After months of several simultaneous refurbishment projects, Walt Disney World Resort is slowly revealing the updates to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Latest Update From Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
For several months, Walt Disney World Resort has been refurbishing multiple areas around Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which opened alongside the Most Magical Place on Earth in 1971. One of those projects necessitated the temporary closure of part of one of the Deluxe Disney Resort hotel’s dining locations: Wailulu Bar in the Island Tower.
Outdoor seating at the Island Tower restaurant has been limited since April, and scaffolding has surrounded the building ever since. According to a report from WDWNT on July 27, the scaffolding has finally been removed, revealing a replaced roof.
Elsewhere at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, refurbishment work continues. The most visible signs of construction are still at the main lobby building, the Great Ceremonial House.
On Monday, construction crews were spotted installing metal paneling on vertical beams that Disney had repainted in April. It’s unclear why Disney is installing that metal paneling on the main lobby building; heavy scaffolding blocks much of the remaining work on the structure.
Most hotel amenities, transportation options, and other guest offerings remain available during the construction at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. However, the outdoor seating area of Trader Sam’s, known as the Tiki Terrace, remains closed due to ongoing construction.
The bar was supposed to reopen in “late June,” but remained closed throughout July with no word from Walt Disney World Resort about a potential reopening. Disney’s official website claims the area will now reopen in “late October.”
“Through late 2026, some areas of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows are being refurbished,” Walt Disney World Resort warns guests before booking stays at the Magic Kingdom Area Resort. “This work includes the reconfiguration of the front entrance roadway. Additionally, some views of the theme parks and other surrounding areas may be impacted. Most Resort dining, pools and amenities will remain available…While construction activity will be noticeable during daytime hours, efforts will be made to minimize disruptions. Please allow for extra travel time when arriving at or leaving the Resort.”
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