Disney’s Polynesian Resort Review | Is It Disney World’s Best Resort?

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in Walt Disney World is considered to be one of the most well-known resorts on Disney property. It definitely lives up to the hype with its castle view from the beach, amazing meals and cocktails, multiple pools, and excellent transportation options. But are there enough things to do at Disney’s Polynesian Resort to make it worth the money? Absolutely! Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a top choice for many. Let’s dive in.

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Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Polynesian Resort invites guests to escape to a South Pacific oasis. With its lush landscaping, vibrant theming (make way, make way!), and enchanting views of Cinderella Castle, this deluxe resort hotel is a favorite among Disney fans and first-time visitors alike. Let’s explore what makes Disney’s Polynesian Resort a must-visit destination.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort, with its South Pacific-inspired decor and ambiance, offers guests a unique experience that truly captures the spirit of Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

As one of the premier accommodations in Walt Disney World, Disney’s Polynesian Resort offers a blend of luxury and fun. The resort’s proximity to the parks enhances the experience, making Disney’s Polynesian Resort a preferred choice for both families and couples.

Having stayed in every Walt Disney Resort, we take our resort reviews seriously. Not every Disney resort is created equal, and we want to be fair in our judgments, so stick around to the end, or feel free to jump down to the bottom now to see exactly what we think about the Polynesian. 

Disney’s Polynesian Resort captures the essence of a tropical getaway, making it an ideal choice for your Disney vacation.

All About The Disney Polynesian Resort

Are you ready to be transported to a beautiful island with top-tier dining, delicious cocktails, and a property with lush vegetation and tropical vibes? That’s basically what I want out of every vacation I take! 

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Disney’s Polynesian Resort has it all.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort exudes an island vibe that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. From the tiki torches lining the walkways to the fragrant hibiscus blooms and the soothing sounds of waterfalls, every detail is designed to immerse guests in the magic of Polynesia. The resort’s thatched roofs, wooden carvings, and bright island colors create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families and couples alike.

Guests often rave about the stunning views available at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, especially during the magical fireworks displays.

There are two main buildings, both with their own lobby and front desk- the Great Ceremonial House and the Island Tower. 

You are treated as family, or “ohana,” as you enter the main lobby of the Great Ceremonial House and are greeted by cast members with a lei for you. The interior of the main building is stunning, with a tropical atmosphere and fun Disney details- look out for the hidden Mickey! 

Finding the perfect getaway at Disney’s Polynesian Resort means enjoying not only the amenities but also immersing yourself in the Disney magic.

Walk through the lobby to the other side, where you will find the Great Ceremonial House lawn, home to fun activities throughout the day, room for kids to run around, and a great spot to eat Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai after a park day. 

The Polynesian is all about tropical and adventurous, outdoorsy and fun, with a beautiful beach and water view. The amenities are great, from the pools to a great splash pad, and a very nice beach with great seating for the fireworks or the electrical water pageant. They even pipe in the music from the fireworks in Magic Kingdom!

Families and Disney enthusiasts alike love the charm of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, which perfectly combines adventure and relaxation.

Staying at Disney’s Polynesian Resort means you’re just a monorail ride away from the magic of the parks.

The accommodations at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are designed to provide comfort while being surrounded by the beauty of the South Seas.

The charming decor at Disney’s Polynesian Resort enhances the overall guest experience, making it a delightful place to unwind.

Who Should Stay At The Disney Polynesian Resort? 

This deluxe Disney resort has something for everyone, but it’s best suited for a few groups of people. Firstly, families who want relaxation and easy access to Magic Kingdom park and Epcot, fans of Moana and Lily and Sitch, and also value an elevated experience. Secondly, adults-only vacations where you want to truly have a vacation vibe, enjoy delicious cocktails just a few minutes from your room and want to have a calm Disney experience.  

With spacious accommodations and top-notch amenities, it’s also a great choice for larger groups or multigenerational vacations. Disney fans who want to experience the iconic charm of one of Walt Disney World’s original resorts will find the Polynesian a perfect fit.

Where Is The Polynesian Resort? 

The location of Disney’s Polynesian Resort is nearly perfect! It is directly across the Seven Seas Lagoon, which means you can see Cinderella’s castle in the distance, your closest park is Magic Kingdom, and you have quick access to the other monorail loop resorts as well. You can easily get to Magic Kingdom or the other resorts for meals or exploring, or if you want to take a walk down main street- you are there within 10 minutes. 

The resort’s proximity to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) also makes it easy to access EPCOT via the Monorail.

The Various Guest Rooms At The Polynesian Village Resort

You won’t want to miss the dining experiences available at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, where every meal is a taste of paradise.

There are several different room styles and sizes available at the resort, including standard rooms, suites, club-level access with concierge service, and even overwater bungalows. Plus, the new addition of the Island Tower. 

• Duo Studios: These rooms sleep up to 2 adults and are some of the smallest rooms on Disney property. These rooms include a kitchenette and a balcony or porch. 
• Deluxe Studios: Spacious rooms to sleep up to five guests with island and Moana-inspired decor and modern amenities. These are the typical “standard rooms” sized suites that you would expect from a Disney resort. These rooms all include a balcony or porch. 
• Club Level Rooms: Guests staying in Club Level accommodations enjoy additional perks, including access to a private lounge with complimentary refreshments throughout the day. These rooms sleep up to five guests. The club level service is top notch, especially with the complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day. The lounge also includes a beautiful fireworks view from the third floor. 
• Bungalows: Luxurious overwater bungalows that sleep up to eight guests, featuring a private plunge pool, full kitchen, and spectacular lagoon views. These are incredible offerings and one of the most unique around Walt Disney World. 
• Villas: Sleep up to nine adults in a larger suite. 

Throughout your stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you’ll discover unique perks and activities that add to the magic.

There are a few options for different views from various room styles. 

• Theme Park View: These rooms have views of Magic Kingdom from some of the buildings around the property. These rooms also have fireworks views. 
• Resort View: These rooms will have a view of the resort, which is usually lush tropical vegetation, the monorail or the pathways between buildings. 
• Lagoon View: These rooms are on the Seven Seas Lagoon and offer a beautiful waterfront view. 

The Polynesian Villas and Bungalows are the most expensive offerings on the property, though they offer a unique experience if you are traveling with a larger group. 

Cost Of A Polynesian Stay

As a deluxe resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort comes with a higher price tag. Nightly rates typically range from $600 to over $5,000, depending on the room type and time of year. While it’s one of the more expensive options, many guests find the unparalleled theming, location, and amenities well worth the investment.

Personally, I have found the average cost of a night’s stay in a Deluxe Studio to be around $850, depending on the time of year and room size. This is also a DVC resort, so if you are familiar with buying points from DVC members, that could help with the cost. 

Restaurants at The Polynesian

Food lovers rejoice! Disney’s Polynesian Resort is home to some of the most beloved dining experiences on the property. Even if you opt to stay at another Walt Disney World resort, you must make a plan to visit some of the amazing restaurants and experiences at Polynesian Resort. 

Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a culinary adventure, offering flavors that reflect the spirit of the islands.

• ‘Ohana: A family-style restaurant serving all-you-can-eat Polynesian-inspired dishes. Breakfast includes a character dining experience with Lilo, Stitch, and friends, while dinner features grilled meats and sides. This is such a fun experience for breakfast and is usually a bit difficult to get a reservation, so plan ahead for this one! It’s inside the lobby on the second floor. 
• Kona Cafe: This casual table-service restaurant offers a mix of American and Asian-inspired dishes, with highlights like Tonga Toast and sushi. Another restaurant located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House (aka the lobby). 
• Capt. Cook’s: A quick-service option serving island-inspired dishes and Disney classics. Y’all. Captain Cook knew what he was doing when he made this menu. You will be able to get some of the specialties from Kona Cafe from this quick service, as well as some of the most amazing food on the property. I am not lying when I say this might be the best restaurant in Disney World in my opinion- at least for quick service options. Take a look at the menu items here before determining if you want to attempt to get a table service restaurant at the resort. 
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: A whimsical tiki bar with interactive elements and delicious themed cocktails. Trader Sam’s isn’t only a bar, it’s a full experience for everyone in the restaurant. You also have to be in the know to be able to score a seat early in the day. Keep in mind, there is a cut off time for kids, so ask when you arrive! Pro Tip: Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace offers the same drinks but without the full experience as it’s outside of the main bar and on the patio by the pool at the Polynesian. You want to be inside! 

• Pineapple Lanai: The go-to spot for Dole Whip, a classic Disney treat. Right by the lawn near the main pool you will find this delicious snack option. 
• Barefoot Pool Bar: By the Lava pool, this is one of the bar options on Disney property where you can order from the bar within the pool area, or walk up to the bar from outside of the pool fence. 
• Tambu Lounge: Upstairs in the main lobby building, you will find this lounge right by Ohana. The perfect place to grab a drink while waiting for your table. 
• Kona Island Coffee Shop: One of my favorite coffee shops in all of Disney World because it hardly has a line, has good drink options, and I can grab a coffee before exploring one of the best Disney resort hotels. I usually call it “Kona Coffee” because I can’t remember the full name and the cast members know what I am talking about. 
• Oasis Bar & Grill: Poolside bar within the Oasis pool area. 
• Wailulu Bar & Grill: The newest restaurant to join the Polynesian resort. Serving tropical meal options, this restaurant is a quick-service, walk up option for breakfast and a casual dining restaurant for lunch and dinner. 

All The Perks & Amenities Of The Polynesian

Amenities

The Polynesian offers a wealth of amenities to enhance your stay. With its beautiful views and convenient location, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the ideal spot for relaxation.

• The Pools
  • The Lava Pool features a volcano slide in the middle of the main area of the resort. 
  • Oasis Pool is considered the quiet pool on the property and we really love this option! It has zero entry and is a larger pool with plenty of chairs. 
  • The Cove Pool is in front of the Polynesian Tower, along the Seven Seas Lagoon. 
• Activities: Guests can enjoy movies under the stars, campfire activities, motorized boat rentals and guided fishing excursion options are available from the resort. As well as afternoon poolside activities by Disney Cast Members. 
• Spa Services: Indulge in a relaxing massage at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, just a short walk away. 
• Fireworks Viewing: Watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach or your room if you are in a fireworks view room. Watching the fireworks from the beach is one of my favorite things to do in all of Walt Disney World. I recommend getting a seat early if you hope to grab a chair, though you can also bring a blanket or sit on the sand! 
• The Beach Area & Hammocks: Resorts with a beach are my vibe. While you can’t swim in the Seven Seas Lagoon, it’s still a beautiful view, especially while swinging in a hammock or sitting on one of the beach chairs, reading a book. 
• The Splash Pads
  • Moana’s Voyage Splash Pad is a Moana-themed play area near the Polynesian Tower. 
  • Kiki Tiki’s Splash Area is by the Lava pool and is a large, fun play area. 
• The Hot Tubs
  • ​You will find a hot tub near the Tower. 
  • There are multiple hot tubs around the Lava pool, and they are a vibe! They are hidden behind tropical plants, one of them has a great view of the castle (or fireworks at night) and it’s the perfect way to chill after long park days. 

​Transportation 

Getting around Walt Disney World from the Polynesian Resort is a breeze:

• Monorail: Direct access to Magic Kingdom and the TTC for EPCOT.
• Boats: Relaxing boat rides to Magic Kingdom from the dock in front of the Polyneisian. If you opt to stay on after the stop at Magic Kingdom, you will arrive to the Grand Floridian. 
• Buses: Complimentary bus service to other parks (Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios) and Disney Springs.
• Walking Path: A scenic walking path to the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom. You could technically walk all the way to Magic Kingdom, though it would take about 40 minutes. There is also a walking path to the transportation center, if you wanted to quickly hop on the Epcot monorail without having to stop at each resort and Magic Kingdom, or even get on the ferry boat to Magic Kingdom. 

As you explore all that Disney’s Polynesian Resort has to offer, you’ll find plenty of exciting activities for all ages.

Shopping

The resort features two main shopping locations:

• BouTiki: A boutique offering Polynesian-inspired apparel, accessories, and home decor alongside Disney merchandise.
• Moana Mercantile: A convenient shop for souvenirs, snacks, and travel essentials, located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Our Review Of The Polynesian 

We love the Polynesian Village Resort and feel that it’s full of Disney Magic. After staying in all of the Disney resort hotel options, it’s incredibly hard to pick a favorite. But as we have rated hotels based on the overall experience, food options (including their quick service, bars, and table-service restaurants), location, amenities and transportation, we easily have a top three. 

The Polynesian does not come up in the #1 spot for us, but it’s #2! Let’s chat about why. 

Starting with the food, it’s our favorite resort food on Disney property! Capt’n Cooks is great for breakfast or dinner, O’hana has an excellent character meal, and Trader Sam’s is SO much fun! They have great cocktails and fun surprises. I’m also a major fan of resorts with a coffee shop and Dole Whip options, so it’s slam dunk as far as food. 

We also love the transportation options. Being able to walk out of your resort room door and be steps from the monorail to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT is ideal. 

As a Walt Disney World deluxe resort, you will spend more to stay on-site. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime or even a once-in-a-while vacation, it is highly recommended to prioritize your resort, and the Polynesian is a fantastic option inspired by Disney magic and the South Seas. By staying onsite, you get all the extra benefits of being on Disney property, the confidence of great customer service, and the convenience of having access to information in the palm of your hand (in the My Disney Experience app!). Extras include pool games every day, a movie on the lawn (or beach) each night, free transportation, free parking, and more.

It’s definitely worth it if you are traveling with a large group and can reserve one of the Polynesian Villas and share the cost. Be sure not to exceed the limit of guests though!

Keep in mind, with the Island Tower recently opening, those rooms will be in high demand for a while and will be an even higher cost. However, you are in the new Moana rooms, have quick access to the new pool, splash pad water feature and restaurant. 

Want to read about the other Walt Disney World resorts? Check out all of my Disney World resort posts. 

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We’re Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, and a family of three with a goal to travel as much as possible between school calendars, PTO, and busy schedules. We hope to provide you with thoughtful and insightful information to ensure you get the most out of this beautiful life He has created for us.