Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Crossbeam Removal Update – October 14th, 2020

Hi everyone!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has started undergoing a multifaceted refurbishment that will include the Great Ceremonial House and standard guests rooms. When we last posted about the construction two weeks ago, the crossbeam removal had not yet started. Now there is a noticeable difference from just a couple of weeks ago.

This is one of the last photos I took yesterday, after the fog lifted. I will have a couple of more from this angle (with blue skies) further down the article.

Still my favorite resort – it is the one I grew up visiting in the 1970s and early 80s – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort underwent a large transformation that ended about five years ago and now it is in the midst of another. The entrance in particular will be different, as will the monorail platform. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently closed to guests until next summer except for those staying at the Disney Vacation Club Villas and Bungalows. The Great Ceremonial House is open but that is not the check-in area right now, nor is ‘Ohana nor Trader Sam’s open.

Here is a look (through the fog) as I was walking to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Disney says about the transformation, “Our team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World have crafted a design inspired by colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort.  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. Along the Monorail station, bold new wooden screens will be covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors that complete an exciting new composition that will greet you when you arrive.”

The beams can be seen here past the arch in the back of the Wedding Pavilion.

A large crane is seen to the right.

We have had a few very foggy mornings.

Here is a photo from further away.

This sign still needs correction.

The outdoor signage hasn’t changed too much in the last couple of weeks.

Here is a look at the front entrance from the side.

Finally, the fog was almost gone as I reached the parking lot.

The crossbeams are the most recognizable aspect for me of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and have been since I was a kid.

 

This is a look at the crossbeams two weeks ago.

Inside, A-frames direct guests.

Please exit through the back doors.

Face covering sign.

And quite a bit is open now at the resort for guests as far as dining and shopping, plus pool activities and movies.

My usual sign photo was blocked as some work was going on at the entrance.

The work going on right now is much less noticeable than the last time around (when DVC was added, Trader Sam’s added, the indoor waterfall removed, etc.). The monorail platform will be unusable starting November 2nd as it is refurbished. But otherwise a lot still is functioning as usual – as much as possible – for the current time.