One of the original and most fabulously themed of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts in Orlando, Florida, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has recently undergone major renovations to include Moana-themed rooms and a new monorail station. The Polynesian Resort fully reopened on July 19, 2021.
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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort combines all the Tiki goodness of a vintage Hawaiian vacation with the fun of visiting Disney theme parks. And, you’ll find some the best food anywhere at Disney World at Polynesian Resort restaurants. The Polynesian is located right on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, just a monorail’s ride away from all the action!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of two original Disney resort hotels that opened with the Magic Kingdom in 1971 (the other was the Contemporary Resort). So I can understand when people describe it as having that kitschy, Brady-Bunch-Goes-to-Hawaii 70’s vibe! But I have always loved the vintage look and feel of the place.
Here’s why.
More than 50 years after opening, the Polynesian’s tropical motif has proven to have a timeless appeal, as it remains one of Disney’s most popular resort hotels. Over the years, Disney has done an amazing job adding modern amenities that being a deluxe resort demands (upgraded décor, wi-fi, a spa tub at the pool). But the charm that made this resort so popular in the first place has been preserved!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Theme
Themed to reflect the style and culture of the South Pacific, the resort’s rooms are divided among several ‘longhouses’ and the newly renovated Great Ceremonial House, which serves as the resort’s main reception area.
With a 3-story high atrium, rich tropical interior and themed music, the Great Ceremonial House will instantly transport you to another world. It houses many of the Polynesian Resort restaurants and shops. The theming continues outside with white sand beaches on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Tiki torch-lit walkways and lush green landscaping.
While the resort was closed (for over a year!) during the pandemic, the Polynesian Resort underwent a substantial refurbishment. Updates include newly remodeled Moana guest rooms, a new monorail station, and the new porte cochere to greet guests arriving via the valet and Disney Magical Express bus transportation.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort At-A-Glance:
- Monorail stop onsite, as well as boat and bus service to travel to the various Disney parks and attractions
- Supervised children’s activity center
- Fabulous pool area with volcano water slide and daily pool activities
- “Movies Under the Stars” play nightly on the beach
- Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon
- Numerous restaurants and quick service dining options
- Character breakfast onsite at ‘Ohana Restaurant
- Spirit of Aloha Luau and dinner takes place nightly
- Tropical theming throughout the resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Rooms
Disney’s Polynesian Village has a variety of rooms and suites available, including the enviable new over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows. These Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties have a private boardwalk to access each unit and a private deck with views of the lagoon. I can only imagine those decks are the perfect spot for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant at night.
But alas, the bungalows are too rich for my blood! We stayed in a garden view room in one of the longhouses. (If you have the budget, opt for one of the lagoon view rooms!) Standard rooms are just over 400 square feet, which is a nice size, with two queen beds and a spacious bathroom.
Like all the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World, bathrooms are stocked with high-end soaps and lotions that smell just yummy! Most rooms include an outdoor space, either a deck or patio, so you can relax outside at this tropical oasis.
In 2021, Disney introduced new Moana rooms as part of the resort’s major refurbishment.
According to Disney, “These reimagined spaces feature a new color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands, including details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.”
All rooms have flat screen televisions with convenient audio and video inputs. Other amenities include a mini-fridge, wall safe, coffee maker, iron/ironing board and hair dryer.
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is held in an open-air theater located in Luau Cove. The show is everything you’d expect from a traditional luau – plus a little Disney magic – with music, fire, and dances of the Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaiian cultures.
The food at Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is an All-You-Can Eat, a traditional buffet of Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian beef ribs, roasted chicken, salad, vegetables and delicious desserts. Children’s favorites such as corn dogs, pizza and chicken are also available. And of course, you’ll want to indulge in a fruity cocktail for the full experience!
Polynesian Resort Restaurants & Dining Options
The first time I visited the Polynesian it was not to stay, but just for dinner. (And then of course I wanted to come back for a stay!) For many people, Disney’s Polynesian Village is a destination just for the food! If you have the Disney Dining Plan, there are tons of great options at this hotel. From Dole Whips to Aloha pulled pork, here’s a round-up of all the great places to eat.
Captain Cook’s is a quick service eatery located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Start the day with a Mickey Waffle or banana-stuffed Tonga Toast. For lunch or dinner, there is an assortment of sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and more. Captain Cook’s is located near the pool, which makes it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or evening meal.
Kona Café is located off the main lobby and serves traditional American food with a subtle Asian twist. If you are there for breakfast, their Macadamia Nut Pancakes are out of this world delicious!
Oasis Bar & Grill is outside adjacent to both the pool and beach. Kick off your shoes and enjoy Tiki-inspired drinks while you take in views of Magic Kingdom. They have great smoothies, too!
‘Ohana is among the most popular restaurants at the Disney resorts. For breakfast, Lilo and Stitch host their own character breakfast. At dinner, meals are prepared in a huge open-pit and served family style. Guests also get to participate in a coconut race.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is a great spot to enjoy live music and lush island vibes! This outdoor lounge is right next to the pool and waterfront. Sample exotic cocktails like the Polynesian Pearl or Tahitian Torch, plus great food from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto!
Pineapple Lanai is located in a small courtyard outside the lobby, next to Captain Cook’s by the pool. Pineapple Dole Whips are available along with vanilla soft-serve and the popular Dole Whip Floats. They are also available in a souvenir tiki bowl. I recommend buying one before the nightly Electrical Water Pageant or fireworks and enjoying them on the beach while you watch!
Things to Do at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
We’ve stayed at many Walt Disney World Resorts – from Value to Moderate to Deluxe – and I can honestly say that of the pools at all of the resorts, the Polynesian’s Lava Pool is our favorite!
The Lava Pool sports a towering volcano, a waterfall and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide. A zero-depth entry point slopes gently into the pool making for easy entry and exit, and a great spot for young kids to splash around. The resort’s Oasis Bar & Grill is just steps away so you can enjoy drinks and snacks at the pool, and there is a great children’s play area.
If you are looking for a more tranquil spot to swim and sun, the Oasis Pool is another great option at Disney’s Polynesian Village. Nestled amid a lush garden, this all-ages leisure pool promises a more tranquil swim for those looking to relax and unwind.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort also offers motorized boat rentals, so you can cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon on your own. Or, sail to the Magic Kingdom park and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on a complimentary water taxi.
Transportation Options
There are a number of transportation options for guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Until the new monorail station at the resort is complete, you can still catch the monorail by walking over to the Ticket and Transportation Center, which will get you to either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
Boat transportation across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdome is also available, or you can always walk using the new Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom Walkway. Disney also offers complimentary bus service from the Polynesian to all three theme parks and Disney Springs.
Healthy Tip for This Destination
Disney’s Polynesian Village and the Grand Floridian have an interconnecting jogging trail which is approximately one mile in length. Enjoy views of the Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon as you walk or jog along this beautifully landscaped pathway.
Is the Polynesian Resort Worth the Cost?
So is the Polynesian worth the splurge? As a Disney World deluxe resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village is pricey…but we think it is worth it to be so close to all of the action! When you look at all of the amenities and the fact that both Epcot and the Magic Kingdom are just a monorail ride away, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth at this Deluxe Resort!
Trying to decide which hotel to stay at on your Walt Disney World vacation? Don’t miss this article on the Best Disney Deluxe Resorts.
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