Review: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

By Dave Shute

OVERVIEW: DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

Note: guests at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are eligible for Disney World’s Early Entry program, and have the ability to pre-book as early as seven days before check-in Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass rides. They are also eligible for its Extended Evening Hours.

Our most recent stay in January (my seventh stay here out of my more than 160 stays in Disney World) confirms what this site has recommended since the day it was launched: for those who can afford it, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, a monorail resort, is the best place for first time family visitors to stay.

You can have a wonderful visit at any Walt Disney World resort hotel.

However, this site recommends that first time visitors to Walt Disney World who can afford it should stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, a deluxe resort, and that those who can’t should stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, a value resort.

(It also suggests that first time visitors should avoid the moderate resorts, while noting that these resorts are wonderful for visits after the first. See this for why.)

Compared to other Walt Disney World owned and operated resorts, the deluxe resorts are distinguished by having (on average) the most amenities, nicest views, best dining options, best transport options, largest rooms, best service, and highest prices.

(See this for much more on resort distinctions by price class–value, moderate, deluxe, etc.)

This review of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort includes

ACCOMMODATIONS AT DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

Note: rooms in the Polynesian re-opened in July 2021 with a new Moana theme. The basics of the rooms are similar. I will update this review with images from them after I stay in one of these rooms! In the meantime, there’s more on these new Polynesian rooms on the Disney Parks Blog here.

Standard rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are particularly nice.

The rooms sleep five–two each in two queens, and a fifth on the couch, which converts into a daybed. You can add to this capacity of five a child younger than three who sleeps in a crib. A photo tour of one of these rooms begins here.

King bed rooms are also available. These rooms come with several view options, with “Standard” (e.g. parking lot) views the least expensive, and “Theme Park” (Magic Kingdom) views the most expensive.

Concierge rooms and suites are also available.

Also here are Studios and Bungalows–part of the Disney Vacation offering, but also bookable by anyone.

More on accommodations at the Polynesian Village is here.

THE POOLS AND BEACHES AT DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

Both of the two pools here are marvelous.

The main Lava pool (above) includes a hot tub, water slide and kids play area, and the smaller Oasis pool (below) has a bar and grill.

There’s more on the pools and beaches at the Polynesian here.

DINING AT DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

The Polynesian Village has three table service restaurants and several bars (including the remarkable Trader Sam’s) and quick-service options. More great dining is a monorail ride away.

I’m not keen on the Luau, but the much-loved ‘Ohana has strong family-friendly dining, and Kona Cafe, while not wildly distinctive, is one of the better Disney World dining venues.

There’s more on dining at the Polynesian Village here.

KID APPEAL AND CONVENIENCE AT DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

Resorts are ranked on this site for first time visitors based first on their kid appeal, and then on their convenience.

On this basis, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, a monorail resort, is far and away the best resort for first time family visitors to Walt Disney World.

Kid Appeal.

Three of the deluxe resorts–the Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Polynesian Resort, in that order–have spectacular kid appeal.
None of the moderates do.
All of the value resorts–Disney’s All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, and All-Star Movies, and its Pop Century Resort and Art of Animation Resort–have strong kid appeal.

The kid appeal of the Polynesian Resort comes from its sense of exotic adventure.

The architecture of the resort recalls the villages of the South Pacific.

It is reinforced by touches such as flaming torches, spectacular gardens, leis-festooned staff (and guests!), hula lessons, etc.

Convenience.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the most convenient of the Disney Resorts–especially for trips centered on the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as they are on most first visits.

It is one of three “monorail resorts” on the Magic Kingdom resort monorail line.

It is more convenient than the other two because it is also the only resort within easy walking distance of the Epcot and express monorails.

This means that the Magic Kingdom is two stops away when going there, via the resort monorail, and one stop back, via the express monorail.

This better than either of the Contemporary (4 stops to, 1 from) or Grand Floridian Resorts (1 and 4), the other two resorts on the resort monorail.

Moreover, at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian, going to Epcot means taking the resort monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), and then the Epcot monorail.

From the Polynesian, you simply walk to the TTC and the Epcot monorail.

There’s also a boat from the Polynesian to and from the Magic Kingdom. Shared with the Grand Floridian, it’s more fun than fast.

BEST PLACES TO STAY AT DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

This site suggests that first time visitors stay in standard rooms, not preferred rooms. This is because they won’t be spending much time in their rooms. The single exception is visitors to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, who should always pay for savanna views.

That said, theme park views at the Polynesian are worth the money if you can afford them (about 45% more)…the image is of Happily Ever After from the balcony of my theme park view room.

Rooms in Disney’s Polynesian Resort are found in eleven two or three story “longhouses,” each with an elevator (or access to an elevator in a nearby building).

What used to be the best longhouse options–Pago Pago, Tokelau, and Moorea–are now DVC rooms. Anyone can book these three longhouses–you don’t have to be a DVC member–and their location and the studios in them have some real merit. A photo tour of a Studio at the Polynesian is here.

Among the rest, the most conveniently located is Rarotonga–close to the Great Ceremonial House and its restaurants, pool, and resort monorail, to the quiet pool, to the bus stop, and to the walkway to TTC and the Epcot monorail. Like the rest of the non-DVC longhouses, second floor rooms at Rarotonga don’t have balconies. First floor rooms have patios, and third floor rooms have balconies.

Next best is Samoa.

Ideally, you’d request a third floor room for the balcony, better views, and more quiet.

BEST FOR:

Any first time family visitors who can afford it.

WORST FOR:

Families too large to fit into even its 5 person rooms. See this for more on large families at Walt Disney World.

The long-time travel agent partner of this site, Kelly, can book you a room at the Polynesian Village or any other Disney World hotel. Contact her using the form below.

Name*
Where Would You Like to Go?*
Phone*
Email*
# of Guests by Age: Aged 18+
Aged 10-17
Aged 3-9
Aged 0-2
Hotel
Check In*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Check Out*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Other Thoughts You'd Like Us to Know
I consent to my submitted data being collected, stored and forwarded to agents at Destinations in Florida*
- Yes

THEMING AND ACCOMMODATIONS AT DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN RESORT

This review continues here.

TOPICS IN THIS REVIEW OF DISNEY’S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT

OTHER KEY PAGES FOR WHERE TO STAY AT DISNEY WORLD

Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest!!

RELATED STUFF

d. Where to Stay at Walt Disney World

116 comments

1 Kuleen @ TheDisneyKids { 06.17.13 at 2:53 pm }: We got married at the Poly way back in 1995. It is still my sentimental favorite resort at Disney.
2 Dave { 06.18.13 at 7:05 am }: Hiya Kuleen, what a great place to get married!
3 Jennifer M { 06.18.13 at 5:56 pm }: Hi! We are booked to stay at the Poly in October. Do you anticipate any pool, beach, or longhouses being closed?
4 Dave { 06.19.13 at 12:23 pm }: Jennifer, I’m not now anticipating that anything important will be closed then–a longhouse or two may still be undergoing renovation, but if so, no one will be booked into it…
Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook!
5 New girl { 07.29.13 at 8:56 pm }: Hello! Love your site…I want to stay at The Poly 10/22-10/27 but they don’t have a standard room available for the 24th. Would you suggest moving to the standard club level for one night (24th) or stay at The Wilderness Lodge? I can’t seem to justify spending the extra $$ on the lagoon view for all 5 nights…help!
6 Dave { 07.30.13 at 8:01 am }: Heya New Girl and thanks!
I don’t think the value is there for for club rooms compared to the cost, and like your WL option. However, with a 3p check-in and 11a check out…there’s an argument to stay in the cheapest room that fits your family for that first night–e.g. one of the values–since you just won’t be there that long…
Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook!
7 Raul { 08.02.13 at 12:40 am }: Just reserved stay @poly. For beginning of dec.2013. First timer to Disney with wife and 3yo. Concerned of all the comments on how old resort is. Which longhouse would u suggest if my main concern is updated room? Will Tahiti be updated/renovated as nice as Tokelau ?
8 Dave { 08.02.13 at 10:20 am }: Hi Raul, right now the renovation of Tahiti seems ot be on hold. Check back with me in a month or so..
Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook!
.
9 Bill { 08.26.13 at 1:12 pm }: Just booked a Dec 16 thru 23rd trip for family of 5. Our third time to Disney but first inside the park. I am a little concerned about the renovations being an issue while we are there. Are both pools open? Any suggestions on getting a renovated room even though we booked a standard unit for 5 people? If we can request an area when we check in where is the best? Any additional tips appreciated. Thanks in advance for your reply.
10 Dave { 08.27.13 at 7:59 am }: Hi Bill, the rooms will be pretty much done by your visit. I recommend requesting Tokelau, for the reasons noted at the end of this page. There’s no official word on any other renovations in December–they may be going on, but it isn’t known for sure…
Was this even remotely helpful? Then mosey on over to the home page, and like it on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest!
11 kt { 09.03.13 at 7:02 pm }: Can you elaborate on the room renovations, ie are they being gutted or just updated with new furniture? I’m going during Halloween week and just received the same letter everyone else is getting. I was initially annoyed, but the idea of a new room is nice, as I love new/clean bathrooms. However, I read something on another site that mentioned only furniture was being updated, not hardware items such as bathroom fixtures. This was specifically concerning Tokelau renovations (which I requested). Can you help clarify?
12 Dave { 09.04.13 at 7:20 am }: Kt Tokelau is done, I stayed there in August, and will be posting a photo tour of the new room tomorrow.
13 Lindsey { 09.09.13 at 7:29 pm }: Hi Dave,
We are going January 25th-February 1 and are booked at pop century. However this is our third time going and I’ve always wanted to stay at the Polynesian. It’s significantly more expensive but this go round I will have a 2 year old and 5 month old in addition to my 6 year olds. I’m thinking the convenience of the monorail might be worth the money. What are your thoughts?
Thanks as always!!!
14 Dave { 09.10.13 at 9:42 am }: Well, Lindsey, I’m not gonna try to talk you out of the Polynesian! That’ll be just about the least expensive time of the year, and there may also e a room rate deal out,making it an even better time to stay there. On the other hand there may be some construction–see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/09/04/renovation-and-construction-at-disneys-polynesian-resort/
Was this even remotely helpful?
Well then mosey on over to the home page, and like it on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest!
15 Lindsey { 09.10.13 at 10:23 am }: Thanks Dave!
I feel that consulting you,( my disney expert), I might be able to justify the cost for staying there. I’m gonna keep my reservation and hope they come out with a room deal. Thanks for you help!
16 Dave { 09.11.13 at 6:38 am }: You bet Lindsey!!
17 Morgan { 09.19.13 at 9:43 am }: Hi, Dave! Have loved doing research for our first trip on your site. We’re thinking of taking our 2 children next Oct (’14), and we had decided on the Poly. However, our planner just notified us that there will be renovations (I believe two or three of the longhouses will be turned into villas, as well as new construction of villas over the water?). So, now I’m worried that this might not make for a pleasant stay. Now considering the Contemporary. What do you think about our 1st and possibly only trip to Disney, staying at the Poly while renovations/construction is going on? Thank you!
18 Dave { 09.19.13 at 1:14 pm }: Morgan, I myself don’t think the construction will much matter to the quality of the overall Poly experience. But if you want to avoid it, I’d put the Wilderness Lodge well ahead of the Contemporary as the next best choice. See https://yourfirstvisit.net/planning-your-first-family-trip/where-to-stay/next-best-resort-choices/
Was this even remotely helpful?
Well then mosey on over to the home page, and like it on Facebook or pin it on Pinterest!
19 Morgan { 09.19.13 at 2:16 pm }: The WL looks wonderful, and we did consider staying there. I even got rates, etc. Since our kids will be 4 and 5 when we go, however, I decided we needed the monorail for the stroller and overall convenience. I actually just got off the phone with the planner and reserved our room for 10/2/14-10/7/14 for the Poly. I asked for the Tokelau longhouse! Just praying for no pool closings. Again, have loved perusing your site. Thanks!
20 Dave { 09.19.13 at 5:20 pm }: Great, Morgan! Let me know how it goes!
21 Matthew { 10.21.13 at 12:52 pm }: Hi Dave! We went to Disney in Feb. 2013 (our first trip, planned with significant help from you) and stayed in Tahiti, 2nd floor with a MK view. We LOVED every aspect of our room, including the view, the quiet (except for the ferry horn) and especially the 4 minute walk to the TTC. (we have stroller age kids and we spent most of our time at MK) We are planning on going back in May 2014 and I was bummed to see that Tahiti is being converted into a DVC. Do you know if it will be under construction in May? If so, where which longhouse would you recommend if we wanted MK view and close to TTC? With Tahiti out of the mix, is it even worth paying for a MK view? Thanks very much for your help!!
22 Dave { 10.22.13 at 7:43 am }: Hi Matthew, I’m so glad the site helped! I suspect Tahiti will be out for quite a while–well beyond May. That doesn’t really leave any great choices for an MK view and close to TTC except for the concierge rooms in Hawaii…which are quite expensive…
23 Matthew { 10.22.13 at 10:22 am }: Hi Dave, thanks very much for your response! After scouring Steve’s Polynesian FB page, I’m strongly leaning toward booking at the Contemporary. The good possibility of the pool being closed and reasonable possibility of the walking path to the TTC being closed are probably going to be deal-breakers for me, MK view or not. We really loved the Polynesian, but just don’t think we can risk no pool and maybe no path to TTC. With kids who will be ages 5, 3 and 10mo. at the time of our trip, monorail/MK convenience is top priority. We are also looking for something that is reasonably quiet, although I understand that Disney properties are fairly noisy 18 hours/day. This is our second trip, and we’ll likely make more. Any thoughts on the Contemporary, and requesting rooms that are quieter than others (particularly at night)? In your experience, is the Bay view much quieter than the MK view, given no parking lot/buses/trains? Would you still recommend the Polynesian to us given our circumstances and the construction issues? I guess I could always change reservation closer to the time, but I need to book soon so I can get my castle dining reservation in 180 days beforehand. Thank you very much for your help! PS – planning on using your recommended travel agent, so hopefully they’ll sprinkle some extra pixie dust your way! 🙂
24 Dave { 10.23.13 at 7:06 am }: Matthew–just a quick not on the Poly before I turn to the Contemporary–the quiet pool (at minimum) will still be open!
Noise in the Contemporary comes from the interior, and equally affects both views. In the tower, the way to limit it is to ask for a high room on the opposite of the Chef Mickey side. The Garden Wing is also worth considering–while a bit of a hike, these rooms are very quiet! They also cost less.
25 Mike { 11.12.13 at 9:14 pm }: Hi Dave-
My wife and I are taking our two children (3 & 4) to DW from 1/4/13-1/7/13 and all of the talk about renovations has made me think twice about the Poly. We’d love to be on the monorail, but if it’s not the Poly, we’d probably go to the Wilderness or Art & Animation. As of today, do you have an idea of what renovations will be happening? If it’s significant, it might not make sense to spend the extra $. Many thanks for all that you continue to do.
26 Dave { 11.13.13 at 10:10 am }: Mike the material renovation (at least to me) would be the main pool. That is widely rumored, but not confirmed…we won’t know for sure til it starts…
27 Carol { 11.12.13 at 10:05 pm }: I am a grandmother bringing my daughter and two children ages 7 and 10 girl and boy. We were thinking of staying at the poly., but now rethinking. We were liking the location and the kid appeal. Now I am wondering with construction, etc…. We should maybe think of another spot. One child will want to go to MK, the other to Epcot, Yankee game and universal. Any advice would help a ton. Thanks in advance.
28 Dave { 11.13.13 at 10:11 am }: Hi Carol, the next best choice would be the Wilderness Lodge. See https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/08/25/review-disneys-wilderness-lodge/
29 Carol { 11.13.13 at 9:12 am }: Forgot in the above msg. Dates we will be able to be in Disney: arrive March 22 at 10:30 am and depart Friday at 9:40 am.
Thanks for your help, Dave.
30 Carol { 11.13.13 at 7:19 pm }: Many thx. Your site has been so very helpful. Cd
31 Amy { 11.23.13 at 8:56 pm }: Leaving for Poly on Dec 7th. Any updates about the construction going on? I have requested the Tokelau long house for our 8 day stay. Any suggestions if the construction will affect our stay?
32 Dave { 11.24.13 at 3:34 pm }: Amy, no real news–just some work on the shore near Tahiti, and between Rapa Nui and the TTC…It doesn’t look like it will affect much…
33 Viki { 11.24.13 at 5:34 pm }: Hi, I’ve just (by accident ) stumbled onto your site we’ be traveling w/ 7 people, I’ve booked 3 rooms (price not an issue ) that are supposed to have a view of the castle & lagoon ( actually I’ve been working with my travel agent) we’ll be cruising on the Fantasy from Dec 21-28 & checking into the Polynesian on the 28th – Jan 1 2014 but as I was reading I ran across a lot of worry about construction issues , do you happen to know if there will be issues during the time we’re there ? Also I haven’t received my reservation # so I don’t know where they have put us & wouldn’t know if it is what I’m paying for or not thank you for your time. viki PS just for my personal info what rooms are the best for the view of lagoon & castle
34 Dave { 11.25.13 at 6:34 am }: Hey Viki, the Poly has both Lagoon View and Theme Park View rooms. The theme park views also include lagoon views, but not vice versa. If you can, avoid Tahiti–where a lot of these view types are to be found. It’s right in front of the construction, and has not been renovated. The Poly is perfectly livable right now–the construction is having only a aminor impact.
35 Melinda { 12.30.13 at 11:58 pm }: We are planning on staying at the Poly during Christmas week of 2014. Will the renovations to the resort (pool area/beach access) be complete?
36 Dave { 12.31.13 at 7:10 am }: Melinda, sorry, but no one knows.
37 Kara { 02.12.14 at 1:08 pm }: Hi Dave, We stayed at Parc Soleil Hilton last year, here is our post http://peekabootravel.com/blog/?p=91 and it had separate rooms from the living space which was awesome for our napping kids! However next time I go back I want to try this resort because driving to Disneyworld,parking, tram, monorail with a little kids is ridiculously time consuming! Thanks for the review!

Leave a Comment | Ask a Question | Note a Problem