Interesting blog. I'm both excited and concerned about these changes.
Had the DIS existed long before I became "OKW Lover", I might have been known as "Poly Lover". I regularly stayed at the Poly on my WDW trips, often in what was then referred to as the Tonga Longhouse, which is now the Hawaii Longhouse. Yes, it was concierge back then too. The Poly was my favorite Disney Resort. Not that there were many other choices back then.
I had an opportunity to spend a night in the Hawaii Longhouse in November (thanks to some pixie dust from a very nice CM). Since owning DVC, I had only stayed at the Poly one other time since 1995. I found the exact same atmosphere that I remembered from my early visits. Same lush grounds and an exotic feel to the place.
I did know about the DVC construction happening at the Poly when I made my reservation there and was curious to see the impact. I was a bit disappointed to see that the new over the water units are going to affect the views from the Hawaii Longhouse. Perhaps once the construction is done, they will just add to the atmosphere, but for now it just doesn't look good.
I'm also going to be disappointed in the large "water feature" going away. That has always served as a soothing influence as soon as you enter the lobby. Something that gets you into the South Seas mood. I can only hope that the Imagineers are up to their usual high standards with its replacement.
I guess that is what it all comes down to, how good will the new features be.
