New Location For A Guest Service At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

We have a location change for a Guest Service at The Polynesian. Was it the result of guest complaints?

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Changes

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a deluxe Magic Kingdom Area resort in Walt Disney World. One of the 1971 original resorts, the Polynesian is a popular place to stay with convenient transportation to the Magic Kingdom, unique theming, and great views of Seven Seas Lagoon.

The last few years have featured a great deal of change at the Polynesian, one of Walt Disney World’s flagship resorts.  We have seen a Moana room makeover, DVC room refreshes, club level enhancements, and a new entrance and monorail platform. In addition, we have seen progress continue on the new DVC expansion at the resort.

A few weeks ago we also shared an update on a refreshed look for The Great Ceremonial House Lobby. A lot has been going on at the resort.

Another Change

Within the last few days, we have information that a Designated Smoking Area has changed at the resort. As you know, the entire Disney World property is a smoke-free environment except for the designated areas. One area at the Polynesian was the source of frustration for some guests over the years.

For many years a Designated Smoking Area was located by the entrance/exit to the Oasis Pool Bar & Grill. It was likely placed there as a convenient location for people eating and drinking at the pool bar. The location of the Designated Smoking Area has moved closer to the front of the resort, near the bus stop area.

The location of the Designated Smoking Area has moved closer to the front of the resort, near the bus stop area.

You can see the two locations on the screenshot from My Disney Experience above. You will notice that the old location, while convenient for the Oasis Bar & Grill, was also located near the Tokelau building.

Was The Location Change Due To Guest Complaints?

Over the years, I (Joe) have seen some guests complain about the close proximity of the smoking area to their room if it was facing the Oasis Pool Bar & Grill. According to some guests, depending on the wind direction the smoke smell came right to them if they were on their balcony.

Obviously, that is not a desirable result for the resort. At the same time there were many guests who did not have an issue with the location at all or notice any effects from their room. There were some heated debates online over the years.

Ultimately, the location has changed as indicated on the map. Signs are currently up at the old location to direct guests to the new location.

What do you think of the change? Did the smoking area ever bother you? Do you think the change was the result of complaints or just a planned change? Let us know in the comments below!