Walt Disney World may have reopened well over a month ago, but there are still many changes that continue to take place. For example, Disney announced on Aug. 31 that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will not reopen until summer 2021.
Originally, the resort was set to reopen on Aug. 12, 2020, but, in late July, that date got pushed back to Oct. 4, 2020.
However, a fall reopening date no longer applies due in part to a refurbishment the resort has scheduled. There will be enhancements made to the Great Ceremonial House and also on guest rooms. Disney expects the refurbishment work to begin in early October of 2020.
Speaking of the guest rooms, a WDW spokesperson informed the Orlando Sentinel on Aug. 31 that the “changes to the rooms will include a move to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Disney’s Moana, an animated film that takes place on the Polynesian island of Motunui.”
At this time, the Villa and Bungalows at the Polynesian will remain open during the refurbishment. They are also currently open and accepting new reservations.
It also looks like the current dining options should remain open as well, which include Kona Cafe, Capt. Cook’s, Pineapple Lanai, Barefoot Pool Bar, and Tambu Lounge. No word yet on if or when Ohana or Trader Sam’s will reopen.
Also, due to the refurbishment, Monorail service will be temporarily suspended starting on Nov. 2, 2020. However, the walkway to the Transportation and Ticket Center will remain open for guests to access the monorail and ferry boats to Magic Kingdom. Buses will also be available to Magic Kingdom starting Nov. 2, 2020.
Be sure to check out our guide on how Disney transportation works currently.
As of publication, these are the resorts currently open and available to book:
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 21, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is slated for an Oct. 14 reopening, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is set to reopen on Nov. 1.
These resorts don’t have reopening dates yet:
- Disney’s All Star Resorts
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
It’s unfortunate about the Polynesian’s delayed reopening, but also understandable. There’s a chance that the existing number of bookings also played a part in not reopening right now.
To keep tabs on all of the latest updates, be sure to check out our WDW reopening guide and our 2020 & 2021 vacation planner filled with information about what to expect at the parks right now . If you’re interested in booking a trip, you can fill out the form below.
- Where to find Epcot Flower and Garden Festival topiaries (pics, map, checklist) - March 7, 2022
- Sarah C.’s February Trip – PREP299 - February 26, 2022
- Randi’s trip of breakdowns (WDW, Universal, DAS) – PREP298 - February 21, 2022