| October 4th, 2014 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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I just recently returned fro the Happiest Place on Earth a week ago with some
construction photos I took at the Polynesian Village Resort. I haven't
delved much into recent news, but I figured that I have been very
interested in the progression of the Polynesian from what it was, to
what it is destined to become. | | | |
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| Entrance pond on the right, used to be koi in there |
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| Looking back toward the parking lot |
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| This seating area by the marina looks awesome. |
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| This is looking at what was the staircase on the opposite side of O'hana |
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| This would be looking over the waterfall to the monorail station on the 2nd level, walls are up both stories |
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| Kona is around that corner |
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| Looking from dock over beach towards the pool |
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| This is the longhouse that the concierge lounge is located in, and to the left is the volcano pool area |
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| Looking west over Nanea pool area |
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| A small walkway next to Hawaii to get to the beach |
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| The Bungalows |
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| I do like the how the gable wood patterns mirror the original longhouses, |
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| The asphalt shingles look way off, does not flow with the red steel roofing of the other longhouses |
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| Fence running along the Tokelau building |
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| Renovations of the Tokelau rooms |
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| I hope that this space gets used again, what a great atmosphere inside and out. |
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| Looking across from the Grand Floridian |
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| Volcano demolition |
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| This is a lot of concrete and re-bar to come down |
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| Door under the volcano |
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| Looking straight back at the Great Ceremonial House |
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| I am a big fan of these signs |
I am very curious as to what the resort will be like when all is said and done. I was extremely skeptical when I first heard about the changes coming, and figured that the Polynesian would not retain the charm that I had known and loved since I first stayed there in the mid eighties. Now after seeing everything that is going on with my own two eyes, me level of skepticism has waned considerably.
There are good things that are happening as well as the changes I am not so pleased about. I do lament the removal of the water feature in the Great Ceremonial House, but I believe that it will become a beautiful area once again.
The bungalows are an absolute eyesore and barely resemble the longhouses that I would have assumed that they would try to emulate. One of the main draws to staying at the Poly was the gorgeous straight on views of the Magic Kingdom, which do not exist anymore for your average guests. The views from the bungalows are going to be spectacular for the extreme minority that will be able to stay in one of those buildings.
I think the pool area will be much better than what it was. With new seating areas, a hot tub, hopefully a better poolside bar, and just and aesthetic change overall; I think I will welcome it with open arms. The changes to that area that took place 15 years ago, I was never a fan of. So to see something happen here to hopefully make it a more enjoyable space, I am all for.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out these photos. I hope when we look back on this moment in the history of this resort, we will say they did it right. I have a lot more Polynesian related content to share with you in the very near future, and anyone who is a fan of the resort will love to see. Stay tuned because I plan to start posting far more regularly soon. Have a great day!
