Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
It feels like every corner of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Central Florida, is undergoing change. From the parks to the hotel resorts, guests visiting the destination over the next few years will not be able to miss the construction efforts currently underway.
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Is Under Ongoing Development
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort opened in 1971 as one of Walt Disney World’s original hotels. It features South Pacific theming, monorail access, and dining options including ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s. In December 2024, the resort–based in the Magic Kingdom area of Disney World–added the Island Tower, a 10-story Disney Vacation Club expansion built on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The tower was inspired by early concept designs developed during the resort’s planning phase in the 1960s and ’70s.
The Island Tower includes 260 rooms, offering Duo Studios, Deluxe Studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas, and 2-bedroom penthouses. Each unit includes kitchens, patios, and artwork based on Disney’s Moana. New amenities at the tower include the Cove Pool, areas themed to Moana, and Wailulu Bar & Grill, which operates with an all-electric kitchen and serves dishes influenced by Polynesian culture. Guests at the tower also have access to four terrace gardens, each themed to a different island and used for viewing fireworks or quiet breaks.
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The project also includes environmental features, such as energy-saving systems, recycled materials, and preservation of existing trees. Construction elsewhere at the Polynesian is expected to continue through 2026.
One project still underway at the Polynesian Resort is the construction of the new roadway entrance. Disney announced the work ahead of time.
“From May 2025 through 2026, some areas of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are being refurbished. This work includes the reconfiguration of the front entrance roadway and bus area. While construction activity will be noticeable during daytime hours, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions,” the warning reads. “All Resort dining, pools, and amenities will remain available. Additionally, some views of the theme parks and other surrounding areas may be impacted. Please allow for extra travel time when arriving at or leaving the Resort.”
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The official Walt Disney World Resort website provides a shorter description of the work: “Some areas of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are being refurbished through 2026. Guests may see and hear some daytime construction, starting at 9:00 a.m. Additionally, some views of the theme parks and other surrounding areas may be impacted.”
While work on the new roadway entrance began in June, the overhauled area is now covered in dark scrim with paving pulled up as landscaping continues (per WDWNT). The current entrance way will eventually be used for the Disney World Transportation System bus route once the roadway opens to guests.
How do you feel about visiting this Deluxe Resort while large-scale construction efforts are underway? Let us know in the comments down below!
