A Polynesian Resort Activity is Rumored to be Permanently Ending

Theme parks and Disney Springs are obviously the big draws for guests in Disney World.  However, resort hotels often have some incredible experiences to offer.  One longtime guest favorite is reportedly not coming back to the Polynesian Village Resort.

Refurbishment Recap

Over the past several months we have shared updates on numerous refurbishments at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  Most recently, we shared an update on refurbishment progress as the third DVC longhouse, Tokelau, partially opened to guests.  Pago Pago was the first DVC building to reopen after the refurbishment in August, while Moorea opened in mid September. 

In addition, the new guest arrival experience has opened.  The monorail is accessible at the resort after the platform was rebuilt from scratch and changes were made to the Great Ceremonial House.  Thankfully this is ready as large crowds are expected to descend upon the resort for the 50th Anniversary Celebration.  

These refurbishments are in addition to the refurbishments of the regular guest rooms.  These rooms now have a Moana theme.  Despite initial skepticism, guest feedback seems to be positive on this update.

Recreation Activity Changes?

After the closure of Disney World due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most recreation activities have been slow to return.  The slow return is due to a variety of reasons that include safety measures and staff shortages.  

At the Polynesian and many other resort hotels, fishing excursions around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon returned early this summer.  At the Polynesian, guests can book these excursions at the Seven Seas Marina. 

In August, pontoon rentals resumed at most resorts with marina access, but the option did not return to the Polynesian. We also have not seen the return of the smaller Sea Raycer boats or the 6-person Montauk boats.  

New Developments

In recent days, work has been taking place on and around portions of the dock at Polynesian’s Seven Seas Marina.  In addition, signs have been removed for any boat rentals other than the fishing excursions.  Reports indicate that even though there is some light work being done to the dock, the boat rentals will not return to the Polynesian Village Resort.

Disney has not made an official announcement, but I did do a quick check on locations for boat rentals on My Disney Experience.  As you can see in my screenshot above, the Polynesian Village Resort is not currently listed as an option. 

We can confirm that the pontoon boat rentals are taking place at other Magic Kingdom area resorts such as the Contemporary Resort.  For now, it appears that the boat rentals at the Polynesian are not coming back.  

Boat rentals, especially the Sea Raycers, are a popular activity for many guests.  Also going by the name of “Mouse Boats” or “Water Sprites,” these boats were a fun way to explore Walt Disney World’s waterways.

Speculation indicates that maintaining the Sea Raycers had become difficult and may have led to Disney deciding not to bring back rentals.

For pontoon boat rentals, guests of the Polynesian would need to visit another area resort like the Grand Floridian.  While that is a viable option, not having the boats at the resort during crowded times may make it difficult to rent at another resort.   

Are Sea Raycers a part of your plans on a Disney trip?  Do you prefer one of the other motorized boat options? Are you upset that this activity may be going away?  Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!