Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: A Tropical Paradise Inside Walt Disney World

Aloha! 🌺 When you think of Walt Disney World, fairy tale castles and whimsical rides might come to mind. But, how about adding a sprinkle of tropical paradise to that mix? Enter Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, your haven of South Pacific dreams nestled right in the heart of the Magic Kingdom resort area. Picture yourself surrounded by swaying palms, verdant greenery, and the vibrant spirit of the South Pacific. Sounds perfect, right?

At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, you're not just booking a stay – you're reserving an experience that’s been delighting guests since 1971. The resort's unique setup has rooms nestled within various free-standing "Longhouses," giving you an authentic island feel, while still being in the midst of all the Disney magic.

Convenience is also the name of the game here. Being one of the only three WDW hotels on the Disney monorail loop, hopping over to the Magic Kingdom becomes a breeze. Ideal for young families eager to make the most of their Disney adventures, this proximity is a dream come true. But, trust me, the allure of the Polynesian doesn't stop with the young ones. This is a spot that appeals to all generations.

Now, if you're looking for something extra special, let me give you a little insider tip. In 2015, the resort unveiled its villa accommodations. Imagine waking up in a studio or even a 2-bedroom over-the-water villa, with the soft sounds of water lapping beneath you. Pure paradise!

There’s a reason why Disney's Polynesian Village has remained a beloved favorite since Walt Disney World opened its gates. It's not just a resort; it's an experience, a feeling, a tropical embrace waiting just for you.

Exclusive Benefits of Staying at an On-Site Disney Resort

  • Early Theme Park Entry: Get in 30 minutes ahead of the general public every day at all four theme parks.

  • Extended Evening Theme Park Hours: Extend the fun at select theme parks on select nights.

  • Complimentary Transportation to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and more.

  • Free Parking at the resort and throughout Walt Disney World.

  • Up to 10-Day Dining Advantage: Make dining reservations for up to 10-days starting on the first day of eligibility, putting you a step ahead of off-site guests.

  • Early Access Individual Lightning Lane reservations: book at 7AM instead of at park opening.

  • Proximity: Everything is easier when your hotel is close to all Disney World has to offer.

  • Simplify planning with Vacation Packages that combine room, tickets, and even dining plans for a truly hassle-free vacation.

Curious to learn more? Ready to make some tropical memories? Don't hesitate, and send in a quote request today! Your island adventure awaits at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.

Polynesian Resort Pros and Cons

The Pros

Advantages - Disney's Polynesian Village is very comfortable in a lush setting with a neat pool and beautiful landscaping. This isn't just a hotel, it is definitely a resort with its own recreation, activities, entertainment and special features.  You can enjoy an entire vacation without setting foot off of the property.  You can watch the Electric Water Pageant and Wishes Fireworks from the resort beach. The monorail makes it easy to get to the Magic Kingdom. Proximity to the Grand Floridian & Contemporary resorts greatly expands your dining options. You can also get one of our favorite treats - Dole Whips (pineapple soft-serve ice cream)

The Cons

Disadvantages - This resort is expensive, especially the theme park view rooms. At times, the lobby will have a lot of non-resort guest who come for the restaurants or just to check out the resort. Although each of the long houses have internal hallways, guests have to walk outside to get to the Great Ceremonial House or any of the services or transportation, exposing guests to the elements more than many of the other deluxe resorts.

Our Opinion of Disney’s Polynesian Village

We love this resort with its "Brady Bunch goes to Hawaii" vibe. Just staying here is an experience in and of itself. Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort are probably the most creative accommodations Disney offers. It is "fun" deluxe, rather than "elegant" or "fancy" deluxe. If you can't afford to spend your whole vacation here, consider adding a night or two at either the beginning or end of your vacation but don't go into the parks - just relax and enjoy all this resort has to offer.

Lush and beautiful Landscaping at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort / Walt Disney World - Florida.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort - Hotel rooms are in longhouses.

Disney's Polynesian Resort Amenities

  • Outdoor movies are available each evening near the Volcano Pool

  • The Volcano Pool has a 120' water slide

  • The East Pool is the "quiet pool"

  • Pop Jets add extra water fun for kids

  • Boat rentals available at the onsite marina

  • Surrey Bike Rentals Available

  • Rooms with 2 queen beds and a Day Bed can accommodate up to 5 guests.

  • Rooms come with mini-refrigerator

  • On-site Restaurants

  • On-Site shopping

  • Free transportation to the Disney Parks

  • Artificial Beach area

  • Nightly Electric Water Pageant (floating parade)

  • View of the Magic Kingdom fireworks

  • Special resort activities

  • Coin Laundry available

  • Free self parking

  • Valet parking available (subject to a daily parking fee)

The Lava Pool is the main feature pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village. Water slide, water fall, tropical vibes, what more could you ask for! :-)

Kiki Tikis Splash Play area is a fantastic place to play and get wet for kids under 48”

The Bar and Grill at the Oasis Quiet Pool is a great place to get a snack, cool off and unwind

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Dining

  • Barefoot Pool Bar - Specialty drinks, beer, sodas, etc.

  • Captain Cook's - a cafeteria style, quick service restaurant.

  • Pineapple Lanai - Taste the legendary frozen treat known as DOLE Whip. Traditional soft serve swirls and floats.

  • Kona Cafe - quiet sit-down restaurant with good food serves breakfast, lunch, & Dinner.

  • Kona Island Coffee Bar - 6:30AM - 8:00PM. Kona coffee, Espresso, Latte, etc. and pastries.

  • Kona Island Sushi Bar - 5:00PM -10:00PM. Disney is testing this right now - may not be permanent. Sushi & cocktails.

  • 'Ohana Character Breakfast - Enjoy breakfast with Lilo & Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto. Reservations highly recommended.

  • 'Ohana Dinner - Family style fixed menu with flame grilled meats served from skewers. Reservations highly recommended.

  • Oasis Bar and Grill - Poolside bar and eatery next to the Oasis quiet pool

  • Polynesian In-Room Dining - traditional "room service"

  • Tambu Lounge - drinks & appetizers

  • Trader Sam's Grog Grotto - Tiki bar, appetizers, and live music. After 8:00PM, guests age 21 & older only. Fun location, definitely worth a visit. Trivia: Trader Sam is the name of the shrunken head salesman on the Jungle Cruise in the Magic Kingdom. .

The Kona Cafe is a great table service choice at Disney’s Polynesian Village

Disney's Polynesian Resort Shopping

  • Boutiki - Gift shop and resort clothing items.

  • Moana Mercantile - Gifts, souvenirs, and Disney merchandise. Pin trading cart.

  • Groceries: You can save time and money by having more extensive grocery needs, snacks, and bottled water delivered directly to the resort by Garden Grocer - Click HERE for more information. Regular hotels rooms do have mini-refrigerators but do not have full kitchens. Studio-style units have mini-refrigerators and microwaves. Two-bedroom villas come equipped with a full kitchen.

Boutiki is the main gift shop at Disney's Polynesian Village. Drift by to pick up your Polynesian themed gifts and souvenirs!

Disney's Polynesian Resort Transportation

The monorail travels to the other Monorail loop hotels (Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort), to the Magic Kingdom theme park, and to the Ticket and Transportation Center where you can catch another monorail over to Epcot. Guests also have a water launch/boat option for travel to the Magic Kingdom. Disney buses are available to take Polynesian resort guests to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom theme parks, Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach Water Parks, and Disney Springs.

Monorail coming in to the station at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Hotel at Walt Disney World.

Boat Dock at Disney's Polynesian Village

Disney's Polynesian Village Bus Stop provides theme park transportation.

Disney's Polynesian Resort Room View Options

Disney's Polynesian Village Hotel Accommodations:

  • Garden View - the most economical choice.

  • Garden View Club Level - snacks & extra concierge type amenities.

  • Lagoon View - offers a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

  • Lagoon View Club Level - snacks & extra concierge type amenities.

  • Theme Park View - most expensive option with views of the Magic Kingdom & castle.

  • Honeymoon room / Club Level

  • 1 Bedroom Suite / Club Level

  • Princess Suite / Club level

  • Ambassador VP Suite / Club level

  • King Kamehameha Suite / Club Level (over $2000 per night)

Want to see more photos of this resort?  Click here to check out the Polynesian Gallery.  This will take a minute to load.

Disney's Polynesian Village Villas & Bungalow:

  • Deluxe Studio Units (Standard & Lake View) - Sleep up to 5 guests.

  • 2-Bedroom Overwater Bungalows - These unique bungalows have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, private back deck, plunge pool and sleep up to 8 Guests.

  • These units were built as part of the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) program. They can be rented by the general public, subject to availability, but DVC members have priority and available inventory is typically not released at the same time as the hotel rooms.

Wandering Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a tropical delight.

Comments from Guests

"I love the Poly. I love everything about it: the location, the grounds, the buildings, the restaurants, being on the monorail, easy access to boats and buses etc. I have been going to the Poly every time the budget allows since the year it opened.

I am 77 years old and still work four days a week just to pay for my WDW trips. Walking up the entrance way to the Great Ceremonial House always brings mini-tears to my eyes. I love the exotic beauty and the aromas, etc.

The longhouse rooms are so large and comfortable. The views are so relaxing and enjoyable. I have never had a problem with mousekeeping issues. The rooms are always clean and neat.

Of course the kids all love the volcano pool and some of us prefer the quiet pool. Seeing the grounds lighted by the Tiki torches at night is totally awesome.

We love to dine at Ohana, relax in the Tambu Lounge and eat at the Kona Café. We also make good use of Capt. Cooks, especially the Dole Whip machine.

We enjoy the launch that goes from the Poly to the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom as a change from riding the monorail.

I can never sing the Poly’s praises enough to express how I feel about it. I hope everyone has the opportunity to stay there."

- GrammaBarb

Let us help you make a reservation and great memories at Disney's Polynesian Village

Contact us today to stay at this great resort. We'll take the stress out of planning your Walt Disney World Vacation

Build A Better Mouse Trip always books directly with Walt Disney World and you will never pay any more than if you booked yourself. Our clients are very important to us and we offer some special services designed to make your trip the best that it can be:

  • Your travel agent – You have one agent from start-to-finish who knows your name and your priorities and who wants to do everything possible to help you have a wonderful experience.

  • “Best Days” Vacation Planning – We’ll help you pick the best park for each day based on hours and expected crowd levels then we help with dining reservations and understanding which Disney Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections might be right for you.

  • Saving Money – Of course we watch for discounts and promotion and automatically apply the best available offer to your reservation but we also help you avoid up-sells and options you won’t use.

  • We Are Fee-Free - We book directly through Disney and we never charge a service fee so you never pay any extra to use our services when you book your trip through us. You can have all the benefits Disney offers PLUS all the services we offer.