Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing some big updates less than a year after the new Disney Vacation Club Island Tower opened. While these changes don’t have an impact on any of the longhouses or rooms, it does temporarily change some of the resort features.
The refurbishment is noticeable as soon as you pull into the Polynesian; about a 1/3 of the main parking lot is under construction. This section of the parking lot is directly across from the Polynesian monorail station and has always been a little tight for parking. I’m assuming this is just to maximize the space with the addition of so many DVC rooms.
While this doesn’t necessarily affect your stay at the Polynesian, it could make parking tight during peak travel seasons. There is additional parking to the right near the Pago Pago longhouses and the Island Tower.
Once inside the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll immediately notice a portion of Bou-Tiki temporarily walled off. This seems to be just a scheduled refurbishment but it does take up half of the gift shop. Unfortunately, the merchandise that is normally in this section of the store is currently not offered anywhere else at the resort. Some of this merchandise includes Lilly Pulitzer, Dooney and Bourke, ladies clothing, trading pins, jewelry, and housewares like coffee mugs.
Merchandise currently available at Bou-Tiki includes Polynesian Resort and Trader Sam’s-specific souvenirs, ‘Olu Mel items from Aulani, select adult t-shirts and Hawaiian shirts, and Disney Vacation Club merchandise. On the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, guests can still visit Moana Mercantile for sundries, a selection of grocery items, toys, children’s clothing, plus plenty of Moana and Lilo & Stitch merchandise.
The Polynesian has the most repeat visitors of any Disney resort; however, it also seems to have the most construction in recent years. Hopefully, this is the last of the updates for a while. Be sure to let us know in the comments if staying at Disney’s Polynesian is a must for your family or if it’s on your Disney vacation wish list!
