Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Green. Enjoy the ride as we share the best pools at the Disney resorts.
“The hotel “theme resorts” — so called because each is being based upon a single theme that represents a culture or architectural style around the world — will offer far more than simply convenience of location to the new “Magic Kingdom” and its attractions. In design motif, food specialties, recreation activities, convention facilities and even the type of entertainment to be presented, these major hotels will complement each other and the attractions of the theme park.” (Official press release, 1969)
And I remember this announcement like it was yesterday. Walt had promised. A “Vacation Kingdom” was coming; one that would reinvent family vacations forever. Uncle Walt did not disappoint. As we stepped into the lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in 1972, we were whisked away to the South Seas- a land I had only read about in old books. That waterfall, the sweet smell in the air, the palm trees on the wall, umbrellas in our Shirley Temples- everything immersed us in this exotic getaway within a vacation. But nothing impressed this youngster more than the VOLCANO. Look! It has a pool! LOOK. It has a slide built into it!! Perhaps these were simpler times, but I don’t think any edifice since has impressed me so. We lived in that pool for the next week; occasionally, and almost begrudgingly, we took a break and visited that spot across the Seven Seas Lagoon. Incredible, nothing says Walt Disney World to my sister, brother and me more than this pool. Walt had transported us to a far, far away land, and we loved it.
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| 1972 |
Loved it so much we needed to return the following year…
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| 1973 (Postcard from Walt Disney World)
It is said that Walt Disney himself choose the location of the Polynesian Village so that it would be aligned with Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland; well, this Volcano Pool was an adventure in itself. In 1978, the first expansion of this resort brought another 500 rooms and another pool to this tropical hideaway. Replacing a putting green, the Polynesian East Pool gave Guests a more tranquil bathing option.
This free-form quiet pool has served Guests for 36 years. (Photo 2014)
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| 1982 |
In 1985, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would become Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and a full refurbishment began. In 1987, the Volcano Pool mountain was repaired, and the pool was resurfaced. Minor periodic repairs were done until 2000, when construction on the new, Nanea Volcano Pool began. (Aptly titled! “Nanea” means relaxing in Hawaiian…) This massive project included installation of a stream bed exiting the Great Ceremonial House, and winding to the pool.
A newly-constructed 40 foot tall volcano housed a new Barefoot Pool Bar, a waterfall, lockers and showers, and a 142 foot long tubular slide. The pool was made shallower, (gone are the diving boards of old), and a zero-entry design was adopted. Heating, (water is maintained at 82 degrees), underwater jets, and piped-in underwater music were also added.
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| Zero entry |
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| A short walk to the beach or Barefoot Pool Bar. |
In 2010, three pool cabanas were installed; two Standard Cabanas at the south east section of the pool, and one Premium Cabana close to the beach.
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| Premium Cabana |
As a safety measure, the East Pool was drained in 2011, and the deep end was filled in. Both pools now have a maximum depth of 4’6″.
In 2013, construction begins on the Disney Vacation Club villas and water bungalows in Seven Seas Lagoon. This marks yet another “new concept” for this beloved resort, including a return to its original name. Both pools will be included in this major “reimagining”. Beginning July 28, 2014, the Nanea Volcano Pool will close for approximately 8 months. The planned pool deck expansion will accommodate more Guests and volcano redesign is once again in the works, with the addition of a perimeter fence to enclose the area. A 12 person hot tub will also be introduced. During this period, though there will be continued access to the East Pool, each Guest will receive one complimentary ticket to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park for the length of their stay.
Everything old is new again. There is and has been a circle of life for this Walt Disney World classic. The resort motto, given nearly 43 years ago, was so prophetic!!
As long as that day includes a volcano, a pool, and a slide, all is right with the World.
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| Stay tuned for a NEW new look. |
Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Heidi’s Head.
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
1st Stop~ DIStherapy (You are here!)
2nd Stop~ Heidi’s Head
3rd Stop~ In the Mouse House
4th Stop~ Disney Nouns
Final Stop~ The Disney Mamas
Wow! So cool that you have such a great history with the Poly! I envy you as the Poly is my favorite Resort… that I haven't stayed at yet. – Lee
Well they are spiffing it up for you!! 😉
Love those photos. We've never stayed at a monorail resort. When I was growing up the Swan and Dolphin were the most luxurious hotels I had ever heard of! Staying at all of the monorail resorts is on my bucket list and the Poly is at the top of that list!
We love the Swan and Dolphin too; (their beds really are Heavenly). You may have timed your first stay at Disney's Polynesian Resort well April, the reimagined Disney's Polynesian Village should be astounding! Just the thought of staying in an overwater bungalow, (if I can ever afford one), AND a Trader's Sam both in one hotel are making me swoon already. Let's save those pennies for when construction is done!!
This is awesome! We always talk about the history of the parks but overlook the history of the resorts. Are you excited about the new construction?
Rosanne @ The Disney Point
I am! See above. Maybe all the years of my pestering my husband to finally buy into DVC will pay off. I think the finished product will be something truly special. Fingers crossed!
I thoroughly enjoyed this post! Though I have yet had the privilege of staying at this resort, I frequent it's restaurants and gift shops, it is one of my fav resorts! You are transformed upon entry and I never want to leave…. I did not know there was a tranquil pool as well – I am so glad to see it return to it's original name and excited to see what they will create with the new volcano pool- it really needs to increase in size. Thank you for such a great read! ~ Maureen Two Moms and A Mouse 🙂
I so appreciate your visit Maureen- and I completely enjoyed visiting your Blog!!!
The Poly was the first Disney resort I ever saw, and I remember being AMAZED from the moment we walked in. There were exotic birds and lush tropical landscaping, and everything else that this girl from Buffalo had never experienced before. It's still a favorite of ours.
I agree- the full immersion in Polynesian culture is what sets this resort apart. Walt got it right!
Wow! The pools at The Poly have a great history! Thanks for sharing!
43 years and counting- together! 😉
Now that DVC is coming to the Poly, it will be our chance to finally stay there! Thanks for sharing the history of the resort's pools. I can't wait to see what the reimagined one will look like.
And I NEED a DVC membership- finally!!
I really loved seeing all the old photos and reading about the history of the pools. Do you have a favorite memory that involves the pool at the Poly?
Becca- I think the first slide down, with my brother and sister in tow, remains my favorite WDW highlight. (Circa 1972!)
What a wonderful article, Donna! Thank you for this wonderful history and for bringing us up to date with the planned modifications. I would imagine the Poly–and especially its pool–hold a very special place in your heart!
We all have that one special connection, don't we Jodi? And that is the beauty of this magical place we call Walt Disney Resort!
I've never stayed at the Poly, so haven't used the pool – I guess I'll have to wait until after the reno to see what they're doing!! Are you looking forward to the old-new Polynesian Village?
Oh my gosh, I really am Jennifer! Yes, may miss the waterfall in The Great Ceremonial House, but the new additions, including Trader Sams, is EXCITING!!
I love the Poly. It's not as pretty with all the construction right now but still considering staying there later this year for a couple of days. Love their pool!
I know Lynn. We stayed there for a week this past January, and originally much of this construction was slated for that time. We got lucky, in that most of the resort was still beautiful and obstructed. BUT, I believe the end result will be worth our angst. Hope!!
This was a wonderful tour of times past. My first memories of swimming at Disney were actually in the Seven Sea Lagoon over at Fort Wilderness. My times have changed.
What a tease it is to look out at that beautiful water and not be able to dive in! I many times see little ones starting to wade in, only to be scooped up by mom or dad. I guess the Seven Seas Lagoon teaches self control. 😀
I adore this post! We have never stayed at the Polynesian but I have always enjoyed visiting. I hope the new pool and feel of the resort is loved by fans like you. We need to make sure we meet up at Trader Sam's!
I'm hoping for paradise Melissa. I'm going to hold you to that meet-up at Trader Sam's Grog Grotto Grog; we can toast the Polynesian Village with Uh Oa! in hand!!
I love the history and the photos! Which year was your favorite!?
Firsts die hard Beth- 1972 it is! (But with the return of Disney's Polynesian Village, who knows??)
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