MVT Resort Showcase – Disney’s Polynesian Village
Updated March 4, 2025
The next stop on our Resort Showcase series brings us to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
We spoke with Steve “Tikiman” Seifert, an expert in the resort’s history and the man behind Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages, for some insight into the hotel’s history and appeal.
After taking six months to build, the Polynesian Village opened in October of 1971. The Polynesian was the first of two resorts to open, beating the Contemporary by just hours on October 1st. The deluxe resort is nestled on the Seven Seas Lagoon, and features South Pacific Hawaiian-style longhouses that surround the Great Ceremonial House and Outrigger Assembly House, a hub for the resort’s lobby, restaurants, shops and other services.
The Great Ceremonial House acts as a gathering place from check-in to check-out. We love to grab a coffee from Kona Island and just sit in the lobby, people-watching and listening to the gentle tropical sounds piped in across the resort.
The Polynesian exudes South Pacific theming, from white-sand beaches, to lodge architecture and tropical landscaping around the property. Most, if not all restaurants on property are also known for their Polynesian-inspired dishes and specialty cocktails.
“It’s a little bit like going to Hawaii, but you’re in Disney,” says Seifert, citing the resort’s extensive theming as a huge draw. “Nothing else in Disney feels like that.”
If you love holiday decorations at Walt Disney World, make sure to plan a stop at the Polynesian to take in the festive Tiki Men and Christmas trees.
As with many Walt Disney World resorts today, the Polynesian continues to undergo refurbishments to upgrade or re-theme guestrooms and communal spaces. Most recently, the resort completed a new Disney Vacation Club tower, expanding both the number and types of room offerings at the resort.
Let’s take a closer look at the Polynesian Village Resort and all its new offerings and amenities.
Rooms
In the original section of the resort, eleven buildings house just under 850 rooms, from Standard Resort to DVC Deluxe Studios, Suites and 20 Bungalows that sit over the lagoon with exceptional views of the Magic Kingdom, music piped onto the deck, nightly fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant viewing.
If you’re looking for a uniquely luxurious experience, the Polynesian is also home to several specialty suites, including the multi-level King Kamehameha suite, with stellar views of the marina and Cinderella’s castle. These suites also come with exclusive Club Level amenities, for the ultimate pampering and relaxation.
Depending on the room, you can pick from Standard, Theme Park, Pool or Marina, Lagoon or Lake views. The views themselves are ever-changing, according to Seifert. The resort’s tropical greenery can grow and shift quite quickly, so be sure to check out your patio, balcony, or window once you arrive.
The new Island Tower brings an additional 268 rooms to the resort, from the compact Duo Studios, all the way up to the 2 Bedroom Penthouse Villas. While all of the rooms feature a light and airy tropical color palette and whimsical touches from Moana, each room type also has artwork inspired by a specific natural element, from sky to flora and fauna to water, making the decor unique to each space.
Amenities
Many of the amenities you’ll find at the Polynesian Village resort will be similar to those across other deluxe resorts on property.
All rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, along with unlimited tea or coffee for the duration of your trip. They include complimentary internet and WiFi service, as well as fan-favorite Sea Marine scented toiletries. You can also expect to find a hairdryer, ironing board, small beverage cooler and an in-room safe, among other basics.
When you upgrade to a Deluxe Studio, you’ll find additional comforts from home, like bathrobes, a toaster, microwave and paper plates with utensils.
Take the plunge with a specialty suite, villa or bungalow and you’ll find a full kitchen, flatware and dinnerware, dishwasher, and some photo-worthy outdoor space.
Those who opt for rooms with Club Level service also unlock access to amenities of the club-level lounge, personalized guest services and Concierge service at the King Kamehameha Club.
Regardless of which room you choose, all Polynesian guests can take advantage of perks across resort property, including:
- The family-friendly Lava Pool complete with volcano and waterslide, the more relaxed Oasis Pool, or the new, zero-entry Cove Pool at the Island Tower
- Little ones can enjoy the whimsical Moana’s Village splash-pad, complete with a life-size version of Moana herself
- Campfire activities on the Seven Seas Lagoon Beach
- Movies Under the Stars
- Boat rentals & Fishing
- Jogging path
- Views of the Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon
- Beach volleyball
- Access to the Grand Floridian Spa and Fitness Center
Transportation
The Polynesian is a favorite when it comes to accessing Walt Disney World transportation. The resort lives on the monorail line, letting guests easily hop over to the Grand Floridian, Contemporary or Magic Kingdom.
As an added perk, the Polynesian is just a short walk from the Transportation and Ticket Center, eliminating the need for monorail transfers on your way to Epcot.
If you’d rather get some fresh air, hop on the ferryboat for a ride over to the Magic Kingdom, or to the Grand Floridian. You can even take a boat over to the Contemporary resort, Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness by adding a quick changeover at the Magic Kingdom boat launch.
If you’re trying to get to another park, or would simply rather take the bus, the main stop is just outside of the Great Ceremonial House. Remember that bus service between Disney parks and hotels begins at least 45 minutes before park opening, and ends an hour after park close.
For those who choose to rent or bring their own cars to the resort, overnight self-parking is complementary for resort guests, as is parking at the theme parks. Valet parking is also an option, but has an added fee.
Dining
The Polynesian is a favorite for Disney foodies, offering up Hawaiian and island-inspired food and drink across various table and quick service restaurants. The relaxed feel of the resort filters into the dining experiences, so most options are at least relatively casual.
Not surprisingly with their popularity, some restaurants and lounges can be quite difficult to land a reservation – we’re looking at you, ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s!
Find out more about snagging that last-minute or hard-to-get table at your favorite WDW eateries.
Counter & Quick Service
Barefoot Pool Bar – Casual American Quick Service
Capt. Cook’s – Casual American Quick Service with South Pacific flair
Pineapple Lanai – Casual frozen treat walk-up
Oasis Bar & Grill – Casual American Quick Service
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace – Casual Walkup serving Polynesian-themed cocktails and small plates.
Kona Island – Casual grab-and-go sushi and coffee bar
Table Service & Lounges
Kona Cafe – South Pacific-inspired Table Service
Tambu Lounge – Casual Bar & Lounge serving Hawaiian-themed drinks and appetizers.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – South-Pacific themed specialty cocktails and small plates.
Wailulu Bar & Grill – delicious flavors inspired by cuisine from the South Pacific Islands
Fine & Signature Dining
‘Ohana – Polynesian-inspired Family Style Dining with Character Dining options.
Overall, the Polynesian is a favorite not just among the Disney public, but within the Magical Vacations Travel family, as well. We love the nostalgia and immersive theming, and hope management continues to lean into it.
For Seifert, it’s unlikely that DVC towers, room refurbishments or dining menus will stop him from learning more and sharing history of the classic resort. “Even though it’s changed so much over the years, it’s always felt like my home,” he said.
Are you interested to learn more about history, recipes, artifacts and news from the Polynesian Village Resort? Be sure to check out Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages and stay tuned for future conversations with Tikiman himself.
Ready to book? Contact us today for more info or a free quote!
