Polynesian Village Resort Review: Why We LOVE This Resort
If you dream of swaying palm trees, tiki torches, and watching fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle from the pool, then keep on reading because this Polynesian Village Resort review will be exactly what you need to read!
Overview of the Polynesian Village Resort
The Polynesian Village Resort is one of the original Walt Disney World hotels, opening on October 1, 1971.
Disney World History: The hotel opened on the same day as Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary Resort.
The resort underwent a major refresh in 2014, with the lobby redesigned and new touches added throughout, including the introduction of the Bora Bora Bungalows, which are situated directly on the water.
Guests who stay at the Polynesian Village are close enough to Magic Kingdom that they can see the castle from the pool area. There are also multiple ways to get to the different parks and if you’re having a day off between park hopping, the theming here will make you forget where you are- and escape you to the islands of the South Pacific.
Polynesian Village Resort Review: Guest Rooms
Traditional Guest Rooms
These resort rooms, situated in the longhouses surrounding the resort, underwent a major refresh in 2021 and feature a Moana-inspired theme.
The rooms are approximately 415 square feet and can comfortably accommodate up to five guests (when we stayed, we had three adults and two teenagers with no issues). You have the option of getting two queen beds and a daybed or a king bed and a daybed.
Most rooms have a balcony or patio that overlooks the pool, marina, lagoon, or even a theme park view.
Deluxe Studios
I would be remiss if I didn’t include this in my review of the Polynesian Village Resort.
These studios are a part of the Disney Vacation Club membership, but non-DVC guests can book rooms here when they are available. While they are located in the same longhouses as the traditional rooms, they offer some added perks.
At approximately 447 square feet, these rooms accommodate up to five people. The additional space features a kitchenette area equipped with a microwave, mini-fridge, sink, toaster, and coffee maker, as well as two bathrooms and a guaranteed private balcony or patio.
Bungalows
If you are there for all the bells and whistles, be sure to look into the Bora Bora Bungalows. They are approximately 1,093 square feet and sleep up to eight guests. The rooms include two bedrooms: the master room with a king bed, a second bedroom with a queen bed and pull-down bunk beds, as well as a queen-sized sofa sleeper in the living room.
Additionally, the property features two full bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a washer and dryer. The best part is probably the private deck with plunge pool, lounge chairs, and fantastic views of Magic Kingdom.
Polynesian Village Resort Review: Amenities and Recreation
Pool and water play areas
The Lava Pool might be one of my favorite reasons to give this Polynesian Village Resort review. The main pool has a giant volcano, a 142-foot waterslide, and a beautiful waterfall. The zero-depth entry point gives it a spa-like feel.
In addition, there is the Oasis Pool, which offers a more relaxing option with a nearby bar, perfect for adults seeking to escape the hustle and bustle. In addition, there is the kiki tikis splash play area next to the lava pool. It has small slides, bubbling fountains, and, of course, the cutest tiki decor.
White sand beaches
You can lounge in a hammock under a palm tree, build a sandcastle, or just watch the fireworks over Cinderella Castle with the Happily Ever After soundtrack piped in. You can’t swim in the lagoon, but the vibe? Total paradise.
Resort recreation
- Movie Under the Stars: Typically set up near the beach or on the lawn, these free movies are available for guests.
- Campfire Activities: Evenings often feature family-friendly campfire sing-alongs, s’mores roasting (sometimes complimentary, sometimes for purchase), and a relaxed beach vibe.
- Motorized Boat Rentals: For a fun little splurge, you can rent a small boat and explore the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Fishing Excursions: A unique option that most people don’t even know exists at Disney! Brandon wanted to do this bad enough, he even brought his rod and reel with us in 2023. Yes, that’s right – you can book a guided catch-and-release fishing trip directly from the marina.
- Walking the grounds via the walking paths: The beautifully landscaped resort is a great place to stroll. The tropical gardens, torch-lit walkways, and tiki statues make every step an experience. Plus, it’s a short walk to the Grand Floridian or the Transportation and Ticket Center if you’re up for exploring.
- Fitness and Wellness: There’s no fitness center onsite, guests are welcome to use the gym at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, just a short walk or monorail stop away.
Bonus Tip: Oftentimes Photopass photographers hang out by the beach at sunset or during the fireworks. Don't miss this extra opportunity!
Polynesian Village Resort Review of the Restaurants
Table dining
Ohana
This restaurant is one of the most difficult reservations to snag at Disney World. It was an excellent, all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style meal. The food is, naturally, Polynesian-inspired with a focus on grilled meats and sides.
We went at night and sat where we could watch the fireworks and hear the music piped into the room. In the mornings, they have a breakfast buffet with a special blue alien guest in attendance. And before you ask, yes, it’s on my bucket list.
Kona Cafe
Kona Cafe has an Asian twist to it (as a lot of Hawaii does, too, so it makes sense). It has a laid-back feel that makes you feel at home, perfect for a casual sit-down meal. They have sushi in the evenings but are probably more well-known for their Tonga Toast, a banana-stuffed, cinnamon-sugar-coated French toast at breakfast.
Counter Service Restaurants
Capt. Cook’s
Probably my favorite quick-service restaurant in all of Disney World hotels. They serve American-Polynesian fusion-style meals, and the pulled pork nachos will have you coming back time and again. As in, it’s the only restaurant I’ve eaten at twice in all of Disney. And I will be back. This is serious stuff, folks. Additionally, it’s located inside but just off the lava pool. Okay, I’ll quit swooning and move on.
Kona Island
Moving on to my Polynesian Village Resort Review, as promised, we have Kona Island, which serves coffee and pastries in the morning, then transitions to sushi and small plates in the afternoon and evening. We ate breakfast there on full day one in 2023, and the food was good, but the coffee was better!
Pineapple lanai
This walk-up window area near the lava pool offers your classic Dole Whips in pineapple, vanilla, and swirl flavors. They occasionally offer seasonal flavors and floats made with pineapple juice as well.
Bars and Lounges
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
We are counting down the days until we visit Trader Sam’s (it’ll be sometime around July 21, 2026) with their wild, wacky, and immersive tiki-themed bar. They have fun, interactive cocktails. The servers also get into the theming, with special effects, jokes, and surprises. It’s a crowd favorite, and seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early!
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
This outdoor bar with live music features a relaxed Polynesian vibe, offering the same drinks as the Grog Grotto, making it an alternative option if you’re unable to get into the former tiki room.
Tambu Lounge
Located right outside ‘Ohana, this cozy and tropical bar is great for pre-dinner drinks. Some of their best drinks include the Lapu Lapu (which is served in a fresh pineapple) and the Island Sunset. Plus? You can order appetizers like the ‘Ohana noodles and potstickers in the evenings.
Polynesian Village Resort Review: Transportation
Disney bus transportation
You have the option of taking the buses to go to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, the waterparks, and of course, the fabulous Disney Springs. The buses typically run every twenty minutes.
walking Paths
It’s only a five- to ten-minute walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC). From there, you can catch the monorail service to EPCOT.
Monorail access
The Polynesian sits right on the monorail loop, which means guests have easy access to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT (via the walking path previously mentioned). Monorails typically run every few minutes, starting 30-45 minutes before the park opens and continuing until after the park closes. Bonus: It’s air conditioned!
Water transportation
One of our favorite things we did on our first full day at Disney was to take the boat launch from the Bora Bora Bungalows over to Magic Kingdom (and from there, a monorail to EPCOT). We had the whole boat to ourselves, so it was a lot less crowded. It does take ten minutes, so be sure to keep time in mind!
Polynesian Village Resort Review: My Final Thoughts
In case I haven’t swooned enough, I think even after I try all the resorts, this one will always have my heart (oh, you read that right, Nevaeh, even more than the Contemporary). However, don’t take my Polynesian Village Resort review as the truth – go find out for yourself and, of course, have a magical day!
