I’m still hoping for a lounge, restaurant, or bar on a high floor—but I suspect the math did not pencil out for Disney, versus what they could clear on a premium view unit. Still, maybe a rooftop terrace tiki bar with dedicated elevator? They could charge a ton for the right to sip a mai tai while watching the fireworks.
While a rooftop restaurant or lounge would provide an outstanding experience and view, it is probably not in their plans. Just look at the issues that DVC has had over the years with the rooftop lounge at BLT. The logistics would be just as bad, due to no room for a full kitchen up there (just like BLT).
Also, I would not want to be in one of the villas one floor below a busy restaurant or lounge. lol
On the other hand, a concierge lounge might be the perfect fit. Which means DVC will not do it. lol
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Hoping there is a good quantity of activities in the Tower to help relieve the crowding at the Great Ceremonial House.
Some Quality themed activities would be nice, but I am kind of hoping for a more laid back environment around the new tower and pool. Leave the busy and loud activities for the main pool and GCH, as that is what they were designed for. Yes, I know the GCH can get very busy, but the new tower just will not have the room to help. A look at the first floor plans released with permit requests last year show it will have, at the most, a very small lobby area, a quick serve restaurant, an outdoor pool bar, and maybe a small store. The rest of the first floor is taken up by some villas on the north end, and backstage areas for the kitchen, housekeeping, management, etc.
I heard rumors that there may be some changes coming to the Tangaroa Terrace building. It used to be a restaurant that featured an oriental buffet, but it closed almost 30 years ago. The space is now used for weddings, meetings, and other events. Maybe it will be updated to help more with activities or even become a buffet restaurant again.
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