Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has announced a new "Arrival Experience" refurbishment with a completion of Summer 2021:

Quote Originally Posted by by Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering

A favorite destination of guests and cast members since its opening on Oct. 1, 1971, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort immerses you in an oasis straight out of the South Seas with a sense of aloha that embraces you from the moment you arrive.

That arrival experience is about to take on a whole new look with an enhanced entryway that will debut just in time for the resort hotel’s 50th anniversary.

One of the biggest changes will greet you right up front – a new porte cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20th century architecture the Polynesian is famous for. Our team from Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney World have crafted a design inspired by colors, patterns and textures found throughout the resort. This new entry features a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style. There’s also a bold façade that features pops of color complementing the Longhouses found throughout the resort. Along the Monorail station, bold new wooden screens will be covered with geometric patterns in bright, tropical colors that complete an exciting new composition that will greet you when you arrive.

Enhancements will also be made to the lush gardens and fountains that have welcomed guests to the resort since opening day.

The open and airy design of the entryway will feature dramatic lighting elements, including beautiful chandeliers inspired by glass floats, fishing nets and oversized bamboo elements. The new chandeliers will match the existing grand chandelier in the resort lobby, artfully bridging interior and exterior spaces.

While work is underway over the coming months, guests can still enjoy access to the Great Ceremonial House and its operating dining and retail outlets.

The new arrival experience is just the beginning of what guests will discover when the resort reopens in summer 2021.
A second refurbishment project was announced to "refresh" all existing Guests rooms, however; I timetable nor details were announced.