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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{short description|Hotel at Walt Disney World}}
{{Infobox Disney resort
{{Infobox Disney resort
| type = deluxe
| type = deluxe
| name = Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
| name = Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
| logo = Disney's Polynesian Village Logo.svg
| logo = Disney's Polynesian Village Logo.svg
| logosize = 250px
| logosize = 250px
| image = POLY Tahiti-beach.jpg
| image = POLY Tahiti-beach.jpg
| caption = Longhouses, such as the Tahiti Longhouse viewed here from the Seven Seas Lagoon, house all of the resort's rooms.
| caption = There are several longhouses, such as the Tahiti Longhouse viewed here from the Seven Seas Lagoon, which house all of the resort's rooms.
| location = Magic Kingdom Resort Area
| location = [[Magic Kingdom Resort Area]]
| status = Under Refurbishments
| status = Under Refurbishments
| opendate = {{start date and age|1971|10|1}}
| opendate = {{start date|1971|10|01}}
| theme = The Polynesian Islands
| theme = [[Polynesia]]
| sections = {{hlist
| sections = [[Rarotonga]], [[Niue]], [[Samoa]], [[Hawaii]], [[Tuvalu]], [[Fiji]], [[Aotearoa]], and [[Tonga]]
| [[Aotearoa]]
| roomnumber = 492 rooms from $630 per night.
| [[Bora Bora]] Bunglows (DVC)
| suite = Standard Suite, Honeymoon Jr. Suite, Princess Suite, Ambassador Suite, King Kamehameha Suite
| Great Ceremonial House
| floors = 2-3 (varies by building)
| [[Hawaii]]
| address = 1600 Seven Seas Drive, [[Lake Buena Vista, FL]] 32830 ([[United States of America|USA]])
| [[Moorea]] (DVC)
| phoneno. = (407) 824-2000
| [[Niue]]
| faxno. = (407) 824-3174
| [[Rarotonga]]
| greenlodge = yes
| [[Samoa]]
| transportation =
| [[Tokelau]] (DVC)
| website = {{official website}}
| [[Tonga]]
| [[Tuvalu]]
| [[Pago Pago]] (DVC)
}}
| roomnumber = 492
| suite =
| villa = 380
| free_label = Address
| free_text = 1600 Seven Seas Drive<br>[[Lake Buena Vista, Florida]]
| greenlodge = Yes
| website = {{official website}}
}}
}}
{{Infobox Disney resort
| type = DVC
| name = Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
| image = Bungalows (16740057754).jpg
|imagedimensions = 250px
| logo = Polynesian_Villas_Logo.png
| location = Magic Kingdom Resort Area
| opendate = {{start date and age|2015|4|1}}
| theme = South Seas
| sections = [[Moorea]], [[Pago Pago]], [[Tokelau]], and [[Bora Bora]]
| roomnumber = 380 priced from $1,300 per night.
| suites= Bungalows and Villas
| address = 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
| phoneno. = 407-824-3500
| greenlodge = yes
|
}}
'''Disney's Polynesian Village Resort''' (formerly the '''Polynesian Resort''' from 1985 to 2014)<ref>{{cite book |title=Walt Disney World, The First Decade |year=1982 |publisher=[[Walt Disney Productions]] |asin=B000UV4K46 |page=92}}</ref> is a [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]-owned and operated AAA Four-Diamond Award–winning<ref name="AAA_Diamond">{{cite web|title=AAA Four Diamond Hotels|url=http://www.aaa.biz/Travel_Information/Diamonds/Awards/2016/January%202016%20-%204D%20Hotels%20-%20FINAL.pdf|publisher=AAA|accessdate=January 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128041225/http://www.aaa.biz/Travel_Information/Diamonds/Awards/2016/January%202016%20-%204D%20Hotels%20-%20FINAL.pdf|archive-date=January 28, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> resort located at the [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]]. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of [[Walt Disney World Resort|Walt Disney World Resort's]] first two on-site hotels. The resort has a [[Oceania|South Seas]] theme, and originally opened with 492 rooms.<ref name="WYW_Poly">{{cite web |url=http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/poly.htm |title=The Polynesian Village Resort |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |publisher=Widen Your World |date= }}</ref> It was designed by [[Welton Becket|Welton Becket and Associates]] and constructed by [[US Steel|US Steel Realty Development]]. The resort is owned and operated by [[Disney Parks, Experiences and Products]].


'''Disney's Polynesian Village Resort''' (formerly '''Disney's Polynesian Resort''' from 1985 to 2014)<ref>{{cite book |title=Walt Disney World, The First Decade |year=1982 |publisher=[[Walt Disney Productions]] |asin=B000UV4K46 |page=92}}</ref> is a [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]-owned and operated resort located at the [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]]. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort's]] first two on-site hotels. The resort has a [[Oceania|South Seas]] theme, and originally opened with 492 rooms.<ref name="WYW_Poly">{{cite web |url=http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/poly.htm |title=The Polynesian Village Resort |access-date=May 28, 2008 |publisher=Widen Your World }}</ref> It was designed by [[Welton Becket|Welton Becket and Associates]] and constructed by [[US Steel|US Steel Realty Development]]. The resort is owned and operated by [[Disney Parks, Experiences and Products]].
Since its opening in 1971, the resort has seen three major expansions; the first in 1978, with the addition of a longhouse, the Tangaroa Terrace restaurant/support facility, and a secondary pool. A second expansion took place in 1985, with the construction of two additional longhouses. In that same year, the resort adopted the shortened name "Disney's Polynesian Resort". On May 2, 2014, it was announced that the resort would revert to the Disney's Polynesian Village Resort title while expanding further to include [[Disney Vacation Club]] accommodations as well as enhanced resort amenities. On April 1, 2015, the third expansion officially opened, including the new DVC additions and other amenities around the resort.<ref name="DVC_opens">{{cite web |url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/disneys-polynesian-villas-bungalows-makes-its-grand-opening-debut-at-walt-disney-world-resort/ |title=Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Makes its Grand Opening Debut at Walt Disney World Resort |accessdate=April 1, 2015 |publisher=Disney Parks Blog |date= }}</ref>

Since its opening in 1971, the resort has seen three major expansions; the first in 1978, with the addition of a longhouse, the Tangaroa Terrace restaurant/support facility, and a secondary pool. A second expansion took place in 1985, with the construction of two additional longhouses. In that same year, the resort adopted the shortened name "Disney's Polynesian Resort". On May 2, 2014, it was announced that the resort would revert to the Disney's Polynesian Village Resort title while expanding further to include [[Disney Vacation Club]] accommodations as well as enhanced resort amenities. On April 1, 2015, the third expansion officially opened, including the new DVC additions and other amenities around the resort.<ref name="DVC_opens">{{cite web |url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/04/disneys-polynesian-villas-bungalows-makes-its-grand-opening-debut-at-walt-disney-world-resort/ |title=Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Makes its Grand Opening Debut at Walt Disney World Resort |date=April 2015 |access-date=April 1, 2015 |publisher=Disney Parks Blog }}</ref> However, on May 10, 2024, Disney Vacation Club announced new details about a new name, '''Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows''', which will be open on December 17, 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort.


==Design==
==Design==
[[Image:Poly Tuvalu-Beach.jpg|thumb|right|A white sand beach off of <span>Disney's Polynesian Village Resort</span>, with the Tuvalu Longhouse in view]]Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is situated on the southern shore of the manmade [[Seven Seas Lagoon]], south of [[Magic Kingdom]] and adjacent to other Walt Disney World complexes, with the [[Transportation and Ticket Center]] to the east and [[Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa]] to the west.<ref name="MP_WDWGuide">{{cite web |url=http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/4_Accommodations/PR.htm |title=Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, Polynesian Resort |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |publisher=MousePlanet |date= }}</ref> The resort is on the [[Walt Disney World Monorail System|Magic Kingdom monorail loop]], providing transportation to the Magic Kingdom and [[Epcot]] (via transfer), and is part of the route for Disney's Magic Kingdom Resorts Water Launch service.<ref name="D_Transportation" /> Other Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and attractions are served by [[Disney Transport]] buses.<ref name="D_Transportation">{{cite web |url=http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQTransportationPage |title=Transportation FAQ |publisher=Walt Disney World Resort |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523090507/http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQTransportationPage |archivedate=May 23, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
[[Image:Poly Tuvalu-Beach.jpg|thumb|right|A white sand beach off <span>Disney's Polynesian Village Resort</span>, with the Tuvalu Longhouse in view]]Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is situated on the southern shore of the manmade [[Seven Seas Lagoon]], south of [[Magic Kingdom]] and adjacent to other Walt Disney World complexes, with the [[Transportation and Ticket Center]] to the east and [[Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa]] to the west.<ref name="MP_WDWGuide">{{cite web |url=http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/wdwguide/4_Accommodations/PR.htm |title=Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, Polynesian Resort |access-date=May 28, 2008 |publisher=MousePlanet }}</ref> The resort is on the [[Walt Disney World Monorail System|Magic Kingdom monorail loop]], providing transportation to the Magic Kingdom and [[Epcot]] (via transfer), and is part of the route for Disney's Magic Kingdom Resorts Water Launch service.<ref name="D_Transportation" /> Other Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and attractions are served by [[Disney Transport]] buses.<ref name="D_Transportation">{{cite web |url=http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQTransportationPage |title=Transportation FAQ |publisher=Walt Disney World Resort |access-date=May 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080523090507/http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/common/helpFAQ?id=HelpFAQTransportationPage |archive-date=May 23, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>


[[Image:Waterfall at the Polynesian.jpg|thumb|right|The Great Ceremonial House featured a large "tropical rainforest" in its atrium with waterfalls until 2014.]]The resort is organized around a central building named the ''Great Ceremonial House'', itself designed after a Tahitian royal assembly lodge.<ref name="Tiki_Aloha">{{cite web|url=http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/aloha.html |title=Tikiman's Unofficial Polynesian Resort Webpage - Aloha |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |publisher=Steve Seifert |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914011007/http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/aloha.html |archivedate=September 14, 2007 }}</ref> The Great Ceremonial House houses guest services and most of the resort's dining and merchandise locations. From its opening until 2014, the Great Ceremonial House also featured an expansive tropical waterfall feature in its atrium, with over 75 species of plant life.<ref name="theDibb_Poly">{{cite web |url=http://www.thedibb.co.uk/disney-polynesian-resort.php |title=Disney's Polynesian Resort |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |publisher=the Dibb |date= }}</ref> The waterfall and foliage were removed and replaced, however, during extensive resort renovations due to health and safety concerns and to reimagine the lobby as a social space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidethemagic.net/2014/12/walt-disney-world-unveils-new-polynesian-village-resort-lobby-look-with-more-seating-smaller-waterfall/|title=Walt Disney World unveils new Polynesian Village Resort lobby look with more seating, smaller waterfall|work=Inside the Magic}}</ref> No rooms are contained in this building, instead several lodges - ''longhouses'' - and water bungalows house all guest rooms and are spread out amongst resort property.
[[Image:Waterfall at the Polynesian.jpg|thumb|right|The Great Ceremonial House featured a large "tropical rainforest" in its atrium with waterfalls until 2014.]]The resort is organized around a central building named the ''Great Ceremonial House'', itself designed after a Tahitian royal assembly lodge.<ref name="Tiki_Aloha">{{cite web|url=http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/aloha.html |title=Tikiman's Unofficial Polynesian Resort Webpage - Aloha |access-date=May 28, 2008 |publisher=Steve Seifert |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914011007/http://tikiman2001.homestead.com/aloha.html |archive-date=September 14, 2007 }}</ref> The Great Ceremonial House houses guest services and most of the resort's dining and merchandise locations. From its opening until 2014, the Great Ceremonial House also featured an expansive tropical waterfall feature in its atrium, with over 75 species of plant life.<ref name="theDibb_Poly">{{cite web |url=http://www.thedibb.co.uk/disney-polynesian-resort.php |title=Disney's Polynesian Resort |access-date=May 28, 2008 |publisher=the Dibb |archive-date=June 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619073509/http://www.thedibb.co.uk/disney-polynesian-resort.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The waterfall and foliage were removed and replaced, however, during extensive resort renovations due to health and safety concerns and to reimagine the lobby as a social space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidethemagic.net/2014/12/walt-disney-world-unveils-new-polynesian-village-resort-lobby-look-with-more-seating-smaller-waterfall/|title=Walt Disney World unveils new Polynesian Village Resort lobby look with more seating, smaller waterfall|work=Inside the Magic|date=December 22, 2014}}</ref> No rooms are contained in this building, instead several lodges - ''longhouses'' - and water bungalows house all guest rooms and are spread out amongst resort property.


As of 2008, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is certified green lodging property with the state of Florida.<ref name="Greenlodge">{{cite web |url=http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/lodges.htm |title=Green Lodging Program Designated Properties |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |publisher=Florida Departmental of Environmental Protection |date= }}</ref>
As of 2008, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is certified green lodging property with the state of Florida.<ref name="Greenlodge">{{cite web |url=http://www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging/lodges.htm |title=Green Lodging Program Designated Properties |access-date=May 28, 2008 |publisher=Florida Departmental of Environmental Protection }}</ref>


===Original design and construction===
===Original design and construction===
The resort used [[United States Steel]]'s then newly developed construction process for its original longhouses;<ref name="MP_Hist">{{cite web |url=http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mg040721mg |title=History of the World, Part VI |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |publisher=MousePlanet |date= }}</ref> steel frames were erected on-site, and pre-constructed modular rooms were lifted into these frames via crane, similar to [[Disney's Contemporary Resort]].<ref name="MP_Hist" /> This method of building caused problems in both Disney's Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts, with guest complaints of a moldy smell in their rooms. It was found that mold and debris had collected in the spaces between each room. The spaces were filled in, stopping the problem, and Longhouses built as part of the resort's later expansions were built using conventional building techniques.
The resort used [[United States Steel]]'s then newly developed construction process for its original longhouses;<ref name="MP_Hist">{{cite web |url=http://www.mouseplanet.com/articles.php?art=mg040721mg |title=History of the World, Part VI |date=July 21, 2004 |access-date=May 28, 2008 |publisher=MousePlanet }}</ref> steel frames were erected on-site, and pre-constructed modular rooms were lifted into these frames via crane, similar to [[Disney's Contemporary Resort]].<ref name="MP_Hist" /> This method of building caused problems in both Disney's Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts, with guest complaints of a moldy smell in their rooms. It was found that mold and debris had collected in the spaces between each room. The spaces were filled in, stopping the problem, and Longhouses built as part of the resort's later expansions were built using conventional building techniques.

With newly found construction photos of the Polynesian Resort found, the rooms were done differently than the [http://www.bigfloridacountry.com/freevideos/Contemporary%20Construction%20USS.wmv Contemporary]. The Polynesian Resort, the [[Contemporary Resort]], and the [[Court of Flags Resort]] all had the rooms built off site. The difference was instead of sliding the rooms into a metal frame like the Contemporary, they stacked the rooms and built the frame/concrete around them. [http://www.imagineeringdisney.com/blog/2012/7/22/wdw-construction-polynesian-village-resort.html Actual construction photos showing the stacking system]


===Accommodations===
===Accommodations===
The resort design and layout consists of 11 two and three story longhouses, spread throughout the property. The resort originally opened with 484 guest rooms in 8 longhouses, Bali Hai, Bora Bora, Fiji, Hawaii, Maui, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.<ref>http://www.tikimanpages.com/poly/history/1970s</ref> In 1978, the Oahu longhouse was added. The Moorea and Pago Pago longhouses were added in 1985. Between 2013 and 2015, 20 over-the-water [[Disney Vacation Club|DVC]] bungalows were constructed in a new area named Bora Bora.
The resort design and layout consists of 11 two and three story longhouses, spread throughout the property. The resort originally opened with 484 guest rooms in 8 longhouses, Bali Hai, Bora Bora, Fiji, Hawaii, Maui, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tikimanpages.com/poly/history/1970s|title = 1970s}}</ref> In 1978, the Oahu longhouse was added. The Moorea and Pago Pago longhouses were added in 1985. Between 2013 and 2015, 20 over-the-water [[Disney Vacation Club|DVC]] bungalows were constructed in a new area named Bora Bora.


On October 28, 1999, most of the resort's longhouses were renamed. Today the longhouses are named for islands on the [[Polynesia|Polynesian isle map]], with chosen longhouse names matching the relative geographic position of their namesake island(s). Ten of the eleven longhouses, excluding Fiji, were renamed: Bali Hai became Tonga; Bora Bora became Niue; Hawaii became Samoa; Maui became Rarotonga; Moorea became Tahiti; Oahu became Tokelau; Pago Pago became Rapa Nui; Samoa became Tuvalu; Tahiti became Aotearoa and Tonga became Hawaii. The 2013-15 resort reimagining has returned the original names of the DVC longhouses.
On October 28, 1999, most of the resort's longhouses were renamed. Today the longhouses are named for islands on the [[Polynesia|Polynesian isle map]], with chosen longhouse names matching the relative geographic position of their namesake island(s). Ten of the eleven longhouses, excluding Fiji, were renamed: Bali Hai became Tonga; Bora Bora became Niue; Hawaii became Samoa; Maui became Rarotonga; Moorea became Tahiti; Oahu became Tokelau; Pago Pago became Rapa Nui; Samoa became Tuvalu; Tahiti became Aotearoa and Tonga became Hawaii. The 2013-15 resort reimagining has returned the original names of the DVC longhouses.


Two of the current longhouses, Hawaii (formerly Tonga) and Tonga (formerly Bali Hai), offer a Concierge Lounge - where refreshments, views, and lounge space are offered exclusively to guests of Hawaii or Tonga.
Two of the current longhouses, Hawaii (formerly Tonga) and Tonga (formerly Bali Hai), offer a Concierge Lounge - where refreshments, views, and lounge space are offered exclusively to guests of Hawaii or Tonga.

In March 2021, Disney Parks Blog revealed updated rooms with new furnishings, fixtures, and [[Moana (2016 film)|Moana]] themed details, patterns, textures, and colors.<ref>{{Cite web|title=First Look! Step Inside a Reimagined Room from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2021/03/first-look-step-inside-a-reimagined-room-from-disneys-polynesian-village-resort-at-walt-disney-world/|access-date=2021-08-15|website=Disney Parks Blog|date=March 5, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> In March 2022, it was announced that the resort's [[luau]] show, the "Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show", would not be returning after closing two years earlier due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]; the closure was due to anticipated expansions for the [[Disney Vacation Club]], including new villas, as '''Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows''' and amenities expected to open in December 17, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2022/03/15/news-the-spirit-of-aloha-dinner-show-is-closing-permanently-in-disney-world/|title = The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is Closing Permanently in Disney World; the Disney Food Blog|date = March 16, 2022}}</ref>

== Dining ==
The '''Barefoot Pool Bar''' is located at the Lava Pool and offers alcoholic drinks and smoothies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/polynesian-resort-restaurants/|title = Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Restaurants &#124; the disney food blog|date = February 13, 2011}}</ref>

'''Captain Cook's''' is a quick-service location offering classic and South-Seas-inspired foods.

'''Kona Cafe''' offers continental Asian-inspired food in a casual setting.

'''Kona Island''' serves coffee and pastries in the morning before switching to sushi, sandwiches, and salad in the afternoon.

'''Oasis Pool Bar & Grill''' is a poolside bar located at the Oasis Pool.

'''{{okina}}Ohana''' is a character dining experience where guests can meet [[Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)|Stitch]], [[Lilo Pelekai|Lilo]], [[Pluto (Disney)|Pluto]], and [[Mickey Mouse|Mickey]] while being served an "[[All-you-can-eat restaurant|all-you-care-to-enjoy]]" Island-style meal. The restaurant, whose [[ohana|name]] means "family" in [[Hawaiian language|Hawaiian]], has existed before the development of ''[[Lilo & Stitch]]'' (2002), having been mentioned in ''[[The Walt Disney World Explorer]]'' (1996).<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[The Walt Disney World Explorer]]|developer=Mindsai Interactive|developer2=[[Disney Interactive Studios|Disney Interactive]]|publisher=Disney Interactive|date=1996|scene=Disney's Polynesian Resort topic|quote='''Hettie Lynne Hurtes''': The {{okina}}Ohana restaurant features Polynesian entrees cooked on sixteen-foot-long wood-burning fire pit. [''sic'']}}</ref>

'''Pineapple Lanai''' is a stand dedicated solely to [[Dole Whip|Dole Whips]].

'''Tambu Lounge''' is a bar offering tropical, Hawaiian-inspired drinks and appetizers.

'''Trader Sam's''' features the "Grog Grotto," a tiki bar that features shenanigans from the servers, and the "Tiki Terrace," its outdoor counterpart.


==Shopping==
==Shopping==
Line 66: Line 82:
The resort offers several shopping areas focused on Disney parks merchandise, resort-specific specialty merchandise, and convenience items, located in the Great Ceremonial House. BouTiki is located off the main lobby, with Moana Mercantile located opposite Kona Cafe on the second floor. Trader Sam's Grog Grotto also offers a limited range of merchandise.
The resort offers several shopping areas focused on Disney parks merchandise, resort-specific specialty merchandise, and convenience items, located in the Great Ceremonial House. BouTiki is located off the main lobby, with Moana Mercantile located opposite Kona Cafe on the second floor. Trader Sam's Grog Grotto also offers a limited range of merchandise.


[[File:POLY NaneaPool.jpg|thumb|left|The Lava Pool is the resort's main themed pool, featuring zero-entry, a water slide and water play area.]] [[Image:Polynesian Resort Logo Clr.png|thumb|right|A former logo of <span>Disney's Polynesian Village Resort</span>.]]
[[File:POLY NaneaPool.jpg|thumb|left|The Lava Pool is the resort's main themed pool, featuring zero-entry, a water slide and water play area.]]<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Polynesian Resort Logo Clr.png|thumb|right|A former logo of <span>Disney's Polynesian Village Resort</span>.{{deletable image-caption|Thursday, 13 February 2020|F7}}]] -->


==Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows==
==Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows==
On September 17, 2013 [[Disney Vacation Club]] announced that its next planned location would be at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The first phase of DVC expansion to the resort opened April 1, 2015,<ref name="DVC_opens" /> adding 20 over-the-water 'Bora Bora' Bungalows and converting 2 existing buildings (Moorea (formerly Tahiti), Pago Pago (formerly Rapa Nui)) into Deluxe Studios. The Tokelau conversion was completed mid-2015 creating a total of 360 Deluxe Studios between the 3 buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-09-17/business/os-disney-polynesian-vacation-club-20130917_1_walt-disney-world-time-shares-disney-vacation-club|title=Disney adding Vacation Club time shares to Polynesian|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/polynesian/2624-sales-permit-granted-for-disney-s-polynesian-villas-bungalows|title=Sales permit granted for Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows|author=Tim Krasniewski|work=dvcnews.com}}</ref> Between the three DVC longhouses is a barbecue area for the use of resort guests, with two gas barbecues. In addition there will be 5 new rooms added between the Moorea, Tokelau and Pago Pago vacation club buildings.
On September 17, 2013 Disney Vacation Club announced that its next planned location would be at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The first phase of DVC expansion to the resort opened April 1, 2015,<ref name="DVC_opens" /> adding 20 over-the-water 'Bora Bora' Bungalows and converting 2 existing buildings (Moorea (formerly Tahiti), Pago Pago (formerly Rapa Nui)) into Deluxe Studios. The Tokelau conversion was completed mid-2015 creating a total of 360 Deluxe Studios between the 3 buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-09-17/business/os-disney-polynesian-vacation-club-20130917_1_walt-disney-world-time-shares-disney-vacation-club|title=Disney adding Vacation Club time shares to Polynesian|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/polynesian/2624-sales-permit-granted-for-disney-s-polynesian-villas-bungalows|title=Sales permit granted for Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows|author=Tim Krasniewski|work=dvcnews.com|access-date=July 8, 2014|archive-date=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710221047/http://www.dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/polynesian/2624-sales-permit-granted-for-disney-s-polynesian-villas-bungalows|url-status=dead}}</ref> Between the three DVC longhouses is a barbecue area for the use of resort guests, with two gas barbecues. In addition there will be 5 new rooms added between the Moorea, Tokelau and Pago Pago vacation club buildings. On May 10, 2024, it was announced that the name of the new tower would be '''Island Tower''' at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, which will open on December 17, 2024.


==Role in ending The Beatles==
==Role in ending The Beatles==
[[Image:POLY GuestRoom.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A standard guest room with two queen beds, after the resort's 2006 renovation.]] [[John Lennon]] signed the paperwork that officially broke up [[The Beatles]] at the Polynesian Resort on December 29, 1974.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pang|first1=May|title=Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon|date=2008|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=9781429993975|page=118|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YLCmcCgjvfYC&pg=PT118&dq=in+the+unlikely+backdrop+of+the+Polynesian+Village+Hotel+at+Disney+World,+ended+the+greatest+rock+%27n%27+roll+band+in+history&hl=es&sa=X&ei=ZQAkVYHiBYmfgwSJsIGgDQ&ved=0CCoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=in%20the%20unlikely%20backdrop%20of%20the%20Polynesian%20Village%20Hotel%20at%20Disney%20World%2C%20ended%20the%20greatest%20rock%20'n'%20roll%20band%20in%20history&f=false|accessdate=April 7, 2015}}</ref>
[[Image:POLY GuestRoom.jpg|200px|thumb|right|A standard guest room with two queen beds, after the resort's 2006 renovation.]] [[John Lennon]] signed the paperwork that officially broke up [[The Beatles]] at the Polynesian Resort on December 29, 1974.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pang|first1=May|title=Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon|date=2008|publisher=Macmillan|isbn=9781429993975|page=118|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YLCmcCgjvfYC&q=in+the+unlikely+backdrop+of+the+Polynesian+Village+Hotel+at+Disney+World%2C+ended+the+greatest+rock+%27n%27+roll+band+in+history&pg=PT118|access-date=April 7, 2015}}</ref>


{{quote|text=John, [[Julian Lennon|Julian]], and I ([[May Pang]]) left New York the following day to spend Christmas in Florida. On December 29, 1974, the voluminous documents were brought down to John in Florida by one of [[Apple Records|Apple]]'s lawyers. He finally picked up his pen and, in the unlikely backdrop of the Polynesian Village Hotel at Disney World, ended the greatest rock 'n' roll band in history by simply scrawling John Lennon at the bottom of the page.|sign=May Pang|source=Instamatic Karma (St. Martins, 2008)}}
{{quote|text=John, [[Julian Lennon|Julian]], and I ([[May Pang]]) left New York the following day to spend Christmas in Florida. On December 29, 1974, the voluminous documents were brought down to John in Florida by one of [[Apple Records|Apple]]'s lawyers. He finally picked up his pen and, in the unlikely backdrop of the Polynesian Village Hotel at Disney World, ended the greatest rock 'n' roll band in history by simply scrawling John Lennon at the bottom of the page.|sign=May Pang|source=Instamatic Karma (St. Martins, 2008)}}
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{{WDW Resorts}}
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[[Category:Hotels established in 1971]]
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[[Category:Disney Vacation Club|Polynesian Village Resort]]

Latest revision as of 20:27, 13 August 2024

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
There are several longhouses, such as the Tahiti Longhouse viewed here from the Seven Seas Lagoon, which house all of the resort's rooms.
LocationMagic Kingdom Resort Area
Resort typeDeluxe
OpenedOctober 1, 1971 (1971-10-01)
ThemePolynesia
Areas
Rooms492
Villas380
Green lodgeYes
Address1600 Seven Seas Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort (formerly Disney's Polynesian Resort from 1985 to 2014)[1] is a Disney-owned and operated resort located at the Walt Disney World Resort. It began operation on October 1, 1971 as one of Walt Disney World Resort's first two on-site hotels. The resort has a South Seas theme, and originally opened with 492 rooms.[2] It was designed by Welton Becket and Associates and constructed by US Steel Realty Development. The resort is owned and operated by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

Since its opening in 1971, the resort has seen three major expansions; the first in 1978, with the addition of a longhouse, the Tangaroa Terrace restaurant/support facility, and a secondary pool. A second expansion took place in 1985, with the construction of two additional longhouses. In that same year, the resort adopted the shortened name "Disney's Polynesian Resort". On May 2, 2014, it was announced that the resort would revert to the Disney's Polynesian Village Resort title while expanding further to include Disney Vacation Club accommodations as well as enhanced resort amenities. On April 1, 2015, the third expansion officially opened, including the new DVC additions and other amenities around the resort.[3] However, on May 10, 2024, Disney Vacation Club announced new details about a new name, Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, which will be open on December 17, 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Design

[edit]
A white sand beach off Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, with the Tuvalu Longhouse in view

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is situated on the southern shore of the manmade Seven Seas Lagoon, south of Magic Kingdom and adjacent to other Walt Disney World complexes, with the Transportation and Ticket Center to the east and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the west.[4] The resort is on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop, providing transportation to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot (via transfer), and is part of the route for Disney's Magic Kingdom Resorts Water Launch service.[5] Other Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and attractions are served by Disney Transport buses.[5]

The Great Ceremonial House featured a large "tropical rainforest" in its atrium with waterfalls until 2014.

The resort is organized around a central building named the Great Ceremonial House, itself designed after a Tahitian royal assembly lodge.[6] The Great Ceremonial House houses guest services and most of the resort's dining and merchandise locations. From its opening until 2014, the Great Ceremonial House also featured an expansive tropical waterfall feature in its atrium, with over 75 species of plant life.[7] The waterfall and foliage were removed and replaced, however, during extensive resort renovations due to health and safety concerns and to reimagine the lobby as a social space.[8] No rooms are contained in this building, instead several lodges - longhouses - and water bungalows house all guest rooms and are spread out amongst resort property.

As of 2008, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is certified green lodging property with the state of Florida.[9]

Original design and construction

[edit]

The resort used United States Steel's then newly developed construction process for its original longhouses;[10] steel frames were erected on-site, and pre-constructed modular rooms were lifted into these frames via crane, similar to Disney's Contemporary Resort.[10] This method of building caused problems in both Disney's Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts, with guest complaints of a moldy smell in their rooms. It was found that mold and debris had collected in the spaces between each room. The spaces were filled in, stopping the problem, and Longhouses built as part of the resort's later expansions were built using conventional building techniques.

Accommodations

[edit]

The resort design and layout consists of 11 two and three story longhouses, spread throughout the property. The resort originally opened with 484 guest rooms in 8 longhouses, Bali Hai, Bora Bora, Fiji, Hawaii, Maui, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.[11] In 1978, the Oahu longhouse was added. The Moorea and Pago Pago longhouses were added in 1985. Between 2013 and 2015, 20 over-the-water DVC bungalows were constructed in a new area named Bora Bora.

On October 28, 1999, most of the resort's longhouses were renamed. Today the longhouses are named for islands on the Polynesian isle map, with chosen longhouse names matching the relative geographic position of their namesake island(s). Ten of the eleven longhouses, excluding Fiji, were renamed: Bali Hai became Tonga; Bora Bora became Niue; Hawaii became Samoa; Maui became Rarotonga; Moorea became Tahiti; Oahu became Tokelau; Pago Pago became Rapa Nui; Samoa became Tuvalu; Tahiti became Aotearoa and Tonga became Hawaii. The 2013-15 resort reimagining has returned the original names of the DVC longhouses.

Two of the current longhouses, Hawaii (formerly Tonga) and Tonga (formerly Bali Hai), offer a Concierge Lounge - where refreshments, views, and lounge space are offered exclusively to guests of Hawaii or Tonga.

In March 2021, Disney Parks Blog revealed updated rooms with new furnishings, fixtures, and Moana themed details, patterns, textures, and colors.[12] In March 2022, it was announced that the resort's luau show, the "Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show", would not be returning after closing two years earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the closure was due to anticipated expansions for the Disney Vacation Club, including new villas, as Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and amenities expected to open in December 17, 2024.[13]

Dining

[edit]

The Barefoot Pool Bar is located at the Lava Pool and offers alcoholic drinks and smoothies.[14]

Captain Cook's is a quick-service location offering classic and South-Seas-inspired foods.

Kona Cafe offers continental Asian-inspired food in a casual setting.

Kona Island serves coffee and pastries in the morning before switching to sushi, sandwiches, and salad in the afternoon.

Oasis Pool Bar & Grill is a poolside bar located at the Oasis Pool.

ʻOhana is a character dining experience where guests can meet Stitch, Lilo, Pluto, and Mickey while being served an "all-you-care-to-enjoy" Island-style meal. The restaurant, whose name means "family" in Hawaiian, has existed before the development of Lilo & Stitch (2002), having been mentioned in The Walt Disney World Explorer (1996).[15]

Pineapple Lanai is a stand dedicated solely to Dole Whips.

Tambu Lounge is a bar offering tropical, Hawaiian-inspired drinks and appetizers.

Trader Sam's features the "Grog Grotto," a tiki bar that features shenanigans from the servers, and the "Tiki Terrace," its outdoor counterpart.

Shopping

[edit]

The resort offers several shopping areas focused on Disney parks merchandise, resort-specific specialty merchandise, and convenience items, located in the Great Ceremonial House. BouTiki is located off the main lobby, with Moana Mercantile located opposite Kona Cafe on the second floor. Trader Sam's Grog Grotto also offers a limited range of merchandise.

The Lava Pool is the resort's main themed pool, featuring zero-entry, a water slide and water play area.

Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

[edit]

On September 17, 2013 Disney Vacation Club announced that its next planned location would be at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The first phase of DVC expansion to the resort opened April 1, 2015,[3] adding 20 over-the-water 'Bora Bora' Bungalows and converting 2 existing buildings (Moorea (formerly Tahiti), Pago Pago (formerly Rapa Nui)) into Deluxe Studios. The Tokelau conversion was completed mid-2015 creating a total of 360 Deluxe Studios between the 3 buildings.[16][17] Between the three DVC longhouses is a barbecue area for the use of resort guests, with two gas barbecues. In addition there will be 5 new rooms added between the Moorea, Tokelau and Pago Pago vacation club buildings. On May 10, 2024, it was announced that the name of the new tower would be Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, which will open on December 17, 2024.

Role in ending The Beatles

[edit]
A standard guest room with two queen beds, after the resort's 2006 renovation.

John Lennon signed the paperwork that officially broke up The Beatles at the Polynesian Resort on December 29, 1974.[18]

John, Julian, and I (May Pang) left New York the following day to spend Christmas in Florida. On December 29, 1974, the voluminous documents were brought down to John in Florida by one of Apple's lawyers. He finally picked up his pen and, in the unlikely backdrop of the Polynesian Village Hotel at Disney World, ended the greatest rock 'n' roll band in history by simply scrawling John Lennon at the bottom of the page.

— May Pang, Instamatic Karma (St. Martins, 2008)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Walt Disney World, The First Decade. Walt Disney Productions. 1982. p. 92. ASIN B000UV4K46.
  2. ^ "The Polynesian Village Resort". Widen Your World. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  3. ^ a b "Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Makes its Grand Opening Debut at Walt Disney World Resort". Disney Parks Blog. April 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  4. ^ "Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide, Polynesian Resort". MousePlanet. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  5. ^ a b "Transportation FAQ". Walt Disney World Resort. Archived from the original on May 23, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  6. ^ "Tikiman's Unofficial Polynesian Resort Webpage - Aloha". Steve Seifert. Archived from the original on September 14, 2007. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  7. ^ "Disney's Polynesian Resort". the Dibb. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  8. ^ "Walt Disney World unveils new Polynesian Village Resort lobby look with more seating, smaller waterfall". Inside the Magic. December 22, 2014.
  9. ^ "Green Lodging Program Designated Properties". Florida Departmental of Environmental Protection. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  10. ^ a b "History of the World, Part VI". MousePlanet. July 21, 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  11. ^ "1970s".
  12. ^ "First Look! Step Inside a Reimagined Room from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World". Disney Parks Blog. March 5, 2021. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
  13. ^ "The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is Closing Permanently in Disney World; the Disney Food Blog". March 16, 2022.
  14. ^ "Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Restaurants | the disney food blog". February 13, 2011.
  15. ^ Mindsai Interactive; Disney Interactive (1996). The Walt Disney World Explorer. Disney Interactive. Scene: Disney's Polynesian Resort topic. Hettie Lynne Hurtes: The ʻOhana restaurant features Polynesian entrees cooked on sixteen-foot-long wood-burning fire pit. [sic]
  16. ^ "Disney adding Vacation Club time shares to Polynesian". Orlando Sentinel.
  17. ^ Tim Krasniewski. "Sales permit granted for Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows". dvcnews.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2014. Retrieved July 8, 2014.
  18. ^ Pang, May (2008). Instamatic Karma: Photographs of John Lennon. Macmillan. p. 118. ISBN 9781429993975. Retrieved April 7, 2015.
[edit]
Preceding station Walt Disney World Monorail Following station
Transportation and Ticket Center
One-way operation
Resort Line Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Next clockwise

28°24′21″N 81°35′03″W / 28.4057°N 81.5843°W / 28.4057; -81.5843