It has been expected and reported for some time, but now it has been confirmed by Disney. Changes are indeed coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort and that includes a name change, new bar, and a brand new lobby that will please some and make others upset.
Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis announced on May 2, 2014, that one of the most iconic and well-known resort hotels, the Polyneisian Resort, would be undergoing some changes.
First of all, the name is going to change to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which is exactly what it was called when it originally opened up back in 1971.
Secondly, there will be a new food and beverage experience going on for guests starting in 2015 and it is called Trader Sam/s Grog Grotto. This is the very popular lounge that is out in the Disneyland Hotel in California, and loved by so many.
Lastly, some concept art has been revealed for the refurbishment that will happen to the lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and it shows a much more open and wider space.
The only problem here is that the concept art shows the Grand Ceremonial House’s iconic waterfall is no longer in the center of then lobby, but has been replaced by a Tiki god. This has already raised the eyebrows of some as the refurbishment of the Polynesian begins and plows on.
