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After Guests Complain, Disney Begins Repairing “Rotting” Luxury Hotel

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing some much-needed repairs following a series of complaints about deteriorating conditions, including “rotting” vegetation.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Credit: Disney

Earlier this month, guests at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort took to social media to share their disappointment with the Deluxe Resort hotel’s conditions, particularly around the Seven Seas Lagoon. One of the most vocal critics, X (formerly known as Twitter) user @Savethedmagic, shared their frustration after paying Deluxe Resort prices for a less-than magical experience:

Disney’s ‘Modern Polynesian’ – fronted by rotting vegetation. This is the view people are paying top dollar for. This water looks awful. Doesn’t feel like a Polynesian Island; it looks like a sewer carrying away waste. This used to be so beautiful, and the lake was the draw.

Days later, Walt Disney World Resort began work on the exterior of the Polynesian Village Resort, particularly focusing on repairs to the Aotearoa building. The building, which suffered damage during Hurricane Milton in October 2024, has had its overhang missing for nearly a year. According to WDWNT, Disney has finally begun repairs, with construction crews working on two corners of the building. The area is secured with yellow flags and fences protecting construction equipment.

Reports also indicate that Disney crews are working on the laundry building’s roof. The carved faces on the exterior of the building are currently covered by plastic tarps to protect them from damage during the ongoing work.

A joyful family delights in a swimming pool reminiscent of the best pools at Disney World. A man lovingly holds a smiling young girl, a child in a colorful swimsuit stands close, and to the right, a woman dons a red swimsuit and beige sun hat. Scenic rock formations grace the background.
Credit: Disney

Interestingly, one of the affected buildings was originally home to the Tangaroa Terrace restaurant, which closed in 1996. Since then, the space has been used as a backstage area for Disney cast members.

Walt Disney World Resort has not made any official statements regarding the ongoing repair work. However, it’s not uncommon for Disney to remain tight-lipped about maintenance updates, especially when the changes don’t directly affect the guest experience.

Have you noticed weather damage at any other Walt Disney World Resort hotels? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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