3. A MAJOR overhaul of Disney's Polynesian (Village) Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is undergoing a massive refurbishment. Nothing around the resort is going to remain the same. Beginning with the addition of Disney Vacation Club, three of the twelve long houses are currently being converted into Disney Vacation Club rooms. The three long houses are Rapa Nui, Tahiti, and just last month Tokelau was added to the list. This brings the size of the resort for “regular guests” back to its original size in 1971. The addition of twenty bungalows over the Seven Seas Lagoon is also ongoing.

The next project is a complete refurbishment of the current Great Ceremonial House (lobby). This will begin with the removal of the large fountain in the center. It will be replaced with a smaller water feature that will allow for more space and a larger feel.

© Disney

The rest of the lobby will also be refurbished from the check-in desk to the gift shops. No space is likely to remain the same.

© Disney

The opening of a new bar called Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is also planned and will open in 2015. It will take the place of the former arcade that recently closed.

© Disney

Finally, the resort's Nanea Volcano Pool will be refurbished by removing the volcano structure for a smaller rock formation. Disney will also be expanding the deck and adding a new water playground for kids.

When the entire process is completed at the end of 2015, The Polynesian will be renamed as Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as it was back in 1971. The Polynesian is my favorite resort for it’s tropical atmosphere and great food, Tonga Toast comes to mind, and it’s refreshing to see life being brought into the resort. The end result should be impressive, 2015 can’t come soon enough.

Editor's note: Of course, we know that not everyone is happy about the Polynesian Resort's overhaul - particularly the lobby! We covered those complaints in this article.