Disney's Polynesian Resort's Lobby Redesign

So, by now, many Disney fans know that the classic Polynesian Resort is getting some big updates in the next few years. Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar from the The Disneyland Hotel in California will be making it's way to the Poly, in the form of Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. 

Other changes to the resort include the classic the Neverland Club, and DVC Villas for the resort. They're are many other updates, for more information, I'd seriously recommend going to the Tikiman Pages. He has everything about the Polynesain. From the history to hotel rooms to future construction.

But, back to topic. I'm looking at a redesign of a redesign today. Probably the most controversial change coming to the resort so far is the new Grand Ceremonial House (Lobby) for the Resort. Where the Waterfall will go from the classic rock fountain that has been there since the beginnings of the resort.

To a much smaller, rock fountain with a giant tiki on top.

To the several fan communities dismay, this makes the hotel look like "A knock-off hotel in Hawaii" type lobby, saying that the waterfall is what really makes the Polynesian Resort. But on Disney's standpoint, the new Tiki design really takes up less space, opening the middle of the resort, for better traffic flow, also giving it a fresh look.

So, to make everyone happy, I have a nice compromise tht the fanboys will love, keeping the "Old School" look of the Polynesian. But also giving it a fresh, new look that free's up space, like Disney would prefer.

I came up with a tall, 3 tier waterfall, using the same style rock work that is in Polynesian Lobby today. I made the waterfall flow into a pond in the front of the lobby, and surrounded it by tropical plants and flowers.

Also, if you notice, I have laminar fountains popping out of the top tiers of the Grand Ceremonial House's first floor. Two fountains going into the fountain, with two "jumping" from one post to the next, and at night, "jumping" in different colors using LED lights.

I got inspiration for this from the "Magic Fountain" Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.

The new fountain will be the same size(wide) as the new Tiki design released by Disney in the center,  but about 10-15 feet wider for the pond near the enterance.  Giving Disney the space in that area that they would like. So, Clearly, this is a great compromise is design, and a nice addition to the Polynesian Resort.

Stay tuned this weekend for a new take on the Contemporary Resort's Grand Canyon Concourse!