New Polynesian Resort Entrance is Coming Soon

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New Polynesian Resort Entrance

Hello, Disney Vacationers a! There’s something thrilling on the horizon at one of our favorite vacation spots. If you’ve been dreaming of your next escape to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you’ll be excited to hear about the new developments that are set to enhance your arrival experience. A brand new Polynesian Resort entrance is in the works, and I’ve got all the juicy details to keep you in the loop.

A Fresh Path to Paradise

As part of a significant expansion effort along World Drive, just north of the Magic Kingdom parking area and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, a recent permit filing by Disney World has unveiled plans for a completely revamped entrance to the Polynesian Village Resort. This new route is designed to streamline access and improve the overall guest experience as soon as you set foot (or tire) on the property.

New Polynesian Resort Entrance - photo credit to @BlogMickey

What’s Changing?

Currently, the resort’s entrance serves both buses and other vehicles, but that’s about to change. The existing entrance will be transformed into a bus-only lane. For most visitors, the primary way to access the resort will shift to the end of a newly created dead-end on Seven Seas Drive.

For those approaching from either direction on World Drive, a convenient roundabout will guide you onto a new connector road leading directly to Seven Seas Drive. Here’s where it gets interesting: the new main entrance and guard gate will be situated near the current intersection of Seven Seas Drive and World Drive.

New Polynesian Resort Entrance - photo credit to @BlogMickey

Detailed Look at the Layout

The proposed changes are best understood with a visual aid. Above, you can see a composite image combining the permit details overlaid on a Google Maps satellite view. This helps illustrate how Seven Seas Drive will be extended south, cutting through the current Magic Kingdom Cast Member parking lot to a new roundabout just south of the existing intersection.

Traffic Flow and Parking Adjustments

The reconfiguration aims to significantly reduce the traffic impact on Seven Seas Drive, facilitating a smoother and more separated flow between buses and personal vehicles within the resort. With the new guard gate, guests can expect a more appealing approach to the refreshed porte cochere. Although this might lead to fewer parking spots, it’s worth noting that the parking lot at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort seldom reaches full capacity.

New Polynesian Resort Entrance

Future Projections and Impacts

This entrance shift is likely a strategic move to alleviate the frequent traffic congestion experienced at the current resort entrance. Moreover, with the upcoming opening of the new DVC Island Tower in December 2024, the resulting influx of guests at the Polynesian Resort. Drawing parallels with recent developments at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, it’s probable that the Polynesian Resort will maintain a single bus stop, without adding a separate stop for the new DVC Island Tower.

Wrapping Up

The new entrance to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is not just a change in the road layout; it’s a gateway to a more streamlined experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney World guest, these changes promise to enhance your arrival, letting you get into the Polynesian with even greater ease and excitement. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the grand unveiling of the new entrance!

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!

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