Changes
/* History Since Opening Day */
The next change came in February of 2003, when the resort's original Luau was replaced by a new "Spirit of Aloha" show. The following year, the resort's quiet pool was refurbished, and work began on once again renovating the hotel's guest rooms.
2005 brought a series of changes to the Polynesian Resort's Grand Ceremonial House. This year, the resort's merchandise stores were replaced with new shops. At this time, Boutiki opened as the resort's new primary shopping location in the former South Seas Dining Room. Nearby, Wynlan Galery moved to the former location of News from Polynesia (which was relocated).
As part of the Grand Ceremonial House renovation's Captain Cook's was expanded into the former Polynesian Princess and Robinson Crusoe shops. While this expansion was taking place, the restaurant was temporarily moved to the old Snack Isle location, next to Tangaroa Terrace.
In 2009, the Polynesian's Grand Ceremonial House lobby was refurbished for the first time since the 1990s. At this time new carpets, decorations, and chars were added. The following year, the poolside cabanas that had been planned in 2009, were finally constructed.
In 2013, Disney announced that Disney Vacation Club would be coming to the Polynesian Resort. As part of a larger resort renovation, Disney announced that Rapa Nui and Tahiti would be converted to DVC buildings and that new bungalows would be built on the former Sunset Pointe location later in the year.
====2014 Grand Ceremonial House Refurbishment====
2014 would bring the biggest changes to the Polynesian Resort in its forty two year history. The biggest change to come to the resort was the complete remodeling of the Polynesian's lobby. In February, the resort's iconic waterfall and surrounding foliage was walled off for removal. For the first time since the resort opened, the Grand Ceremonial House lobby was completely redesigned, with all new furniture, a new color pallet. In exchange for the water feature, a new statue of Maui serves as the lobby' focal point.
In addition to a brand new lobby, the 2014 Polynesian renovation saw the return of the world "Village" to the resort's official title. Other changes to occur during the year included:
- Moana Mickey's Arcade, Wyland Gallery, Outrigger Assembly House, Trader Jacks, and Samoa Snacks closed permanently
- Captain Cook's was refurbished and moved to a temporary location. The restaurant would reopen on August 13.
- The Tokelau longhouse was closed for conversion to DVC rooms.
- On July 28, The Nanea Volcano Pool and nearby Barefoot Bar were closed for refurbishment. At this time, guests staying at the
Polynesian were given a complimentary water park pass.
- Pineapple Lani, a Dole Whip location, opened in August.
- In September Moana Mercantile opened in the former Trader Jacks and Samoa Snacks location.
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
*In 1974, the Polynesian's rooms were redesigned. Gone were the standard and sterile looking furniture that the resort opened with. Instead, the rooms now featured a darker, more "tropical", color palate.
