wastebook2014

WASTEBOOK 201439OneDisney Polynesian Resort Gets Makeover$1,437,966 in guaranteesThe “happiest place on earth” got a littlehappier in 2014 as taxpayers helped Walt DisneyWorld renovate its Polynesian Resort.When the Polynesian Village resort openedin 1971, it was “one of the first on-site hotels atthe Walt Disney World Resort.” 535 Today, it is undergoinga massive renovation to bring the resortup to date, all with a little help from the SmallBusiness Administration.The Small Business Administration provideda total of $1.4 million in surety bond guaranteesto two firms hired by Disney, meaning ifthey fail to perform the taxpayer will step intomake sure Disney is made whole. The first was$455,684 for a construction company workingto install a “Complete Skylight System at theGrand Ceremonial House in Disney’s PolynesianResort,” 536 and $982,282 guarantees for other rehabwork at the resort. 537of the biggest companies in the world,the Walt Disney Company ranked 61 st in theFortune 100 rankings for 2014 – and may notseem like an obvious candidate to benefit fromsmall business assistance. 538 It operates nine ofthe world’s ten most popular amusement parks,which together bring in more than $2 billion inannual profit .539However, with backing from the taxpayer,the renovation will help the Polynesian resortget a new deck, a children’s play area at theNanea Volcano pool, 20 new bungalows and “ahot tub with expansive views of the Seven SeasLagoon.” 540 In the Great Ceremonial House,Trader Sam’s Grotto “will feature a highly themedlounge area, with handcrafted tiki cocktailsserved in souvenir mugs that will complementPolynesian-themed small plates.”“Tiki bars to me are a classic experience, soif you take that and then you put Disney magicover the top of it, it doesn’t get any better thanthat,” said Disney executive vice president,Debbie Petersen. 541Disney’s Polynesian Resort is one of WaltDisney World’s most luxurious resorts, with roomsstarting at $429. Touted as an “oasis of tropicalpalms, lush vegetation, koi ponds and white-sandbeaches,” the resort is a short ride from the MagicKingdom.8 Guests can enjoy the Spirit of AlohaDinner Show, with hula dancing, fire dancing, andan all-you-can-eat tropical feast. 542“In size and scope, the renovation ofDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a significantinvestment in the guest experience,” said seniorvice president Tom Wolber, adding, “Once completed,the iconic resort hotel will be re-imaginedwith a level of detail as only Disney can deliver.” 543Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort. 534The Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Resort willbenefit from federal bond guarantees.36