Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Overview
Aloha Ohana!!!
Welcome to Disney's Polynesian Resort!
One of Walt Disney Worlds' opening day resorts is rich in history and theming! You are instantly transported to an island oasis upon entering the resort. Are you greeted with a Hawaiian Lay and Aloha! Tropical theming throughout the resort makes you feel like you have been transported to another place and time. The lobby, also known as the Grand Ceremonial House, is Rich in a dark wood, and the lacquered stone-covered floor with a hidden mickey in the center is brightened by its giant skylight center and beautiful glass lanterns.
This resort recently went though a complete refurbishment of the hotel's room, switching to the more fitting Moana theme. The DVC rooms are still the traditional Hawaiian/Poly theming but got a much-needed refresh.
ROOMS
At this resort, we did a split stay. We stayed in a DVC Standard Room 5th Sleeper and an overwater Bungalow. The Bungalow needs an entire blog; it was so amazing. But let's talk about the DVC standard room. The big difference between the DVC and the hotel rooms is the extra shower.
We are still considered a 5+1 family, Our youngest does not turn three until 2023, so we will soak up being able to stay in these smaller rooms. However, the standard room did feel like there was JUST enough space for us, unlike the rooms at the Moderate Resorts, where we felt cramped.
All beds were comfortable in the room. We like the pulldown Murphy beds as it provides a REAL mattress. However, once all beds were pulled down, the room was very tight. So as soon as we got up in the morning we pushed all beds up to create space.
There is a small balcony attached to the room, with just enough space for two chairs and a table. But it was nice to have the doors open, and the kids could go in and out.
This room did have a traditional mini fridge and not just a cooler fridge which was nice, but in the Moana rooms, you have a cooler fridge. But, unfortunately, it only gets to 41 degrees.
For the DVC room only, it was fantastic having to split bathrooms. One room had a shower/tub combo with the toilet and vanity. The other room had a stand-up shower and single vanity. So it was helpful in the morning when we were getting ready.
Differences in the Standard Rooms on the Resort Side Moana Rooms
The resort rooms all come with a daybed (Couch turndown bed.) You can get the Moanna room with a king or two queen beds. These rooms have the cooler fridge, so it only gets down to 41 degrees, and it is a lot smaller than a standard mini-fridge.
For room options you can stay Club Level, have a standard view, lagoon view or a pool view room.
POOLS
The Lava Pool
The resort's feature pool is the first thing you see when you exit the Great Ceremonial House. It is equipped with a waterfall, grotto area, tunnel slide through a mountain rock structure, zero entry, and fun for hours. Unfortunately, this pool is often crowded, so snag a chair when you see one free. There are plenty of life guards at this pool portal to ensure the safety of all guests.
Attached to the Lava Pool is the Barefoot Bar, where you can grab drinks and even a smoothie! Next to the Bar area is the seating and game area. So have a drink and unwind!
There are plenty of outdoor seating areas right next to the Lava pool!
Kiki Tikis Splash Play Area
The newly refurbished splash pad is one of the BEST at any Deluxe resort. There are two slides, one for the minis that my 20-month-old loved going down. Another one that my 7-year-old loved was a mini version of the lava pool tunnel slide in a mountain rock structure. There are many areas in the Kiki Tiki: splash and play, dump buckets, and rock features, it is a fun time for the 48-inch and under crowd. They do have lifeguards in the area.
The Oasis Pool
Need a more tranquil environment, head to the Oasis pool. Surrounded by lush gardens, this quiet setting is the perfect place to unwind. With a zero-entry area and cabanas for rent, you can ensure a peaceful time while at this pool. In addition, the Oasis pool is less crowded as it has fewer frills.
The Oasis Bar & Grill Features an island twist on grill favorites! The pool feels warmer, assuming because it is much smaller than the larger Lava Pool.
There are usually no lifeguards at the pool.
DINING
Barefoot Pool Bar - a poolside bar offering a full selection of beverages located next to the Lave Pool
Capt. Cook's - a quick-service restaurant on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Mobile ordering is available, the menu I felt was still a little limited, but this was where we ordered dinner most nights.
Kona Cafe - a à la carte Table Service restaurant located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It has the POly's signature Tonga Toast consists of French toast stuffed with deep-fried bananas and covered with sugar and cinnamon. They also serve lunch and dinner and bring an Asian flair to traditional American dishes. Mobile ordering available, Reservations required.
Kona Island - is a grab-and-go coffee and pantry bar in the morning, located next to the monorail on the second floor. Mobile ordering is also available for this restaurant. It turns into a sushi bar in the evening, I am not a big fan of sushi, but my husband loved it!
Ohana - (Table Service) is a favorite by many! Knowns for is Character breakfast, pineapple bread, and Mickey waffles. Served family-style on various skillets brought to the table. Currently 'Ohana does not have a character, but while we were there in March, our cast member told us that Stitch did not want to come back to work after yet, but the next time we would be there, he would be back. When the character dining returns, its original name was 'Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, with Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Pluto, Lilo, and Stitch visiting tables. We I did not have dinner at 'Ohana this time but have heard it was delicious. It is also, a PERFECT spot to catch Disney's Enchantment Firework show!
The Oasis - Alongside the newly constructed Oasis Pool, the Oasis contains a bar and grill exclusively accessible to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort guests. Like Capt. Cook's, the Oasis Grill serves quick-service Asian and Polynesian-inspired fare, while the the bar is a full-service location.
Pineapple Lanai – the Dole Whip hot spot, get traditional pineapple, twist, and even lime flavor!
Tambu Lounge - Tambu Lounge is a bar located next to 'Ohana on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, operating in the evening hours.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto - is a very cool tiki bar, made to look like you are underwater and covered in Disney Memorabilia. Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to eat inside, but they let us a peek inside! If you want to eat, put your name on the waiting list, there was not a wait SHORTER than 1 hour the entire time we were there!
TRANSPORTATION
Disney's Polynesian resort is located in the Magic Kingdom area. You have three transportation options with the Polynesian Resort. You have the monorail, located on the second floor, and you have buses located outside the main entrance of the Great Ceremonial House. Your third option is the water ferries to Magic Kingdom, the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary Resort. In addition, there is always the option of rideshare and the minivans, which will return in the summer.
To get to the Grand Floridian and Magic Kingdom, you can hop on the monorail located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. The first stop will be the Grand Floridian, and the second stop will be the Magic Kingdom. Your third stop gets you to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC), where you can hop off and get a Monorail to Epcot.
Rookie Mistake: We hopped on the monorail on our first day at Epcot's, It turns out that the Ticket and Transportation Center is less than an eight-minute walk from Disney's Polynesian Resort. We did not follow the signs. So it took us over an hour on the monorail making all the stops before we got to the Ticket and Transportation Center, only to hop off and get on the monorail to Epcot for another 10-minute journey. Once we realized at the Polynesian was within walking distance, it took it less than 20 minutes from leaving Epcot to be in our room.
You will take the bus to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and the waterparks. When you exit the front of the Great Ceremonial House, you will go to the left and see the pavilions. Look for the sign with your destination on it.
For the waterparks, you have to go to Disney Springs and then take a bus over there. I recommend using rideshare. It's too much work to go to Disney Springs and then to Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach is not open yet, but with summer coming, I will let you know if I hear anything about it re-opneing.
Final Thoughts…
Overall, our experience at the Polynesian was terrific. We are really crossing our fingers that the new building that they are building for Disney Vacation Club will be a new contract, meaning that it will have a 50-year agreement and it will also have one, two, and three-bedroom suites. The space in the standard room is just not large enough for our family of six. So we really need that one or two-bedroom to stay here comfortably. Staying in a bungalow again is unrealistic for our family. The point value is too high to stay in a bungalow regularly, and we had an excess of points due to the pandemic that probably will not happen again.
This resort has so much to offer, between the multiple eating areas, mobile ordering, Kona Café walk-up bar, and the three different shopping areas(not covered in blog.) Pin trading, the pools, watching the fireworks from the beach. We really couldn't ask for more.
CONS: I did see reports of people complaining that people are putting their trash outside. When we stay on the DVC side, we have our own trash bags in our Owner's locker because it's easy to quickly fill up those tiny trash bins.
It's a little pricey.
People are upset about the new DVC building, and I get it. The Spirit of Aloha Dinner was held in that spot. And it can feel like it's killing the island vibe by putting another building up. But those of us who love the resort really need those 1 bedrooms. We are excited.
Also, The Lilo’s Playhouse has not reopened since the pandemic, and there is no arcade at the resort anymore. That may not be a big deal to some, but we love to use the resort amenities, and my kids love the arcades. So hopefully, this will reopen soon. (To make up for the club not being open, cast members set up activities near the marina for the kids periodically.)
Is it worth the price if you're paying cash? It depends.
Ask yourself, will you use the resort amenities?
How many days are you going to be at the resort?
Will you be at the Park ALL day, or do you plan on taking breaks?
How many rest days will you have?
Are you Bouje?
Ratings:
Resort Classification: Deluxe
Restaurants/Food Options: 9/10
Hotel Theme: 10/10
Disney Theming: 5/10 - DVC Moana Rooms 9/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Room Space: 6/10
Pools: 10/10
Kids Activities: 6/10
Transportation: 7/10
Size of Resort: 8/10
Location: Magic Kingdom Area
