Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: A Disney World Resort Review
Welcome to PARADISE, um, the Polynesian Resort! WARNING: You may not want to leave this resort! Find out if this one is right for you and your family by checking out Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: A Disney World Resort Review.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: A Disney World Resort Review
Are you ready for a “different” and more relaxing resort for your next Disney World vacation? This resort is truly something to behold. Rich decor, delicious eateries, lush accommodations and on the monorail! What more could you ask for? Maybe a view of Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show? You got it!!
The Poly
When you think of the ultimate in luxury, you think of a rich tropical setting. Luckily, Disney had the same thought when building this Deluxe Resort. This Poly (as locals like to call it) has been around since the beginning of Walt Disney World in 1971. It has quite the rich history as well! Many do not know that this resort is where John Lennon officially was the last to sign the papers to end The Beatles while on vacation with his family in 1974. I wonder if it was a “Hard Days Night” after Lennon made the decision to sign the dotted line?
The Polynesian is also one of the “Monorail Resorts”, meaning when you are a guest here, you are able to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, or one of the other monorail resorts (Contemporary and Grand Floridian). Please note, there are several different monorails and you may have to switch monorails depending on your destination! You also can take the boat to the Magic Kingdom or as with all resorts you also have the option of taking the buses to the parks as well. All modes of available transportation are available while vacationing here.
Accommodations and Room Types
The Polynesian is one of the largest resorts in the Magic Kingdom area and has 847 guest rooms on property. It is also home to one of the newest DVC expansions with the most coveted Bungalows on Seven Seas Lagoon. But since we’re looking more into the regular rooms, we’ll leave the bungalows for another day.
There are four different room types, similar to the other Disney Resorts. Standard View, Lagoon View, Pool or Marina View and Theme Park View. The price of the rooms depends on your views, with the least expensive option being the Standard, and the most expensive being Theme Park views. Whether or not the view is worth the price is up to each individual. But to be able to see Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks show with the songs being played on your television in your own room could be paradise in itself!
The rooms are all similarly situated at 415-476 square feet, with either two queen size beds or a few king size beds scattered throughout. The rooms also have an armoire, table and chairs, small fridge, coffee maker, safe, hair dryer, and iPod dock. The rooms can accommodate a family of 5 with a child under the age of 3.
If you would love the amenities of a Deluxe Resort, but don’t care what the view is out your window, then the standard view will be perfect. Usually this means you might get a nice look at the parking lot and a bit further away from the pools and activities. The Lagoon View is a view of the lake of course! And the best of the best and most sought after is the Theme Park View! Here you get a picturesque view of Cinderella’s Castle and in the evening can hopefully get a glimpse of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks show. However, if you have little ones traveling with you, remember the noise of the fireworks will be more present in the rooms facing Magic Kingdom if you’re trying to get them to go to bed! Just close those curtains!
Club Level Option
Now, for the best of the best, there is CLUB LEVEL. It is pricier, but well worth the extra cost! At Club Level, here is what you will receive:
- Evening turn-down
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
- Complimentary fax assistance
- Access to Concierge service at the King Kamehameha Club
- Complimentary health club access
- Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
- Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
All of these rooms are situated in different buildings, called longhouses. Depending on your need, there are advantages to each one. There are many to choose from with 11 longhouses on property (Tonga, Aotearoa, Fiji, Tuvalu, Hawaii, Samoa, Niue, Rarotonga, Tokelau, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui.) You might need to brush up on your Geography because each name of the longhouses represent authentic Polynesian Islands!
Dining Options
Now, let’s talk about why many people who are not staying at the Polynesian come here…the food! Lucky you if you’re a guest here, you will have access to some of the best meals on Disney World property!
There are 3 different Quick Service restaurants for you to choose from. For those delicious Dole Whips, you can get them here at Pineapple Lanai! If you need a quick meal, Captain Cook’s is a great place to grab something on the go. We recommend the Pulled Pork Nachos! Finally, if you get hungry lounging by the pool or need a refreshing cocktail, you can head over to Barefoot Pool Bar!
If you’re looking to have a meal that your whole family can sit together, there are 8 delicious options! To start your day off right you can dine at Kona Cafe (we love the Tonga Toast, French Press Kona Coffee, and Liliko’i Juice!) If you love buffets, there’s a few to choose from here too! The much loved ‘Ohana is a fan favorite with the amazing service and bread pudding for dessert! They also have a wonderful character breakfast with your favorite friends from Lilo and Stitch!
The other buffet is the Luau Cove which you can enjoy close to the pool and amenities. If you’re wanting a more causal dining experience, but not quite as casual as quick service, they also have a few options here as well. Kona Island is a great place to get your sushi fix! The Tambu Lounge is wonderful as well as the Disney Fan Favorite’s; Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. While you dine on unique South Seas culinary delights, pair it with an equally unique drink like the “Dark & Tropical Stormy”. Here’s a little tip, some of the drink orders trigger fun little extra magic experiences!
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Finally, if you’re looking for a dinner and a show and can’t quite make it to Hawaii, look no further than the Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. This luau is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate with Hula Dancing, Fire Dancing, and drummers. This all you care to eat buffet will have everything for every appetite from Island Pulled Pork to fresh salads with mango-poppy seed dressing. And for the little ones they have mini corn dogs and of course pizza! This dinner show is two dining credits on the Disney Dining Plan.
Recreation
Now that’s you’ve eaten your fill, after waiting the 15 minutes your mom told you to, go check out the pools! The newly refurbished Lava pool boasts an impressive 142 foot long water slide along with a towering volcano! It also has zero depth entry similar to a beach, so for those little ones, or those who just want a quick dip, you can take your time getting into the water.
If you’re looking for a little more action, you can also have a game of volleyball, or stretch your legs on the beautiful running trail. There’s also lots of play areas for the little ones like Lilo’s Playhouse or the fun for all ages campfire with some favorite furry friends! Or if your more of the water craft type, you can rent motorized boats or go fishing! You can do as much or as little as you’d like while you’re in paradise!
Shopping
With three shops nearby, you can shop till you drop! BouTiki, Disney’s Magnolia, Palm and Oak Trail Pro Shop and of course, Moana Mercantile make for some pretty amazing experiences!
Walt Express Tips
Now, here is my little tip for you that is a horribly kept secret! If you don’t want to brave the crowd in Magic Kingdom for the nightly fireworks show, you have the most perfect viewing spot right on the beach of the resort! Get there a little before 9 pm and you’ll have the best view of the Electrical Water Pageant as well! Two beautiful night time shows for the price of, well, none! You do not have to have a reservation for the Poly to enjoy these shows, but it is asked of those who are not guests of the resort to be respectful of those who are. This is a great way to see the fireworks show at least once, and they pipe in the music to the beach to give it that extra magic!
Staying at the Polynesian Village Resort will be an unforgettable experience you and your family will remember for a lifetime!
Have you stayed at this awesome resort? Join in on the discussion, join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.
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