BACKSTORY (Oct. 1, 1971—Present): One of Walt Disney World Resort's first two on-site hotels, idesigned by Welton Becket and Associates and constructed by US Steel Realty Development. It originally opened with 492 rooms. 105 hand-carved South Seas-style signs were created by Oceanic Arts in Whittier, California.
From the official WDW website:
Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this tropical oasis of coconut palms, lush vegetation, koi ponds and white-sand beaches. Village longhouses flank the Great Ceremonial House, where torch-lighting, drums and a traditional fire-knife dance welcome the night. On the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney's Polynesian Resort invites you to savor "Ho'Onanea"—the passing of time in languid tranquility.
