Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort did not open with the rest of Walt Disney World back in July 2020. It has been under construction for some time now. We originally broke the news in September 2020 that the Polynesian Village Resort would not reopen until Summer 2021, but the villas would be open for DVC guests. That was followed by a refurbishment update in February 2021. Now we are finally getting a first look and a possible reopening date. Join us as we step inside for a Polynesian Village update and room reveal at Walt Disney World Resort. Let’s take a look at the TikTok video shared by Disney Parks:
Can you feel that Pacific breeze blowing? That’s because we just stepped into Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World. Pack your bags because Disney has turned this fan favorite into a Sun and Sand vacation getaway! Have a look at these new photos being shared for the first time, taking you inside a newly reimagined guest room at the resort.
Well first off, we love the color palette being used here. As Disney shares, “These reimagined spaces feature a new color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands, including details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” The rooms feature new laminate floors and re-designed bathrooms. Look closely and you might even spot some characters from the story!
You’ll also see all-new furnishings and fixtures. In the bathrooms, for instance, Disney Imagineers took inspiration from the sandy ocean floor for the tiles and carved details in the vanity. The colorful patterns found throughout the room bring a whole new energy to the space, evoking undulating ocean waves and tropical flowers.
For the sake of comparison, above is the most recent photo of the Polynesian rooms, followed by that of a DVC Villas Studio room. The current rooms have an organic, natural aesthetic that feels almost spa-like. In contrast, the DVC Villas & Bungalows have a richer, authentic Hawaiian feel with the use of the deeper colors and rich woods. There is very little intellectual property influence in either, other than subtle references to Lilo and Stitch in the artwork.
The new rooms take it to the next level with driftwood, sand and sun inspired elements and textures. The wallpaper has Maui and Moana, as well as other tribal patterns from the film “Moana”. A subtle reference to Hei Hei shows up on the backsplash of the coffee center. These rooms strike a perfect balance of luxury, themed design, and Disney characters. They look like something you’d find on the islands. Even if you hadn’t seen the movie Moana, you wouldn’t question the decor or artwork choices. It all flows so well, nothing feels forced or out of place.
The next time you pull up to the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll notice even more exciting changes. The porte cochere is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul that will feature a high pitched, open truss roof covered in a thatch style with pops of color. The Monorail station is receiving new wooden screens with tropical colors, adding to the open and airy vibe befitting of the South Seas. Inside the Great Ceremonial House, subtle references to Moana have been introduced. New cast member uniforms and the carpet at O’hana restaurant are great additions, but definitely not the only surprises the reopening will bring.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now accepting bookings beginning July 19, 2021. When you select a Standard Room beginning on that day, the images of the room details are the Moana room pictures. We did check with Disney and a CM confirmed those making reservations for July 19 will be in a Moana room.
We’ll have more to share about the developments happening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the weeks and months to come, so keep checking back with us for updates. You can also follow along on Facebook and Instagram.This exciting progress is part of the overall evolution of Disney Resort hotels, as they infuse even more Disney touches throughout. It’s just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.