This probably isn’t how Disney imagined it was going to go…
The Polynesian
This past May, Disney released concept art and details of the latest hotel addition and expansion to one of Walt Disney World’s original hotels, and the reaction was…not good. As Disney has released more and more concept art, fans seem to be getting more and more upset.
The Polynesian Village Resort first opened with the rest of Walt Disney World on October 1st, 1971. Along with the Contemporary Resort, the hotel was the first ever owned and operated by the company (the Disneyland Hotel didn’t actually come under Disney control until the mid-80s) and became a benchmark for the company’s resorts. Over the past 50 years, the Polynesian (as fans refer to it) has become beloved and iconic for its intricate theming and unique architecture.
The Polynesian lobby
In the early 2020s, Disney began work on a new Disney Vacation Club tower addition to the Polynesian hotel. As construction wore on, some hoped that the new tower would fit in thematically with the rest of the hotel, while others feared that it would skew to Disney’s recent “modern” hotel design principles. Once details were revealed, the latter group believed they were correct.
The Island Tower under construction.
When Disney officially announced the opening details and released concept art of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the company said in a statement that the tower would “complete the vision created by Disney Imagineers decades ago while embracing the rich culture from the Polynesian Islands.” However, many fans didn’t see it that way, with some taking to social media to decry the “modern-Marriott aesthetics” the company went with.
Lobby Concept Art ©Disney
On our Facebook page alone, there was a deluge of comments about the tower’s design. Reader Mallory offered a diplomatic critique, writing “It’s beautiful, I’m not shorting the designers. But when I go to Disney I want Disney vibes. I don’t see myself ever staying here,” while fellow reader Nora was a bit more blunt: “Yep. Every time I’ve strolled through the Polynesian lobby, I’ve often thought, ‘If only this were more lifeless & beige.'”
Further Concept Art ©Disney
Jeff offered what he thought was missing from the hotel, saying, “If the outside looks like a giant concrete box the photos of the proposed interior look like….the inside of a giant concrete box. I realize that neutral palettes and minimalist decor are prevailing trends in design over the last several years. But this looks bland and sterile and like the exterior, seemingly has nothing to do with the inspiration resort next door. I think an interesting touch for this building would have been to have included the indoor waterfall and tropical gardens that were once the centerpiece of the old resort lobby. But even without that, there is a real need for some color and a feeling of life here.”
Exterior Concept Art ©Disney
To be fair, however, there were some positive comments. Reader Donna chimed in with “If it looks like that is pictured above… I like it. The shapes are Polynesian and the beige is tranquil and allows splashes of color. Doesn’t need to be in your face ** to be Polynesian,” while reader Sharlene pointed out a link to Disney history, writing, “I love it. Looks very much like the original Polynesian tower design when Walt was alive.”
Early Polynesian Resort Concept Art, Disney
While it is true that the new tower does resemble the original mid-60s plans for the hotel, there’s also no denying that the minimalist concept art we’ve seen is a far cry from the lush and detailed Polynesian that was actually built.
It’s getting closer!
Of course, like ANY Walt Disney World project, neither we nor our readers or anyone else for that matter can give a real judgement on the property until it’s actually complete and open to guests, but there’s no denying that the somewhat negative first impression of the Island Tower has left Disney with an issue on their hands. Stay tuned to DFB for more Walt Disney World construction updates.
Take a look inside the ROOMS at this new hotel here.
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What did you think of the initial Island Tower concept art? Let us know in the comments below.
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I’m reserving judgment until I see the plantings around the buildings and in the lobby, the final colors and ornamentation and how it feels in person rather than deciding from a picture or two. Let’s hope the finished product will be a little more exciting.
I love what I have seen of the new Tower and the rooms there and I am looking forward to our first stay there.
I love what I have seen after taking the virtual tour of Tower, and can’t wait until we stay there.
After taking the Virtual tour of the tower rooms, I can’t wait until we stay there!
I loved what I saw and can’t wait to stay there!
Love it! Can’t wait to stay there!
The DVC tours are usually bland, sleek, and contemporary. If you want it to be themey, check into the original Polynesian Resort. I prefer the resorts not the DVC “condos.” Did these same people protest the tower next to Space Mountain?
It’s a big box that is a blight on the lake
I’ve seen this building up close and it is an ABOMINATION!!!!!
I love it. But I also love the Gran Destino Tower. After so much Disney stimulation all day in the parks, I like coming back to a more subdued Disney experience.
The building was a mistake from the beginning and destroyed a wonderful transition between properties. No building on Poly property should be taller than the Grand Ceremonial House. Just think about how busy the Polynesian and Grand Floridian restaurants are going to become as a result of all these additional guests because the new building won’t have adequate F&B venues to accommodate them. Be prepared for an overwhelmed transportation system at the Polynesian and potentially the Grand Floridian because the walk isn’t any further.
It was an easy and cheap decision for Disney to add a building to an existing resort that already had all the infrastructure in place. I’ve always questioned why anyone bought into DVC at the Polynesian because it was only studios with the exception of the bungalows in which few owners have the points to stay in bungalows. So there was certainly justification for more DVC rooms, I just hate the execution.
And the reason they couldn’t keep the luau is…why?
I’m also reserving judgement until the tower opens, but even so, I have to say that the concept art for the lobby is very beige. Hopefully there’s more color that doesn’t show in the art.
There needs to be plants, plants and more plants!! Flowers and water and plants!! Yes for lobby waterfall with parrots like in years past 😊🦜
Its nice, if it were the Contemporary. The rooms are the same, very contemporary.
I think they need a trip to the Actual Polynesian area of the world, and redo it.
I’m looking for more of a Marriott or Hilton vibe. I don’t really travel to WDW for theming or “Disney stuff”; I go for the service and food!
Seems to be an un-themed building next to a themed resort. I’m beginning to think Walt might be dead.
Very disappointed so far from what I have seen. They made several mistakes right up front and then only continued through the process of executing. They lost sight of the guest and built a big hotel box that will be very pricy. 1) no lobby, not waterfall, no reason for none to just visit, take a look, have lunch, etc. it will definately not be on the Holiday Hotel Hopping list because there is no easy way to get there, the. There is not lobby, waterfall, in the lobby to decorate. It clearly did not follow the resort theming as closely as it could have, and the hidden hide away secret it once was is gone. Why did they close the Luau… I don’t get it… this place definately needs a luau and some other reason than it’s a room with a view reason to stay there. You are paying a fortune to look out your balcony the one or two nights of your stay. Very expensive for that, plus no dining options come with it. Ohana, Kona and Captain Cooks will be over run with guests and getting a reservation will be almost impossible. This decision could have easily been avoided end by adding a few long houses, maybe with a rooftop dining option and expanding the Luau to every guest through room credits.
I think it looks beautiful! If you like the “ traditional” Polynesian decor, stay in the older part of the resort, but this new building offers a more elegant option for those who prefer that. Sometimes, guests need to get a break from all the Disney busyness and have some calm at the end of a “magical” day. The Gran Torino building did not ruin the ambience of Coronado Springs. I am looking forward to staying at the new Polynesian Village Tower!!
I would have been nice to see the original lobby’s waterfall and lush plants in this area.
I’m just exhausted of all the changes. There is no sense to fight it anymore. The Disney I grew up with, brought my children to and love is gone. Those in charge only care about money, money, and how to attract more visitors from foreign countries. Because, as Chapek put it, they stay longer and spend more. That app has just added more stress. Each year, more and more has to be planned so far in advance, its not enjoyable and there is no relaxing at WDW. My husband and I, years ago when we brought our kids, jokingly called Disney a “working vacation”, just to get the kids to see everything they wanted. And it was much easier back then! Our now grown children have told us they don’t want our DVC membership. They are no longer interested in going to Disney. We’ve been priced out of annual passes and instead are AP at other parks. I know, we are no loss and others will say “good, more for us” and its true. It just leaves me sad to know my beloved Disney is no longer.
After they destroyed the original lobby, I decided to never stay there again. This new addition plus the private bungalows blocking the ever shrinking beach area only solidifies my decision.
Should have kept the luau, one of the best parts of Polynesian.
Loved the tropical 🌴 feeling like you just stepped into another world, . A true “I’m on Vacation now” feeling. The new one is like, Any other hotel anywhere else, Nothing Special or Magical. Sad