.

 

[faneuil]

Captain Cooks will be closed down but I believe there will be a small quick station outside the construction area for people still wanting to eat. There will be new dole wips during the process though.

Not worried about Dole Whips, as I don't like them. I'm firmly in the Citrus Swirl camp. Those, I cannot live without when in the MK. However, I know how much the Dole Whips are loved, so I'm glad for those who would be heartbroken without them.

I'm worried about the pork nachos. ADDICTED to those. I live local, and will go to the Poly just for those about once every six weeks. I take so much company to the MK, and they all fall in love with the nachos too.

It's a sad indicator of my life.

 

[Figmentforever24]

Not worried about Dole Whips, as I don't like them. I'm firmly in the Citrus Swirl camp. Those, I cannot live without when in the MK. However, I know how much the Dole Whips are loved, so I'm glad for those who would be heartbroken without them.

I'm worried about the pork nachos. ADDICTED to those. I live local, and will go to the Poly just for those about once every six weeks. I take so much company to the MK, and they all fall in love with the nachos too.

It's a sad indicator of my life.

Sorry I just had to edit my original post. I didn't meant to type new but NO. There will be NO dole whips during the process. Also I am a sucker for the nachos as well.

 

[DPCummerbund]

On the positive side, we really have no idea what the new lobby is going to look like, so I'm not too concerned yet.

I also agree that the water feature was the best part of the lobby. I really hope that there's a major water feature with a large variety of plants in the new design. The rest of the lobby, including the furniture and such, did look rather dated, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with that.

 

[Tikiman]

On the positive side, we really have no idea what the new lobby is going to look like, so I'm not too concerned yet.

I also agree that the water feature was the best part of the lobby. I really hope that there's a major water feature with a large variety of plants in the new design. The rest of the lobby, including the furniture and such, did look rather dated, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with that.

The new design will not have a large water feature or all the plants that the atrium now has. I am sure the furniture will be different but I am not sure how the other stuff was dated when it was all newly designed just 4 years ago.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It seems strange to say that the front desk needs expansion due to the influx of more guests doesn't it? After all they are converting 2 existing buildings and only adding a few over water bungalows. There isn't going to be much, if any, change to the number of accommodations.

 

[Viva Las Disney]

42,000 acres and they are building everything so close together it's starting to look crowded. I wasn't a fan of the Grand Floridian DVC crowding the Wedding pavilion and now I'm not a fan of the Polynesian DVC crowding the Polynesians beaches.

I realize it's much cheaper to add an addition to an existing resort but I think they are doing it at the expense of the existing resorts and scenery. I think the GF building itself looks great, I just don't think they had the necessary open space at GF or Poly to do what they're doing.

I love how the BLT compliments the Contemporary and I'd have no problem if they built a twin of the BLT on the other side of the Contemporary (where the short towers are right now). Plenty of room over there.

 

[Planogirl]

I personally dislike the location of the DVC addition due to that crowding. They will block a lovely view for a lot of people which is sad in such a pricey resort. Plus the lobby has the potential to look like an airport waiting room if what I picture happens. I hope that it will blow us away but we'll see.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

The new design will not have a large water feature or all the plants that the atrium now has. I am sure the furniture will be different but I am not sure how the other stuff was dated when it was all newly designed just 4 years ago.

Do we know what will be in the atrium though? I understand the desire to redesign the atrium/lobby but do feel the water feature is such an iconic part of the resort - as as an original element of WDW, therefore an iconic part of all of WDW - that I really hope they replace it with something similar.

Even if smaller, put something in a different water feature that is super interesting and "iconic" in a different way