Hello Dis Board members.
I've just returned from 10 days at the Polynesian on my first solo trip ever. I have to say that WDW has changed in many ways that I find disheartening. So lets get to them first: Number one thing I found that really gets to me is the generic branding 'Disney Parks'…it was hard to find the name 'Walt' at WDW. Its disappearing. I was told by several very long time employees that this is a conscious move by the higher ups. With the removing of Walt's name goes the philosophy of his dream as well. "Disney Parks" is everywhere, on all shopping bags, all cocktail napkins, and on many CMs shirts just to give an example. This bummed me out because I was at the one and only 'Walt Disney World' not Paris or Hong Kong.
The other thing I noticed that was troubling was the absence of resort specific merchandise. The Contemporary had nada, zip, not a single item of clothing, a cap, a mug, nutin. And to top that off the CM didn't know, and didn't care. The newbies are clueless while the old timers retain the tradition of curtesy and efficiency. Typhoon Lagoon had not a single item that said Typhoon Lagoon on it. On the other hand the WL had tons of stuff and The Poly finally added enough items with the logo as a keepsake at the end of my stay to make me happy.
Lastly, I think they made a mess of the Polynesian by ripping out the fountain in the lobby and throwing it in the trash. And bulldozing Sunset Point where soooooo many memories are in the hearts of thousands was a thoughtless corporate blunder. The bungalows are hideous up close. With that said I am not opposed to DVC, just the greedily way they plopped them down in everyones's view.
OK, now that the negative part is over let me explain the positive. My time at the Polynesian and resort wide was fabulous, the weather was wonderful, not so brutally hot as I expected, the resort was empty and the staff was unbelievable. Everywhere I went and being solo I went everywhere... I encountered amazing people who work for the mouse. ALL of em were pleasant and many of them particularly the old timers were the highlight of my visit. I spent most of my time around the Lagoon and zipping into the MK. The MK was just so well maintained, spotless, decorated to the max, totally uncrowded, 10 minute wait for nearly everything during those 10 days. It was a beautiful time all around.
I am a photographer and I have made a film for all of you who love the world. Its 11 minutes. It's enjoyable to watch for those of us that love the magic. It moves well and there are some very beautiful images included. I hope you will watch and enjoy. I made it for you all who love WDW as I do. Please watch it in HD/full screen. It works only on a computer and not smart phones. If anyone has any questions about my time there feel free to ask.
Tim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDjdbRcEHU&feature=em-upload_owner
I've just returned from 10 days at the Polynesian on my first solo trip ever. I have to say that WDW has changed in many ways that I find disheartening. So lets get to them first: Number one thing I found that really gets to me is the generic branding 'Disney Parks'…it was hard to find the name 'Walt' at WDW. Its disappearing. I was told by several very long time employees that this is a conscious move by the higher ups. With the removing of Walt's name goes the philosophy of his dream as well. "Disney Parks" is everywhere, on all shopping bags, all cocktail napkins, and on many CMs shirts just to give an example. This bummed me out because I was at the one and only 'Walt Disney World' not Paris or Hong Kong.
The other thing I noticed that was troubling was the absence of resort specific merchandise. The Contemporary had nada, zip, not a single item of clothing, a cap, a mug, nutin. And to top that off the CM didn't know, and didn't care. The newbies are clueless while the old timers retain the tradition of curtesy and efficiency. Typhoon Lagoon had not a single item that said Typhoon Lagoon on it. On the other hand the WL had tons of stuff and The Poly finally added enough items with the logo as a keepsake at the end of my stay to make me happy.
Lastly, I think they made a mess of the Polynesian by ripping out the fountain in the lobby and throwing it in the trash. And bulldozing Sunset Point where soooooo many memories are in the hearts of thousands was a thoughtless corporate blunder. The bungalows are hideous up close. With that said I am not opposed to DVC, just the greedily way they plopped them down in everyones's view.
OK, now that the negative part is over let me explain the positive. My time at the Polynesian and resort wide was fabulous, the weather was wonderful, not so brutally hot as I expected, the resort was empty and the staff was unbelievable. Everywhere I went and being solo I went everywhere... I encountered amazing people who work for the mouse. ALL of em were pleasant and many of them particularly the old timers were the highlight of my visit. I spent most of my time around the Lagoon and zipping into the MK. The MK was just so well maintained, spotless, decorated to the max, totally uncrowded, 10 minute wait for nearly everything during those 10 days. It was a beautiful time all around.
I am a photographer and I have made a film for all of you who love the world. Its 11 minutes. It's enjoyable to watch for those of us that love the magic. It moves well and there are some very beautiful images included. I hope you will watch and enjoy. I made it for you all who love WDW as I do. Please watch it in HD/full screen. It works only on a computer and not smart phones. If anyone has any questions about my time there feel free to ask.
Tim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDjdbRcEHU&feature=em-upload_owner
