Polynesian Resort

Updated 4/25/2022 – Polynesian Village has undergone a major renovation and has reopened. The Monorail service was temporarily disabled but is now up and running again. However, the Luau is permanently closed to make room for additional Disney Vacation Club rooms and dining options. Construction is planned to be completed in 2024. For the most up-to-date information about the phased reopening of the Walt Disney World Resort, please visit the Walt Disney World Know Before You Go guide. 

This week’s featured resort is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Often referred to as simply the Polynesian, this deluxe resort has been a favorite Disney destination since 1971. If you’re looking to escape to the South Pacific, complete with an oasis of tropical palms and lush vegetation, this may be the resort for you! The outdoor island ambience, complete with tiki torches lining the walkways, makes this resort definitely one to consider when planning your next Disney vacation.

Accommodations –

There are 478 rooms, 6 suites, 360 deluxe studios and 20 Bungalows. The standard rooms accommodate up to five guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib. All rooms have two queen-size beds, or one king-size bed and a day bed. Guests choosing Club Level accommodations at the King Kamehameha Club receive personalized concierge service and lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks, and evening wine, hors d’oeuvres, cordials, and desserts.

The resort went through a major renovation in late 2020 and early 2021. The beautifully reimagined guest rooms are inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands. Reimagined rooms include details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” If you look closely and you might even spot some characters from the story. Guests will see new furnishings and fixtures.

 

Villa Bungalows offer unique over-the-water accommodations for up to eight guests, plus one child under 3 in a crib. The Bungalows offer a fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom with one king-size bed, a second bedroom with one queen-size bed and one bunk-size pull-down bed. There is a queen-size sleeper sofa and another bunk-size pull-down bed in the living room, two full bathrooms, washer and dryer, whirlpool tub and private deck with plunge pool.

Deluxe Studios accommodate up to five guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib and have a kitchenette, one queen-size bed, queen-size sleeper sofa, bunk-size pull-down bed and private porch or balcony.

Dining – 

Table-Service dining options include Kona Cafe and ‘Ohana. At Kona Cafe, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served featuring steaks, sushi, seafood, pasta, vegetarian entrées, and more, with Asian flavors.

‘Ohana is a very popular table-service option offering a family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and dinner. Breakfast features skillets piled high with morning delights. Dinner includes Polynesian style salads, beef, seafood, poultry, pork, and vegetables. Due to popularity, it is highly recommended for guests to be prepared to book reservations at ‘Ohana when they become available.

Kona Island is also a dining location offered at the Polynesian. Here you can enjoy coffee, tea, pastries and fruit in the morning. Cocktails, wine and sake are also available.

Quick-Service Dining options include Capt. Cook’s which is open 24 hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Other dining options include the Oasis Bar and Grill, a poolside snack bar, room service, and coffee bar. The Pineapple Lanai is a favorite among guests serving Dole Whip soft serve and pineapple floats. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a very popular lounge offering handcrafted Tiki cocktails, regional beers, and Polynesian-inspired small plates.

Recreation – 

There is no shortage of things to do while enjoying your stay at the Polynesian. A volcano themed heated pool with waterslide, leisure pool, interactive water feature, aquatic play areas and poolside cabana rentals are offered when wanting to take a break from the parks.

A health club (accessible at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), fishing, marina watercraft rental, Surrey bike rentals and recreation activities including Disney Movies Under the Stars and a New Balance® Running Trail are also available.

 

Monorail service is offered to Magic Kingdom, Epcot (you will need to transfer at the Ticket and Transportation Center), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Water launch service is available to Magic Kingdom and select Disney Resort hotels. Bus service is offered to all Disney Parks and Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom – Monorail (5 minutes), boat (10 minutes) or bus (10 minutes)
Epcot – Monorail (20 minutes, you will have to take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and transfer to the Epcot line) or bus (15 minutes)
Animal Kingdom – Bus (15 minutes)
Hollywood Studios – Bus (10 minutes)
Disney Springs – Bus (20 minutes)

Lyft, Uber, and Taxis are also available at a cost.

Parking at the Polynesian Village Resort is $25 per night.

Unique to those resorts along Bay Lake, the Electrical Water Pageant is a delightful nighttime water parade and the shores of the Polynesian Resort offers guests a perfect view of this nightly event. The Electrical Water Pageant gives guests of all ages the chance to see spectacular sights and sounds as sparkling sea creatures cruise the lagoon to electronic Disney tunes you know and love. From the shores of the Polynesian, you can also view the nightly fireworks from the Magic Kingdom.

Close to the Magic Kingdom

On the Monorail loop, with service to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and other select resorts
Close proximity to other deluxe resorts, offering world class dining and lounges
Many options for dining onsite

Cons –
Further from Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom
Being a deluxe resort, higher priced

Overall, for those guests who plan to spend multiple days at the Magic Kingdom, enjoy the convenience of being on the monorail loop, and like having the option of water launch service to other select resorts and the Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian Village Resort should be considered when choosing which resort is right for them. With multiple options for world class dining, entertainment, and hospitality, it is clear to see why so many guests choose the Polynesian as their preferred resort.

To start planning your trip, contact your On The Road Travel agent. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.