Resort Showcase – Disney’s Polynesian Village

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 unveiled brand-new Moana-themed rooms, renovated retro-inspired DVC Deluxe Studios (the largest on property), and broke ground on a Disney Vacation Club tower, replacing the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. News of the latter has been met with a healthy mix of excitement and criticism, from those thrilled at another shot to sign new DVC contracts, to those disappointed with the rendering’s more modern look.

“There are a lot of mixed emotions,” said Seifert. “I think they’ll do a great job on the interior, and it’ll be nice to have another restaurant on property.” Seifert says we’ll have to wait and see as construction progresses to make any final judgments. 

For now, let’s take a closer look at the Polynesian Village Resort we know today.

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.

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.

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 H20 Beauty 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 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, or the more relaxed Oasis Pool.
• 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

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 other Magic Kingdom resorts. You can even take a boat over to 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 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, expect to pay about $25 per night to park at the Polynesian Village Resort. Valet parking is also an option, but will run you around $33 per night (DVC members park for free).

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.

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!