Request Disney to Rename 'Captain Cook's' at Polynesian Village Resort


Request Disney to Rename 'Captain Cook's' at Polynesian Village Resort
The Issue
As an ardent enthusiast of Disney's capacity to craft enchanting and inclusive universes, I have watched with growing unease the presence of "Captain Cook's" as the name of the quick-service restaurant at the Polynesian Village Resort. This resort, designed to celebrate the radiant spirit of Polynesian culture, unfortunately hosts a symbol of colonization and historical harm: Captain James Cook.
Captain Cook, although a professional explorer, is recognized as a herald of subjugation and displacement within Polynesian communities. This concern is heightened because indigenous Polynesians remain among the least represented communities within the USA, constituting less than 0.4% of the population, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Their voice and history matter, and Disney should reflect this in the names of its facilities.
Having a restaurant named after Cook in a Polynesian-themed resort feels like an affront to the unique history and legacy of the Polynesian people. For a franchise that prides itself on authenticity and attention to detail, this gross oversimplification of Polynesian history is unjust.
As someone who deeply values accurate historical representation, I find this continuation of misrepresentation highly concerning. Disney, I urge you to showcase respect for the Polynesian culture by renaming the restaurant to a more apt and inclusive title that celebrates Polynesian heritage rather than diminishing it.
It is not about erasing history but about interpreting it correctly and respectfully. The time to amend this oversight is now. Let us stand together for the rightful portrayal of all cultures, no matter how small their demographic might be in the grand tapestry of society, in the happy world of Disney. Please sign this petition to back the call to rename "Captain Cook's" at the Polynesian Village Resort.

4
The Issue
As an ardent enthusiast of Disney's capacity to craft enchanting and inclusive universes, I have watched with growing unease the presence of "Captain Cook's" as the name of the quick-service restaurant at the Polynesian Village Resort. This resort, designed to celebrate the radiant spirit of Polynesian culture, unfortunately hosts a symbol of colonization and historical harm: Captain James Cook.
Captain Cook, although a professional explorer, is recognized as a herald of subjugation and displacement within Polynesian communities. This concern is heightened because indigenous Polynesians remain among the least represented communities within the USA, constituting less than 0.4% of the population, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Their voice and history matter, and Disney should reflect this in the names of its facilities.
Having a restaurant named after Cook in a Polynesian-themed resort feels like an affront to the unique history and legacy of the Polynesian people. For a franchise that prides itself on authenticity and attention to detail, this gross oversimplification of Polynesian history is unjust.
As someone who deeply values accurate historical representation, I find this continuation of misrepresentation highly concerning. Disney, I urge you to showcase respect for the Polynesian culture by renaming the restaurant to a more apt and inclusive title that celebrates Polynesian heritage rather than diminishing it.
It is not about erasing history but about interpreting it correctly and respectfully. The time to amend this oversight is now. Let us stand together for the rightful portrayal of all cultures, no matter how small their demographic might be in the grand tapestry of society, in the happy world of Disney. Please sign this petition to back the call to rename "Captain Cook's" at the Polynesian Village Resort.

4
The Decision Makers
Petition created on April 28, 2025