Vertical construction of the new Disney Vacation Club wing at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has continued, with elevator shafts taking shape.
The Spirit of Aloha dinner show closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and never reopened. Disney eventually announced it was permanently closed and Luau Cove, home to the show, was demolished to make space for the new Disney Vacation Club building.
A few small trenches are surrounded by caution tape near the edge of the construction site.
Stacks of blue and green pipes have been sitting at the site for several weeks.
The building’s foundation has been carved out closer to the beach and this is where most construction is currently taking place.
Short walls of wood and concrete have been constructed within the foundation.
Only recently did a tall concrete wall go up.
More concrete walls have been added, creating elevator shafts. The rectangular openings are the openings on each floor.
The rest of the building will be constructed around the elevator shafts.
Right now, the shafts only go up three stories, but the building will be taller, as seen in the concept art below.
Two tall cranes are parked at the construction site for moving large materials.
Barriers in the lagoon beyond the beach prevent debris from floating out into the open water.
Projected to open in late 2024, the proposed vacation ownership property would complement the existing resort and evoke the spirit of the Pacific Islands.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort underwent an extensive refurbishment recently. While the standard rooms received “Moana” theming, the Vacation Club Studios got “soft goods” refurbishments, meaning just the upholstery, art, and such were updated.
The hotel received a new Monorail station and port-cochére. The entrance to the resort was redone as well to match the new structures. Kona Café recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment, with all new seating, decór, and more. The Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area and Lava Pool slide were also recently refurbished.
For more Disney Vacation Club accommodations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, check out our video tour of the Bora Bora Bungalows.
Alongside the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort turned 50 in 2021. The resort opened on October 1, 1971 with Disney’s Contemporary Resort (Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds also celebrated its 50th anniversary, but it didn’t open until November 1971).
It’s also home to the fan-favorite tiki bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Guests don’t need a reservation at the hotel to visit the on-site bars and restaurants.
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