PHOTOS: Disney World unveils ‘Moana’-themed rooms at its Polynesian Resort

This artist rendering highlights the dramatic new porte cochere in development for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Photo credit Disney

When “Moana” fans “sea” the makeover at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort, they’re “shore” to shell-ebrate! And if you’re groaning at these terrible puns, in the iconic words of Maui: you’re welcome.

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After nearly a year of major renovations, Disney World’s Polynesian Resort has opened its doors again, this time with a decor theme inspired by the 2016 hit animated movie “Moana.”

A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features wallpaper inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features wallpaper inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” Photo credit Kent Phillips/Disney

Along with wallpaper reminiscent of the tattoos that cover Dwayne Johnson’s character, Maui, all of the rooms in the 50-year old resort feature artwork from the movie, while also highlighting updated versions of the original design.

A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features artwork from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features artwork from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” Photo credit Kent Phillips/Disney

With bathroom tiles and vanities inspired by the sandy ocean floor and patterns and textures throughout influenced by “Moana,” the rooms are decorated in a color palette reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean, according to a press release from Walt Disney World Resort.

A bathroom in the reimagined guest rooms inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., takes inspiration from the sandy ocean floor for the bathroom tiles and vanity’s carved details.
A bathroom in the reimagined guest rooms inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., takes inspiration from the sandy ocean floor for the bathroom tiles and vanity’s carved details. Photo credit Kent Phillips/Disney

Shawn Moore, a Disney Imagineer, told USA Today that the goal is to make the resort experience similar to the experience in the theme parks. “Part of the goal of this is that as we are looking at the parks, a lot of people look at the parks and that’s where the magic is, but the resorts carry the magic too.”

A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features decorations inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features decorations inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” Photo credit Kent Phillips/Disney

He continued, noting that with the changes at the resort, “it’s just an extension of the parks. So, as you come to these resorts, you feel that magic and the story keeps going.”

A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features decor inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
A guest room inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features decor inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” Photo credit Kent Phillips/Disney

Last month, Disney World announced that it was rolling back its mask policy for vaccinated guests.

No proof of vaccination is required, with the park relying on the honor system when asking guests if they have received the coronavirus vaccine.

Guests that aren't vaccinated are expected “to continue wearing face coverings in all indoor locations, and upon entering and throughout all attractions and transportation.”

Face coverings are still required on Disney transportation, including buses, monorails and the Disney Skyliner aerial gondolas.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images