Polynesian Resort: New Lobby vs Old Lobby?

[brocklesnar69]

I don't know where I've been, but I literally just discovered that the Polynesian has updated their lobby and removed the waterfall. I can't tell you how devastated I am. I really loved that centerpiece.

What about you? New or Old?

 

[916chipndale]

I liked the old lobby and old pool area way better. I know there are people that like the new lobby because of its openness and all of the seats, but what good are all those seats when there is nothing to really look at? While the old lobby could feel "cramped" it was beautiful. I felt like I was in the Polynesian islands, now I don't even know what I feel like I am in...

 

[POOHsie]

Some say, in design, that less is more. But in the case of the Polynesian Village Resort lobby, less is just less. That pile of lava rock that's in the first picture -- is that a fountain? It looks like Jurassic dinosaur droppings.

 

[brocklesnar69]

Some say, in design, that less is more. But in the case of the Polynesian Village Resort lobby, less is just less. That pile of lava rock that's in the first picture -- is that a fountain? It looks like Jurassic dinosaur droppings.

It's just too bad they couldn't have updated and redesigned the waterfall/pond, instead of completely getting rid of it. It was seriously one of the main things I always looked forward to when going there. As is, the pile of dino turds...... I'm so dismayed.

 

[ppiew]

To me it just looks cheap and like a hundred other lobbies - nothing special or unique at all. Sorry

 

[kmb584]

I miss the old lobby and far prefer it to the new one. That waterfall was iconic and to see it gone was sad. The new is very mundane and has nothing to set it apart from others.

 

[grahamharvey1982]

I definitely prefer the old lobby with the big waterfall and all the plants. I wonder if they had issues with crowds when groups would arrive or during busy times, like check out. If so, then it makes sense to open it up like it is now. I still prefer the old look though.

 

[moonshadow]

I will need to do a walk thru in a few weeks to see how I feel about it. However at this moment I like the original lobby so much more.

 

[ElizabethB]

Just returned from our first Poly stay since the redo. The waterfall was iconic -- walking into the lobby felt exotic, cool no matter how hot it was outside, and totally lush.

Now it feels like a Hilton with a dumb statue. Who cares if there were fewer seats before? Most of the new chairs were unoccupied every time we went through the lobby. Disney is systematically un-doing the things that made it special. What's next? Re-routing the monorail so it no longer runs through the Contemporary? That way there'll be more convention space. Yippee.

 

[OKW Lover]

The new lobby is a major fail.

I much prefer the lush fountain lobby over the Hawaiian bus station lobby.

 

[cjparker0110]

I miss the old lobby. I have so many memories there. When I was a kid we always stayed at the CR, but my aunt and her family would stay at the Poly. We would often get on the monorail and go to the Poly to meet them. I was always entranced by the lobby there. I remember staying there as well one time and loving everything about it. It just kind of defined the resort. Now it looks like any hotel lobby nicer than a Holiday Inn. WDW has always done a great job with the theme of a park/hotel. I think in this case missed the mark.

 

[mickeynut1]

I haven't seen the new lobby in person, but I don't like it from the pics I've seen. I loved the original lobby with the water fall in the center as I thought that gave the Poly its own unique feature. We are returning to the Poly next summer and while I'm excited to see most of the new enhancements, I'm not thrilled about the lobby.

 

[DVC Mike]

Change happens. I just learn to accept the changes I have no control over, like this.

I do miss the old lobby.

 

[soniam]

I am so glad that I finally got to stay at Poly before they ripped out the waterfall. I had dreamed of staying there since I was a kid. I was disappointed that the birds were gone, but that was a good decision. My heart broke when I saw the new lobby. I little bit of my inner child died Now, if Disney gets ride of the Enchanted Tiki Room, I will have a conniption fit I do like the Pineapple Lanai, and Trader Sam's looks really cool.

 

[OKW Lover]

Just wanted to mention that the picture of the new lobby shows the center "fountain" not yet complete. Since that picture was taken they have placed a, well I don't know what to call it, Polynesian figure? on the top of it.

 

[Polydweller]

The first picture shown is inaccurate showing the lava area before it was completed. It now has a Tiki statue on the top and looks better. I think an accurate picture should be posted before asking people to make a decision.

To answer the question, I preferred the lushness but like the new openness of the lobby. A little more lushness of the centre piece would make the new lobby work better.

 

[maxiesmom]

It's just too bad they couldn't have updated and redesigned the waterfall/pond, instead of completely getting rid of it. It was seriously one of the main things I always looked forward to when going there. As is, the pile of dino turds...... I'm so dismayed.

From what I have read the old water feature was hard on the lobby--everything got damp and moldy, so that is why Disney got rid of it.

I like the look of the old, but as someone with allergies who cannot deal with a damp, musty room, I understand why they did.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

While I do miss the old lobby I do really like the new one. We just got back from a stay at the Poly and there was a lot more room and it was so much quieter.

 

[Retro Magic]

I know I'm in the minority, but I like and prefer the new lobby more. I LOVE the Tiki statue as the centrepiece.
The outside still has beautiful water features. The inside was lush yes, but nothing really special about it to me. I really like the new lighting above as well.

What I do greatly miss however, is the scent in the lobby. Why did that have to go?

 

[disny_luvr]

I feel like I'm in the minority here but I love, love, love the new lobby! We stayed at the Poly last month and I loved everything about it - the open and airy feel, the vibe, the colors, all the extra seating, etc. I spent a lot of time in the GCH and never missed the old lobby.