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 look from the outside for the first time.
The 80’s would also be when the isolated resort would get a new neighbor in 1988. That is when the Grand Floridian would be built where the Asian was going to be built.
Polynesian 1980
As you can see from this photo from Jennifer Lazzaro the Polynesian rooms did some changing in the early 80’s. Some people think the resort never really changed over the years but if you look back at photos like this you can see how drastic the changes were.
In May of this year the floating docks located in the Marina were added
Polynesian 1982
Ticket Sales were added to the Resort with a location being made for it on the 1st floor of the GCH where the Wyland Gallery is now. A permanent bar was also added to the Luau.
Papeete Bay and Tambu Lounge were rehabed in July of this year to get a new look.
Polynesian 1984
The year started out with the removal of the Moonlight Tropical Review and Mickey’s Tropical Revue was tested and continued after this year.
Construction on Moorea (Later Tahiti) and Pago Pago (Later Rapa Nui) started this year.
The 80’s brought a lot of change to the Polynesian. It was becoming very popular and known as the Hawaii of the East Coast.
One of the casualties of this year was one of the first buffets in WDW and it seems that it was very popular. This place was called the South Seas Room and was located where the later concierge lounge, Wyland Galleries and now the front of Boutiki is in the GCH. It became a banquet space.
The Papeete Bay Kitchen had a rehab and a stage was added. Coral Isle Cafe added 26 seats and skylights. The boardwalk also had some rehab done to keep it in good condition. Along with some more modifications to the Luau the work for 1984 was topped off with the addition of the Entrance sign that was erected in July.
Polynesian 1985
Other changes that came int he 80’s was to change its look. All the original 8 Longhouses started to get a rehab in September and was completed in May of 1986 All the rooms, hallways and even the Great Ceremonial House will get new colors and fabrics. They start to move away from the 70’s decor and move towards more traditional colors and patterns.
Also the new Longhouses opened and added 217 more rooms, bringing the total to 847. A parking lot was also added next to Pago Pago.They also added new walkways around the resort , along the beach, and to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). 
These rooms were slightly larger than the original building rooms.
Other news for the year was the White Cockatoos and Scarlet Macaws were put in the lobby. The luggage storage area was rehabed and the monorail platform was expanded.
Minnie’s Menehune Breakfast was introduced to Papeete Bay Verandah. Captain Cook’s Hideaway Lounge was renamed to the Island Ice Cream Company.
The longhouse Maui changes its name to Maori and later will become Rarotonga.
This year they tested the Wave Machine one last time after sitting idol since the early 70s and it was decided to dismantle and remove it from the lake. Rumors are that it was buried at the bottom of the lake but the structure was taken out and not sunk to the bottom.
Polynesian 1986
Work continues and is completed on removing the old design (seen in the photo to the right). The room redesign took 6 days to complete each room and 28 rooms were down at one time. The cost per room rehab was $7000. Housekeeper costumes were redesigned to match the new room decore.
Trader Jack’s and Village Gifts opens back up from its own rehab in February of this year.
Koi are added to the pond out front and many of the camphor trees are replaced at the entrance to add queen palms to give it more of a tropical look.
A concierge lounge was added and opened in January. also added was guest laundry and the marina rental building.
The main parking lot was repaved for the first time since it was open.
You can see in the 70’s and 80’s it was not very representative of Polynesian design.
Polynesian 1987
Outriggers Cove was completed in April of this year. Guest services moved to where it is now from the location of the old News From Civilization (now Wyland gallery).
The walkway to the TTC was installed this year.
Since the rooms had a new look the GCH got a new look and removed the tile with a new color scheme, new furniture, new phone area and a new roof. They also expanded the front desk and gave the staff new costumes at the front office.
The Concierge lounge was enlarged and was redecorated. All of the longhouses got a fresh coat of paint and the Barefoot Snack Bar was remodeled. The Island Ice Cream Co. changed its name to Captain Cook’s Snack and Ice Cream Co. and Jane Eisner and son (Anders) were the official ribbon cutters on April 16, 1987.
Main pool’s mountain was repaired and pool surfaced was redone. Luau Cove dressing rooms were upgraded and a larger stage was built. Air conditioning system in the Main Kitchen was replaced.
Men’s Shop, Robinson, Crusoe, Esq., moved to where the Polynesian Princess was, and the name changed to Crusoe and Son. Polynesian Princess moved down the hall. Children’s shop and News From Civilization moved to the end of the hallway. Outside walls of the shops were converted to glass so guests could see outside while shopping. With the renovations and additions of the merchandise shops, 2,800 square feet of retail space was added. Animated window display was added to guide guests to the corridor of the Merchandise Shops.
Luau added a tech booth and dressing rooms.
Polynesian 1988
Neverland Club opened this year. Never Land Club, located near the bus stop, across from the Great Ceremonial House, is a supervised activity center for children ages 4 to12 that is open daily from 4:00 p.m. to midnight for an additional fee.
At this Peter Pan-themed play space, children are invited to play video games, enjoy dinner and snacks, watch Disney movies and interact with other kids their age.
Papeete Bay Had a rehab.
Polynesian 1989
They started the year with discontinuing Minnie’s Breakfast but because of complaints they brought it back the same year. The Macaw gave birth this year and the chick was moved to Discovery Island.
The 4 Macaws to live at the Polynesian over the years were named Paco, O’Hare, Quick Draw Macaw and Lady Chatfield
Entertainment was added to Papeete Bay and Pizza was added to Tangaroa Terrace.
The valet/ bell captain desk was added out in front of the GCH
The Lei Hut was added April 1980
