Island Tower at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

[accm]

Good question. This corner platform is listed as "roof" on the 2nd floor diagram, though there are clearly guests in concept art for the 3rd floor. We don't yet have plans for the 3rd floor but Is there some reason to think the 2nd floor would be treated differently than the 3rd?

On the 9th floor, why would they create a design with 4 employees-only roof platforms that each have doorway access from the hall? If none are intended for guest use, they could have put a locked hatchway somewhere to the very top of the building (probably exists anyway) with ladders leading down to the 4 roof platforms.

View attachment 884469

That's the original concept art. If you look at the latest one, there's no one outside, and even though the quality isn't great, it doesn't even look like there are railings at those locations, only plants. I had originally thought these would be outdoor areas, but the fact that it's being labeled as roof makes me think that at least the one on the second floor won't be accessible to guests.

As for the ones on the 9th floor, given the architectural roof, it might've not been possible to add a ladder. Visually, it would also detract from the building to have ladders with cages around it coming down from the roof. Also, doors are significantly safer than ladders, especially if workers will need to be carrying tools.

 

[Salokin]

I mean that’s fair. I think if there’s one true thing about us fans is what makes one group happy, upsets another. I never found GCH busy to the point of being annoyed by it (the pools were another thing ) so for me, I’d rather there be more things in the lobby area even if that means more visitors. I also thought that making the Poly tower lobby a bit more of a destination would have taken away some of the crowds from the main lobby, too. But I’m sure some will be happier with the thought of this lobby being just a check-in space, making for a calmer atmosphere.

I agree with everything you’ve said there, other than pools bit, luckily not had that problem…..yet! Not sure how relevant if at all but at the back of my mind I can’t help but feel that parts of this building are going to be locked down BLT style.

 

[supercarrie]

Hi all, reporting from the expo! No real info to share, the guides were busy chatting with guests so I will check back later to see what info I can get (appears to be nothing new, just general chit chat!)

They do have some new photos up as well as samples of the lighting! More to come later, hopefully!

 

[tjkraz]

That's the original concept art. If you look at the latest one, there's no one outside, and even though the quality isn't great, it doesn't even look like there are railings at those locations, only plants. I had originally thought these would be outdoor areas, but the fact that it's being labeled as roof makes me think that at least the one on the second floor won't be accessible to guests.

As for the ones on the 9th floor, given the architectural roof, it might've not been possible to add a ladder. Visually, it would also detract from the building to have ladders with cages around it coming down from the roof. Also, doors are significantly safer than ladders, especially if workers will need to be carrying tools.

Good point. Guess we'll see...

If anything, this would seem to represent a change in direction from Disney. The original concepts clearly had those as guest-accessible areas. Perhaps Disney decided that the logistics of having a dozen different open platforms scattered throughout the resort were too difficult to police.

 

[maui22]

I mean that’s fair. I think if there’s one true thing about us fans is what makes one group happy, upsets another. I never found GCH busy to the point of being annoyed by it (the pools were another thing ) so for me, I’d rather there be more things in the lobby area even if that means more visitors. I also thought that making the Poly tower lobby a bit more of a destination would have taken away some of the crowds from the main lobby, too. But I’m sure some will be happier with the thought of this lobby being just a check-in space, making for a calmer atmosphere.

Isn't the main reason guests resorts for the restaurants and bars?

Might GCH become slightly less busy because of Island Tower restaurant/bar (at least for the first year or two)?

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Hi all, reporting from the expo! No real info to share, the guides were busy chatting with guests so I will check back later to see what info I can get (appears to be nothing new, just general chit chat!)

They do have some new photos up as well as samples of the lighting! More to come later, hopefully!

Wait a dang second, there’s some restaurant pics there! Looks like interior and exterior images? And what the completed splash pad area should look like? The restaurant in particular looks fantastic (sorry for the terrible zoom of your pics @supercarrie)

Isn't the main reason guests resorts for the restaurants and bars?

Might GCH become slightly less busy because of Island Tower restaurant/bar (at least for the first year or two)?

Given the above renderings, I’d say you make a great point!

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Not sure how relevant if at all but at the back of my mind I can’t help but feel that parts of this building are going to be locked down BLT style.

Can you elaborate on that?

 

[supercarrie]

Wait a dang second, there’s some restaurant pics there! Looks like interior and exterior images? And what the completed splash pad area should look like? The restaurant in particular looks fantastic

Given the above renderings, I’d say you make a great point!

I am going back for more close ups! I was rushing to another panel but more to come!

 

[Salokin]

Wait a dang second, there’s some restaurant pics there! Looks like interior and exterior images? And what the completed splash pad area should look like? The restaurant in particular looks fantastic (sorry for the terrible zoom of your pics @supercarrie)

View attachment 884506
View attachment 884507

Given the above renderings, I’d say you make a great point!

Great spot, close ups needed if poss please, thanks!

 

[Salokin]

Can you elaborate on that?

Just with pool etc access is restricted to residents.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Great spot, close ups needed if poss please, thanks!

I zoomed a bit on her original photos and added to my post, can see it a bit better but definitely can’t wait to see @supercarrie get some better images when she can!

 

[supercarrie]

I zoomed a bit on her original photos and added to my post, can see it a bit better but definitely can’t wait to see @supercarrie get some better images when she can!

On it! Waiting to see the new DCL stuff and then will pop back over. I was in such a hurry to see the new Imagineering displays!!

 

[supercarrie]

Here are the closeups! Sorry, I am short and they have them up high lol. Chatted with my guide who was there and he had nothing to say apart from that they are excited and that the wide photo is of the restaurant. He did hook me up with another drawstring bag and some new sticker sheets. Let me know if you want anything else!

 

[Salokin]

Here are the closeups! Sorry, I am short and they have them up high lol. Chatted with my guide who was there and he had nothing to say apart from that they are excited and that the wide photo is of the restaurant. He did hook me up with another drawstring bag and some new sticker sheets. Let me know if you want anything else!

Great work!

Oh my days that splash area

 

[bdphill22]

So that's clearly not a waterfall in the lobby with the higher res picture here. Looks like textured wall with designs in it.

 

[Ruttangel]

Here are the closeups! Sorry, I am short and they have them up high lol. Chatted with my guide who was there and he had nothing to say apart from that they are excited and that the wide photo is of the restaurant. He did hook me up with another drawstring bag and some new sticker sheets. Let me know if you want anything else!

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

Here are the closeups! Sorry, I am short and they have them up high lol. Chatted with my guide who was there and he had nothing to say apart from that they are excited and that the wide photo is of the restaurant. He did hook me up with another drawstring bag and some new sticker sheets. Let me know if you want anything else!

This is great, thank you!

Also, does it look like there’s a little waterfall ledge/water element around the exterior of the restaurant or am I reading into it?

 

[supercarrie]

This is great, thank you!

Also, does it look like there’s a little waterfall ledge/water element around the exterior of the restaurant or am I reading into it?

That’s how it looks to me! A shallow water feature.

 

[SugarSweetLee]

That’s how it looks to me! A shallow water feature.

A little infinity edge dealie?

Thanks for the pics, you did great! I'm so jelly you're at D23 Hope there was exciting news for DCL and all the other panels you get to attend!

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

That’s how it looks to me! A shallow water feature.

Ok maybe DVD has a couple little secrets up their sleeve still! I guess if we couldn’t have the infinity pool, it’s nice they might be keeping that dynamic element somewhere.