Yesterday I had the chance to walk around Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for the first time since construction started earlier this year. While I was waiting for my ‘Ohana reservation time to roll around, I took a few minutes to stroll around the resort. Since Captain Cook’s just opened on Wednesday, I thought I’d share the pictures of the newly refurbished counter service location as well as some general construction photos from around the Polynesian.
This was my first chance at seeing the construction walls around the lobby in the Great Ceremonial House. While it did make me sad to no longer be able to see the beautiful water feature, I have to admit the walls looked better than I expected. From what I understand though, they have been recently updated to their current state. The walls surround most of the lobby area that was previously occupied by the aforementioned water feature and wrap around to the entrance to Boutiki on the other side. Concept art of the way the finished lobby will look adorn the walls along with several photo ops with Disney characters in Polynesian outfits.
Polynesian Lobby – Great Ceremonial House
I like the refresh of Captain Cook’s quite a bit. There is new flooring, furniture and artwork throughout with a nice updated Polynesian vibe. Although I was sad when I saw the cooler that is now storing cupcakes where the dole whip machine was housed previously, I do look forward to when the new Pineapple Lanai dole whip kiosk opens up either later this year or beginning of next year at the Polynesian. I also took a moment to lament the loss of the grown up grilled cheese sandwich from the lunch and dinner menus. The food and beverage manager I spoke with suggested emailing guest services to express the desire to have the sandwich added back on the menu. I liked the sound of some of the new menu items and look forward to trying them out sometime soon. One of my favorite things about the refurb is the set of posters around the restaurant named after the different longhouses.
Captain Cook’s Refurb with new menus
After I finished breakfast, my family and I decided to go check out the construction of the Polynesian bungalows down by the beach. The work is coming along pretty well, with siding and windows in and even some painting being done. It was cool to see this up close for the first time in person. The last time I saw the buildings, they were mostly plywood boxes that just had the roof lowered on to them. I cannot wait to see these and how they turn out next year. The progress is very noticeable from the bungalows closest to the beach being the furthest along and seeing the different levels of work being done from one to the next.
Exterior pictures of bungalows and pool
Have you been by the Polynesian Village Resort recently? Have you had the chance to try any of the new menu items at Captain Cook’s yet? If not, what are you most looking forward to trying there? Let me know.
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