Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a tropical-themed, luxury resort inspired by the culture and beauty of the Polynesian islands. The resort first opened its doors on October 1, 1971, and has since become one of Disney World’s most popular and iconic hotels. In fact, the Poly as it is affectionately known was the first official Walt Disney World Resort Hotel to open due to some, we’ll call it “technical difficulties” with the Contemporary Resort.
The Polynesian Resort features a distinctive South Pacific theme throughout its architecture, landscaping, and decor. The main building, known as the Great Ceremonial House, is a grand structure with a thatched roof and is designed to resemble a traditional Polynesian village. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant and immersive atmosphere with lush tropical plants, Polynesian artwork, and a large open lobby area. Presiding over the Great Ceremonial House you’ll find Maui the tiki god. Guests will be greeted by cast members handing out lovely silk leis to welcome you in traditional Polynesian style.
Accommodations at the Polynesian Resort include various room types, ranging from standard rooms to DVC studios and bungalows. The rooms are decorated with a blend of modern amenities and Polynesian-inspired touches, featuring tropical prints, bamboo-style furniture, and vibrant colors. In the most recent refurbishment, hints and touches from Disney’s Moana were added to the hotel side of the resort, while the DVC rooms feature accents of Lilo and Stitch. Some rooms offer stunning views of the resort’s lush gardens, while others provide picturesque vistas of the Seven Seas Lagoon or Magic Kingdom fireworks. In early 2022, Disney began construction on a tower addition to the Polynesian Resort, which is slated to open sometime in 2024. The tower will add additional rooms and room types to this incredibly popular resort.
The bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are among some of the most luxurious accommodations in all of Walt Disney World offering guests a private oasis right on the Seven Seas Lagoon. These rooms offer a full kitchen, living area, two bedrooms, private porch, plunge pool, and swing chairs to sit and enjoy beautiful views of the water during the day and the electrical water pageant at night.
One of the highlights of the Polynesian Resort is its feature pool, known as the Lava Pool. This expansive pool area is centered around a volcano-themed waterslide called “Volcano Pool,” which empties into the pool, creating a thrilling experience for guests of all ages. There are also several other leisure pools located throughout the resort, offering a more relaxed and serene atmosphere. Guests staying at the Poly must use their Magic Band or key card to access the pool area.
Dining options at the Polynesian Resort are known for their delectable cuisine and immersive themes. ‘Ohana is a popular family-style restaurant serving Polynesian-inspired dishes, while the Kona Cafe offers a mix of Asian and American flavors. For a tropical drink or snack, guests can visit the Tambu Lounge or the Pineapple Lanai, famous for its Dole Whip soft-serve ice cream. And of course, we cannot forget Trader Sam’s. This highly themed lounge offers guests interactive cocktails such as the Uh-Oa. But be careful when ordering this luscious libation that you don’t anger the tiki goddess of the same name. Or perhaps you would prefer a HipppopotoMaiTai that is served with “two shots of rum”! Extremely lucky guests may receive the coveted black pearl when ordering a Polynesian Pearl, and be sure to have your swim gear handy if you decide to order the Nautilus.
Another unique feature of the Polynesian Resort is its convenient transportation options. Guests can access Magic Kingdom via a short monorail ride directly from the resort, making it one of the few Disney World hotels with monorail service. As of this writing, guests can also hop aboard a boat to visit other resorts and Magic Kingdom. This is especially helpful when those monorail lines are super long at the end of the night.
For those seeking a bit more relaxation, the Polynesian Resort offers a range of recreational activities to keep guests entertained during their stay. These include water sports on the Seven Seas Lagoon, such as sailing, paddleboarding, and fishing, as well as outdoor movie screenings, campfire activities, and other poolside games, activities and crafts. Be sure to ask at the front desk for the weekly/monthly activities calendar to find out all that is available.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a tropical paradise within the Walt Disney World Resort. With its immersive theming, luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options, and convenient transportation, it provides guests with a unique and unforgettable experience inspired by the beauty and culture of the Polynesian islands. And I for one can’t wait to get back there!
