Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we truly felt like we were in a different world.  The relaxing vibe, “Alohas” from all the Cast Members, and the Hawaiian drum beats set the tone for a fantastic trip.  We were SO excited to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

I think that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now at the very tippy top of my resorts I LOVE. We have stayed at all of the Deluxe Resorts, except three, and at all of the moderates.  So I have a pretty good idea of what I love, and don’t love about each resort. For the Polynesian, I can only think of things I love about it, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

From the second we were greeted with leis and an “Aloha”, I knew we were in for an amazing trip. I think the Poly lives up to the hype, and I can understand why it is a dream resort for most guests.  We have been blessed to stay there two trips in a row. If I am staying there twice, it must be good! We try to stay at a different resort each trip. On our first stay at the Polynesian, we split our time between the Boardwalk Inn and the Polynesian.  This last trip, we stayed all 6 nights at the Polynesian, and it was fantastic!

First, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is on the monorail.  This makes it a total win for us.  I need to be in close proximity ~ like a hop, skip, or jump ~ from any Disney park. The Polynesian allows you to access the Magic Kingdom via a boat or the monorail.  We prefer the monorail, as it is air conditioned.  Also, the Magic Kingdom is the second stop on the loop going to the park.  Returning, we can get off at Transportation and Ticket Center, also the second stop, and walk over to the Polynesian. Either way, you are close! Secondly, EPCOT is a very short monorail ride from the Transportation and Ticket Center.  I love the ride to EPCOT from the monorail resorts.  The loop through the park is so pretty! 

Secondly, the Polynesian has fantastic food options.  For us, Quick Service is important, even when staying at a Deluxe Resort.  I feel as if the Deluxe Resorts get a bad wrap when it comes to QS options, and rightfully so in some cases.  I feel this is hugely lacking in the EPCOT resorts. However, Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian has a wide enough menu to keep us happy during our stay. Also, the pool bar has great food and drinks. I am particularly fond of the Hawaiian Flatbread and the Pork Nachos.  Another thing I really appreciate is the location of the mug refill stations.  They are very close to the pool, and a short walk from the longhouses. Plus, you can’t forget Pineapple Lanai and a Dole Whip!  

Not only do you have great QS options, but the table service restaurants are fantastic as well.  ‘Ohana, Kona, and the Luau all give you their own unique experience. ‘Ohana continues to be one of our favorite character meals on all of Disney property.  The food is consistently good and the character interaction as well.  Also, Trader Sam’s is a nice lounge to relax and have a famous Lapu Lapu while taking in a view of the castle.

Also, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a destination unto itself. I think this goes for a lot of Walt Disney World Resorts.  At the Polynesian, we feel like we are on vacation from the second we arrive.  The tiki torches, “Alohas”, the beautiful lobby, and the overall ambiance are amazing. We just don’t want to leave! In our two times staying here, we have always had great interaction with the Cast Members as well.  

The resort is small, and easy to navigate.  This is one thing I absolutely love about most Deluxe Resorts.  The footprint is small, and they don’t house nearly as many rooms as at the moderate or value resorts. We have been in both Rarotonga and the Tokelau buildings. Both are reasonably close to the main building, where you will find the food and monorail station.  Our room in Rarotonga was not far from the bus stop either, when we needed to catch the bus to Animal Kingdom.

The pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is awesome. From a parental perspective, it is small enough that I can easily watch my daughter from most any vantage point.  She LOVES the slide, and I have often seen parents going up and down the slide as well. I will say, there are a few spots where it is kind of low, so keep your head down so you don’t hit it on the way down. Not only is the pool fun, but there is also a fantastic children’s water play area.  This is AMAZING!  It has two slides, all kinds of water features, and the kids LOVE it.  Also, what is better than being poolside with Cinderella’s Castle in the distance?

The rooms at the Polynesian are spacious.  They sleep up to 5 guests, or 6 if one is in a Pack and Play. On our first stay, we had a Deluxe Studio in Tokelau. This had a pull down bed, a sleeper sofa, and a queen size bed. The aspect I REALLY loved about this was the bathroom set up.  One was a full bathroom, with a toilet, tub, and sink.  And this bathroom was huge.  Then there was a bathroom with a shower stall and a sink only, no toilet. Also, the studios have a small kitchenette. I really liked this set up, especially the bathroom. 

This last time, we had a regular, standard room with two queens and a sleeper sofa. This had one bathroom, with the shower, toilet, and sink all in one space.  This was okay, but I am hoping these rooms will be refurbished to reflect a split bath, hardwood floors, and a raised bed.  The room was great, and we had a nice view and location. But if I had to give a drawback to this resort, it would be that the standard rooms could use a refresh.

Overall, our stay at the Polynesian was magical.  Absolutely magical! I think this resort is a great option for families of all ages. The ambiance is relaxing for adults, the pool and activities are fun for the kids, and the location is everything!  Do you think your family will stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?