Disney Shares Concept Art Detailing Changes Coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

With the non-DVC portion of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort not being scheduled to open until the summer of 2021, we anticipated some changes might be happening.

Today, Disney Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared an image and details that give a bit more of an idea of what guests can expect to see when the Resort reopens next year.



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I’m thrilled to share the first look at the new arrival experience from our design teams coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! As you can see in the rendering above, we were inspired by the iconic mid-20th century architecture that the Polynesian is famous for. The colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort are reflected in the design of the new porte cochere with a high-pitched open-truss roof covered in a thatch style and a bold façade that complements the Longhouses. The monorail station will be transformed with bold new wooden screens covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors. The Polynesian is a fan favorite and our Imagineering and Walt Disney World teams are excited to bring these new changes to life in this iconic resort. Check out @disneyparksblog for more detail on the design and all of the exciting changes coming to the Polynesian in summer 2021.

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Disney Parks Blog has said that the “new porte cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for. 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 open and airy design of the entryway will feature dramatic lighting elements, including beautiful chandeliers inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and oversized bamboo elements. The new chandeliers will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, artfully bridging interior and exterior spaces.  

Additionally, Disney has said that “enhancements will also be made to the lush gardens and fountains that have welcomed guests to the resort since opening day.”

During this refurbishment, all of the resort’s guest rooms will be redone as well.


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Senior Editor for The DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 planDisney Panelist | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and especially Disney Cruise Line | ºoº

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