Hotel Lobby Access Revoked for Disney World’s Highest-Paying Resort Guests
This week, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort revoked guest access to the hotel’s main lobby seating area. Walt Disney World Resort has blocked off this section of the Great Ceremonial House as part of a maintenance project, affecting some of its most high-paying visitors.
Earlier this summer, the Polynesian’s BouTiki merchandise location underwent phased renovations, including floor replacements and fixture updates. Guests were still able to shop for select items during the refurbishment, which concluded in July. Since then, work has continued across the Dexlue Disney Resort, including updates to the Aotearoa building’s roof and the main driveway.
On September 17, WDWNT reported that an unannounced maintenance project had taken over the lobby area. New check-in signage now features Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s mascot, Maui, and generic flower designs, replacing the previous “Aloha” and “Guest Services” signs. The updated design may allow cast members to perform multiple guest service tasks at a single station, though Disney has not confirmed the purpose.
The biggest change for guests is that all seating in the lobby has been blocked off using stanchions, accompanied by a sign reading, “Please pardon our Pixie Dust – Work in progress for future enjoyment.” While the area is restricted, no construction work is visible, and existing chairs, rugs, and other decorative fixtures remain in place.
Walt Disney World Resort has not released a statement regarding the project’s duration or full scope. Typically, Disney posts warnings for major hotel refurbishments, so this may be a minor or routine update rather than an extensive renovation.
Past improvements at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort include new rugs and furniture upholstery in the Great Ceremonial House in 2023 and carpet replacement on the back stairs in 2024.
Has construction ever impacted your Disney Resort hotel stay? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
