Polynesian rumors About This Page:

[Winston]

I've seen quite a few rumors lately pointing to the possibility that WDW is considering razing much or all of the Polynesian and rebuilding it from the ground up. I've also read occasional speculation regarding a DVC resort at the Polynesian.

Some of you may follow Steve Seifert's "Tikiman Pages" website, which is a spectacular resource for guests/fans of the Polynesian. Steve seems to have a bit of an inside angle at the hotel, and I thought it might be worth reposting a recent post from his news/rumors section. The following info is taken directly from Steve's site:

So a rumor was going around about a few things at the Polynesian. The rumor was that the Polynesian was going to close down next year to take down the buildings to rebuild them and remove asbestos. Also that maybe the new buildings would house DVC. From what I am told there are no plans or reason to take down the longhouse buildings. If you look at my history page you will see that in 2002 they gutted the rooms and I would have thought that all asbestos materials were removed then.

As far as DVC is concerned, it has been rumored for years but every person I talk to says that Disney determined that there is no room to expand the Polynesian and there are no plans to turn existing rooms into DVC.

The only thing I have heard is that the Great Ceremonial House is in need of work to the extent that it might have to be taken down. The details of this I will be keeping to myself until I get more facts. Right now it is just a lot of rumors going around.

Do I think at some point Disney will totally redesign the Polynesian to be more modern and more like the new resort in Hawaii, I believe that will happen at some point. The feeling around the resort is that something big is being planned but nothing is for sure. At this point I think you need to enjoy what is there and remember that nothing last forever.

[Bee]

interesting I haven't heard of this...

[CinderAbby]

It makes for interesting reading but other than that, until Disney actually announces something, it's still just a rumor and may never happen.

[stubekis]

Wow...that would be a huge undertaking and expense, but then again, it's a prime location - arguably the best in WDW. It's my favorite resort we have stayed at, so I hope they don't change it too much!

[Dave Marx]

I think Tikiman's analysis is pretty much on target. I don't think Disney has the kind of fundamental problems with the Poly that would require a complete tear-down. Folks love the place. I don't see the kind of weak demand that would drive Disney to make a huge change (rather than tweaks). Few, if any, think it seems to be too old. The addition of the volcano pool brought it up to Deluxe standards. There are no structural problems that might require major reconstruction. Room size is greater than current standard - under-sized rooms are a good reason to rebuild, as they're harder to sell at Deluxe rates, but there's no problem selling over-size rooms. And Disney doesn't have the kind of guest room shortage that would lead them to build a lot more. They prefer a slight shortage of rooms to a slight surplus. OK, it lacks a true signature dining experience, but that falls into the "tweak" category.

As the oldest resort (along with the Contemporary Tower), it will probably be on of the first hotels to be razed and replaced. It'll happen some day, but I don't think it'll be anytime soon.

[Luvsun]

Interesting info! Thank you for sharing!
I am one of those big Poly fans.....I love it just like it is!

[queenofheartsfan]

Very interesting! Thanks for the info!

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Interesting - thanks for sharing!

[dsteiny23]

Just one more argument in my favor when I try to convince my DH to go back to the Poly next year. (I got him to try the BC last year and now he's a BC man, not that I don't LOVE BC, but I want to go to the Poly one more time)

[rhinohunter]

We have only stayed at three resorts on property but have visited a lot of the others. The Poly is our favorite. Woud not like to see any changes.

[Cam22]

Interesting! for sharing!

[modisney]

Interesting. I can see how the Poly could use a few changes/upgrades but overall, it's a great place. I guess we'll all have to wait and see what happens.

[DrDolphin]

Interesting...

[chezp]

Interesting. I'd be surprised if the Polynesian didn't end up with one longhouse housing DVC villas eventually.... There are already rumours about the next DVC resort being at the Grand Floridian and that would leave the Polynesian as the only existing deluxe resort without any DVC involvement. I could see that being on the list in the future....

[kewbrickny]

Love the Poly - got engaged on the dock there in 1986..... It was the first hotel my family stayed at on property in 1975... $40. a night