Resort Thread Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

[Cabius]

What is the likelihood of getting into trader Sam’s as a late night walk up?

Going to be at Disney for a night next Tuesday, and won’t have time for a reservation, but wondering what likelihood is of walking up at like 1030 and getting in.

I've never had a problem getting in solo. Even when they're otherwise full, they'll typically look around furtively and tell me to just go in. I've closed it down a few times!

The larger the group, the harder it is, though. Not impossible, late at night on a weekday though.

 

[cindianne320]

Just booked this morning for next August. It will be my first time staying at the Poly!

 

[sdc10]

I've never had a problem getting in solo. Even when they're otherwise full, they'll typically look around furtively and tell me to just go in. I've closed it down a few times!

The larger the group, the harder it is, though. Not impossible, late at night on a weekday though.

It’s just two of us so I’ll give it a shot

 

[mrsap]

Polynesian Island Tower Two Bedroom Villa Interior


One and Two Bedroom villas will soon make their debut at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows inside the new Island Tower building.

Back in 2015, 360 hotel rooms at the Polynesianwere converted to Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Studio villas. However, many long-time members were disappointed at the lack of larger One and Two Bedroom villas. Disney is set to address that shortcoming when the new Island Tower adds dozens of larger rooms later this year. Check out the newest renderings below for a preview of the villa layouts and decor.

Galley Kitchen

Living space with sofa bed, TV, kitchen and dining table in distance

Living room queen-size Murphy Bed

Living room twin-size pull-down

Guest bathroom located off living room

In-room laundry facilities and closet

Master bedroom with king-size bed

Master bedroom headboard detail

Master bedroom reverse angle, looking toward bathroom

Master bathroom dual vanities

Master bathroom tub with shower (left) and WC (right)

Second bedroom with two queen-size beds (two bedroom villa only)

 

[Gary Stocker]

At first glance those rooms look gorgeous, especially the bathrooms...love those mirrors!

 

[Upcharge]

Absolutely Stunning! I currently have a two bedroom booked for 12 nights in January. I just can't decide if I'm okay with the location, and we need more info about the amenities.

 

[mrsap]

New Supports & Frames Installed on DVC Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort​

* Click link for additional pics

 

[mrsap]

Construction at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Will Continue Through 2026

Walt Disney World has provided an update on the webpage for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, noting that construction and refurbishment will continue through 2026. The notice is vague, but if we had to guess, it is likely referencing the relocation of the resort’s main entrance, as we’ve previously covered.

Here’s the announcement from Walt Disney World:

Now through 2026, you may see and hear construction and refurbishment work during daytime hours. The ongoing enhancements may impact views of the theme park and other surrounding areas. To minimize disruptions during your stay, activities that may create noise will begin no earlier than 9:00 AM.

Refurbishment work is subject to change due to operational needs or weather conditions.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Yeah, that whole relocation of the entrance, bus stop reworking, and expansion of Floridian Way is going to be a big and lengthy project. Glad that's all on the "front" and other than coming/going doesn't directly impact most Poly stays.

 

[bcuinohio]

Yeah, that whole relocation of the entrance, bus stop reworking, and expansion of Floridian Way is going to be a big and lengthy project. Glad that's all on the "front" and other than coming/going doesn't directly impact most Poly stays.

The entrance to the building or the drive in entrance to the resort?

 

[mrsap]

The entrance to the building or the drive in entrance to the resort?

I know you didn’t ask me, but here’s some details…

Originally posted HERE.


Disney World Files NEW Permit for All-New Main Entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

As part of the ongoing work to expand World Drive from the Magic Kingdom parking lot area north of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, a new permit filed by Disney World reveals plans to create an all-new entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We’ve previously covered a permit that was our first look at the entrance relocation. A permit filed today expands upon that previous coverage.

According to the permit, the current entrance to the resort appears to be shifting to a bus-only lane, while the main entrance to the resort will be at the end of a new dead-end for Seven Seas Drive. Here is a composite image of the relevant parts of the permit. If you’re approaching Disney’s Polynesian Resort from World Drive (north or south), you’ll utilize the roundabout to take the new connector road to Seven Seas Drive.

In this second composite image below, we’ve labeled some of the relevant changes. The new entrance/guard gate will be near the current intersection of Seven Seas Drive and World Drive. A new road will be constructed to take Seven Seas Drive to the south, through the current Magic Kingdom Cast Member parking lot, and to a new roundabout south of the current intersection. There will be no changes to the port cochere structure at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.



Zooming in a bit, we get a closer look at the planned changes via the composite image that we put together below, overlaying the permit on top of a Google Maps satellite view.



In this labeled version, we can see that while the bus pick-up/drop-off area won’t relocate, there will be a new u-turn for buses to keep porte cochere traffic separate from bus traffic.

In total, the changes should allow for less traffic on Seven Seas Drive (both directions) to be impacted by Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The new bus-only entrance should separate bus and vehicle traffic within the resort. Finally, the new guard gate/main entrance will make for a much nicer approach to the refreshed porte cochere. It looks like there will be fewer parking spots as a result, but Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort parking lot very rarely fills up.

 

[Dave006]

The entrance to the building or the drive in entrance to the resort?

The main resort entrance is moving to accommodate the widening of Floridan Way and provide a separate distinct bus entrance. And a new intersection from Seven Seas to World drive ( using part of the MK parking lot).

Dave

 

[bcuinohio]

I know you didn’t ask me, but here’s some details…

Originally posted HERE.


Disney World Files NEW Permit for All-New Main Entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

As part of the ongoing work to expand World Drive from the Magic Kingdom parking lot area north of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, a new permit filed by Disney World reveals plans to create an all-new entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We’ve previously covered a permit that was our first look at the entrance relocation. A permit filed today expands upon that previous coverage.

According to the permit, the current entrance to the resort appears to be shifting to a bus-only lane, while the main entrance to the resort will be at the end of a new dead-end for Seven Seas Drive. Here is a composite image of the relevant parts of the permit. If you’re approaching Disney’s Polynesian Resort from World Drive (north or south), you’ll utilize the roundabout to take the new connector road to Seven Seas Drive.

In this second composite image below, we’ve labeled some of the relevant changes. The new entrance/guard gate will be near the current intersection of Seven Seas Drive and World Drive. A new road will be constructed to take Seven Seas Drive to the south, through the current Magic Kingdom Cast Member parking lot, and to a new roundabout south of the current intersection. There will be no changes to the port cochere structure at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.



Zooming in a bit, we get a closer look at the planned changes via the composite image that we put together below, overlaying the permit on top of a Google Maps satellite view.



In this labeled version, we can see that while the bus pick-up/drop-off area won’t relocate, there will be a new u-turn for buses to keep porte cochere traffic separate from bus traffic.

In total, the changes should allow for less traffic on Seven Seas Drive (both directions) to be impacted by Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The new bus-only entrance should separate bus and vehicle traffic within the resort. Finally, the new guard gate/main entrance will make for a much nicer approach to the refreshed porte cochere. It looks like there will be fewer parking spots as a result, but Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort parking lot very rarely fills up.

Thank you. Makes sense with the tower going up. Probably won’t be back until 2026. We are banking our points next year for a bigger trip in 2026. Hopefully it will be done by then.

 

[Mr_Woodchuck]

Anyone know if the walking path is open, so you can make it all the way to Magic Kingdom? Our stay is coming up soon!

 

[Dave006]

No it is still closed due to the Island Tower construction.

Dave

 

[Mr_Woodchuck]

No it is still closed due to the Island Tower construction.

Dave

Thanks! the funny thing is, if you call the resort or chat with a cast member, no one knows if it is open, or when it will reopen. So the only way I can find out is ask here. hopefully soon!

 

[dansdad]

Thanks! the funny thing is, if you call the resort or chat with a cast member, no one knows if it is open, or when it will reopen. So the only way I can find out is ask here. hopefully soon!

That's true for about 99% of questions/details people ask/need.

 

[Dave006]

So the only way I can find out is ask here. hopefully soon!

Define soon?

I am thinking December 17th when the Island Tower opens to guests that the walking path between the Poly resort and GF might open.

Dave

 

[Mr_Woodchuck]

Define soon?

I am thinking December 17th when the Island Tower opens to guests that the walking path between the Poly resort and GF might open.

Dave

well, during the construction, it actually opened briefly, only to be shut down again. So I'm hoping for a miracle. but with that latest report saying construction is going to linger into 2026....who knows when it will open. It sounds crazy, but having the ability to walk is a huge upside for me, even in the summer heat.

 

[Dave006]

well, during the construction, it actually opened briefly, only to be shut down again.

Yes but that was early and involved crossing Floridan Way and then crossing back over Floridian Way near Shades of Green. Disney gave it a try during early site work for the Island Tower and then gave up as site work expanded to more of the footprint of the space.

It became a Safety issue for the construction team and guests. Have you looked at the detour that you would have to take to avoid the active construction area? I also like to option to walk but for now I am happy to use the Resort Monorail and the resort launches.

Dave