Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

PHOTOS: New Lobby at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Unveiled

WDWNT Author on December 19, 2014

After several months behind walls, the lobby at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was unveiled today. While not officially finished, the lobby is now functional, but will not be considered complete until the spring when the entire remodel of the hotel is finished.

The tiki icon will be added in the center when the project is completed in the Spring

New furnishings

The hidden Mickey remained

From the second floor

Some great new art in the lobby, this piece from the Disneyland Submarine Voyage

“it’s a small world”

Some art is near the elevators

Enchanted Tiki Room

The remodeling of the lobby is part of a multi-year refurbishment of the resort leading to the opening of the Polynesian Resort Villas and Bungalows in 2015.

So, what do you think?

Photos found on @Schmoofy on twitter.

New Concept Art and Details Revealed for “Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows”, Part of the Disney Vacation Club

WDWNT Author on December 11, 2014

Today, disney released concept art and details on the Disney Vacation Club expansion of the Polynesian Village Resort, now known as “Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows”.

The bungalows will be the first of their kind on any Disney property. The 20 Bungalows will sleep up to eight guests each and be just steps away from the new plunge pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, not to mention an unparalleled view of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks.

The Polynesian bungalows

On the mainland, the villas will feature largest Deluxe Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. The 360 Deluxe Studios will sleep up to five guests each and have the ability to connect to another Deluxe Studio, the first time this has been done at a Disney Vacation Club Resort. Similar to Disney Cruise Line ships and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the rooms will each have a bathroom separated into two areas, one with a shower and sink and the other with a sink and tub/shower. Plus, they also will have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort.

Inside the rooms at the Polynesian villas

The first phase of the Polynesian Villas and Bunglaows will open in early 2015.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Debuts Beautiful Waterfall Marquee to Welcome Guests

WDWNT Author on September 18, 2014

You may as well strike “Disney’s Polynesian Resort” from your vocabulary, because the name change is in full-effect now…

The waterfall is just to the left of the main motor vehicle entrance for the resort and marks the first permanent signage at the resort to reflect the new name so far. To really appreciate how nice the sight is at night with the running water and lighting, we also have a video for you to enjoy:

The name change and cosmetic overhaul of the resort is in preparation for the opening of the Disney Vacation Club wing of the resort in early 2015.

Dirk Wallen’s 9/8/14 Magic King Photo Report (& Polynesian Village!)

WDWNT Author on September 8, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom last week and has some great, newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to replace the canopy over the boat dock in the summer…

Halloween party is in full swing already, and the park is decorated for autumn

The furthest edge of the Chapeau façade is being reworked as the corridor behind the building is expected to become a regularly used path every day during parades and fireworks

The re-imagining of the hub at the Magic Kingdom continues

Sweet potato nuggets at Golden Oak are delicious… if it’s actually open

Work continues on the queue at Peter Pan’s Flight

The Seven Dwarfs Mine store is still behind walls

The Astro Orbiter is slowly being put back together and will reopen later this month

The elevator shaft is completely orange

Work continues on the DVC wing and additions at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Guests walking from the TTC will have to take a different path

Some signs around the resort have the new name and logo

A look at the current progress on the bungalows

Work has begun on the pool area as well

The outdoor Dole Whip service window, Pineapple Lenai opened last week, offering dole whip in a Tiki Room souvenir bowl!

Dirk Wallen’s 8/7/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Hub Work, Halloween Merch, Mansion Store, ETC.)

WDWNT Author on August 7, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen returns with some fantastic, newsworthy photos from the Magic Kingdom to share with us, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

The parking lot at the Vacation Club wing at the Polynesian is taking shape

Work continues on the Hub expansion at the Magic Kingdom

Halloween merchandise has arrived

This year’s shirt features Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion

Mad Hatter Mocha cake cup served at Cheshire Café

The Seven Dwarfs Mine store is closed for refurbishment, but it’s unclear if it will return as the same store or carry Seven Dwarfs merchandise currently on sale at Hundred Acre Goods

The Yankee Trader is now closed for conversion into The Haunted Mansion-themed store

6/24/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Polynesian Resort, Magic Kingdom, & Animal Kingdom)

WDWNT Author on June 24, 2014

WDWNT Reporters Joe Hogarty and John Corigliano visited Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s animal kingdom over the last few days and have plenty of exciting pictures to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Concept art for the changes at the Polynesian are decorating the walls that cover up the work in the lobby

The entrance to what will be the Disney Vacation Club wing

TRADER SAM’S!!!

Another look at the DVC building

The new look lobby in the Great Ceremonial House

Captain Cook’s new look

Seating area by the outside pool bar

More Trader Sam’s

Captain Cook’s is still closed

Work outside the arrival area at the Great Ceremonial House

A look at the bungalows

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, Anna and Elsa now meet on one side of Fairytale Hall alone, they are also no longer posing with each other

Plenty of Frozen merchandise inside Sir Mickey’s

If you’re afraid of your children going deaf from loud music, buy these

This store really needs a name change… Sir Mickey’s has nothing but female character merchandise

A long line to buy Frozen merchandise…

The Astro Orbiter and the TTA are both closed for refurbishment

The entire Astro Orbiter has been dismantled

Work continues on the massive hub overhaul at the Magic Kingdom

The Gaston fountain is starting to look a little funky… not sure if they’ll leave it for the more realistic look

Aurora now greeting guests next door to City Hall

Moving over to Animal Kingdom, there are walls up all over the park

The KODAK sign is still up…

Walls near Flame Tree Barbecue

The gate along the path from Asia to Africa, has been demolished…

Maybe a new pathway?

Walls up on Discovery Island

Walls up in Africa where the new pathway should lead

The construction area for the path goes very close to the Wildlife Express Train tracks

The path would go around Tamu Tamu Refreshments and the adjacent seating area

Thanks for the report John and Joe!

More Details Released On Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; Dole Whip Bar On The Way!

WDWNT Author on May 15, 2014

Earlier this month, we told you about big changes coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort including the resort changing its name. Well, Disney is sharing some new details and concept art of the changes on the way today:

First of all, making its debut next month is a brand new children’s activity center called Club Disney. Here, children can be supervised by Disney cast members while they play dress up, make crafts and participate in storytelling experiences while their parents have fun on their own elsewhere at the resort. The area itself looks like a child’s fairy tale brought to life, as Imagineers drew inspiration from classic Disney Little Golden Books, including “Alice In Wonderland,” “Pinocchio” and “Lady and The Tramp.” Club Disney replaces the long running Neverland Club at the resort.

Pictured above is a new food and beverage location, Pineapple Lenai kiosk, which will offer a tropical guest favorite – Dole Whip. The “Dole Whip Bar”, as we have called it in our rumor postings over the last year, will open before the end of 2014.

The resort’s Nanea Volcano pool is currently undergoing several enhancements, including expanding to include a new aquatic playground with slides for children, a new hot tub, and a larger deck with more seating for guests.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, featured in the image at the top of the post, will open in 2015.

Re-Imagined Disney’s Polynesian Resort Announced

WDWNT Author on May 2, 2014

Back in February, we posted about the closure of the Polynesian Resort lobby as it made way for a complete overhaul. Well, its now official that Disney’s Polynesian Resort is going to be completely “Re-Imagined” starting with a name change. As part of a complete re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The biggest announcement outside of the re-imagining, is that the infamous Trader Sam’s from the Disneyland Hotel is making its way to Walt Disney World as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Check out the official concept art for the re-imaging.