Guests arriving at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will now be greeted by a completely redesigned entrance experience. After months of construction and anticipation, the new main entrance to the resort is officially open. This milestone is part of a larger project aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing the arrival experience for all guests, including Disney Vacation Club members staying at the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
This project, which has been underway since the summer, reorients the primary vehicle access point to the resort. The opening of the new entrance marks a significant step forward in the multi-phase enhancement of the property.
A New Path to the Great Ceremonial House
The most significant change is the relocation of the main entrance. The new access point is now situated at the corner of Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way. This new route offers a more direct, straight-on approach to the Great Ceremonial House, the resort’s main lobby building. Previously, guests would arrive from the side, which offered a less direct view of the iconic porte cochere and building. The new roadway provides a more aesthetically pleasing sightline, revealing the grandeur of the redesigned main building as you approach.
With the new entrance now active, the old entrance has been blocked off to all guest and bus traffic. This allows construction crews to begin the next phase of the project, which involves reconfiguring the former entrance to serve as a dedicated bus-only loop. This separation of personal vehicles and bus traffic is intended to reduce congestion and streamline transportation operations at the resort.
Temporary Changes During Construction
While the opening of the new entrance is a major step, guests should be aware that the area is still an active construction zone. The project involves extensive roadway work in and around the intersection of Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way, which is expected to continue for another year.
Due to the ongoing work on the bus loop, some temporary transportation adjustments have been made.
- Bus Stop Relocation: All bus pickups and drop-offs are currently taking place at the main porte cochere of the Great Ceremonial House. Signage is in place to direct guests to this temporary busing area.
- Traffic Flow: Access to the new entrance is currently limited to westbound traffic on Seven Seas Drive. It does not yet function as a bi-directional entrance.
Once inside the resort property, guests driving personal vehicles will proceed past a newly themed guard shack. Those who wish to park will be directed to the right, into the main parking lot. Guests using valet services or dropping off will continue straight ahead to the porte cochere.
Enhancing the Arrival Experience
The new entrance project is not just about logistics; it’s also about enhancing the resort’s unique, immersive theme from the moment of arrival. The new guard shack is designed to match the Polynesian aesthetic, and new landscaping has been added along the roadway. Some of the new garden beds feature shapes that mirror the distinctive roofline of the Great Ceremonial House, creating a cohesive and thoughtfully designed environment.
This project complements other recent enhancements at the resort, including the redesigned main lobby, updated monorail station, and the ongoing construction of the new DVC tower, the Polynesian Island Tower. Together, these updates are modernizing one of Walt Disney World’s original hotels while preserving its classic South Pacific charm.
Conclusion
The opening of the new main entrance at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a welcome improvement for DVC members and all resort guests. By creating a more direct and scenic approach to the Great Ceremonial House and separating personal vehicle traffic from bus routes, the project will ultimately lead to a more efficient and pleasant arrival experience.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
