Window Display Celebrates Polynesian Village's History

Imagineers looked to the past to create the future of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. To remind Guests about this, a new heritage wall celebrates the resort’s beginnings and the influences that led to its new design. Windows once used by Wyland Galleries (just off the main lobby) were originally scheduled to be covered. Instead, a display honoring the history and inspiration of the resort was determined as a natural fit for a property with such a passionate Guest following.

Showcased are photos of Walt and Lillian Disney adorned with leis from their visits to Hawaii, album covers of the “Pineapple Princess” Annette Funicello and Disney cartoons set in tropical locales.

Pictures of the original Guest rooms, the lobby and even the four-passenger “bob-a-round boats,” which made its brief debut during the resort’s early years, can be seen here as well.

Another interesting photo is that of Adolfo Procopio, the master sculptor and Imagineer who created the tiki totem shrouds that once decorated Tangaroa Terrace. Those same tikis recently found new homes on the walls of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

A tribute to the resort's own Auntie Kau’i honors her legacy in bringing the cultures of Polynesia to the resort with the creation of the original luau show in 1971. Her contributions still continue today, as she extends aloha greetings to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Guests.  

More familiar faces recognized here are those of Huey, Dewey and Louie, and Minnie Mouse that once stood in Moana Mercantile. Now they add finishing touches to the display.

PHOTO: ©2015 Walt Disney World Resort. All Rights Reserved.