Polynesian Resort Construction Update: Work to Continue Until 2026

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Hey Disney Vacationers! I’ve got some new news about the construction happening at and around Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. So, grab your Mickey ears and let’s dive into the details of what’s in store with in Polynesian Resort construction update!

The Big Announcement

Disney World has officially announced that construction at the Polynesian Village Resort will continue until 2026. At this moment the exact details are vague on what the additional construction is related to, but we do know it’s not related to the new DVC Island Tower. With the new 10-story tower set to open in December 2024.

This latest updates point towards a significant revamp of the resort’s entrance and potentially more. Here’s what we know so far:

New Entrance and Roadway Changes

Disney World recently filed a permit revealing plans for a completely revamped entrance to the Polynesian Village Resort. This change is part of a broader expansion effort along World Drive, just north of the Magic Kingdom parking area and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

What’s Changing? Currently, the resort’s entrance serves both buses and other vehicles. The exciting update is that the existing entrance will be transformed into a bus-only lane. Most visitors will access the resort via 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. The new main entrance and guard gate will be located near the current intersection of Seven Seas Drive and World Drive. This reconfiguration aims to significantly reduce traffic impact on Seven Seas Drive, creating a smoother and more separated flow between buses and personal vehicles within the resort.

Guests can look forward to a more appealing approach to the refreshed porte cochere, even though it might lead to fewer parking spots. But don’t worry, the parking lot at the Polynesian Village Resort rarely reaches full capacity.

Rumors and Speculation

There’s also a buzz that these roadway improvements might be part of an even larger project rumored for the Magic Kingdom: the Beyond Big Thunder Mountain expansion. According to Jim Hill of Jim Hill Media, there’s potential for a new Magic Kingdom resort—the first Disney World resort directly attached to a park. This expansion would likely increase traffic in this area, so improving the roadways around Polynesian and Grand Floridian crucial for smooth operations.

While this is just speculation for now, we’re hoping for more insights at this year’s D23 event in August.

Stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, keep dreaming of your next magical visit to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

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