TPG offers an exclusive look at the soon-to-reopen Disney Polynesian rooms, now featuring a vibrant Moana theme.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the most recent information.

When Disney World first welcomed guests on October 1, 1971, it had only two resort hotels: Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

While Fort Wilderness Campground was also present, among the original Disney World hotels, the Polynesian stands out as one of the few that were truly part of the theme park's inception.

However, after 50 years, it's time for a refresh. During its pandemic closure, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort underwent a comprehensive renovation, introducing a new Moana theme. (Notably, the other original hotel, the Contemporary, is currently undergoing its own retheming.)

With the Polynesian's reopening now set for July 19, TPG received an exclusive preview of the newly renovated rooms at 'the Poly.'

New "Moana" theme

This renovation was far from ordinary. The beloved hotel received a vibrant touch of "Moana" theming, featuring playful references to the film and its characters throughout the area.

As described by Disney, the refreshed color scheme draws inspiration from the Pacific Ocean and its various islands.

The renovation includes both king bedrooms and family-friendly accommodations featuring two queen beds, enhancing the overall experience.

The rooms feature new furnishings, fixtures, and intricate details. As Disney mentioned, "The bathroom tiles and vanity's carved details are inspired by the sandy ocean floor, enhancing the fresh, modern vibe of these reimagined spaces."

This reimagining of the Polynesian's rooms improved not only the aesthetic but also the functionality. The flooring was upgraded from carpet to hard surfaces, beds were elevated for additional luggage storage, and a significant number of power and USB outlets were added throughout the room.

With upgrades in technology, hidden Mickeys, and in-room coffee, the newly revamped Polynesian rooms seem to be a significant enhancement at this beloved resort.

In addition to the rooms, Disney has announced a "dramatic new porte-cochere that will elevate the arrival experience." Currently, the monorail station at the front of the resort is closed as the entire entrance undergoes construction. Although the Polynesian will eventually reclaim its status as a true monorail resort, the monorail work will not be completed by July, when the new rooms make their debut.

While the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rooms and villas at the Polynesian remain open and are yet to undergo renovation (though they will), the hotel section of the Polynesian's rooms and suites will start accepting reservations again in late July. Although this timeline may change, our recent visit indicated that the renovations in the rooms are on track for that date.

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To highlight how impressive the new design is, take a look at the current appearance of the DVC rooms at the Polynesian based on a visit in 2020. They are perfectly fine but will greatly benefit from the upcoming updates.

However, the standard Polynesian rooms needed the most attention, and they have now been beautifully transformed. Here's a look at the standard rooms before their renovation during my stay in 2017.

Conclusion

It takes more than a pandemic to slow down progress at Walt Disney World.

While some new Disney World initiatives faced delays or cancellations, the Polynesian is emerging from its closure significantly enhanced. The beloved restaurant within the Polynesian, Ohana, is set to reopen on July 9, just ahead of the resort's official reopening.

And it’s not the only Disney resort unveiling a fresh look—stay tuned for more exclusive insights and sneak peeks on TPG.