Disney Announces Opening Date of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s refurbishment is almost complete. The resort has been closed since March 2020 and is being reimagined. Disney has announced the reopening date.

Here is the statement from Disney:

We’re happy to share that we are accepting bookings for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort beginning July 19. As part of the reopening, Guests will return to an enhanced entrance with a new porte cochere showcasing the iconic mid-20thcentury architecture the Polynesian is famous for.

As the resort reopens, the temporary front desk area at Pago Pago will close, and front desk and concierge services will move back to the Great Ceremonial House. Disney’s Magical Express and valet will be available under the new porte cochere.

While most of the resort areas and amenities will be available, the renovation of the monorail station continues and monorail service to and from the resort remains temporarily unavailable. The front entrance to the Great Ceremonial House will also open at a later date, and Cast Members will be available to assist Guests in accessing the side entrance to the Great Ceremonial House in the meantime.

Guests should continue to use Online Check-in and Direct-to-Room service to help simplify their arrival experience.

Walt Disney World Offering $1000 Signing Bonus to New Cast Members

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts

Walt Disney World is now offering a signing bonus to new housekeeping and kitchen Cast Members.

Disney, like many companies, is struggling to find employees post-COVID. In an attempt to recruit new workers, Walt Disney World is offering a $1000 signing bonus to housekeeping staff and line cooks if they stay on the job for at least 90 days.

The hourly pay for these roles are $16 per hour for housekeeping and $18 per hour for cooks. 

About 33,000 of the more than 41,000 members of the Service Trades Council Union have returned to work, according to Matt Hollis, president of that worker coalition. Walt Disney World also recently reinstated the Disney College Program.

First Look Inside “Incredibles” Themed Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Exciting news coming out of Disney today! Disney is giving us a first look at the new reimagined guest rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. What makes the reimagining extra exciting is yes, the rooms are themed after the Incredibles! The retro-modern aesthetic evoking Tomorrowland with a dash of Incredibles is now unveiled.

As shared by Disney: “Currently all nine floors of guest rooms in the tower are being completely refurbished, and here’s a first look at the new décor debuting this fall. As you can see, these rooms will blend a sleek Monorail motif with some favorite characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Incredibles films, including Jack-Jack, Frozone and Edna Mode. New custom artwork in guest rooms and along guest corridors will be modern, futuristic and oh so stylish, dahling, complementing the resort’s architecture while putting the Supers’ powers on display.”

Disney goes on to share, “In the lobby, you’ll soon see a collection of modern art pieces as well as historical, behind-the-scenes photographs of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in development and under construction. The resort’s lobby restaurant, The Wave… of American Flavors, will also soon close to make way for a reimagined dining experience in time for the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration. And once the tower guest rooms are complete, work will begin on the rooms inside the Garden Wing out on the shore of Bay Lake.”

Disney says they will have more to share on this project in the months to come as they continue to get ready for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning Oct. 1.

Price Increases for Disney Vacation Club Properties Include First Over $300

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

With the latest round of price increases for Disney Vacation Club properties comes the first direct price over $300.

The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa have increased in direct price from $295 to $310. Disney’s Old Key West Resort has increased from $165 to $170 and Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has increased from $186 to $190.

These price increases go into effect on June 24, 2021 for new members and on July 15, 2021 for current members.

Disney’s Grand Californian previously increased from $280 to $295 in January of this year.

In the past year, only Animal Kingdom Villas and Disney’s Grand Floridian have not had their direct sold-out price increased.

Two Walt Disney World Resort Lobbies To Undergo Refurbishment

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Two of Disney’s popular Disney Vacation Club Resorts are scheduled to undergo refurbishment in the near future. Both Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will have their lobbies and front desks refurbished.

As reported by DVCNews: “Work at Saratoga Springs will begin with a closure of the connecting lounge that runs between the front desk and Artist’s Palette. On July 12, the porte cochere is slated to close.”

Flying into Saratoga at this time? The great news is Disney’s airport transportation, the Disney’s Magic Express, will continue to run from the normal pick up and drop off location. There will however be a temporarily walkway for guests to reach the front desk. If you’re driving, you will be offered a chance to do curbside check-in at the Disney Vacation Club Preview Center. Thankfully, check-in is also now made super easy right from your phone with the My Disney Experience App. As the Carriage House begins refurbishment in August, front desk and concierge will be relocated to the hallway lounge.

Disney’s Old Key West Refurbishment Details:

It looks like much of the same work can be expected for the neighboring Disney’s Old Key West Resort. DVCNews shares: “Once the den modifications are complete, it will temporarily house Cast Members as the front desk is refurbished.”

Both Disney’s Old Key West and Disney’s Saratoga Springs will begin the updates on the lobbies beginning June 28, 2021. Disney has yet to release a timeline for completion.