WDW Resorts - First Night - October 1, 1971

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

OK folks, here's a tough one. On October 1, 1971, were the two resorts (Polynesian and Contemporary) open for lodgers? Were they open even before that, to brace for October 1st.

If so, were there specific longhouses filled first at the Polynesian? I understand the original name switch(es) for the Polynesian's longhouses, but which building(s) might have been opened on 10/1. Same applies for the Contemporary, floor-by-floor...

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

There seems to be many neo-experts out there regarding the Polynesian. Anyone? Anything? Perhaps those with early WDW parents from 1971..

Thanks!

 

[DBWDW]

Hi, so... I have partial information, shaded by memory; not sure how helpful it will be. I suspect neither hotel was open to the public. My family were guests of WDW, and were lodged at the Polynesian, as were a number of Disney management and invited guests. It served at the press center, so a lot of reporters were put up there, too. My parents talk about the room we were assigned having workmen installing fixtures and finishing touches during the stay. From pictures, I can say the two long houses immediately to the left and right of the main house were open, as were the two long houses to the left, towards the luau area around the marina. (Sorry, I don't know the names).

The Poly was home to guests again for the Grand Opening and again for the WDW Open the first week of Dec. So it's likely the Poly may have been "open" but with very limited or no vacancies until mid-Dec.