There’s no denying that Walt Disney World keeps expanding and this latest news is proof of exactly that.
On March 15, Disney confirmed that not only is the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show ending for good at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — but new Disney Vacation Club Villas will be built where the show once ran.
First, the Spirit of Aloha was a luau and dinner show that ran at the Disney World hotel for almost 50 years. It first debuted on October 1, 1971 and closed in early 2020 due to the pandemic.
The show never reopened and won’t ever again thanks to a new DVC tower being built in the land occupied by the Luau Cove between Polynesian and Grand Floridan.
This is the location of the DVC villas:
Here is some concept art released by Disney of the new Polynesian DVC building:
The project is slated to open in late 2024. According to Scott Gustin, the villas will “pay homage to the Spirit of Aloha show.”
In a press release announcing the news, Bill Diercksen, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, said:
“It’s no secret that our Members and Guests love the monorail resorts at Walt Disney World. Expanding our Disney Vacation Club offerings at the Polynesian would give our Members and Guests yet another incredible option for staying close to the magic while making vacation memories that last a lifetime.”
The DVC tower is “inspired by the early concepts for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort” and “the Imagineers of today are honoring the past while furthering the resort story with this innovative addition.”
Proposed plan would offer additional rooms, an infinity edge pool, new recreation offerings, and dining options.
More information will be revealed a later date, which we’ll be sure to share once we learn more.
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Ginger King
Friday 18th of March 2022
sad news.....I always loved going to that show and was anxiously awaiting its return. The ways of Disney these days.....take entertainment away to build for the future almighty dollar.
Richard Hales
Tuesday 15th of March 2022
When I was a kid, my parents took me to that luau, and it was on my first night in DisneyWorld. As a kid, all I thought about was how I wanted to get to the Magic Kingdom & Epcot and not some luau; as I got older, I wished I had chilled and enjoyed it more. Bet they'll come up w/something after the tower is built!