The Polynesian Resort, one of Disney’s most popular hotels, has been closed for several months now. This comes as a surprise to many, as the resort has always been a favorite among guests due to its unique theming and convenient location.
Why is the Polynesian Resort Closed?
There are several reasons why the Polynesian Resort was closed. One of the main reasons is because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The resort was closed in March 2020 when the pandemic first hit and remained closed for several months. When it reopened in July 2020, it did so with limited capacity and with new health and safety measures in place.
However, despite these measures, many guests were still hesitant to travel, and as a result, occupancy rates remained low. In addition, many of Disney’s other properties have also been operating at reduced capacity or have remained closed altogether. This has put a strain on Disney’s finances and has led to difficult decisions regarding which properties to keep open.
Another reason why the Polynesian Resort was closed is because of ongoing renovations and refurbishments. The resort has undergone several updates over the years, but this latest round of renovations is one of the most extensive yet. The changes are being made to both guest rooms and public areas, with new theming being introduced throughout the resort.
What Changes Are Being Made?
One major change that is being made is to the guest rooms themselves. The rooms are being updated with new furniture, fixtures, and decor that reflect a more modern take on Polynesian theming. This includes new artwork featuring beloved Disney characters like Moana.
In addition to these updates, some rooms are also being converted into Disney Vacation Club villas. This will allow guests to purchase timeshares at the Polynesian Resort and stay in their own private villa whenever they visit Walt Disney World.
Another major change is to the resort’s lobby area. The lobby is being expanded and updated with new furniture, lighting, and decor that reflect the new theming of the resort. The centerpiece of the lobby will be a new chandelier that is being custom-designed for the Polynesian Resort.
When Will the Polynesian Resort Reopen?
As of now, there is no official reopening date for the Polynesian Resort. However, Disney has stated that the resort will reopen sometime in summer 2021. This means that guests can expect to see all of the new updates and changes when they visit later this year.
In conclusion, while it may be disappointing that the Polynesian Resort is currently closed, it’s important to remember that these closures are necessary for both public health and for ensuring that Disney’s properties remain in top condition. And when the resort does reopen later this year, guests can look forward to experiencing all of the exciting updates and changes firsthand.