For a stress-free Disney or Universal Studios vacation, let the FREE expert planners at Royal Carriage Vacations take care of every detail including dining reservations, applying discounts, and onboard cruise credit.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort evokes feelings of being on a South Pacific island. Read here for complete details on this wonderful resort.
Polynesian Resort
From the first moment we entered the resort, we realized we were staying somewhere special! Everything from the lush tropical landscaping to the friendly Cast Members made us instantly feel welcome.
The Polynesian Resort has guest buildings called Longhouses. Outside is a lush tropical paradise. Check the map when booking as some rooms, like DVC buildings, are farther from the Great Ceremonial House.
The Great Ceremonial House is the resort’s main building. Guests are first greeted by Cast Members with an enthusiastic “Aloha!” Upon arrival, Cast Members ask what they can do for each guest.
Outside, the tropical paradise feeling continues with white sand beaches, torch-lit walkways, and waterfalls scattered throughout the resort. Guests have a prime viewing spot for nightly fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Electric Water Pageant.
Original Disney Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort boasts being one of only two original Disney World locations that opened in 1971. Certainly, the resort has seen its share of changes and expansions since then.
However, one thing hasn’t changed over time. Polynesian Resort remains one of the most popular Disney World Resorts! It is rated as a AAA 4-Diamond Resort.
Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Studios
Relax in the stylish comfort in the largest Deluxe Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.
Designed to sleep up to 5 Guests, Deluxe Studios features a queen-size bed, queen-size sleeper sofa, and single pull-down bed.
Due to its size, the pull-down bed is more suited for children.
Disney’s Polynesian Village DVC Suites contain a unique setup for a studio. They contain one-and-a-half bathrooms. The first bathroom contains a traditional bath/shower combo, sink, and toilet. This shower offers the most amazing rainfall water.
Then, the second bathroom has a luxurious shower and sink. Although there’s no toilet in the second bathroom, this additional space is invaluable for getting reading in the morning.
In addition, deluxe resorts carry small body and bath containers. These are so much easier and more sanitary than the larger soap dispensers found in other Disney Resort rooms.
Deluxe Studios are equipped with a kitchenette. It includes a mini-fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee maker. In addition, guests find coffee pods and everything you need to make coffee as well as individually wrapped disposable utensils, dishes, and glasses.
Check out our recent complete review, including a picture tour, of the Polynesian DVC Deluxe Suite here.
Disney Vacation Club Bungalows
For the ultimate vacation experience, stay magical in a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom luxurious overwater Bungalow that can sleep up to 8 Guests.
This unique accommodation features a full kitchen, living area, and dining area. Not only that, but a private back deck with a plunge pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon comes with each bungalow. View the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the back deck, while you listen to piped-in show music!
Deluxe Studio
Disney’s Polynesian Village offers one-room deluxe resorts. Guests find 2 queen beds and 1 day bed in these rooms. Also, three different views are available for booking: standard, lagoon, and theme park.
These rooms have a Moana makeover theme which looks amazing! Check out photos and details on this transformation HERE.
Other Suites
Guests can select a one-bedroom suite that contains 2 queen beds and 1 day bed. In addition, Disney’s Polynesian Village has 2 specialty suites: the Ambassador Vice Presidential Suite, and the King Kamehameha Suite.
There is ample seating to relax throughout the Great Ceremonial House. You can see an area of 2nd-floor seating above.
Transportation
This Resort is minutes from Magic Kingdom Park via an easy water taxi or monorail ride. It’s also a bus ride away from other Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs.
The Resort Monorail makes the following stops:
- Magic Kingdom park
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC)
However, when staying at DVC Polynesian rooms, the Ticket and Transportation Center is a short walk away. From there, Polynesian guests can catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.
Best Friends ‘Ohana Breakfast
Lilo and Stitch, along with other friends, join guests for an American breakfast influenced by Polynesian flavors. Check out Monica’s breakfast review HERE. Enjoy a delicious family-style breakfast as Disney characters pose for photos. Breakfast selections include scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, Hawaiian pork sausages, and Hawaiian-style ham topped with pineapple compote. Lastly, a variety of fresh fruits and assorted breads are served at breakfast.
’Ohana Dinner
We dined at ‘Ohana for dinner last fall. We immediately understood why it has a cult-like following. It’s really that good! Check out my review here.
Your servers, called cousins, serve dinner with Hawaiian Hospitality. ‘Ohana offers an evening of Hawaiian-flavored specialties, music, and fun.
Kona Café
Located in the Great Ceremonial House, this casual café serves breakfast dishes such as our favorite Tonga Toast! We’ve written a review of breakfast at Kona Cafe.
For lunch and dinner, diners choose from sushi rolls, poke bowls, and chef-recommended dishes like the Kona-braised short rib.
Tambu Lounge
Pull up a stool to find tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers. In addition, the large seating area adjacent to the lounge served drinks and appetizers.
Additionally, this location offered servers providing snacks and drinks, making a wonderful place to relax after a busy park day.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Guests enjoy this quirky hideaway based on the famous Trader Sam, found in the Jungle Cruise attraction. Next, this lounge is filled with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures.
Or, guests can choose the open-air Tiki Terrace for drinks and appetizers. This outdoor location provides live Hawaiian-themed musical entertainment.
Capt. Cook’s
Explore your options each morning as you start the day with a Mickey Waffle or banana-stuffed Tonga Toast. For lunch or dinner, discover an adventurous assortment of sandwiches, salads, and more. I enjoyed the pork sandwich here.
Also, this location provides a quiet quick service location with excellent food choices. Check out our Capt. Cook’s Dining Review here.
Kona Island
Guests can order coffee and pastries in the morning and a variety of grab-and-go sushi, sandwiches, and salads for lunch. Also, try one of the tropical desserts, such as key lime pie or banana-rum trifle.
Barefoot Pool Bar
Kick off your shoes and enjoy the white sandy beach, sipping on Tiki drinks. Guests also relax here, taking in amazing views of the Magic Kingdom.
Pineapple Lanai
Guests enjoy traditional as well as daily changing Dole Whip flavors at Pineapple Lanai. Choose between traditional soft-serve swirls and floats. Look for this walk-up window outside the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House.
Daily Resort Activities
Check out the fun daily resort activities below.
- Hula Dance Lessons
- Games
- Sandcastle Competition
- Chalk Drawing
- Sand volleyball
- Interactive treasure hunt
- Torch Lighting Ceremony
- Samoan fire-knife dance
For those that collect pressed pennies, look for Lilo and Stitch-themed pennies on the second story just outside of Moana Mercantile.
Picnic Area
I just love this spacious picnic area. Check out the grills below to prepare your tropical feast. One of the best features of the Polynesian Resort is the abundance of outdoor areas and activities to enjoy. Unfortunately, at this time, neither of these are available.
Recreation
For an additional fee, guests can enjoy even more outdoor festivities. Equipment and boats are available for rental. Also, boats require reservations as they go quickly. Check with guest services to see which are available on your visit.
- fishing
- campfire activities
- sand volleyball
- motorized boat activities
Electrical Water Pageant
The Electrical Water Pageant features amazing barges that float through the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon. The Pageant consists of 7 barges, each carrying a 25-foot-tall screen of lights featuring creatures from under the sea set to Disney music.
The best viewing spots are from the beach and bungalows.
Amenities
Disney Deluxe Resorts, including the Polynesian Village Resort offers many amenities. Check out the list below:
- banking and ATM
- laundry services
- childcare
- designated smoking areas
- mail services
- merchandise delivery and pick up
- resort concierge
- drink and ice machines
- spa and fitness (access to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s Senses Spa)
*Please check with front desk or resort concierge to see which of these are currently available.
Furthermore, the Resort’s lakeside marina offers a variety of watercraft available for rent. Captain a Montauk, or rent a family pontoon boat. In addition, private cruises and excursions on the Seven Seas Lagoon are available by reservation.
Movies Under the Stars
Watch your favorite Disney films on the Polynesian’s lawn! Guests can bring a towel and snack and enjoy their favorite Disney film. What a perfect way to end the day! Also, check out the daily Resort Guide to see what’s showing.
Pools
Splash down at the Lava Pool or lounge the day away at the leisure pool. Experience island life in the waters around this active “volcano”. This amazing 120,000-gallon heated pool “erupts” throughout the day. In addition, guests enjoy a fun 142-foot tubular waterslide that curves around the volcano here.
Meanwhile, children can participate in fun pool games. They can dive for toys, engage in a hula-hoop contest, and play musical stars.
The pool area features lush surroundings, a larger deck area, and a whirlpool spa. Plus, guests enjoy in-pool seating and underwater music.
A zero-depth entry pool design features a gradual beach-style slope into the water. Nestled in a garden, the leisure pool offers a quieter location to swim.
Lastly, guests can rent private, shaded poolside cabanas for a half-day, full-day, or evening for an additional fee.
The Kiki Tiki Splash area is a splash pad/water playground area complete with 2 water slides, bridges, and plenty of nooks to explore. Such a fun children’s area!
BouTiki Shop
BouTiki is the resort’s largest gift shop, located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Here, guests browse unique tropical-themed clothing and accessories as well as other Tiki statue souvenirs.
It’s so fun to shop for tropical trinkets, Hawaiian shirts, hotel logo and surf wear, ukuleles and Disney merchandise. Also, look for unique Tiki Room merchandise.
Moana Mercantile Shop
Moana Mercantile is located on the 2nd floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Here, guests can shop for snacks, sundries, and groceries.
Guests shop for gifts, children’s fashions, toys, and Disney merchandise here. As the name suggests, there’s a heavy emphasis on Moana merchandise. Here, guests also will get their Stitch merchandise fix too!
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite aspects of staying at Disney’s Deluxe accommodations are the abundance of seating alcoves. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers seating areas throughout the Great Ceremonial House.
Also, we loved how each Longhouse provides private seating areas on each floor. Although we didn’t take advantage of these on our visit, walking off the elevator to such an inviting space adds to the welcoming vibe of this delightful, tropical resort.
While we enjoyed our stay here, some of the Longhouses are farther away from the Great Ceremonial House than we’re used to, especially when it rains. We encountered torrential rain and were soaked when we arrived at our room.
Also, the dark woods and overall dark room accents were a bit dated. We did appreciate the storage drawers under the bed and in the bathroom.
Have you ever stayed at Polynesian Village Resort? What did you think? If you haven’t, does this review help you in your planning? Let us know on Facebook or the KtP Crew!
Share the love!
