Poly Tower Restaurant is really nice - the rest of it,not so much

[fflmaster]

It does seem that the new Poly Tower is a hit or miss with people. No in between.

My wife and I love the Riveria. I wouldn’t say it has a lot of Disney theming, but just enough. Ironically, I would say the best themed DVC is Animal Kingdom and that is my wife’s least favorite resort.

 

[thegash35]

To be fair….you are comparing a beautifully lit evening scene with perfect exposure to an overcast wide angle midday snapshot. Of course it won’t look as nice. And yeah, I anticipate those trees will grow.

They are comparing an artists rendering to a poorly composed photograph. Even worse. But of course the rendering will look perfect it was create to sell units.

 

[Mikey15]

Well who ever did should be embarrassed.

I always wondered why my wife dislikes the Swolphin. I guess there must be something if she’s clearly not alone… but I’ve never had an issue with them.

 

[atthebeachclub]

They are comparing an artists rendering to a poorly composed photograph. Even worse. But of course the rendering will look perfect it was create to sell units.

Agreed.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Me neither! I almost look at them like Floridian inspired art structures. I have a soft spot for the Swolphin!

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

I was just at WDW and saw it in person. Nope, still looks horrendous.

We did not like the look of it when we saw it in October when we went to Ohana. I was hoping maybe they still had some finishing touches to improve it, but nope, it just looks out of place.

 

[tofubeast]

On the one hand, the taller structure rising by Caribbean Beach is jarring. On the other hand, I am not sure Disney ever really cared. Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary are all within each other's sightlines with Victorian grandeur literally next to the Pacific Islands.

For my mind the most godawful thing Disney ever constructed in Florida was that Swan and Dolphin monstrosity that looms sinisterly over Crescent lake like Bob Chapek over a Tomorrowland cabana.

I think Riviera could have gone with a more ornate 'historic hotel' theme and could have been somewhere else but its placement is no more thematically discordant to what they've previously built. Similarly, the Island tower could have tied in with the kitsch of the resort more sensitively (can kitsch be sensitive, thats the problem right?) rather than the clean concrete tower that has no architectural ties or cohesion with the classic resort.

Your middle paragraph is hilarious. Thanks for the Chapek Related laughter.

 

[tommygunn]

Me neither! I almost look at them like Floridian inspired art structures. I have a soft spot for the Swolphin

While I agree the resorts are eye sores and thematically bland, I love the food offerings there. And their food and wine festival is fantastic.

 

[muppets3d]

The tower looks like a brown Marriott. There is nothing special at all about the tower.

The building looks like a Marriott that Disney bought and renovated, rather than a building that Disney built from the ground up.

It is especially out of place on the monorail loop.

I just stayed at VGF for 8 nights and saw that tower every day. I toured it with my DVC guide. I didn't eat in the restaurant but I did go inside it a few times. I am not just going off of photos or feelings.

Yes the rooms are nice but the tower looks cheap.

 

[lukemorenus]

To each, their own I suppose

 

[SL6827]

I wouldn't put it past Disney to build a Japanese, Egyptian or a British themed DVC that's within sight of Kidani Village, if they thought they could make a killing. Theming, attention to detail, and sightlines come behind profits now.

 

[muppets3d]

I wouldn't put it past Disney to build a Japanese, Egyptian or a British themed DVC that's within sight of Kidani Village, if they thought they could make a killing. Theming, attention to detail, and sightlines come behind profits now.

The fact that they did this to the Polynesian proves you're right, even if people don't want to admit it.

I'm not even mad about the tower, I'm just mad about how un-Disney it is considering the location. "Hidden Mickeys" on a sofa does not make a Marriott a Disney hotel.

 

[bbn1122]

I have a watched some many videos of the new Island Tower. It looks gorgeous.

I recently went to Aulani and I thought it was lovely but a little dark like the Polynesian.
I completely appreciate the attention to sharing the true Hawaiian culture like Aulani. The Poly is the kitchy version from the 70s.

The rooms look lovely. The bar/ restaurant is the bomb. The view from those open verandas look phenomenal.

I enjoy Disney World’s elegant non cartoony resorts, which these days is many. Rivera being my favorite.

I’m going to Disney World these days without my children, who are grown. I appreciate the resort more than the parks.

I love Disney Springs.

So I cannot wait to stay at the Island Tower. And as a DVC member, it’s a great addition to the resort collection.

Just my three cents!

 

[MyDogTink]

Disney never constructed the Swan and Dolphin. There is a great chapter about how the Swan and Dolphin came to be in an amazing book titled Disney Wars.

https://www.amazon.com/DisneyWar-Ja...d=63175d90-3ce0-41a5-b318-15321773a9d1&nodl=1

You can also read a condensed version in the history section here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World_Swan

Is the book good? I need something for my horrendous commute.

 

[RichVIII]

Is the book good? I need something for my horrendous commute.

I loved the book (and enjoyed it via audible on my commute).


But agree with @fflmaster - it seems to be divided. But I think most new(ish) resorts seem to be divided. We are in the love it camp, but we love BLT so…lol

 

[zackiedawg]

Can anyone who's stayed or been there confirm if visiting the tower, is it possible to go up to the Terrace Gardens to look around? That would seem to give some idea of the view from the building for those curious like myself...not sure if they're restricted-access, keycard only, etc. I'll be at Disney tomorrow and was thinking of popping over for a look around on one of the days.

 

[RichVIII]

Can anyone who's stayed or been there confirm if visiting the tower, is it possible to go up to the Terrace Gardens to look around? That would seem to give some idea of the view from the building for those curious like myself...not sure if they're restricted-access, keycard only, etc. I'll be at Disney tomorrow and was thinking of popping over for a look around on one of the days.

You need a Magicband/key to get up in the elevators.

 

[zackiedawg]

I figured that might have been the case - thank you.

 

[muppets3d]

Can anyone who's stayed or been there confirm if visiting the tower, is it possible to go up to the Terrace Gardens to look around? That would seem to give some idea of the view from the building for those curious like myself...not sure if they're restricted-access, keycard only, etc. I'll be at Disney tomorrow and was thinking of popping over for a look around on one of the days.

Not only the elevators but the terraces are locked behind magic band / room key swipe.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

I'll be staying at the Poly Tower in April in a std. view 2BR LO. I think I read that those rooms are located on the lower floors. Does anyone know the highest floor for those rooms? Also, I'd like to stay away from the elevators. Any idea if there is a map showing where they are located?