Two Classic Disney Resort Hotels – Contemporary and Polynesian – Receive Guest Room Makeovers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort have recently gotten their own version of an "extreme makeover," Disney style.

The hotels, both located within a monorail ride of Magic Kingdom, are regarded as "Disney classics" -- the original examples of the Imagineers' efforts to extend the fantasy vacation adventure beyond the theme park. The Contemporary and Polynesian welcomed their first guests in October 1971 during the grand opening of Walt Disney World Resort.

[The updated rooms are pictured here, the Contemporary on top and the updated Polynesian below.]

The latest makeover, to be completed by summer 2006, has involved guest room furnishings and décor.

Disney's Contemporary Resort and Convention Center:

At Disney's Contemporary Resort, the decor of the rooms has evolved from its current style of bold, bright colors taken from the Contemporary Art Masters of the '50s and '60s, to a fresh, modern, upscale feel featuring an elegant design that incorporates muted color accents -- reds, greens and yellows -- with basic black and whites.

"The word 'contemporary' can have a lot of different meanings," says Kevin Myers, vice president of Walt Disney World Resort hotels. "What we've tried to do is create a warm environment where guests -- whether on business or vacation -- can feel at home."

Guests will discover furnishings with dark, rich wood tones and detailed millwork that is accented by marbled-topped nightstands and console tables. A spacious glass-top desk in each room provides a place for business travelers to work and leisure travelers to organize their fun. And when it is time to turn in, fresh duvet covers and linens await, with beautifully woven bed throws atop divine bedding.

Additional amenities include:

A 32" LCD flat panel TV
Compartmentalized closets with hinged doors, overhead lighting and glass panels
Built in refrigerator cabinet with stone top
Ergonomic desk chair
Upholstered ottoman
Large basin-style vanities with lighted vanity mirrors
Ceramic vases and fruit bowls
" With all these new additions and upgrades to our rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort, we are confident that -- whether our guests our here on business, pleasure or a little of both -- they will be at one of the best locations to enjoy their time here at Walt Disney World Resort," said Thea Sargent, general manger of Disney's Contemporary Resort and Convention Center.

Disney's Polynesian Resort:

At Disney's Polynesian Resort, the rooms have been given a fresh look to complement the resort's original 1971 "South Seas Island" theme. The hallmark look of Disney's Polynesian Resort has been revived with new color tones, custom furniture and tapestry that highlight the tropical island décor of Polynesia. Dark, hand-carved wood contrasts with tropical blues, greens and browns in the bedspreads, paintings and wall coverings.

"It was important for us to bring the latest in room amenities to our guests and still maintain its popularity with the original tropical theme of the rooms," said Dave Venables, general manager of Disney's Polynesian Resort. "The 32-inch LCD TV, for example, was custom fit into a bamboo wood bureau cabinet to seemingly blend in with the room's décor."

As guests enter, they will find a spacious earth-tone-flavored room with hand-carved lighting fixtures and custom headboards for the beds that reach from the floor to the ceiling in traditional Polynesian style.

Additional amenities include:

A 32" LCD flat panel TV
Compartmentalized closets with hinged doors, overhead lighting and glass panels
Built-in refrigerator cabinet with stone-surface top
Sofa/'flip bed' for additional sleeping space
Bamboo veneer furniture with carved wood details
Upholstered lounge seating with ottomans
Reservations for Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort can be made by contacting 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639) or a travel agent. Rates vary depending on season and room type. Additional information is also available at disneyworld.com.

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