Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is my family’s favorite Disney resort. We’ve stayed at the Polynesian many times and continue to return.

1. Location and Transportation Options: The Polynesian is located near Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), other Disney Deluxe resorts, and Disney golf courses. The location is ideal for families with younger children who want to take a break from the parks during the day, those who want a resort convenient to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and anyone who loves to explore deluxe resorts because  other resorts are conveniently located near the Polynesian.

Transportation options include:

Monorail – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is on the monorail line and Magic Kingdom is the second stop! Rooms are a short walk to the Great Ceremonial House where you can go through a Disney security checkpoint and jump on the monorail. After a magical day at the park, the monorail passes through Disney’s Contemporary Resort on the return trip to Polynesian. You can also take the monorail to the TTC and catch the other monorail line to EPCOT.

Water Taxis – are also available and a convenient and relaxing way to travel to the Magic Kingdom and back. The boat makes a quick stop at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Walking Path – take the well-lit path to the TTC and catch the monorail to EPCOT. This short walk is the quickest way to the TCC. You’ll arrive at EPCOT’s main entrance.

Bus transportation – is provided to the parks and Disney Springs. The bus area is near the Great Ceremonial House and offers covered bench seating. Our wait times have been short and the bus schedule is available on the My Disney Experience app.

2. Theme and Accommodations: You’re greeted by the beauty of the South Pacific from the moment you arrive at The Great Ceremonial House, which is located in the center of the resort and includes a relaxing lobby, front desk, multiple shops, monorail station, lounges, and most of the resort’s restaurants. The tropical landscaping and the peaceful sound of the waterfalls outside the entrance welcome you to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The rooms are modern and renovated with a Moana influence, blending well with the resort’s South Pacific theme. The rooms are tastefully decorated and comfortable. They have an abundance of storage space, comfortable beds, double sinks, and a large shower. Finding Moana references throughout the room is similar to finding Hidden Mickeys.

Cast Members are some of the friendliest we’ve encountered at any Disney resort and greet you with “Aloha”!  The Polynesian Cast Members truly enhance your experience and make you feel like you’re in the South Pacific.

3. Dining Options: The dining options are some of my family’s favorites at Walt Disney World. The restaurants at Polynesian are popular for guests staying at other resorts and tend to book quickly so it’s important to make reservations early.

’Ohana – offers family-style all-you-care-to-enjoy meals for breakfast and dinner. The Best Friends Breakfast features Disney characters, including Lilo & Stitch. Try the POG juice, a delicious blend of passion fruit, orange, and guava.

Kona Cafe – is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a variety of food including sushi, sandwiches, poke bowls, and stir-fry. Breakfast is my favorite meal at Kona Cafe. Tonga Toast is banana-stuffed sourdough French toast that’s served with delicious strawberry compote.

Capt. Cooks – a great place to grab breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner. There are plenty of tables for indoor or outdoor dining. My teenagers love the pulled pork nachos and the Pan-Asian noodles and vegetables.

Kona Island – a perfect place to grab a pastry, dessert, specialty coffee, and sushi. Kona Island is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Pineapple Lanai – serves the legendary dessert, the Dole Whip. It’s conveniently located outside the Great Ceremonial House, near the children’s activities on the lawn.

Barefoot Pool Bar – near the lava pool and offers food, drinks, and great views of Magic Kingdom.

Tambu Lounge – offers evening and late-night appetizers and cocktails. Located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Oasis Bar and Grill – located near the quiet pool and a relaxing place for lunch.  The grilled chicken avocado wrap and grilled fish tacos are excellent for lunch.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – a tropical tiki bar that is so legendary it almost always has a waitlist. Many of the cocktails are served in collector souvenir mugs. After 8 PM, Trader Sam’s is limited to guests 21 years of age and above.

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace – if you miss out on getting into Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, you can still enjoy the same exotic cocktails at this open-air bar just around the corner.

4. Activities: 

Lava Pool – offers a towering volcano, a waterfall, a fun 142 ft. water slide, and a large splash area for younger kids.

Oasis (Quiet) Pool – offers a peaceful spot to swim and relax. Private patios are available for rent and accommodate up to 6.

Electrical Water Pageant – watch sea creatures float on the Seven Seas Lagoon to the beat of Disney songs.

Happily Ever After Fireworks – the Polynesian Lava Pool and beach are perfect spots to watch the fireworks and avoid the fireworks crowd at Magic Kingdom. The music is piped in, making the experience more magical!

Children’s Activities – include Movies Under the Stars, games, campfires/roasting marshmallows, and more!

5. Deluxe Benefits: The Polynesian is a Deluxe Resort and includes all the extra benefits, including Extended Evening Hours. You’ll have another opportunity to join the virtual queues for two popular attractions – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON Lifecylce/Run.

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