Break out your leis, grass skirts, and Trader Sam’s mugs… cause it's time to celebrate! Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, has officially revealed plans for the highly anticipated Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort update!

Can we get an “ALOHA!?!?”

A Bit of History

The beloved tiki-clad hot spot has been a fan favourite since its debut on October 1st, 1971. Best known for its tropical allure, The Great Ceremonial House pays homage to the South Seas by immersing Guests and visitors in the tranquil state of “Aloha.” Since its opening, the resort has seen three major expansions:

1978 – Addition of a longhouse, the Tangaroa Terrace restaurant/support facility, and a secondary pool.

1985 – Construction of two additional longhouses.

2015 – Addition of Disney Vacation Club, and other amenities around the resort.

A New Entrance

Now, it has been revealed that the entrance experience will receive a face-lift, set to debut by Summer 2021, just in time for the hotel’s 50th anniversary.

“A new porte cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for. Our team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World have crafted a design inspired by colours, patterns and textures found throughout the resort. This new entry features a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style. There’s also a bold façade that features pops of colour complementing the Longhouses found throughout the resort.”

Highway In The Sky

Ask any Disney fan and they will tell you just how special the Monorail is to them. After all, it pretty much delivers guests of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa right to their room! And there is precisely why this update does not skimp on additions to this classic mode of transportation.

With this update, along with Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Monorail station, bold new wooden screens will be bedecked with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colours that complete an exhilarating new arrangement.

Pulsing The Greenery

But that is not all Walt Disney Imagineers have planned for Walt Disney World’s flagship hotel. It has been said that “enhancements will also be made to the lush gardens and fountains that have welcomed guests to the resort since opening day.”

Interior Meets Exterior

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will maintain its open and airy design, while showcasing theatrical lighting elements, including exquisite chandeliers that will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, craftily connecting interior and exterior spaces.  In addition, fishing nets and grandiose bamboo elements will pepper the lobby, paying homage to the resort’s origins.

Room Updates

In addition to the welcome experience and the Great Ceremonial House, the resort’s guest rooms will receive a refurb, as well.

We look forward to sharing more details about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as they become available.

Witness The Transformation

As Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort begins work on this update throughout the coming months, you can still take advantage of the resort, as well as, the Great Ceremonial House, its dining options, and retail outlets.

Fun Fact

John Lennon signed the paperwork that officially broke up The Beatles  at the Polynesian Resort on December 29, 1974

In the Tales from Adventureland book Tales from Adventureland: The Keymaster’s Quest, the Nanea volcano appears as an active volcano in Polynesia. Nanea is the name of the volcano pool in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The resort’s mascot, affectionately dubbed “Tikishrug”, is actually intended as a stylized representation of the god Maui, with material from early in the resort’s lifespan revealing the connection.