I know a lot of different opinions about the new lobby at the Polynesian Resort are going around. Some people hate the new lobby. Some think it's OK. Some like it. The fans who are upset about the lobby are upset because they removed the grand water-feature in the center of the lobby to provide a more open lobby with more seating areas. There is a new fountain that is very small; especially compared to the original. I think the new lobby is nice. Not great, not better than before, just nice. The lobby is not 100% done yet either. The little tiki in the concept art is still coming to top the new fountain.
The fountain was removed due to problems that are not clear, whatever they were they required the fountain to be removed. Disney decided to take this opportunity to open up the lobby instead of putting in another fountain. I've been following this project from the beginning, most Disney fans were outraged when they saw the concept art. I get people's attachment to the fountain, I've stayed at this resort twice, but I don't remember ever going out of my way to see the fountain. Whenever I went to the Polynesian to eat at Ohana, or stayed there and had to take the monorail, it was just a nice view on my way to my destination.
Former lobby
From the pictures, I like the new added seating and the ability to sit under the skylight. I won't check out the new lobby for myself until my vacation on January 1st. I completely get the disappointment, hopefully the new fountain they are adding outside will be more acceptable. The new resort sign seems to be well liked among fans. I think that the new fountain is supposed to be similar as the sign, they have the same rock work with water trickling down. The difference is the sign is bigger and not awkwardly shaped. The new fountain is shaped like coals being stacked on a grill.
Current Lobby
New Entrance Sign
The new bar, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, is another part of the Polynesian renovation project that is supposed to be similar to the one at the Disneyland hotel, with a 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea theme. Many fans, including myself, are looking forward to this.
Hopefully this will make up for the new lobby. The lobby is not finished yet, so hopefully more elements will enhance it, such as the the tiki statue that's supposed to be on the new fountain. What do you think of the new lobby? Do you think it is a downgrade? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!And be sure to follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Grndcnyncncrse
The rides and attractions at Disney World are my favorite part of the experience. One thing that often stands out is the music featured in some of the attractions. Some are inspiring pieces of music that can really move me, while others are just catchy songs that I enjoy. A lot of attractions with theme songs have decreased over the years. This is my list of the ten best songs featured in a Disney World attraction. Most songs are still there, while a few are songs that no longer exist. Here are my top ten songs in no particular order:
"Canada, You're a Lifetime Journey"
This song is featured in the Circlevision 360 movie "O Canada" in the Canada pavilion at EPCOT. This song has been featured since the show debuted in 1982, but when the show was redone in 2007 the theme song was redone as well. The original version of the song had three different singers: a male singer, a female singing in English, and a female singing in French. Eva Avilla, winner of Canadian Idol, sings the current song including lyrics in English and French. I think her song is better than the original, she sings all the lyrics as opposed to being broken up into different singers.
"The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room"
This is the theme for The Enchanted Tiki Room. It opened in Disneyland in 1963 and is noted for having the first animatronic figures on a Disney attraction. Versions of this attraction exist around the world. It was brought back to Walt Disney World in 2011 after being replaced in 1998 by the ill-recieved version "Under New Management".
"There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow"
When the Carousel of Progress opened at The New York World's Fair in 1964 it featured this as its theme song during each act. The Sherman Brothers wrote this song as well as many other attraction theme songs like "Grimm Grinning Ghosts" in the Haunted Mansion. When the attraction moved to Walt Disney World in 1975 it had a new song. The sponsor of the attraction, GE, wanted a song that would encourage guests to buy their appliances today as opposed to tomorrow. GE dropped their sponsorship in 1985, but it wasn't until the attraction went through a remodel in 1994 that they brought back the original song.
"Now Is the Time"
This was the replacement song for "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" on the Carousel of Progress in 1975. The Sherman Brothers wrote this version as well, but have said that they liked the original much more. I never went on the attraction when this song existed, but I still like it. An instrumental version can still be heard throughout Tomorrowland on the people-mover.
"Delta Dream Flight"
Another attraction I never rode, but still enjoy the song. Delta sponsored Dreamflight was located in the spot currently occupied by Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. It was previously home to "If You Had Wings" from 1972-87 sponsored by Eastern Airlines. After EA dropped sponsorship it became "If You Could Fly" from 1987-89. Dreamflight was a history of aviation using simple figures. It lasted from 1989-1996 when Delta dropped their sponsorship. It was renamed "Take Flight" featuring a new song at the end, with the same singer and tune but different lyrics, until it closed in 1998 for Buzz Lightyear. The whole attraction had different songs, but the song at the end is the one I like. It's sort of cheesy and it says Delta three times so it comes across as a bit of a commercial, but I can't help but feel happy when hearing this song.
"Universe of Energy"
The original Universe of Energy, 1982-1996, was considered a very dry attraction, but it did have two memorable pieces of music. The finale featured this catchy song. Although I don't remember riding this attraction (if I ever did) the first time I listened to this song I thought it was nice.
Test Track 2.0
When Test Track was redone in 2012 the theme song for the attraction was redone as well. The original Test Track's "song" was basically banging sounds and drill noises. The refurbished ride brought with it a new song that fits in with EPCOT's inspiring music.
"Innoventions Area Music"
This music can be found throughout Future World, it is a long loop featuring different songs. Most EPCOT fans agree that this song is one of the best at Disney World. I always know I'm back in Disney World when I hear this music. The most memorable part for me begins at 6:24:
"Illuminations Soundtrack"
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth firework show debuted in 2000 for the millennium celebration. Its inspirational message is the perfect finish for a day at EPCOT, celebrating the future and the world.
"Promise"
This song is heard after the fireworks show, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, has ended as sort of a closing theme. Usually when this is played it means the park's closed so this song is the last one most guests hear. It's the perfect song to hear as you leave as it inspires that the future has many great possibilities.
What are some of your favorite Walt Disney World attraction songs? Any you agree with on my list? Comment below!
