PHOTOS - Concept art of the new Polynesian Village Resort main entrance porte cochere

Sep 24, 2020 in "Disney's Polynesian Resort"

Concept art of new look Polynesian Resort main entrance coming in 2021
Posted: Thursday September 24, 2020 9:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a first look at the plans for the redesign of Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

According to WDI's Zach Riddley, "One of the biggest changes will greet you right up front – a new porte cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for. Our team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World have crafted a design inspired by colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort. This new entry features a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style. There’s also a bold façade that features pops of color complementing the Longhouses found throughout the resort. Along the Monorail station, bold new wooden screens will be covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors that complete an exciting new composition that will greet you when you arrive."

He goes on to say, "Enhancements will also be made to the lush gardens and fountains that have welcomed guests to the resort since opening day.  The open and airy design of the entryway will feature dramatic lighting elements, including beautiful chandeliers inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and oversized bamboo elements. The new chandeliers will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, artfully bridging interior and exterior spaces."

The updates will debut in time for the resort's 50th anniversary in 2021. Learn more about operational impacts to the resort which begin next week.

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BocabearOct 19, 2025

Looks like a huge project, but necessary....that entrance into the resort being shared by busses and all other transportaion was always a cluster... This will simplify it and make it a lot nicer... I am hoping the arrivel experience will be better.

James AlucobondOct 19, 2025

If I recall correctly, the old main entrance becomes the bus-only entrance with an isolated loop near the stop. The new entrance, shown partially complete above, will be for other traffic, with parking and porte-cochere access.

SirwalterraleighOct 19, 2025

So what’s going on over there? 🤔

DCBakerOct 19, 2025

Here's a look at paving and landscaping in progress - aerial photo from today via bioreconstruct:

DCBakerAug 30, 2025

Photos from today: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54754545301_b139063394_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54753695887_545f5b942e_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54754788879_13dd93f001_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54754879085_0827ddaf9f_k.jpg

Epcot82GuyAug 18, 2025

Nah. There are water features right next door at the Grand Floridian and the main entry. There is no need for a fountain here. (Seriously, though - I do hope they add some water and foliage to make some separation, to the extent possible.)

Smiley/OCDAug 18, 2025

Nope, just large puddles from the uneven paving…

JoeCamelAug 18, 2025

I hope there will be water..... Maybe a fountain to welcome you home?

Epcot82GuyAug 18, 2025

It's a concrete-based activation inspired by Moana's bravery journeying from the hum drum of her existing life and entering the personal adventure that only an authentically Disney Polynesian experience could create. So, yes.

JoeCamelAug 18, 2025

So years to create a road into a monorail resort?

jmuboyAug 18, 2025

Yikes Hope I nice lush berm returns to hide the hotel from the road!

DCBakerAug 16, 2025

That seems to be the case - see this article from @wdwmagic: https://blogmickey.com/2025/06/new-polynesian-village-resort-entrance-under-construction/

nickysAug 16, 2025

Can you please remind me what they’re doing here? Is this the new entrance to the resort?

DCBakerAug 16, 2025

Here's a look from today as work continues in the former parking lot area: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54723924672_2f436aadee_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54723932597_8b502f81b2_k.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54724977589_ed72e90099_k.jpg

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