Disney World’s iconic Polynesian Resort is getting a new, albeit old, name. One of the original resorts that opened in 1971 at Walt Disney World, the Polynesian Resort is returning to its original opening day name of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. In addition to the nostalgic name change, the property is undergoing a multi-year re-imagining with the renovation of its guest rooms, the resort’s feature pool and its centerpiece Great Ceremonial House. It’s current waterfall lobby will be removed and replaced with a sunnier and airier atmosphere. The new concept of the lobby redesign is below:
A popular Disneyland Resort lounge is also getting a Floridian transplant at the Polynesian. The property plans to add Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto with a highly-themed lounge area featuring hand-crafted tiki cocktails and Polynesia-themed small plates.
The resort will also be adding bungalows suites on Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon. The “hut-like” suites will seemingly float above the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Transportation and Ticket Center boat dock.
These additions to the Polynesian are expected to be completed in 2015.
Below, watch as Walt Disney World president George Kalogridis announced the addition of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World, a concept borrowed from Disneyland.
