A Pre-Pandemic Service Returns To Disney’s Polynesian Resort

As experiences and services continue to return to “normal” in Disney World, we have information on an offering that has returned to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Polynesian Changes

The last year and a half has featured many refurbishments around the Polynesian resort. There are new Moana rooms, DVC refurbishments, and club level enhancements. In addition, there was a new arrival experience and water features (like the one pictured above) added to the front entrance. Maggie has a review from a recent stay in the Moana rooms, while Jaelyn has a review of newly refurbished DVC studios.

In addition, news of a Polynesian DVC expansion dropped recently, and I (Joe) was disappointed that Spirit of Aloha will not be returning. The links above can get you caught up.

Reopening After The Covid-19 Pandemic

The last two years have featured a gradual reopening of Disney World after the pandemic. At times it has been frustratingly slow. This was due to a number of factors including case numbers, social distancing requirements, and staffing shortages.

The good news is that we have a lot of positive recent developments with all of the resorts being open and full character greetings returning. Fingers crossed that we can continue to move in a positive direction!

Great Ceremonial House Addition

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Polynesian had a Lobby Beverage Bar in the Great Ceremonial House that was open most nights on a regular schedule. The Lobby Beverage Bar offers guests an alternative to the other bars at the resort such as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and the Tambu Lounge. This can be an option during busy times when you are waiting for a table at ‘Ohana, or if you just want to relax in the lobby with a drink.

Since the reopening, that has not been the case. The bar elements were removed from the lobby. During my stay in November I noticed that there was a beverage cart brought in to the lobby some nights, but there was no set schedule. The cart had a very limited selection. This was likely due to staffing concerns and lobby crowd control.

We can confirm that the Polynesian’s Lobby Beverage Bar is now back in the Great Ceremonial House on the bottom floor as you exit towards Pineapple Lanai. It looks like this is a more permanent setup, similar to what was offered before the pandemic. This is great news and is another sign of “normalcy” at the resorts.

The Lobby Beverage is open daily from 4:00PM to 10:00PM and features assorted Kona Brewing Company Draft Beers and Wines by the Glass or Bottle.

The wine list has reds, whites, and sparkling available for guests to choose from. The Kona Drafts include Longboard Island Lager, Hanalei Island IPA, Mai Tai Island Wheat, and Big Wave Golden Ale.

Do you have an upcoming stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Is the Lobby Beverage Bar something you would utilize? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook!