ART and (Polynesian) LIFE

   The Polynesian resort has offered many perks to guests that have paid the premium to stay in one of the original Magic Kingdom area resorts.  Let's take a look at some of this incredible artwork showcasing the resort, which was provided on some of the stationary at the Polynesian during the 1990's.

    These are various cards provided along with envelopes (the envelopes themselves had no markings of the resort on them) to send greetings to your friends and family back home.  All you need to do is then stamp it, and make your way to the fantastic mailbox located in the Great Ceremonial House to send it off.  I, for one, would just hoard them for myself, and I am glad I did.

     It is easy to overlook some the individual offerings that were once presented to guests, which we now longingly look upon as relics that occupy our minds with wonderful thoughts when we think about the Walt Disney World of the past.  Thanks for looking, and let us never forget the things that made us fall in love with Walt Disney World in the first place.

Polynesian Garden

         The loss of the garden waterfall in the Great Ceremonial House at the newly renamed Polynesian Village Resort was lamented by many individuals including me, of course.  Now that it is gone for good, I wanted to take a look back at the last time I was able to experience the lobby before I would return to find a walled off, crazy , Epic Mickey version of the Great Ceremonial House during my next visit.
        I have not experienced the new lobby in person yet, and look forward to the eventual completion of the re-imagineered area to be able to pass complete judgement.  The only way I will be able to form an honest opinion is to visit in person and see if I feel what I felt all the times I stayed at that resort, as well as the many times I made the trek over because I love it so much. 
       Many of the additions are a big plus to this resort, including Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, the new pool area (even though it will be gated off to the non resort guest) including a hot tub, and hopefully the reopening of the Tangaroa Terrace in some way.  I just hope all the good will out way the things I feel detract from what the resort used to represent.  
      Today was the day I actually came to the realization that I will never have the opportunity to stay at the resort that I grew up loving so much again.  I have been completely priced out of the resort I gerw up staying at most of my childhood.  The Polynesian was synonymous with Walt Disney World for me.  Even when I was was older and had to make my own way to Walt Disney World, I made it a point to spend the extra money and stay where I loved, when I could.  Now with discounts few and far in between, only the families with a significant disposable income will be able to afford even the lowest priced rooms, which is a real shame.
     Anyhow, enjoy my last trip around the Great Ceremonial House with me and store it in your memory banks because that, and youtube, are the only places to see it anymore.  Thanks for watching!

Polynesin Village Resort construction photos

October 4th, 2014

   
       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.

Entrance pond on the right, used to be koi in there

Looking back toward the parking lot

This seating area by the marina looks awesome.

This is looking at what was the staircase on the opposite side of O'hana

This would be looking over the waterfall to the monorail station on the 2nd level, walls are up both stories

Kona is around that corner

     

Looking from dock over beach towards the pool

This is the longhouse that the concierge lounge is located in, and to the left is the volcano pool area

Looking west over Nanea pool area

A small walkway next to Hawaii to get to the beach

The Bungalows

I do like the how the gable wood patterns mirror the original longhouses,

The asphalt shingles look way off, does not flow with the red steel roofing of the other longhouses

Fence running along the Tokelau building

Renovations of the Tokelau rooms

I hope that this space gets used again, what a great atmosphere inside and out.

Looking across from the Grand Floridian

Volcano demolition

This is a lot of concrete and re-bar to come down

Door under the volcano

Looking straight back at the Great Ceremonial House

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!