Renovation is now in full swing at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with lots of noticeable changes taking place. A new traffic light has been installed near the entrance, though it is not yet operational.
The scrims that hide the work going on near the entrance including the new resort sign have been changed from an image of the concept drawings of that sign to decorative foliage scrims which have been put up all over the property.
The major changes to the Grand Ceremonial House that have taken place over the last couple of months leave little room for more, but a temporary section of wall has been added to the ‘Ohana waiting area while another has been removed.
Downstairs, the former exit to the pool area has been blocked off. The exits are now under the main staircase and near the former Captain Cook’s.
Outside, the back wall of the former Captain Cook’s has been removed to allow for expansion and the waterfall and creek that we thought might stay safe is gone.
Decorative scrims have been added to the fencing and guests must walk through the center of the property near the quiet pool to reach the longhouses.
The Nanea Pool area is now closed for major refurbishment. It has been completely fenced in and some of the beach is now inaccessible.
Guests of the Polynesian who stay during the pool closure will be offered several “upgraded” options including free admission to Blizzard Beach for the duration of their stay. The guests’ admission will include a dedicated bus and park entrance as well as complimentary towels and use of their refillable mugs at the water park. When Blizzard Beach closes for refurbishment later this year, accommodations will be switched to Typhoon Lagoon. The quiet pool will remain open, and guests are not allowed to pool hop to the other resorts nearby.
Construction continues on the Disney Vacation Club bungalows, which don’t show too many signs of development at the moment. Earlier in the week crews were seen dropping plunge pools into place, confirming rumors that the bungalows may have their own pools and explaining the large hot-tub-like structures seen sitting on the former Paradise Point.
The front of the resort remains walled on the left side with major work going on behind the walls.
