Why Is the Polynesian Resort Closed?

By Michael Ferguson

The Polynesian Resort, a beloved Disney World resort located in Orlando, Florida, has been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure was initially temporary but has been extended multiple times, leaving fans of the resort wondering when it will reopen.

What is the Polynesian Resort?

The Polynesian Resort is a themed hotel located in Walt Disney World. It first opened its doors in 1971 and has since become one of the most popular Disney resorts. The resort is known for its tropical theming, great amenities, and proximity to Magic Kingdom.

Why is it closed?

As mentioned earlier, the primary reason for the Polynesian Resort’s closure is the COVID-19 pandemic. When Walt Disney World first closed due to the pandemic in March 2020, all of its resorts closed as well.

While other Disney resorts have since reopened with new health and safety protocols in place, such as limited capacity and increased cleaning measures, the Polynesian has remained closed. This is because the resort underwent an extensive refurbishment during its closure.

The Refurbishment

The refurbishment of the Polynesian Resort was initially planned to take place over several months while keeping parts of the resort open. However, due to the pandemic’s impact on tourism and travel, Disney decided to close down the entire resort for refurbishment.

The main focus of this refurbishment was updating guest rooms with a new Moana-inspired theme. Additionally, improvements were made to the Great Ceremonial House lobby area and Monorail station.

When will it reopen?

Initially scheduled to reopen in summer 2021, Disney recently announced that they would push back this date until July 19th. This delay was attributed to ongoing construction delays caused by supply chain issues related to COVID-19.

The Bottom Line

While the extended closure of the Polynesian Resort may be disappointing for some Disney fans, it’s important to remember that the delay is in everyone’s best interest. The new Moana-inspired guest rooms and updated amenities will undoubtedly make the resort even more magical when it finally reopens on July 19th.