If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you may be wondering which resort is the oldest. Well, let’s explore the history of Disney World resorts and find out!
Disney World Resorts: A Brief History
Walt Disney World Resort opened its doors on October 1, 1971, in Orlando, Florida. At the time, there was only one resort on property – Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This iconic resort features a unique contemporary design with a monorail running right through it.
Expansion of Disney World Resorts
As the popularity of Walt Disney World grew, so did the number of resorts on property. In 1972, just one year after opening, Disney added two more resorts – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Over the years, more resorts were added to accommodate the growing number of guests visiting Walt Disney World. Today, there are over 30 different resorts to choose from!
The Oldest Disney World Resort
So which resort is the oldest? The answer is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! It opened its doors on October 1st, 1971 – the same day as the opening of Walt Disney World itself.
The Polynesian Village Resort has a distinctive South Pacific theme with lush gardens and tropical landscaping. Guests can enjoy traditional Hawaiian music and hula dancing at nightly luaus or take part in various water activities at Seven Seas Lagoon.
Renovations to Polynesian Village Resort
While it may be the oldest resort at Walt Disney World, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t seen its fair share of updates and renovations over the years. In fact, in 2021, the resort underwent a major refurbishment that included updates to guest rooms and common areas as well as changes to its name.
The resort is now known simply as Disney’s Polynesian Resort and features a new color palette, updated furniture and fixtures, and a more modern look overall.
Conclusion
So there you have it – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the oldest resort at Walt Disney World. But don’t let its age fool you – it has undergone many renovations over the years and continues to be a popular choice for guests looking for a tropical getaway in the heart of Walt Disney World.