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Video Update of Disney’s Controversial Polynesian Tower

Disney Polynesian Tower Update

Walt Disney World Resort has revealed that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will be experiencing a transformation. What currently looks like a construction zone will one day be a massive tower of hotel rooms.

Polynesian Village Resort Great Ceremonial House
Credit: Disney

Not only have we seen structural changes recently to the Polynesian Village Resort’s Great Ceremonial House, but several of its rooms have been refurbished with a Moana (2016) inspired theme. Plus, Kona Cafe has received a facelift, and the beloved ‘Ohana restaurant is now welcoming the return of Lilo, Stitch, and Mickey Mouse for a character breakfast.

Polynesian Village Resort Moana Room
Credit: Disney

With all the changes, there has been one big loss… and that is the nostalgic dinner show Spirit of Aloha. The Disney fandom was extremely disappointed when Disney announced the show would never be returning from its COVID closure.

Instead, Disney revealed plans for new Disney Vacation Club Villas at the popular deluxe hotel. Unlike the renovation of several rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to be DVC rooms for the property, Disney is working on an entirely new structure to house Disney Vacation Club Members and their Guests at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Disney Polynesian Tower Art Rendering
Credit: Disney

With the Polynesian Resort’s close proximity to Magic Kingdom Park, hotel rooms are always in high demand. But, the project has been met with some controversy among Disney fans. Why is Disney building more high-priced Resorts but not expanding the Parks? Will the new, modern tower take away from that intimate Polynesian oasis feel the Resort currently offers?

But Disney is pushing ahead!

Polynesian DVC Villa permit
Credit: Disney

Permits were filed by Disney for the construction of the Polynesian Resort Villas. The project, located on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, looks like there will be a new parking lot and swimming pool with possibly a kid’s splash area. Disney has also noted there will be a dining and shopping locations within the tower.

Now, we’re sharing the latest video update as we took a Resort Monorail ride past the massive construction site on November 2, 2022. Check out the video below:

@disneydining

View from the monorail. Demolition of Spirit of Aloha area looks complete and cleanup up. Resort opening date currently set for 2024. . . Like and follow for more Disney updates. . #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #monorailresort #disneyspolynesianresort #disneyvacation #disneyvacationclub #disneyresort

♬ original sound – DisneyDining.com

Disney has yet to release the official opening date of the new Polynesian Tower but has suggested it would be in late 2024.

Follow us on Disney Dining’s TikTok page for more videos! As always, we will be sure to keep Guests updated as we learn more about this historical Disney Deluxe Resort transformation with the modern tower addition.

About Jamie Sylvester

I'm a Disney nerd! A kid at heart who loves the magic and memories of Walt Disney World. I follow all things Disney and enjoy the vacations, day trips, weekend getaways, and geek out over the planning of such events. My goal is to experience as many Disney desserts and cocktails as possible! Married to another Disney nerd and blessed with a daughter and son, we thoroughly enjoy the magic at Disney and are here to help others experience the magic as well.