Poly and Contemp way to 70's

[Jen D]

although I loved the experience I must agree that it's certainly a flashback to the 70's.

You guys keep saying it like it is a bad thing!!

I agree both are a 70's flashback-- my husband and I (kids of the 70s) were delighted with the tiki-torch fabulousness of the Polynesian and the sans serif fonts... and the Contemporary--- just epitomizes early seventies optimistic COOL. Just because something is of its time doesn't make it bad-- I think both resorts are well kept up and regularly renovated-- no need not to enjoy them for the time they were created. As long as they are well kept up as deluxe resorts, why not embrace them for having a little history?

 

[BrianD]

I'll agree about the Contemporary. As far as I'm concerned, they can tear it down and build a really cool resort there. (I'm sure I'll get blasted for that. LOL) As for the Poly, I love it. It doesn't seem 70's to me, it just needs constant refurbishment because it is over 30 years old. As for the GF, I love that resort too. It is very much a contrast to the Poly (& the Contemporary).

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I have to agree with the original poster about the Contempory. It really does need an update. The Poly on the other hand is lovely. Very magical, especially at night.

 

[cinmell]

I wouldn't change anything about the Contemporary or the Polynesian!

 

[Tess]

Fortunately, we don't pay as much for Polynesian and/or Contemporary as we do for GF. In fact, we've consistently paid less for Polynesian than any of the other deluxe resorts--not that we wouldn't pay it--the cost is just less for some reason.

If you enjoyed your stay at Polynesian, perhaps it's just not your flavor. I liked the GF, loved the colors, style, service, (not the pool--it was pre-newly built pool days), location, etc.--ditto those sentiments for BC and BWI (minus the pool detraction)--I just feel so peaceful at Polynesian, yet right in the middle of the action--the grounds and Tiki torches at night, the music--it's home to us. . .at least what we wish home would be!

 

[Margaret West]

Just remember one thing. These are "themed resorts". The Contemporary IS Contemporary and I think it is just great. Sure it may need some repairs but I like the "70's" theme. The Polynesian IS Polynesian and is themed appropriatley (sp?). Does need a few repairs though. The GRAND Floridian is just that, GRAND. It is all in what you want. Just like flavors of ice cream.

 

[SeaSpray]

.... The Polynesian Resort is NOT "70's", it is TRADITIONAL, AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN.

If you go to Hawaii, you will see brand new resorts that look exactly like the Polynesian does. Some of the carpet may be old at the Polynesian resort, but they are refurbishing the longhouses right now and these minor "problems" will be taken care of.

Now as for the Contemporary, that is definitely "the past's view of what the future will look like". But I still think it's cool

 

[wdwphanatic]

I think both the CR and Poly are very 70s, and despite the fact that I grew up during the decade -- and visited both resorts during what, imho, was their heyday -- am not particularly interested in returning to a hotel that evokes that time period. I find the newer resorts much more appealing, and am actually astounded at the rack rates Disney charges for these two properties. I have visited both hotels several times during the last few years (though in all fairness have not stayed in either), and find them pretty dated and in need of serious updating. To me, the Poly is worse than the CR because I love the theme of that resort and am saddened that it looks so dingy and smells so bad. The CR never really appealed to me that much -- too sterile and cold, imo -- so it's 70s feel and retro look isn't as disturbing.

All that being said, however, the GF is really not my cup of tea either. I find it bland and a bit hoity-toity, as some of the other posters have said... And Disney charges WAAAYYYY too much for that place, too! Personally, I think the best themed resorts are WL and AKL. If I were going to spend money on a deluxe, they'd definitely be near the top of my list. I also love the convenience of the Epcot reports. To me, the Beach & Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn resorts are far superior and a better value despite the fact that they have smaller rooms than the Poly and CR, are not monorail resorts and don't have as "unique" theming as the Poly and CR.

As others have said, however, it's great that Disney has so many options for its guests. We all have our preferences and while the CR and Poly obviously appeal to many people on these boards (and elsewhere!), BC/YC, WL, AKL, GF and the rest may be the "perfect resort" for others! It's interesting to hear everyone's perspectives, though... That's why I love the Dis!!!

Happy trails,
Sarah

 

[Planogirl]

I agree with Seaspray. There's lots of resorts in Hawaii that look much like the Polynesian, that's just the style.

Does anyone here realize that the Grand Floridian is a copy at least in style of a resort that's over 100 years old? And this old resort is one of the most immaculate I've ever seen.
http://www.hoteldel.com/images/home_main.jpg

 

[HauntedMansionFan]

Isn't it the Hotel Del Coronado in California that it is modeled after?

 

[Planogirl]

Yes, it is the Hotel Del and this resort definitely took my breath away when I saw it. The Grand Floridian is nice but doesn't have the sparkle and perfection of the Hotel Del IMO.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

But the Grand Floridian is supposed to copy the victorian look of the past isn't it? I was under the impression that The Contemporary was Disney's hotel of the future? High tech and all that jazz. Right now I don't think it reflects that anymore. Unless it is suppose to stay the look of the seventies era forever it needs to be updated.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I like the theme of the Poly, but I think it does need a rehab. I don't mind a slightly retro look, as long as the rooms are clean and fresh. Once it's redone then I'll probably stay there.

I don't really like the theme of the Contemporary, I always feel like I'm in an airport, but the location is good. We're considering it for our next trip in April. Not for the beauty of it, but for the convienence.

In my opinion, the GF is also in need of "something". I don't know what, but our last 2 trips there just left me feeling a little blah.

The YC is the most beautiful and clean resort at WDW. (IMO) If our kids were a little older we'd be staying there every trip.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Before we bought DVC, we busted our budgets and stayed at both the CR and Poly. We loved those trips and those resorts! The CR is so cool, I think of it as very retro-cool, and the Poly is my personal idea of a lush garden paradise. If they ever add DVC to either of these resorts, we are SO there!

 

[Tikiman]

I wrote about this once before and I am not going to go thought it again but any one who says the Polynesian is 70’s has no idea of Polynesian design. I have read and studied Polynesian culture and art for a long time and I can pick out just about everything about the Polynesian and compare it to some design from one of the islands. Even the “Tiki” culture of the 50’s and 60’s (yes that is when the tiki culture was big not the 70’s) was based on actual Polynesian culture. The designers of the Polynesian spend much time in the islands researching the design. The Great Ceremonial House was designed after the Royal Assembly Lodges in Tahiti, and the longhouses were representative of actual longhouse structures. If they had done the Polynesian any other way they would not have done it justice. If you find it tacky no one is forcing you to stay there. I myself would not spend a dollar to stay at the GF. It looks like the inside of my Grandmothers house.

Just my opinion.

P.S. Yes the GF is a copy of the design of the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego which has been around since the early 1900's

Steve

 

[HeatherPage]

The term Birnbaum's Guide to WDW uses to describe the Contemporary's theme is retro-futuristic - what someone back in the 60's/70's would have thought it would be like in the future. If they wanted it modern day futuristic or even future-futuristic (yeah I know) then I guess they would have remodeled it by now. I myself am trying to decide if I want to stay in the Contemporary Tower (blow my total years allotment of DVC points for five days) the Wilderness Lodge Villas, the GF or the Polynesian. Oh, decisions, decisions!

 

[WilmaBud]

I don't think they should change either resort, other than keeping them clean and fresh. I'm not a Poly fan, but I still appreciate the history of it. I love the Contemporary and its "retro-cool" feel. I appreciate the history of both resorts. They were the 2 original resorts of WDW (I visited a few times when they were the only 2 -stayed at Contemporary). I think that in itself is really neat. I'd hate to see those resorts changed dramatically or God forbid, done away with. Newer isn't always better.

 

[DeeCeeSW]

I think the the Polynesian is perfectly lovely and shows no signs of wear and tear whatsoever. I stayed at the Contemporary in the 1970's before GF was built. I do agree that the Contemporary needs some updating, specifically the lobby. It is too dim and just a little too retro for my tastes.

You will never pay as much to stay at the Polynesian as you do at the Grand Floridian. In case you didn't notice, prices went up at GF (standard garden view) for 2003 but not at the Poly. I can't see myself paying an $40 extra per night (especially in value season) for a room that is smaller and whose design looks like a cat threw up in it (sorry for being so graphic, but all the different patterns on the walls, floors, bedspreads and such are quite dizzying).

The Contemporary was the first hotel built on the monorail and its room size shows how, back in the 70's, we all got our money's worth. The Polynesian's rooms are comparable. I love YC and BC and WL, but the rooms aren't big enough to fit my shoes, plus the furniture looks really cheap. The only appealing thing I see about them is the theming.

Just my opinion. We all have a right to it, so please try to limit the not so nice responses!

 

[DNSDisney]

IMHO
To me both resorts are living legacies of Walt Disney himself. To demolish or remake either of them would be a disgrace.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Tikiman is exactly right. I've spent a lot of time in the South Pacific - viewing many hotels - especially in Tahiti, Fiji and The Cook Islands and Disney has done an exceptional job of duplicating the Polynesian style.....right down to the "so called" musty smells! (I'm not kidding....everytime I get a wiff of that smell it reminds me of when I was in Fiji - which is a good memory!)
As far as the Contemporary - it could be considered "outdated" but I think that's great because to those of us who are old enough to remember when it was so futuristic, can now think of it as nostalgic.....kind of like why people love 50's Prime Time so much.
Just my opinion.....