New Poly Lobby

[DieHardJoe]

Just wondering what people thought. It seems from comments in other forums that more people are disappointed than pleased. We have stayed at the Poly a couple times many years ago when our kids were young, but we always make it a point to stop by when we're staying at a resort. Some times it's for a Kona reservation, some times just to walk around. I guess we may be in the minority because we think it looks nice and is obviously much roomier. One thing, though, that I can't tell from the pictures - Did they expand the width of the second story walkways? I had no problem with eliminating the waterfall, etc, but I thought that part of the reason was to allow more room in the walkways and eliminate some of the congestion with people waiting to be seated. But it doesn't look like they were expanded. Can anyone chime in on this? Thanks.

 

[tjkraz]

Two general comments:

1) Photos often don't do justice when it comes to a space that expansive. Most people are judging before they've seen the finished product first-hand.

2) Going by comments on Disney-centric message boards tends to yield one-sided viewpoint. Are you really seeing balanced opinions or is it the proverbial "vocal minority?"

My feelings toward the Poly are pretty neutral. The criticism I see most frequently regarding the new lobby is that some complain it "looks like any other hotel lobby." Frankly I'm not sure why that's a bad thing.

I understand the emotional attachment to certain features like the lobby fountain...but the updated facility appears to be much more functional and more 21st century than the old.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I was never a fan of the Polynesian lobby so was thrilled to see the changes. It is usable space that fits the resort well, with a fresh new look. If I got caught up over how things used to be at WDW, there would be disappointment at every corner and no reason to ever go back. So whether or not they took shortcuts in doing the refurb, I won't go into it, but I do like this redesign.

 

[wendypooh]

While I cannot answer your question as to weather the second floor has been expanded, as I've not seen it in person yet...... I will give my 2 cents on the "new lobby" - I don't like it. I LOVED the waterfall, I wish they'd have been able to remodel and somehow keep it or a version of it. I just feel like Disney, esp the resorts are all about THEMING and I feel like they are slowly moving away from that, esp. with the DVC resorts in particular - the refurb at BCV that is coming up, seems SO generic - don't like it either. Heck, I remember when all the stores on main street were unique and not one giant store with ONLY disney items. I don't oppose, but maybe a couple of stores, NOT every store - but the uniqueness of how it used to be is lost, I just don't want to see that continuing. Some things don't need to be brought into the 21st century, nostalgia is part of the reason I love Disney so much.

OK, back to your question, hopefully someone knows the answer......... sorry for the "rant"!!!

 

[colleen costello]

HI. We are just back from a lovely overnight trip and one of my main goals for the visit was SPYING on the new lobby. I would swear the "footprint" has not changed. You can see all the giant support beams and to me the railings seem to all be in the same place. The space is now very different so I could be wrong, but I think the layout is the same. That said, there does seem to be more space for humans now. Tons of seating and floor space.

Wendypooh I was also heartbroken to hear they were "messing with" my favorite spot in the universe. I wanted them to leave it be. So I entered with great trepidation. But the new space really is beautiful. I found it hard to hate it because it is STILL the place we love. Boutiki is still there, and Kona Cafe and Ohana. There are enough recognizable elements to see "It is still the same place, even though different." When all the construction out back is done, we think the resort will be fabulous. When you enter, what immediately strikes you is all the light and the beautiful COLOR. They have added this gorgeous orange-y red in fabrics and flowers and I just loved it. So while I will never say I am GLAD they changed things, I was pleasantly surprised/relieved at how it's all looking. I sent Tikiman a ton of pics and they are on his Facebook page if you want to peek. And I agree that photos do not do it justice. You had better plan a visit!

 

[tink'smom2B]

We always make it a point to go to the Poly every time we stay in WDW. I loved the waterfall and the tropical oasis that was there. It's only my opinion, and I haven't seen it in person, but the photo on Tikiman's facebook page makes the lobby look like the inside of an old shopping mall. Not a fan.

 

[MulanMom]

We visited the Poly this past week during our WDW visit. The lobby is nice...it's freshened up and more contemporary in styling. More open on the first floor and much more seating room. I like the uniqueness of the lights but....there's no "wow" factor like the lobbies the other monorail resorts have. There is a small, scaled down water feature in the center that I wish they didn't even include as it's a reminder of the huge tropical feature that used to be there.

 

[wendypooh]

HI. We are just back from a lovely overnight trip and one of my main goals for the visit was SPYING on the new lobby. I would swear the "footprint" has not changed. You can see all the giant support beams and to me the railings seem to all be in the same place. The space is now very different so I could be wrong, but I think the layout is the same. That said, there does seem to be more space for humans now. Tons of seating and floor space.

Wendypooh I was also heartbroken to hear they were "messing with" my favorite spot in the universe. I wanted them to leave it be. So I entered with great trepidation. But the new space really is beautiful. I found it hard to hate it because it is STILL the place we love. Boutiki is still there, and Kona Cafe and Ohana. There are enough recognizable elements to see "It is still the same place, even though different." When all the construction out back is done, we think the resort will be fabulous. When you enter, what immediately strikes you is all the light and the beautiful COLOR. They have added this gorgeous orange-y red in fabrics and flowers and I just loved it. So while I will never say I am GLAD they changed things, I was pleasantly surprised/relieved at how it's all looking. I sent Tikiman a ton of pics and they are on his Facebook page if you want to peek. And I agree that photos do not do it justice. You had better plan a visit!

Colleen, Thank You for the information. I'm glad to know it's still just as beautiful. I just have so many childhood memories of the Poly and the waterfall.... it's just sad to know it's gone. I'm going to go look at Tikimans site for your pics - Thanks for sharing!!! (I'll post my own from our trip in May!!)

 

[DenLo]

The old one was very outdated and my sinuses were assaulted every time I entered the lobby from all the mold. It also felt cramped. I really like the new lobby. It is open and people can meet or wait in comfort. There is a small fountain that will have the Poly Tiki sitting on top of it. But it is not the feature that the original fountain. Instead the feature of the lobby is a meeting area for guests. That is one of the things I really like about WL, AK Jambo House, AKV Kidani Village and GF/VGF are sometimes used in that manner.

The upper area hasn't really changed though. But I do not know if there are plans to remodel as well.

 

[jade1]

 

[ercrbc]

Thank you for the pictures Jade1!!! I have to admit, I haven't spent too much time in the lobby of the Poly to really know what all has changed, other than the big fountain. I think it looks nice, and I love the big beautiful tree

We will be at BLT next week and I made reservations to drop the kids at the Neverland club one night. I will definitely look around and try to take some pics while we are there!