Why Is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Closed?

By Robert Palmer

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, a popular resort located at Walt Disney World in Florida, has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many other Disney resorts have reopened with limited capacities and safety measures in place, the Polynesian remains closed to guests.

The resort, which first opened in 1971, underwent a major renovation in 2020 and was set to reopen on July 19, 2021. However, in June of that year, Disney announced that the reopening would be delayed until the summer of 2021. The reason given for the delay was that construction work on the resort was taking longer than expected.

One of the major changes being made to the Polynesian Resort is the removal of its popular feature – the Great Ceremonial House. This iconic building served as the main hub for dining and shopping within the resort. It is being replaced with a new version that features enhanced transportation options such as monorail access directly into the lobby.

In addition to this major renovation project, there have been several other factors that have contributed to the prolonged closure of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. One such factor is staffing shortages caused by pandemic-related labor issues. With travel restrictions and limited capacity at theme parks impacting attendance numbers, Disney has had to lay off or furlough many employees across its operations.

Another factor is ongoing supply chain issues that have affected various industries around the world due to COVID-19 related disruptions. These issues are believed to have impacted construction work on the resort and caused delays in getting necessary materials and equipment.

Despite these setbacks, Disney has assured fans that they are committed to reopening their beloved Polynesian Village Resort as soon as possible. The company has also stated that they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure guests’ safety when they do return.

In conclusion, while it may be disappointing for fans who were looking forward to staying at the Polynesian Resort, it is clear that Disney is taking the necessary steps to ensure the resort meets its high standards of quality and safety. With construction work ongoing and the promise of a new and improved Great Ceremonial House, fans can look forward to a refreshed and exciting Polynesian Village Resort experience when it finally reopens.