Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World is a perennial guest favorite. Vacationing families fall in love with the Polynesian so much so that they often choose to stay there again and again without wanting to ever try another Walt Disney World resort. What makes the Poly (as it’s called) such a guest favorite? It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few things, but these are my top 10 reasons to stay at the Polynesian Village Resort.
1. Two Words: Dole Whip
The Dole Whip is a pineapple soft serve dessert that was created in 1986 when the Dole company became the sponsor of the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland in California. In the years since, it has developed a cult following and is one of the most sought-after food experiences at Disney. You can find this tasty treat at Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Village Resort. While other Walt Disney World guests are trekking it to Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom or Marketplace Snacks in Disney Springs to snag a Dole Whip, you can enjoy one in your home resort any time!
2. Nostalgic Feel
The Polynesian has one of the most storied histories of any resort at Walt Disney World. One of the three resorts that opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971, it is located on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon and was constructed to look like an authentic village on a southern Pacific island. But don’t think the resort is still stuck in the 1970s! The Polynesian Village Resort has undergone a few renovations over the years which has updated the resort to meet the needs of today’s guests while maintaining the nostalgic feel with nods to classic Disney movies like 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea. When you stay at The Polynesian, you join in the history of one of the most beloved properties at Walt Disney World
3. Fully Immersive
The Polynesian is a fully immersive experience. The resort is built to transport guests to an authentic island experience. The resort is situated on the south side of the Seven Seas Lagoon and has a beach, bungalows, authentic island food, lush landscaping and a beautiful lobby. The lobby, called the Great Ceremonial Hall, features waterfalls, lush landscaping and plenty of seating (in case there is a wait at check-in). While you’re there, check out the Tiki man statue. A bit of Disney history states that the Tiki man is Maui, the playful god of the island people. Years before we came to love the story of Moana, Maui was greeting guests of the Polynesian Village Resort! It is history like this that keeps guests returning every year to the Polynesian Village Resort.
4. Monorail to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
photo courtesy of disneyaddicts.com
No matter their age, everyone loves to ride on the Monorail. Guests of the Polynesian Village Resort love that they are only a monorail ride away from Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and one transfer away from EPCOT. The proximity means less time getting your day started and it’s only a short ride back to your resort for rest or dinner at one of the many dining options at the resort. Speaking of getting your day started, that brings us to number five on the list, breakfast at ‘Ohana.
5. ‘Ohana and the Best Friends Breakfast
The character breakfast at ‘Ohana is the perfect way to begin your day. Character dining is at the top of many people’s list when visiting Walt Disney World, and it’s a bonus when you don’t have to leave your own property to participate in the fun. ‘Ohana has a tropical-themed character breakfast called Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo & Stitch and other classic Disney characters. After breakfast, the restaurant is open for dinner. ‘Ohana offers a memorable dining experience at any time of the day.
6. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
photo courtesy of disneytouristblog.com
For a truly unique Polynesian experience, check out Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. It’s a tiki bar featuring tropical decor, themed drinks, and simple bar food. When guests order specific drinks, decor around the bar becomes animated which makes the experience new and fun every time you visit. Watch out if you take a seat at the bar - your seat may lower unexpectedly! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is fun for the whole family until 8 p.m. when it turns into a 21-and-older bar for the evening. It’s a definite must-try when staying at the Polynesian Village Resort.
7. Lava Pool and Kiki Tikis
photo courtesy of disneybyage.com
The Polynesian Village Resort has one of the best resort pool experiences at Walt Disney World. Guests love the zero-entry Lava Pool which features a towering volcano, waterfall, and a 142-foot-long waterslide. The littlest guests can play all day at Kiki Tikis, a splash pad for kids 48” tall and under. When you get hungry, grab a bite at Capt. Cook’s quick-service restaurant or get a refreshing drink from the Barefoot Pool Bar. The Lava Pool is a vacation in itself for guests at the Polynesian.
8. Fireworks from the Poly
photo courtesy of orlandodatenightguide.com
What is better than watching the evening fireworks from Cinderella’s castle in Magic Kingdom? Watching them from your resort! Guests at the Polynesian Village Resort can catch both the fireworks show and the electrical water pageant on Seven Seas Lagoon from the beach at the Polynesian. It’s a great place to take in these iconic Disney experiences away from the crowds.
9. Spirit of Aloha Luau
photo courtesy of hihovacations.com
One of the unique experiences of the Polynesian Village Resort is the Spirit of Aloha Luau held on select nights with showtimes at 5:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This 2 hour show features hula dancer and other entertainment in an open air theater. Guests are entertained while feasting on a family style all-you-can-enjoy dining experience. You can experience a traditional luau without flying all the way to the islands.
10. More room for your money
photo courtesy of wdwmagic.com
A great tip or staying at the Polynesian Village Resort is that for about the same price as a standard room, you can get a deluxe studio room in the villas building. A deluxe studio room includes two queen beds (one is a sleeper), 1.5 bathrooms, and a kitchenette. This means just a little bit more room and a place to conveniently keep drinks and snacks in your room.
The Polynesian Village Resort continues to be one of the favorite resort for guests of Walt Disney Resort. From young to old, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Have you stayed at the Poly? What was your favorite part?
All you need is a suitcase and a dream!
Jo