If you spend time browsing Walt Disney World’s website, you will eventually start to notice red construction, refurbishment, or closure notices. These notifications provide a friendly “heads up” that your visit may be impacted by projects around property. Since most refurbishments are scheduled in advance, you can minimize the toll they may take on your overall experience with a little bit of planning.
Sometimes, refurbishments present short term implications and mild inconveniences. Other projects can be more intensive and provide longer term impacts on views, amenities, transportation, or accessibility. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently undergoing multiple refurbishment projects. Today, we want to talk about the ongoing updates and the effect on your next visit to this beloved monorail loop destination. Say “Aloha” to some construction!
Exterior Maintenance Impacting Theme Park Views
Let’s start with the exterior. Scaffolding is up along much of Great Ceremonial House’s exterior. It’s quickly apparent how this impacts views of Magic Kingdom from inside the main building. While not guaranteed, many people make reservations at ‘Ohana hoping to score a coveted table near the windows. Having your view of the castle or Happily Ever After fireworks blocked by scaffolding would certainly be a disappointment if you’re not aware of the exterior maintenance ahead of time. The same is true of other dining and seating areas inside the lobby including Tambu Lounge. If idyllic views of Cinderella Castle are on your island agenda, you may want to consider a visit to the resort’s beaches in the meantime.
Exterior Maintenance Impacting Walkways
In addition to the views being less than optimal, certain walkways are unavailable right now. As an example, you can typically walk along the back side of the building past Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace and the outdoor seating area for Capt. Cook’s. Unfortunately, the current exterior maintenance has made these areas unavailable (we’ll talk in more detail about those changes in a moment). Signage is up indicating temporary pathways and alternate routes to get around Great Ceremonial House.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace Temporarily Closed
This closure pains me a little bit. Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is one of my favorite lounges on property. I would honestly characterize it as a “must-do” when I’m in Disney World. MouseHouseNews.net has a full review of Tiki Terrace detailing what you can expect when you stop in for a drink or two.
Tiki Terrace has the same drinks and lounge bites that are available inside the extremely popular Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. While you can order the same items from both locations, it’s important to note that Tiki Terrace does not feature the special effects or interactions you’ll find inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Instead, you’ll enjoy a laid back ambiance, island vibes, and live evening entertainment. You can still get the souvenir tiki mugs though!
Unfortunately, the exterior refurbishment at Great Ceremonial House is also causing a temporary closure for Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. The closure began in mid-April, and is scheduled to last through the end of June. We’ll be sure to give you an update when we have a confirmation of Tiki Terrace’s reopening date!
In the meantime, you can still enjoy drinks inside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Be aware that Grog Grotto fills up very quickly and often has a wait-list for entry. The good news is that Disney expanded operating hours for both Trader Sam’s locations late last year. You can now visit (or get on the waitlist) as early as 11:00am. This gives you a few extra hours each day to enjoy the drinks and atmosphere. It’s also worth mentioning that prior to 8:00pm, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is open to all ages. After 8:00pm, only those ages 21 and up may enter.
Capt. Cook’s Also Experiencing Impacts
The resort’s quick service location, Capt. Cook’s, is also experiencing impacts from the ongoing exterior refurbishments. Scaffolding is blocking the indoor seating area’s windows, but the biggest temporary changes are to the outdoor seating area. You will now find a limited amount of seating in an area closer to the Great Ceremonial House Lawn, rather than right outside of the quick service’s doors. Unfortunately, the already small number of tables have further decreased with this relocation. Hopefully, outdoor seating will return to normal (or expand) once the maintenance work is over.
Wailulu Bar & Grill Exterior Roofing Updates
The area around Great Ceremonial House isn’t the only place you’ll observe construction at the Poly right now. Over at the Island Tower, Wailulu Bar & Grill is receiving some roofing updates. The restaurant will remain open during the construction; however, the bar will only offer walk-up service prior to 5:00pm. Seating will be available from 5:00pm until close.
Right now, you can still make advanced dining reservations for Wailulu Bar & Grill, even for times before 5:00pm. The construction impact is likely limited to the outdoor seating and bar area, rather than the indoor dining space. The restaurant is definitely worth the visit for a delicious Wayfinder Burger (one of Marcus’s favorite burgers on property!), a Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Poke Bowl, or any number of tasty tropical drinks (including my choice, the Passion Fruit and Pineapple Daiquiri).
Boat Transportation Unavailable
Beginning May 11th, the resort’s boat dock will also close for routine maintenance. Boat transportation to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian will be unavailable from May 11th through June 5th. Honestly, the boats are one of the most relaxing (and least crowded) methods of Disney transportation to Magic Kingdom from this resort. However, you do still have other convenient options available even if the boats are not. The first form of transportation that comes to mind for most people is likely the iconic monorail system. After all, this is a monorail loop resort!
You can also take a relaxing stroll on the walking path that connects the Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts to Magic Kingdom. Not only will you avoid potential crowds, but you can also enjoy the sights and sounds of Seven Seas Lagoon in the process.
According to Disney’s website, overall boat dock maintenance is scheduled to last through the end of June. Definitely keep an eye on resort signage and the Disney World website for any changes to this timeline. You can also count on MouseHouseNews.net for updates!
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in May or June, expect to see these construction projects! While you may see and hear construction around the resort, active construction will be limited to daytime hours. As always, it’s a good idea to allow extra time when traveling to or around the resort during this time.
One Polynesian Village Resort mainstay that remains unaffected by all of the refurbishments is Pineapple Lanai. That’s definitely good news for those of us who want to stop by to grab a Dole Whip or float! Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for updates on construction projects, closures, and other important information that could affect your next Disney Adult trip. We’ll see ya real soon!
