With Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort not reopening until Summer 2021, work on the resort’s Great Ceremonial House already began on September 28. While work seems to be moving slow, we wanted to give the Ceremonial House one last visit and say goodbye to its current state, and we invite you to come along with us! Let’s take a look at what arriving at the resort currently looks like, the monorail area, as well as the lobby. To start, you can check out a full tour of the resort’s Great Ceremonial House in our YouTube video below:
Arriving at the Resort
It is important to note that the porte cochere and front entrance is now unavailable to guests. Guests arriving by personal vehicle or Disney’s Magical Express will be directed to the right from the security kiosk, over to Pago Pago.
A sign found near the entrance read “Please pardon our appearance. This area is being refurbished for your future enjoyment.” These FAM signs have been here for quite some time now.
Monorail Platform
Beginning November 2nd, the monorail station will be closed.
Resort Entrance – Check-In Area
Beginning September 28, the Front Desk area will move to a temporary location at Pago Pago, building #11. During the refurbishment, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows will remain open for guests while the rest of the resort’s rooms receive a Moana-themed makeover.
Resort Entrance- Lobby
The new entryway is described by Disney as, “The open and airy design of the entryway will feature dramatic lighting elements, including beautiful chandeliers inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and oversized bamboo elements. The new chandeliers will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, artfully bridging interior and exterior spaces.”
We can only hope that our friend here will be sticking around through the refurbishment.
It was also noted that the lobby will be losing a few of the crossbeams found throughout the space, to create a cleaner design.
The carpet found throughout the resort may be changing to a Moana-theme, which we were able to get a sneak preview of here in the room halls.
Do you think this Hidden Mickey wall art will coming back?
BouTiki
Waterfall
Back outside, this waterfall has been welcoming guests for years. It’s unknown what changes will take place here, if any.
Resort Lobby – Hallway
Disney has not yet released what will happen to this hallway full of art and vintage tropical themed posters, but we hope that they are kept around.
Resort Photos – Nighttime
Imagineer Zack Riddley described the refurbishment of the enterance, saying, “This new entry features a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style. There’s also a bold façade that features pops of color complementing the Longhouses found throughout the resort.”
Additionally, the monorail station will be receiving new wooden screens, that will have geometric prints in tropical colors.
Disney’s Polynesian Village & Resort is one of our favorite resorts on property, and while we’re sad to see the changes come to the entrance area and the porte cochere, we’re excited for the future.
Below you can see a photo of the concept art of the updated look, which is set to debut in time for the resort hotel’s 50th anniversary.
Are you excited for the changes coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village & Resort? Let us know in the comments below.