I am so upset! I have a friend who lives in the Orlando area. He spent Easter with a friend of his who is a business reporter for the Orlando Sentinel. They got to talking about tourism in central Florida and the reporter said he was working on an article to be printed later this week about Disney's latest resort plans. (Not good.) Here's some of what my friend relayed to me yesterday:
Disney's Not-So-New Resort: The Polka-nesian
They've shuttered thousands of rooms, announced plans to demolish rooms at their Institute, and all but halted construction on their largest-ever hotel project. Now, in an attempt to boost sagging occupancy rates Disney is planning a major revamping of one of its two original resort hotels.
"The transformation of the Polynesian to Disney's Polka-nesian Resort is intended to generate guest excitement by combining the colorful histories, interesting cuisines and cultural icons of Polynesia and Eastern Europe," said Disney spokesmen.
At the same time Disney hopes to respond to persistant complaints that the hotel is old, dark and dated. "We've got plans to brighten the exterior of each of the existing buildings on the property by painting them in the colors of the Polish national flag." With white walls and red roofs, the Polka-nesian will echo the upscale, neighboring Grand Floridian Beach Resort & Spa. "We've surveyed our guests and found that they really respond to the brighter color theme. The dark browns, rusts and greens currently in use are very closely associated with 1970's decor." Guest rooms will be treated to a similarly bright red, white and silver decor featuring new spreads, drapes and carpeting. For now however, the green and rust tiled baths will have to remain. "Our team of interior stylists is working hard to find a solution to what might seem to be every decorator's nightmare."
The new theme will go beyond simple cosmetics. From the polka music interspliced with the lilt of Hawaiian melodies on the resort's stereo system, to the food served in the hotel's restaurants, Disneys famed attention to detail will leave no stone unturned - or menu unaltered.
At O'Hana, kielbasa, a traditional Polish sausage, will join pork, chicken, and shrimp on large skewers cooked over an open fire pit. At Captain Cook's you'll be able to order mini galumpki, small meat stuffed cabbage rolls. And at the soon-to-be-renamed Kona Cafe, (Krakovia Cafe) a new signature dessert, Pineapple Perogi, will be introduced. It was unknown what changes will be made to the menu at the popular luau. But guests will now enjoy polka's performed in grass skirts. Cast members have been training for several months to familiarize themselves with the new dance steps said sources at Disney.
And for now, the beloved tiki torches will continue to light the hotel's gardens, which are guarded by authenticly carved tiki gods, at night. "We won't be replacing the tiki's, but we will be adding busts of famous Poles next to the carved totems that are placed throughout the resort. Guests can look forward to seeing Copernicus, Pulaski, and Lech Walesa peeking out from behind the fronds of a royal palm."
"The new Polka-nesian Resort will offer our guests a whacky, clash of divergent cultures that cannot be found anywhere else. We're hoping that it will be alot of fun," commented resort general manager, Spencer Oberle.
The makeover is expected to begin later this year and should be completed by the busy, year end holday season. When asked if the deadline could be met without seriously disrupting resort operations, Oberle replied, "You bet your dupa!"
Disney's Not-So-New Resort: The Polka-nesian
They've shuttered thousands of rooms, announced plans to demolish rooms at their Institute, and all but halted construction on their largest-ever hotel project. Now, in an attempt to boost sagging occupancy rates Disney is planning a major revamping of one of its two original resort hotels.
"The transformation of the Polynesian to Disney's Polka-nesian Resort is intended to generate guest excitement by combining the colorful histories, interesting cuisines and cultural icons of Polynesia and Eastern Europe," said Disney spokesmen.
At the same time Disney hopes to respond to persistant complaints that the hotel is old, dark and dated. "We've got plans to brighten the exterior of each of the existing buildings on the property by painting them in the colors of the Polish national flag." With white walls and red roofs, the Polka-nesian will echo the upscale, neighboring Grand Floridian Beach Resort & Spa. "We've surveyed our guests and found that they really respond to the brighter color theme. The dark browns, rusts and greens currently in use are very closely associated with 1970's decor." Guest rooms will be treated to a similarly bright red, white and silver decor featuring new spreads, drapes and carpeting. For now however, the green and rust tiled baths will have to remain. "Our team of interior stylists is working hard to find a solution to what might seem to be every decorator's nightmare."
The new theme will go beyond simple cosmetics. From the polka music interspliced with the lilt of Hawaiian melodies on the resort's stereo system, to the food served in the hotel's restaurants, Disneys famed attention to detail will leave no stone unturned - or menu unaltered.
At O'Hana, kielbasa, a traditional Polish sausage, will join pork, chicken, and shrimp on large skewers cooked over an open fire pit. At Captain Cook's you'll be able to order mini galumpki, small meat stuffed cabbage rolls. And at the soon-to-be-renamed Kona Cafe, (Krakovia Cafe) a new signature dessert, Pineapple Perogi, will be introduced. It was unknown what changes will be made to the menu at the popular luau. But guests will now enjoy polka's performed in grass skirts. Cast members have been training for several months to familiarize themselves with the new dance steps said sources at Disney.
And for now, the beloved tiki torches will continue to light the hotel's gardens, which are guarded by authenticly carved tiki gods, at night. "We won't be replacing the tiki's, but we will be adding busts of famous Poles next to the carved totems that are placed throughout the resort. Guests can look forward to seeing Copernicus, Pulaski, and Lech Walesa peeking out from behind the fronds of a royal palm."
"The new Polka-nesian Resort will offer our guests a whacky, clash of divergent cultures that cannot be found anywhere else. We're hoping that it will be alot of fun," commented resort general manager, Spencer Oberle.
The makeover is expected to begin later this year and should be completed by the busy, year end holday season. When asked if the deadline could be met without seriously disrupting resort operations, Oberle replied, "You bet your dupa!"
