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 friends to make it more authentic, this talanted group implement the Disney Management by Values-the Magic of Polynesia. With Dr. George Kanahele as a mentor, they would change the behavior of those who worked at the Polynesian. These changes to the resort and staff would bring the final ingredient to the Polynesian that would make it the jewel of Disney World and would bring the aloha spirit to the resort. 

Polynesian 1990

Work done on Cast Cove, Main Kitchen, Longhouses (#9 Oahu, #10 Moorea and #11 Pago Pago)

The suites in Hawaii got a rehab.

Polynesian 1991

All the rooms got a new room design (design by Gary Whitney) including the suites that remained that design in the suites until 2005. A new lock system was installed on all the rooms and the housekeeping costumes were changed to go with the new design.

The Luau kitchen was changed to be a full kitchen and they added a green room for the entertainers.

Tangaroa Terrace closed in October 1991

Torches were added to the grounds.

Polynesian 1992

Renovations were done to the Barefoot Bar, Men’s Shop, News from Civilization, Polynesian Princess, Kanaka Kids and Back office. Bell services and the front desk got new costumes.

Tangaora Terrace opened back up.

Polynesian 1993

Captain Cook’s, Second floor merchandise shops, Cast Cove and Barefoot bar were renoveted.

Papeete Bay Sunday Brunch ended.

Audio system was added to the resort grounds.

Summer of this year, Regis Philbin hosted a pageant for Coppertone’s 40th anniversary on the beach of the Polynesian.

Polynesian 1994

The Polynesian’s concierge lounge has been located in the GCH since it was started in the early 1990’s but in July of 1994 the Tonga (which is now Hawaii) longhouse had major modifications to add a concierge lounge and concierge desk area for Cast Members to check in guests and take care of any of their needs. Before this concierge service was offered for any lagoon view room at the resort and not just in one building. After this concierge will only be located in the Hawaii longhouse and Tonga that has always housed the suites. After this remodel the Hawaii longhouse became a secure building needing room key access.

Papeete Bay entertainment was canceled.

Polynesian 1995

The Polynesian’s Papeete Bay Varandah became ‘Ohana on April 12, 1995 with the world’s largest fire pit. Soon after it became one of WDW’s favorite restaurants (more info on food page).

The Great Ceremonial House roof got a rehab and the Luau show and menu was revised.

Bellmen got a new 2-way radio system

The children’s theater was added in the lobby.

Polynesian 1996

Starting in 1996 with Hawaii (now Samoa), Oahu (now Tokelau) and Pago Pago (now Rapa Nui) and ending in 1998 the Polynesian got a facelift. They completely refurbished all the rooms and added a little color to the outside of the longhouses. Everything in the room was gutted and replaced with new materials.

At this time the Polynesian Managment also had some of the staff at the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel come over from Maui to help make the Polynesian more authentic. They wanted to make the Polynesian feel even more like sland life and the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel is called “the most Hawaiian hotel” by the locals. They removed the tile floor in the GCH and added slate. They also put in automatic doors.

They started what they called the “Magic of Polynesian” cultural awareness program.

They closed Snack Isle and expanded the arcade.

This is also the same year the Coral Isle Cafe closes and Tangaroa Terrace closes for good in October of 2006. During my last visit in August of 2006 I purchased some wine from Tangaroa Terrace that was from a winery on Maui that made the wine from pineapple. .
 

Polynesian 1997

Guest rooms in Tonga (now Hawaii), Bora Bora (now Niue), Maori (now Rarotonga) and Moorea (now Tahiti) were redesigned. These buildings also were repainted on the exterior. LAN was also installed in many of the buildings.

Security gates went in this year.

Tangaroa Terrace opened as a meeting facility.
 

Polynesian 1998

Guest rooms in Tahiti (now Aotearoa), Fiji and Samoa (now Tuvalu) were redesigned. These buildings also were repainted on the exterior.

Other repairs and refurbishments were for the tiki tourches, Luau driveway, Training room and offices, Cast Communication
Center and Executive offices.

Kona Cafe opens in the old location of Coral Isle Cafe.

Polynesian 1999

Resort map from 1995-1999 thanks to Intercot