Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: A Complete Guide
Last updated on August 14, 2026
Looking for details on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World?
As a Disney expert and frequent visitor to this amazing hotel, I’ve got all the details here!
One of the original and most fabulously themed of Walt Disney World’s Deluxe Resorts in Orlando, Florida, in recent years Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has undergone major renovations to include a new DVC tower, Moana-themed rooms, and a new monorail station.
Keep reading for all the details to help you decide if this resort is right for you and plan an amazing stay!
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.
Although I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a stretch to our budget, staying a Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is always worth it! We’ve stayed here at least three times over the years (and visited many times more!) and I can say without a doubt it is one of our favorite Walt Disney World resorts.
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.
The reason is simple:
More than 50 years after opening, the Polynesian’s South Pacific tropical motif has a timeless appeal, and it remains one of Disney’s most popular resort hotels.
Over the years, Disney has done an amazing job adding modern amenities that a deluxe resort demands (upgraded décor, new pools and restaurants, etc.). But the charm that made this resort so popular in the first place has been preserved!
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
- New DVC Tower
- Supervised children’s activity center
- Fabulous pools with volcano water slide at the Lava Pool 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
- Tropical theming throughout the resort
- Dole Whips
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. In fact, the decor is so authentic to traditional Hawaiian culture, to me it very much resembles Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
In recent years, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort underwent a substantial refurbishment. Updates included the addition of Moana guest rooms, a new monorail station, and the new porte cochere to greet arriving guests.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Rooms
Disney’s Polynesian Village has a variety of rooms and suites available, including the enviable 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.
We also really loved that all rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village come with full balconies, an amenity you will only find at deluxe properties at Walt Disney World.
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 TVs with convenient audio and video inputs. Other amenities include a mini-fridge, wall safe, coffee maker, iron/ironing board, and hair dryer.
Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
In 2022, construction began on a new Disney Vacation Club Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The 10-story tall tower sits right on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, and includes studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom villas. The tower also has its own pool, recreation activities, and restaurants.
The one really cool thing about this hotel is – because it’s a tower – if you opt for a room with a view you’ll get stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Magic Kingdom, and even the fireworks at night. But you’ll pay a premium price! On the other hand, you’ll be paying Deluxe room rates regardless, so why settle for a view of the parking lot?
But let’s face it, literally half the rooms at the hotel do not have spectacular views. Disney addressed this by designing the tower with several different garden terraces, so you can still relax outside in semi-privacy and enjoy the sights and sounds.
► Travel Insight
For the best view of the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant at night, go to the Wave Break terrace on the fifth floor of the Island Tower.
The lobby of the tower is bright and modern, featuring lots of comfy seating areas and colorful Polynesian artwork. I loved the soaring atrium and the open, airy feeling it creates in the space – even when it’s dark outside.
Another thing I loved about Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is its fantastic fitness center and pool, though you can still use the Lava Pool at the main part of the resort. The Cove Pool also has Moana’s Voyage, a whimsical splash area featuring life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe, where kids can play.
► For a more in-depth look at what to expect at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, check out this guide to Moderate vs Deluxe Disney Resorts.
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!
Unfortunately, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Diner Show at the Polynesian – an awesome luau and buffet that was a family favorite for many, many years, is no longer taking place at the resort. (The new DVC Tower now lives in its footprint.) But there are still 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.
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!
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.
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!
Wailulu Bar & Grill is a casual spot located near the pool at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. It has a round bar and great seating overlooking the pool and lagoon, with a very tropical feel. The food features flavors inspired by cuisine from the South Pacific Islands, serving breakfast lunch and dinner.
Since it is right on the water, it is also a popular spot to enjoy a drink and watch the fireworks at night.
Things to Do at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
We’ve stayed at many Walt Disney World Resorts 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 water slide.
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. A new monorail station opened at the resort in 2021. You can also catch the monorail by walking over to the Ticket and Transportation Center, which will get you to either the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
► Be sure to read this article for Everything You Need to Know About Disney Monorail Resorts!
Boat transportation across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the Magic Kingdom is also available, and Disney offers complimentary bus service from the Polynesian to all three theme parks and Disney Springs.
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Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s Polynesian 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 consider 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! The Polynesian easily earns its reputation as one of the Best Disney Deluxe Resorts.
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