Closer Look: Imagineers talk Polynesian Resort enhancements as Walt Disney World refines classic hotel with fun new features

in Disney, Entertainment, Events, Food, Hotel, Walt Disney World

This week Walt Disney World unveiled dramatic updates to the classic Polynesian Village Resort, including inside looks at the exclusive Bora Bora Bungalows and a preview of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Today we are taking a closer look at each of the new elements at the Polynesian hotel, beginning with the official “grand opening” moment featuring speeches and some island-inspired entertainment:

The most talked-about additions to Polynesian accommodations are the Bora Bora Bungalows, exclusive new private waterfront suites. Imagineer Kyle Barnes led a tour through one of the new bungalows as well as answered questions about them:



Taking a step back for an overview of the recent and ongoing changes to the Polynesian Village Resort, including the updated lobby, we talked with Tracey Powell, Vice President, Resort Operations, Deluxe Resorts:

Though Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto doesn’t officially open for a couple weeks, it is now “soft open” so Walt Disney World showed it off during their recent press splash marking the opening of the other Polynesian hotel additions. On hand were Beverage Manager Jason Cha-Kim and Resort Chef James Kleinschmidt to discuss the food and drink offerings at Trader Sam’s, also answering questions about the differences between Walt Disney World’s location and the one at Disneyland:

Still left to be completed in the Polynesian Village Resort transformation is the enhanced pool area that is rapidly wrapping up renovations. The resort certainly retains a lot of its classic charm and familiarity amidst all of these updates, but also twists the tropical feel into a contemporary motif that appears fresh for today’s visitors.

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