This update is as of June 12, 2014. Visit our Polynesian Construction Updates category page for the latest information.
Work continues at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (soon to be Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) with lots happening in the lobby this week, new concept art appearing in the hotel, and a look at what’s going on at the longhouses including Tokelau and Rapa Nui.
Porte Cochere
Construction has begun at the resort entrance with the left lane of the porte cochere being reserved for guests using valet parking (now $20 per day) and guests checking in, and the right lane closest to the hotel being reserved for Disney Cruise Line and Magical Express buses. The old bus lane has been torn up.
Construction walls have gone up around the left side of the entryway from behind the valet desk to the doors, blocking the view of the fountain on that side.
Grand Ceremonial House
Just inside the door, guests are met with a fully walled-off lobby. Bell Services has a temporary desk to the left, but the kids’ area has been moved past the check-in desk. The Grand Ceremonial House fountain is no longer visible from any location on either floor.
The entire center of the lobby at Grand Ceremonial House is now enclosed, leaving essentially a system of hallways around the walled-in fountain.
The Wyland Gallery is now closed, and in you must travel around the walled-in fountain area to get to the gift shop on the first floor.
As announced previously, Captain Cook’s former location has been shuttered and a new location (without a Dole Whip machine) has been temporarily constructed in an old employee lounge under the back stairs.
On the second floor, temporary ceilings have been constructed in addition to the walls so that the roof can be replaced. There’s no word on whether the solarium-type ceiling will stay or go.
The waiting area for ‘Ohana remains, and some interesting concept art depicting the resort’s future look has just been added to the walls in the area.
Disney Vacation Club Bungalows and Long Houses
Outside the Grand Ceremonial House, construction of the Disney Vacation Club bungalows continues over the waters of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The Rapa Nui, Tokelau, and Tahiti Long Houses are being converted to Disney Vacation Club rooms. Those buildings have been gutted to studs and concrete floors.
The Never Land Club
The former Never Land Club kid care location has been remodeled and will reopen on June 17 as Club Disney. Hours are 4:30 p.m. to midnight. Reservations (2 hour minimum) can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE and rates are $15.00 per hour per child. Here’s a look at the new logo and a shot at the revamped interior.
The Nanea Pool
The Polynesian’s main pool is scheduled to close at the end of July for a long remodel. Current schedules have it reopening in March of 2015, but that is of course subject to change. Guests staying at the Polynesian between closure and reopen are being offered one free day at Blizzard Beach, as well as pool hopping privileges at the Grand Floridian.
Walkways and Parking Lots
Many of the walkways around the long houses being renovated are still behind scrims and temporary fences. Walkway work will continue as the resort is changed and expanded. Due to the construction, the Polynesian will continue to require a dining or resort reservation to park there. This is expected to continue well into next year.
Stay tuned to the WDWTools blog for the latest on the Polynesian as this iconic resort undergoes a full renovation.
In the “future pictures” above, there is one that looks to be depicting where the waterfall was and there is just a picture of a statue- are they getting rid of it?
Amber, yes, they are completely removing the waterfall feature from the lobby. The statue you see has a small water feature, but that will be all that remains.
we stay every fourth of July this one was cancelled because of all the construction feel sorry for the people who are coming in from out of town to this mess..do we have to tear apart everything at the same time?
My wife and I had our honeymoon at the Polynesian in 1972. Every time (about 15 times) we and my family would go to WDW, we would stay at the Polynesian. I have seen that the center focal point (The Water Fall In the Center of the Lobby) is being taken away. “I cannot tell”, “I cannot tell” you how DISAPPOINTED my family and I am that the “Water Fall” is being removed. I have seen the artist rendition of the new lobby and it looks like a “Ramada Inn” lobby. Ever who came up with that idea, should be fired.