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.
We spent our fantastic Honeymoon week @ the Polynesian 25 July 1982, arriving thru the lobby in my wedding dress and Terry’s AF Mess Dress uniform & leaving a trail of rice behind us! This was unusual back then – before Disney became a wedding destination. Cast members came out of their offices congratulating us and exclaiming “What a great idea to come to come to Disney’s Polynesian for a honeymoon!” We’ve always felt we started the trend as it was soon after that we started seeing ads promoting Disney for weddings. :) After 32+ years of marriage, Disney’s Polynesian still holds a special place in our hearts, & we hope to return someday for our anniversary!
I really liked the rainforest setting and waterfall in the center of the lobby. It looks like they’re doing away with that to add more openness and natural light. But why remove that beautiful centerpiece concept all together? Why not expand it, make it a more breathtaking walk-though feature. That would give more natural light and give the feel of the guest service points being set in amidst waterfalls and lush tropical foliage.
I honeymooned there and have stayed many times. The Polynesian is by far my favorite resort, and there is a reason the resort is the favorite to many Disney faithful. To change the resort at all is insulting to those who have come to love the feel, look, and smells of Disney’s most popular resort. Once again Disney chooses to spend major capital to revamp an experience that doesn’t need revamping. And we the returning guests incur more price increases due all these unnecessary referbs and changes while at the same time getting a less enjoyable experience. It’s a sad time for anyone who loves the Poly.
Well put, Tom. I hope the Imagineers read our posts.
Really like all the new concept art that they released (seems like Trader Sam’s will no longer be unique to Disneyland ;) ) but I’m disappointed at the new lobby, it seems very empty and unused compared to the beautiful pond and waterfall that was there before. I would be fine if they removed that statue thing in the middle and replaced it with a “smaller” version of what was there before but it just wouldn’t be the same without the water feature.