Via wdwnt.com
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will be opening to guests later today from 3 p.m. until midnight.
A large banner featuring Uh-Oa declares, “Aloha, ahoy, aha! Welcome to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto!” Both indoor and outdoor (Tiki Terrace) areas will be opening.
Scott Gustin, a regular Disney reporter, took to Twitter to share: “NEW: The EPCOT Monorail will officially reopen on Sunday, July 18. The EPCOT Monorail last operated in March 2020 when the parks closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Gustin continues in the Twitter thread: “As part of this change, direct bus service to EPCOT will no longer be available from these hotels (and effective dates):
Of course, everything is subject to change – but it sure seems like EPCOT bus service at The Polynesian ending in mid-August means Disney expects to have Polynesian monorail service back online by mid-August.”
July 9 was the big day! That’s right, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort reopened it’s flagship restaurant, ‘Ohana! While most fans were thrilled to hear ‘Ohana was once again reopening, the amount of people shocked that the beloved noodles didn’t make the first cut of the menu was astonishing! Disney listened, and the noodles returned. Now, the restaurant is officially welcoming the Disney family back to the table, and Cast Members took to social media to celebrate!
As shared via Walt Disney World Cast & Community Facebook: “Ohana means family, and family means no noodle gets left behind or forgotten. A big congrats to the Cast of ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for their grand reopening today. The day has truly been one filled with joy and celebration as this Cast “ohana” is welcomed back to their home location… and yes, they promised us the noodles are back, too.”
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.
Disney fans can now book their ‘Ohana reservations for the 60-day dining reservation window. While we’ve heard the upset comments over no noodles on the menu, we’re thankful to see the return of many favorites… but yes, we are going to miss those yummy noodles! While guests are calling and making reservations, the new ‘Ohana pricing has been revealed for breakfast and dinner.
As shared by Disney: “‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Opening July 9): With the backdrop of tropical greenery, ‘Ohana will again offer their fabulous all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and dinner offerings when they reopen. Although Disney characters will not be hosting breakfast, a strolling musician will entertain guests for dinner. For breakfast, start with pineapple-coconut breakfast bread, move on to Stitch and Mickey Mouse waffles, then dig into “eggs”cellent breakfast skillets with ham, sausage, and breakfast potatoes. The ‘Ohana dinner features all-you-care-to-enjoy platters of grilled beef steak, roasted chicken, sausage, and island shrimp casserole served with fried rice and roasted broccolini. And yes, ‘Ohana pot stickers, crispy soy chicken wings, and the signature ‘Ohana bread pudding served warm with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream are back! Yippee!”