Disney World keeps announcing new changes to look forward to in the future!
There’s A LOT happening right now across the property: EPCOT’s moved forward with its transformation, entertainment like Harmonious has started to take shape, classic attractions like Splash Mountain will be transformed into a The Princess and the Frog theme, and new rides like the TRON Coaster are in progress.
But, the resorts are also seeing some BIG changes soon too! Although Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been open on and off throughout Disney World’s reopening, the hotel will now be closed until the summer of 2021.
A Disney World spokesperson has confirmed that the Great Ceremonial House and guest rooms will be decorated into a Moana theme, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
More Pacific Ocean- inspired color palettes will be used throughout the resort, as well as “details, patterns and textures” from the film. Since Moana happens on the Polynesian island of Motunui, we think it’s about time one of our favorite Disney Princesses gets more time to shine. It’s important to note that the Villas and Bungalows will remain open during this re-theme.
We already know that we’re going to love all the Moana stuff that comes to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! And, you can totally expect that we’ll take you with us to explore the details when the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort reopens next summer.
Read all about the new Moana Journey of Water attraction coming to EPCOT soon here!
Will you be heading back to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to look at all the Moana decorations? Let us know in the comments below!
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This is a great idea! My daughter loves Moana and will be so happy when we stay here next fall/winter. That is the reason we go to Disney at least, for the kids. Nothing like seeing their surprise and wonder at every corner. If I want a quiet, relaxing vacation I certainly don’t choose to go to Disney!
I really hope they don’t go overboard with this. The teeming as is is what makes the Poly so relaxing and enjoyable. You get to feel like you are in a Polynesian resort, while you know you are in Disney! Let’s hope it’s done in good taste, and not in your face animation. Disney could be on a good pace if done right!
I’ll try to reserve judgement but Disney, if you’re listening, PLEASE do not ruin this beautiful oasis and true gem of a resort with too much childish theming. It was upsetting enough when you removed that extraordinary Polynesian garden/fountain in the lobby a few years ago to replace it with that teeny tiny “water feature.” We understand you like to tie in the latest animated features, but when you go overboard it turns a one-of-a-kind resort into feeling like just another marketing ploy to promote a movie. It cheapens the entire experience. Considering the cost of staying at the Poly, I hardly think that’s fair to your guests, nor do they want it. The Poly is so unique and amazing because it’s different. If you want to tastefully weave in a few elements, that’s fine, Moana was a good movie. But we don’t need the entire resort to feel like it’s themed around one character, where we feel like we’re being assaulted with animation. PLEASE…Don’t take away what makes the Poly so special.
I couldn’t agree more with the previous comments. Disney is getting way out of hand with theming everything to an IP, and destroying WDW with changes pandering to the flavor of the month. At the very least they should put this kind of overlay at Art of Animation. Over the last couple of years we’ve lost The Malestom, Artists Point, and Mizner’s just to name a few. The Polynesian is a classic, opening day hotel, and one of the reasons people return year after year. You don’t mess with a classic. I don’t need to be bludgeoned over the head with characters everywhere I go. Disney is close to losing a lot of long-time fans over these changes over the last few years.
You are so correct. Add Ohana chicken and Liberty Tree Tavern food to the list (before they were bombarded with complaints and had to bring those back), Flying Fish, Main St. Bakery changed to a Starbucks for a pitiful $ grab, the pointless removal of Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, closure of all Neverland Clubs, embarrassing resort parking fees and my new favorite—the re-theming of Splash Mountain, yet they restock and reorder as much merchandise as possible. I guess it’s ok to monetize it but not ride on it?? Enough is enough already!
I am SO excited for this. I love Moana and my family loves the Poly. I will not stay at a value because I’m too much of a snob. I love that this will now be themed but subtlety. I really hope they’re open when we go next August, it’s where I planned on staying!
Ugh this is terrible news. Didn’t they learn their lesson from Enchanted Tiki Room “Under New Management” that nobody liked? At least the Lilo and Stitch stuff was kinda mild and hidden away. If they are shutting down for this then I guess that will be a major makeover and the end of the great Polynesian as we know it. 🙁 Wonder what will happen with Trader Sam’s then.
if I’m staying in a deluxe studio in October 24-29 will this affect my stay?
Hi Ross! All of the DVC Villas and Bungalows will remain open during this time! 🙂
Question? Where do they expect DVC members to eat if the main building is going to be closed?
I would assume some of the restaurants will have to stay open right? We are going in November and were hoping for Ohana to be back open. Now I’m just hoping they aren’t closing Captain Cooks and Kona too!
Why does Disney have to mess with everything good. The Poly was one of only a handful of resorts where you could escape the pixie dust and just relax. The soft music,laid back atmosphere was awesome. First stayed there February 1971 and many times thereafter until early 2000s. Became too expensive for our budget. No longer a must see on future vacations.
I might get pelted with coconuts, however, I like this idea! Why do we go to Disney World? To be immersed in all things Disney. Apparently not everyone. The songs from Moana are wonderful! The characters are amusing, emotional, wise and full of tradition. Disney will not hit us over the head with this theme. The cast will not be singing, “You’re Welcome.” No live pigs or chickens will be running through the lobby. Trust Disney! They will weave elements of Moana throughout in a subtle way. The Polynesian needed a fresh approach. Moana is a perfect fit. Our family has beautiful memories of staying at this resort. The beach, the view of Cinderella Castle across the lake, the tiki torches lit at sunset. It will still be there. I always wished that Small World would add appropriate figures to its many lands. Moana and Lilo with Stitch doing the hula. Mary Poppins in the U K. Marie the cat in Paris. Pinocchio in Italy. Lion King in Africa. Coco in Mexico. Mulan in China. You get the idea. DIsney should promote its incredible music and stories throughout the park. Life is about moving forward. Attractions that have come and gone will live forever in your heart. Change is sometimes difficult; it certainly keeps life interesting.
Its a classic- You don’t mess with the classics. Build a value resort by the others with a more cartoon Poly theme but don’t mess with one of the originals- I’m ok with some of the changes but this is a huge error IMO
And change back Artist Point 🙂
UGH! I love the animated film themes in the parks, but can’t they just leave the resorts alone?!?! I love walking into the resort and seeing the giant tiki statue, welcoming me home. I don’t want to walk in and see princesses and hear soundtrack music. Take me away to Polynesia, not to a film set.
My feelings exactly. I like Moana as much as the next person, but this is making me really sad.
There is a reason why we don’t stay in the Art Of Animation, Pop Century, etc The IP theming is a bit much. Guess no more stays at the Poly for us. The reason we like to stay because of the feel of staying at a Island resort and not staying in a movie.
Using IP for rides and select in-park restaurants is okay, but it gets a bit much at the hotels
I would love the stay there again but it is to expensive. We used to stay there in the 90s and early 2000s. It is my favorite resort. I enjoy the soft Polynesian music playing everywhere, the torches at night, the walkway along the beach, it is all just wonderful. It is the pricing that keeps me away.
I wouldn’t bother now. Disney’s senseless re-theming of Classics that have NO need to be overthought unfortunately continues. There’s already a Moana themed attraction coming to Epcot! One of the original 2 resorts to grace the property, which held countless memories (think First Trips, Honeymoons, etc.) now heads to the dustbins of history. Sad.
Look into renting DVC points. You can stay for $300/my or less.
We loved the Poly with the Stitch theme. They should not retheme O’Hana’s.
It is one our favorite places to eat and see Stitch, Lilo, Pluto, and Mickey.
It’s not an Irish pub. It’s ‘Ohana:) Sorry but I’m so excited they’re getting rid of stitch!
I agree! I hope they don’t tethered ‘Ohana!