How are things going at the resort?
As we head into the summer we are also getting to the point where the construction going on at the resort will be the heaviest. Once we finish out July I think the highest percentage of the resort will be closed. Let’s go over what is closed right now.
The east side of the resort is blocked off (see red area on map). The path that use to go through this area was rerouted about a week ago because there will no longer be access to this area. The path to go over to the Transportation and Ticket Center will now be out at the front of the resort and leading around the closed off area. Notices inside guests rooms mention the path being closed along with the arcade closure and Captain Cook’s temporary location. On my map (left) the green outlined section is what will be closed off once the work to the Nanea pool starts. You Can see how this will limit access across the middle of the resort and everyone will be routed through the walled off maze inside the Great Ceremonial house if you are coming from the west side longhouses (Fiji, Aotearoa and Tuvalu). As mentioned in my other article, the west side of Samoa and Niue longhouses will be closed while the pool work is going on also. This will limit the number of room available to the lowest number ever.
As we have seen the walls are finally all up around the waterfall and they have done some decorating of it since it will be up until the end of the year or longer. Other than hopefully Captain Cook’s opening sometime new month (July) there will be more closing. The front of the Great Ceremonial House has already seen walls go up an soon both sides will be walled off. When you walk into the lobby the left side is closed off to get equipment into the waterfall area and to build a temporary check in desk. Once that is done it will reopen so they can close off the check in side of the lobby. As of today (June 16) Trader Jack’s gift shop has closed and at some point Samoa Snacks will close also after they are done with working on Trader Jack’s and adding the new shop. Many of the best selling items have been moved to Boutiki to be sold while Trader Jack’s is closed. There is no word on how the renovations will affect ‘Ohana or Kona other than speculation and rumor. Boutiki should not be affected.
As of the morning of June 16 a room was built just outside of Tambu Lounge. My guess is this is in response of tools and equipment they need to work on the second floor stores. This may be their location to store the equipent. Doug was nice enough to send me some photos of the area that went up over night and takes up some of the lounge area. Every time I post some other area that is closed off people are so surprised and outraged but I have tried to tell you since before construction started in September 2013 that this was coming and it will get worst. If you plan on visiting then be prepared to see things walled off all over the resort. This will be happening for the next year. Hopefully most or all of the Great Ceremonial House will be dine by the begining of 2015. I don’t expect everything to be completed until mid summer 2015 so plan your trip later if you want to avoid any construction.
The monorail station will be getting some renovations but there is no word on it closing because of this at any time. Starting June 22 the monorail will be running on reduced hours but this (and the past reduced hours) is not due to any construction at the Polynesian. Don’t get upset that the staff at the Polynesian didn’t warn you because they did not know this was happening either. The reduced hours are:
•Magic Kingdom Resort beam – 8:30am to midnight
•Magic Kingdom Express beam – 9:30am to 11:30pm
•Epcot beam – 9am to 11pm
Additional busses and boats will be added to help with transportation to parks. As a Polynesian guest you can walk over to the Transportation and Ticket Center and get on one of two ferries.
The work being done is to automate the monorails that will allow them to run faster and more efficient, improving service. There is no completion date but it is expected to last through the summer.
I have been adding information as it comes in to the web pages. I added all the permits for the last two years to my Disney Vacation Club and construction news page.
http://www.tikimanpages.com/poly/the-resort/dvc/item/191-disney-vacation-club
You can also find test room photos and concept drawings on the other pages in my DVC section. Also in the photo gallery at the bottom of the Disney Vacation Club and construction news page is where I add the photos I get of the progress on the Disney Vacation Club bunglaows and other Disney Vacation Club projects.
As of June 16 the new Club Disney Kids club should be open and taking reservations. The kids club will be a test for this model that will be put into all the resorts that currently have a kids club. Often the Polynesian is the test bed for new thigns at all the resorts. You can find out more on my Activities page.
If you try out the new club and have photos or a review of it, I would love to see it. You can email me at tikimanpages@gmail.com
http://www.tikimanpages.com/poly/activities
