The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Ends October 3

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Sad news to share, as we’ve learned The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be ending their days at Walt Disney World as of October 3.

As shared on The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Facebook page:

“It’s hard to find the words but, sadly, our days at the Grand Floridian are over. In fact, as of Oct 3, 2020, our days at WDW will come to an end as well. The company brought us out of furlough, changed our name to “The Disney Society Orchestra,” closed us out of the GF to play a show of Disney themed show tunes at the Theater of the Stars in Hollywood Studios. We’ve been playing 9 shows a day, 7 days a week since Aug 2nd. The music is a far cry from the closely knit harmonies & sounds we became known for at the GF but. the guys are real pros and they sound great! Well… Two weeks ago we got notice that the theater is going dark and our last day of work will be Saturday, Oct 3, 2020. As we all know, these are very uncertain times and can’t say what will happen from one day to the next. So after 32 years of playing together and playing music we love… we’re done. We are so thankful for the opportunity to play in a beautiful setting for the hotel guests and friends we have met & made over the years. We’ll never forget you and how wonderful you’ve made us feel. We will miss you! Thank you-thank you- thank you!”

Aulani Resort Will Plan to Begin a Phased Reopening on November 1

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Aloha! Great news Disney fans! Aulani Resort is planning to begin their phased reopening on November1, 2020. Check out all the details as shared below by Disney.

Over the past several months we have enjoyed sharing some Aulani Resort magic with you at home. We shared peaceful scenes from the resort to help you find your Zen, an inside look at Aulani Resort, Cast Member performances of hula at home and celebrated national Lū‘au Month. Through it all, we have looked forward to welcoming families back to our vacation paradise when the time was right, and today we’d like to share our plans with you. 

Credit: Disney

Given Hawaii’s recent announcement of a pre-arrival testing program for those traveling from out-of-state, we are working toward a phased reopening of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa beginning on Sunday, November 1. And just like our other Disney destinations that have re-opened, we are using a measured approach that focuses on the health and safety of our guests, cast and community. 

Our gradual, phased approach to reopening considers the guidance of local and national government and health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health and safety experts. This deliberate approach allows us to evaluate and adjust along the way, as circumstances and the recommendations of health authorities evolve. 

Polynesian Resort Refurbishment Details Announced

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

A new sense of aloha is coming! Exciting news from Disney today regarding the beloved Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Refurbishment is underway for the resort and Disney is giving us a little insight on what’s to come. Check out all the details below as shared by DisneyParksBlog.

Today we’re thrilled to share news of exciting changes coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. A favorite destination of guests and cast members since its opening on Oct. 1, 1971, this beloved resort hotel immerses you in an oasis straight out of the South Seas with a sense of aloha that embraces you from the moment you arrive. 

That arrival experience is about to take on a whole new look with an enhanced entryway that will debut just in time for the resort hotel’s 50th anniversary. 

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.

Sign outside of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

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.  

While work is underway over the coming months, guests can still enjoy access to the Great Ceremonial House and its operating dining and retail outlets. 

The new arrival experience is just the beginning of what guests will discover when the resort reopens in summer 2021. All of the resort’s guest rooms are being beautifully redone too. We look forward to sharing more details about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as they become available.

“Moana” Themed Rooms Coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

New details have surfaced regarding the extended closure and refurbishment of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World, including a resort-wide retheme to the popular animated film, Moana.

In a statement to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney has confirmed the changes taking place inside guest rooms, including a new color palette and more:

A Disney World spokeswoman on Monday said changes to the rooms will include a move to a Pacific Ocean-inspired color palette as well as details, patterns and textures from Disney’s “Moana,” an animated film that takes place on the Polynesian island of Motunui.

Just earlier this year, the resort’s popular ‘Ohana restaurant debuted new carpeting featuring characters from Moana alongside Polynesian-inspired design.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is scheduled to remain closed through Summer 2021, with its Monorail station temporarily closing in October of this year.

Select Disney World Resort Hotel Restaurants and Shops Extending Hours for Labor Day Weekend

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

With Labor Day almost upon us, many guests will be heading to Walt Disney World Resort to take a well-needed vacation. To accommodate the influx of guests, Walt Disney World has decided to extend the hours of multiple restaurants and merchandise locations across the property.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

  • Chef Mickey’s: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7)\
  • Fantasia Marketplace: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

  • Sanaa: 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m./ 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Friday, September 4 – Monday, September 7)
  • Johari Treasures: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

  • Whispering Canyon: 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. / 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m./ 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6)
  • Wilderness Mercantile: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

  • Topolino’s Terrace: 7:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. / 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6)
  • La Boutique: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Bou-Tiki: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • Everything Pop Shopping and Dining: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort:

  • On the Boardwalk: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Starting September 8th, 2020 the locations will revert back to normal operating hours.