The next few months are going to be an exciting time on the Disney World monorail loop!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Recently, Disney announced that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will not be reopening until the summer of 2021. This is because the resort will undergo a substantial refurbishment.
This refurb will include new Moana-inspired elements in locations like the Great Ceremonial House and the Guest rooms. Now, Disney Imagineers have shared even MORE details about this refurbishment — including concept art!
According to Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley, the “arrival experience is about to take on a whole new look with an enhanced entryway” at the Polynesian. When you arrive at the resort, you’ll be greeted by a new porte cochere that’s designed in the existing style of the Polynesian Resort.
©Disney
Imagineers drew on inspiration from the Longhouses at the Polynesian as well as colors, patterns, and textures from elsewhere in the resort. The result is the high-pitched, open-truss roof, and bold facade that you can see in the concept art! Plus, expect to see geometric and bright wooden screens along the monorail station.
Monorail at the Polynesian
But the central structure won’t be the only aspect of the entrance to receive an upgrade. The gardens and fountains surrounding the entrance will receive enhancements too, and the structure will be accented by dramatic lighting elements. Expect to see new chandeliers that look like the existing chandelier in the resort lobby!
Lighting fixtures
This work will be underway for the coming months but Imagineers note that guests can still enjoy access to the Great Ceremonial House and its open dining and shopping spots. Thank goodness!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
As a reminder, the resort is set to reopen in summer 2021 with newly refurbished guest rooms and other enhancements — like the entrance! The new porte cochere will debut just in time for the resort’s 50th anniversary on October 1st, 2021.
New Polynesian Village Resort Sign
As always, stay tuned for the latest updates about the refurbishment at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
Click here to learn more about the Moana theme for the refurbishment!
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I think it’ll look great!
But isn’t Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom ? Maybe I’m misreading.
Shan, of course, you’re right. We’ve updated the post.
Hello DFB, We are staying at the Poly (DVC) starting 10/3. We see inconsistent information on the monorail being open or closed at the resort in October. Can you advised what you know on that?
Christopher, we have seen mixed messages on this, but so far the official Disney information has been early October. We will update when we know more specifically when it will be.
Any photos/drawings of refurbished Poly rooms? I thought I read that was happening also. Thank you
Sue, I do not believe concept art has yet been released. That work will be happening through summer 2021, according to Disney.
Sorry, you should never have changed anything. Have been staying there since 1973, when it was beautiful.
If It is isn’t broke, don’t fix it. You made it look blah and you destroyed a rain forest in the lobby. Looks like a waiting room at my Doctors. Plus the lights (?) hanging from the ceiling makes me feel like I am on a fishing boat, not a Polynesian island. My daughter has a three bedroom suite there reserved for Oct. 2021, not sure we will be using it. Very disappointed.
I loved the old lobby. This looks like an office building waiting area