1971 Walt Disney World Polynesian Hotel Cast Member Handbook

1971 Walt Disney World Polynesian Hotel Cast Member Handbook

This is the last of our 50th anniversary series on the Walt Disney World Resort and the Cast Member Handbooks created in 1971. We have covered the entire Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and now we look at the final gem of Walt Disney World’s opening, Disney’s Polynesian Resort. We’ll look at how the resort was presented originally. We’ll take a look at the original shops, restaurants and recreational facilities that were part of this sprawling resort. This handbook offers insights that we don’t seem to have from any other source. Those insights were shared with new Disney Cast Members, most of whom had never not only never seen a Disney theme park but had never been to a Disney resort–because there wasn’t one. If you yearn for the Walt Disney World of yesteryear, or you want to know what this hotel were like back in the early days of Walt Disney World, this is your podcast, as we finalize this series on the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.

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Photos Referenced in the Podcast:

This view offers many insights. One can see the surf machine clearly in the island across the lagoon. One can also see erosion on the beach opposite. Above that is the land that would be originally dedicated toward the Asian hotel, but would then become Disney’s Grand Floridian at some point.
The beloved atrium and its fountains. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Another view of the rock work and gardens. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.
Original color palettes used inside the hotel.
Site plan for the entire hotel. Note many of the current longhouses were not part of opening.
First floor of the Great Ceremonial House.
Second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.
My wife and I with Aunt Kau’i. The leis were made by her.

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Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?

Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Out the Door Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!

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J. Jeff Kober

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