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Today we’re thrilled to share news of exciting changes coming to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. A favorite destination of guests and cast members since its opening on Oct. 1, 1971, this beloved resort hotel 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 50^th anniversary. 

One of the biggest changes will greet you right up front – a new porte-cochere will showcase the iconic mid-20^th 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 thatched 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. All of the resort’s guest rooms are being beautifully redone too. We look forward to sharing more details about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort as they become available. Keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog and Instagram @thezachriddley for more information on this exciting design.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Hotels & Resorts, Walt Disney World Resort, Imagineers, WDW

During our 25^th anniversary year, the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) team is honored to continue providing critical support to community-led conservation efforts globally. As many organizations struggle with unexpected challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, support from the DCF will help provide groups key resources to carry forward efforts to bolster communities and to protect wildlife around the world when they need it the most. 

This year, we are proud to support 50 conservation organizations working to protect more than 100 species through the Inspiring Action Conservation Grants Program, including the following initiatives: 

• Beneath the Waves (BTW): Shark Survival Inside Protected Areas – BTW plans to conduct a series of scientific research expeditions in The Bahamas, aimed at monitoring the behavior of sharks to understand the value that Marine Protected Areas play in their survival. This research is key for demonstrating that long-term habitat protections can benefit wildlife and people. The program also will engage local schools to ensure kids are inspired to protect sharks and the ocean habitats where they live.
• Conservation Fusion (CF): Inspiring Leaders, Protecting Lemurs in Madagascar – CF is connecting people to the science of lemur and forest conservation through education, research, and leadership skills development. Madagascar is home to 112 species of lemurs, and sadly, 94 percent of all lemurs are threatened with extinction. CF is working to address the threats lemurs face by working with local communities to highlight tangible benefits of eco-tourism, empower youth and restore critical habitat by planting more than 60,000 trees each year.
• Global Penguin Society (GPS): Penguins, People and the Planet – GPS has already had great success protecting penguins and their habitats, leading an effort to establish 32 million acres of terrestrial and marine protected areas in South America. This project will help support the conservation of Magellanic penguins in Argentina, expanding research to help protect penguins and working to address the threats they face, from marine plastic pollution to climate change. 
• University of Central Florida (UCF) Research Foundation – Oysters, Endangered Birds, and Children: The UCF Research Foundation is helping advance science and engage communities in the restoration of oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, supporting other species like wading birds. The program also works with Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, Florida engaging kids as citizen-scientists, having them help to identify birds from remote wildlife cameras.

In addition, we are continuing to advance conservation collaborations through our Saving Wildlife work, whichdrives comprehensive strategies aimed at reversing the decline of butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, elephants, gorillas, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks and rays, as well as tigers. These programs are helping to bring back species by addressing threats and empowering communities in important ecosystems from California to Brazil and Kenya to China, among other regions. 

We are grateful for the communities that continue to help ensure a future for wildlife around the world, including the many Disney Guests who have helped contribute to the Disney Conservation Fund. Together we can protect the magic of nature and ensure a world of wonder for future generations to enjoy. 

A complete list of our 2020 grantees can be found on our website www.disney.com/conservation. And more highlights and stories featuring the #MagicOfNature continue to be shared on Facebook and Instagram @DisneyConservation, and from @DisneyConserves on Twitter. 

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Uncategorized