Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Recently, my family and I stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We stayed for an entire week in this dreamy, tropical paradise. What I love most about the Polynesian is that it feels like a vacation within a vacation. This tropical hideaway is nestled between the Transporation and Ticket Center (the T.T.C.) and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on Seven Seas Lagoon. Also, a short Monorail or boat ride over to Magic Kingdom. This resort is highly convenient and easy to get to and from the parks during your Magic Kingdom or Epcot park day. Being that The Polynesian, or “The Poly” to locals and travelers alike, is steps away from the T.T.C., which means you can walk or monorail over to the T.T.C. to take the monorail to Epcot. A huge perk! Especially to those who are big Epcot fans. It’s one of my favorite Parks. This is weird to say, as I love every park, and choosing one is like choosing a favorite child.

This resort is a Deluxe resort which means lots of amenities and perks. You have access to extra magic house and, of course those extended evening hours for Deluxe Resorts. I will tell you all about this resort but first I want to say how much I love this resort. It is incredibly magical and the staff is amazing.

Here is what I think you need to know about “The Poly.”

1. Dining - For my family, the Polynesian has some of the best food options on the monorail. Let’s start with the most popular dining option at The Polynesian Resort. ‘Ohana at dinner time - this dinner and all you care to enjoy - restaurant packs a punch. The most famous are the ‘Ohana wings, the noodles, pot stickers, and the Bread pudding. It’s divine, and do NOT plan on doing anything but sitting back and watching the sunset from the beach after this meal. The character breakfast here is as sweet as the bread pudding at dinner. Join Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, & Stitch with a cute character breakfast before heading to the park. Served Family-style. This is a crowd-pleaser for sure!

   The next contender at The Polynesian is Kona Cafe. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Macadamia Nut Pancakes and Tonga Toast are award-winning, as well as their Hawaiian Kona Maragogype Press Pot Coffee. They have great sushi, wings, and poke bowls for lunch and dinner. Everything is fresh, and you’ll want to try some of their drink options.

   Capt’n Cooks - their quick service option - is excellent. Yes, you can get the standard “theme park fare” Chicken fingers, burgers, and whatnot. However, they have some options that are Polynesian-inspired. Their wings, pulled pork nachos, and Thai coconut meatballs are incredible. Plus, you can get the tonga toast from the sit-down restaurant here. The only difference is that the strawberry compote is not included at the quick service location. That being said, these three dining options are excellent.

   The coffee and pastry shop on the second floor next to the monorail entrance is called Kona Island. Here, you’ll find some coffee, tea, and pastry options. As well as their chocolate-covered bacon. It’s at least worth a try. There’s Trader Sam’s (a fun and interactive bar experience). Put your name in early cause this place books up quickly. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the outdoor experience next to the waterfall. During the day and into the evening, they have a ukelele player that entertains guests while they dine and enjoy drinks or Hors d'oeuvres. There are two outdoor pool bars at the Polynesian because there are two pools. One is Oasis Bar and Grill (Oasis Pool) and Barefoot Pool Bar (Lava Pool), aka the one with the Volcano. The food at the pool is excellent. Ask for a menu when a wait staff passes you by. You’ll want to look into these options.

   I’m saving the best two for last because these are some of the best parts about staying at the Polynesian Villa Resort. Pineapple Lanai! That’s right, Dole Whip, right at your resort. Grab one and sit on the lawn, out by the pool, or on the beach. It’s truly amazing. Also, my favorite and best-kept secret, until now! Is Tambu Lounge. Did you know you can eat all the “Best Foods” from ‘Ohana without a reservation or the ‘Ohana price tag? Tambu Lounge is the lounge/bar outside of ‘Ohana, and just like other Lounges at signature restaurants, Tambu Lounge is one of my favorites. If you order from the Lounge, they have the ‘Ohana wings, noodles, pot stickers, and bread pudding available to purchase a la carte. Seating is limited, so try to arrive when they open around 4:00 PM— they also have the same drinks from ‘Ohana since they share a bar.

2. The Atmosphere - This place is packed with island vibes. The Great Ceremonial House (main lobby/longhouse) has an incredibly luxurious and tropical feel from the moment you walk in. From the Hidden Mickey at your feet til you reach the “backyard,” as we call it. The view from the Polynesian's backside is what sells this place. The Lava Pool, Pineapple Lanai, the lawn where you can watch Disney Movies under the stars, and the beachfront area with views of Cinderella’s Castle. Everyone talks about the smell of the lobby, but I have to say it’s grown on me. I wasn’t a huge fan at first, but now I could definitely buy a Polynesian candle. The Resort is set up in different buildings, aka “longhouses.” Each is named after a Polynesian Island or area. It’s pretty fun and not too far of a walk from the Great Ceremonial House (aka the main lobby). On this last trip, we were in the Moorea building. It’s the furthest away from the lobby but closest to the T.T.C. So, you must figure out what perk you want the most. It was not a long walk to the lobby, so we didn’t mind. We love being close to the T.T.C. to get to the Epcot Monorail.

3. Lodging - The newly renovated rooms are lovely. The regular rooms are Moana-themed and tastefully done. It’s not in your face with theming, which I appreciate. They have one king-size bed or two queens and a 5th sleeper option. The couch flips over to reveal another bed option. The Studios and Villa’s (yes, you can stay in the DVC villas), you have to know where to look or who to call. That would be ME! They are also Moana-themed but very toned down. They have a Queen-sized bed and a pull-down Murphy bed. Don’t fret; this bed is also very comfortable, as well as the 5th sleeper option, which is also a pull-down bed. My kids LOVED this one. They had to take turns. It has the sweetest mural from Lilo and Stitch.
   You’ll find a few Polynesian-inspired rooms, but you’ll mostly feel like you are in a tropical paradise. The Suites and Club Level Access rooms are lovely. It’s just taking everything you’ve read about and turning it way up! At least on vibes and luxury. Adding much-needed space to your celebration, these suites at the Polynesian are excellent. Here’s a question that I have been asked about lately—the new rooms at the new DVC building that is currently under construction. You do not have to be a DVC member to stay in those rooms. Once they are finished, let’s talk about booking you a room there. The mattresses, pillows, and bedding are soft and luxurious. There’s also space for 5th sleeper at this Deluxe resort. That is a HUGE PERK to larger traveling parties, as well as adjoining room options. During our last stay, I never heard any construction noises, even during the day. So, if you are wondering about that, let me put your mind at ease. Plus, the construction is making incredible strides and will be over before we all realize it. The new DVC building will be opening in late 2024, per Disney, so we can plan that the outside construction should be done by the Summer or Fall of 2024. There will also be more restaurants and shopping options. So stay tuned for updates!

4. Shopping - While we are on the topic, two stores are inside the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The Moana Mercantile and Bou-TIKI are both fantastic Deluxe Resort shopping options. The Moana Mercantile will have a lot of toys, plushes, pins, etc. While Bou-TIKI is going to have more resort-wear and Polynesian resort-exclusive merchandise. This is where you can find the Lilly Pulitzer Disney collection and trinkets like Picture frames, luggage, Trader Sam’s merch, and more!

5. For Parents - Most rooms come with a shower or tub/shower combo, two vanity/sinks, and a private water closet. Unless you are in a studio or villa. If you are in a studio or villa you will have two bathrooms. One bathroom will have a tub/shower combo, toilet, and vanity with sink. The other bathroom comes with a shower and a vanity with a sink. This is helpful if you have multiple people wanting to get ready in the morning and/or in the evening after a long day in the Parks. The tub/shower combo was an excellent option for parents with littles, and for the most part, they are. However, many of my Polynesian Clients love the shower option for their kids because of the removable spray handle.

6. Transportation - proximity to the parks is a win at this resort. Being on the Magic Kingdom Monorail is incredible. Now that we've stayed on the monorail with my family, specifically my husband, with being so close to the Magic Kingdom and T.T.C. to get to Epcot. The monorail resorts are excellent, and convenience is the most significant selling point. There’s everything you could need at your resort that will make it hard to leave. You can hop on the monorail at Epcot and then walk the short distance to the Poly, take one of the friendship boats to the Magic Kingdom, or even walk. When the walkway to the monorail resort opens back up after the construction is complete, you will have another option to get back to the resort after the Fireworks. You do have to take a bus to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. However, the buses run often, and getting one in 15-20 minutes is never an issue. For early morning/park opening where bussing is concerned, get there early. There’s also the added option of a car service. I recommend the Minnie Vans by Lyft. They are cute and convenient.

7. Lastly, let’s talk about the recreational amenities. The two pools at the Polynesian are incredible. Our favorite is the Lava Pool. My entire family loves the Volcano Slide and will do it from sun up til sundown. The zero-entry style pools at the Polynesian are everything you would want as a parent and someone enjoying a leisure stroll into the pool. The Oasis Pool is an excellent option for those wanting a quieter option. At the same time, there are still families at this pool. However, you will not find the pool-side entertainment and fun like at the Lava Pool. My kids love the games and activities at the Lava Pool. On this last trip, they made Mickey tie-dyed t-shirts. There’s always something to do at the Polynesian. The pool bar delivers food and drinks to your chairs and is an incredible amenity. There are Movies Under the Stars in the evenings, and on select nights, you can roast marshmallows on the beach. Enjoy fishing or rent a boat to cruise on Seven Seas Lagoon during the day. As well as the option to do a fireworks cruise leaving from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Contact me early so I can book this for you and your travel Party.

The Polynesian is the best of the best! It is our family’s favorite monorail resort, and I can not wait until the next time we can go again. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am confident you will LOVE your stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. If this sounds like something you’d like to book for your family, please get in touch with me. This is just the beginning of where I come in.

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All the Best,
Caroline Christiansen, Professional Advisor for Glass Slipper Concierge