This story begins with a 27,000 acre site in central Florida that would someday become Walt Disney World including a spot specifically selected for its location and views that would be the location for a resort called the Polynesian Resort. Originally called the "Vacation … [Read more...] about The Story Begins …
History
First Years
Disney's Polynesian Village opened to enthusiastic visitors in late 1971. Visitors to the park that wanted to stay close to the action had two choices, the modern elegance of the Contemporary or the Tropical getaway of the Polynesian. The Polynesian staff and creators worked hard … [Read more...] about First Years
1970s
The Polynesian has gone through some changes since it first opened so lets take a look at how it has changed since 1971. The Polynesian opened on October 1, 1971 and it had 486 guest rooms (6 being suites) divided between eight guest longhouses across 39 acres. The original … [Read more...] about 1970s
1980s
The Polynesian in the 1980s would see it final growth but still hold on to that 70's look with an 80's twist. Most of the resort would still look the same but the rooms would change. The Longhouse exteriors would have their wood siding painted over giving the resort a different … [Read more...] about 1980s
1990s
The 1990's was a decade of change to the resort and its philosophy. A leader in this change was the General Manager Clyde Min (GM from 1995-1999) along with some other key cast members Stephen Hoel, Mary Cooper, and Shelley Randazzo. As the resort got some help from our Hawaiian … [Read more...] about 1990s
2000s
The Resort in the New Millennium has been revitalized. The Polynesian has stuck to the original ideas laid out by Walt Disney and designers and artist Rolly Crump (who designed the Tiki Room and Marc Davis. Even with keeping with the original ideas the Polynesian works hard to … [Read more...] about 2000s
2010s
Polynesian 2010 2010 started out rough. It was a year of budget cuts, increase in cost and decrease in services. We also lost a big part of the Polynesian family. Dick Magno (better known as Chef Dick) at the Polynesian retired in July 2010. We all know him for his delicious … [Read more...] about 2010s
Gone but not forgotten
Gone but not forgotten ... Soon to be added, pics and info about things that are gone from the resort. If you have photos and info about things you remember at the resort that are gone, please send them to me at tikimanpages@gmail.com also tell me what you remember about … [Read more...] about Gone but not forgotten
Beginning
The Polynesian Village was born in 1971. Construction started in February 1969 and was completed August 1971. It was supposed to be a 12- story high-rise hotel in the center of a lagoon where guests rooms were clustered around small streams, a pool fed by waterfalls, a helt club, … [Read more...] about Beginning
