Denise's Corner

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Will Lose Waterfall, Gain Former Name and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Denise

Hi everyone!

Concept art was released today for Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The name will revert back to the original name of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. As someone who started visiting Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 1976, that is a welcome change. On the other hand, concept art shows that the waterfall will be gone.

Even though I don’t stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort much now (we live in the area), it is the Disney resort that I grew up with and we visit regularly.

While the lobby still looks inviting in this concept art, the loss of the waterfall is a huge one for guests – including myself. There still appears to be a very small water feature, which is what we were told to expect by a Cast Member a couple of months ago.

Disney will be bringing the popular Trader Sam’s concept here, with the name Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Trader Sam’s has become a staple for many locals in California, I think even more popular with locals than with Disneyland Hotel guests. Check out my detailed photos from 2011 of Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar here!

There is much more happening with Disney’s Polynesian (Village) Resort that hasn’t been mentioned here yet. I don’t know all the details, but it will be a very different resort than what is there now.

Here is a video look at the waterfall in the lobby that is being replaced:

And Disney Vacation Club bungalows are being constructed where Sunset Point once stood, here is our last video.
And here is Trader Sam’s for Christmas 2013 at the Disneyland Hotel:

As someone who is nostalgic for the way Disney’s Polynesian Resort was, I think there is a lot of good in what will come – but disappointment that a few special areas have been (or are being) eliminated in the process. The resort will still be beautiful, just different.
What are your thoughts?