Disney occasionally closes hotel spaces and restaurants for routine maintenance, and we have details on some ongoing construction impacts at one of Disney World’s classic resorts. Walt Disney World closed a popular bar for refurbishment and will temporarily reduce transportation options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The changes will affect overnight hotel guests and visitors alike, as the Polynesian typically attracts many who are staying at other Disney World resorts.
We share how to plan for these interruptions in Disney’s usual operations and detail the timeframes for the updates. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including menu changes at a Disney World celebrity chef restaurant and Disney wanting guests to reduce their phone use.
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Trader Sam’s Refurbishment
The name “Trader Sam’s” collectively refers to two distinct dining locations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is an indoor, highly themed bar known for its architectural special effects and spooky lighting. Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is an outdoor dining location adjacent to the Polynesian’s main pool. Both locations serve the same menu of creative, tropical-inspired concoctions.
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Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace closed for refurbishment in mid-April 2026 and will reopen sometime in late June 2026. Disney has not announced a reopening date.
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During this time, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto remains open. However, the closure of Tiki Terrace may increase demand for Grog Grotto, which already commands a long waitlist even without the limited operations of its outdoor companion.
Nearby, Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently refurbishing the roof of Wailulu Bar & Grill, which impacts lunch operations at the popular beachside restaurant. See the impact on Wailulu and its seating area in our separate news coverage here.
Boat Transportation Closure
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers bus, boat, and monorail transportation to various Disney World destinations.
Disney will refurbish the boat dock at the Polynesian from May 11 through late June 2026. As a result of this work, boat transportation between the hotel and Magic Kingdom will be closed from May 11 to June 5.
The dock refurbishment will continue beyond that date, so guests may see or hear work being done, but the suspension of the transportation itself will only last through June 5, resuming on June 6.
Guests staying at the Polynesian during the boat closure who still prefer boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, even if it takes longer to access, have a few options.
Depending on the location of guests’ hotel rooms across the sprawling Polynesian Village property, they can walk to either the Transportation & Ticket Center or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, whichever is closest, and take a large ferry or a small boat, respectively, to Magic Kingdom.
Again, though, this is definitely the long way, a scenic route, rather than the quickest way to get to the theme park.
More Changes at Magic Kingdom Hotels
Hotels near Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on the Magic Kingdom monorail loop are currently undergoing sweeping, multi-year refurbishments. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will complete its work in early 2027, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort will follow in late 2027.
See our list of 19 current and upcoming Disney World hotel refurbishments happening in 2026 and 2027 to see if construction may impact your visit.
Disney World’s newest hotel, Disney Lakeshore Lodge, will open near Magic Kingdom in summer 2027.
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