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Why You Should Splurge and Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Sure, knowing your budget is an essential part of Disney vacation planning. But sometimes, you want to splurge to enjoy a premium experience. If you are a repeat visitor who has always wanted to visit that Magic Kingdom staple Disney Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or a newbie wanting a deluxe Resort experience, this article is for you. True, deluxe resorts are pricey, but they come with significant perks that may make a visit worth it for your family. You should splurge and stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

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5 (of many!) things I love about the Polynesian at Walt Disney World! ? #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #disneyresort

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Stay in the Middle of the Magic

Location is a significant plus for Guests staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The freedom to lounge on the beach of the Polynesian on the shore of Bay Lake or watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the pool at night are advantages to staying in the middle of the magic. 

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Credit: Disney

The proximity to the Magic Kingdom can make you feel like you are still a part of evening entertainment in the Park without purchasing a Park ticket. The location is incredibly convenient for families looking to spend most of their time in The Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, as this Disney Resort is on the monorail line. 

Polynesian Monorail Line

Credit: Disney Dining

The monorail is a quick, easy and comfortable way to travel at Walt Disney World. Splurging and staying at The Polynesian means you can easily hop on the monorail line to travel to and from The Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. The convenience is unsurpassed if you travel with scooters, strollers, or a large travel party. Guests with mobility issues may find monorail locations and boarding procedures more manageable and more enjoyable than visiting the Parks by Disney bus.

Incredible Dining Options

Some of the most delicious dining options on the property are located in The Polynesian Resort. The food is so good you’ll even hear Disney insiders rattle off comments about Ohana bread pudding or see a Guest t-shirt that has “I’m here for the Tonga Toast” printed on it. The food at this Resort is that popular.

Tonga Toast Kona Cafe

Credit: Disney Dining

Polynesian (or Poly, as some Disney insiders call it) delivers deliciousness for every meal. Starting the day with breakfast at Kona Cafe inside the Great Ceremonial House is pure perfection. A steaming pressed pot of coffee paired with Tonga Toast, and bacon is so yummy. At lunch, you can visit one of my favorite Walt Disney World Resort quick-service dining spots, Captain Cooks.

Captain-Cooks

Credit: Disney

This spot is adorably decorated, conveniently located near the Lava Pool and serves up unique and delicious menu options. The Pulled Pork Nachos are my menu favorite, but you can also chow down on Polynesian Chicken Wings, Thai Coconut Meatballs, and Pan-Asian Noodles with Vegetables. I’m in love with this restaurant.

Polynesian Village Resort’s Great Ceremonial House is also home to one of the all-time favorites in Disney dining- Ohana! This bottomless dining spot serves fire-grilled shrimp, chicken, and beef on Ohana’s dinner menu. 

Ohana Dinner

Credit: The Disney Outpost

Sides like Polynesian noodles, potstickers, and chicken wings, along with that yummy bread pudding for dessert, make for an unmatched table-service dining experience. If you are looking for character dining, Lilo and Stitch meet Guests at Ohana for a bottomless breakfast.  

Did you know you can enjoy the classic Dole Whip outside the Magic Kingdom? It’s true, visit Pineapple Lanai’s quick service window beside the pool at The Polynesian Village Resort. Such a sweet surprise!

Two of the Best Disney Bars

Is relaxing with a tasty cocktail on your vacation to-do list? Of course, it is! Lucky for you, this Disney Resort is home to two of my favorite Disney bars and lounges. Tambu Lounge is located outside Ohana and has a view of the Magic Kingdom and the Lava Pool.

Tambu Lounge is where you can buy the famous pineapple drink, the Lapu Lapu, but the menu abounds with many delicious cocktails. If you want to grab a snack, you can order some of my favorite Disney bites like the Potstickers or a California Roll while you relax at the bar.

Lapu Lapu

Credit: orlandoweekly.com

If you are a fan of Adventureland attraction staples like The Enchanted Tiki Room and The Jungle Cruise, a visit to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a must. This perfectly themed bar is tucked away in the Polynesian and run by hilarious and fun Cast Members that will keep you entertained while you sip cocktails like the Uh-Oa, the Polynesian Pearl, or the Nautilus.

Uh-Oa

Credit: Disney

Poolside Lounging

The Polynesian has two pools available for Guests to enjoy. A volcano water slide, zero entry pool, excellent lifeguards, padded poolside chairs, Cast Member game counselor for the kids, and nearby cabana bars make Resort pools a Guest favorite.  

Polynesian Village Pool

Credit: DisneyDining.com

Tack on the fact that you have a great view of Cinderella Castle from the Lava Pool and neat tiki torches illuminating the deck for evening swimmers, and you may not want to leave the pool to explore the Parks.

Incredible Theming 

Huey Dewey and Louey, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Walt Disney World

Credit: Disney Dining

The Polynesian was an opening-day Resort dreamed up by Walt Disney himself. Inspired by his trips to the South Seas, Walt designed the Polynesian Village Resort to exude tropical flavor and fun. The lush foliage, an abundance of tikis and thatching, earthy colors, and beautiful views amp up the Resort theming. Pools, restaurants, shops, and Resort rooms immerse Guests in the theme and timeless Disney nostalgia.  

Historic Disney Feel

Hardcore Disney buffs will love the history attached to The Polynesian. Polynesian Village Resort opened alongside The Magic Kingdom in 1971 and has remained a Resort staple since then. Celebrities have even frequented the Polynesian Village Resort over the years. Disney artifacts are displayed throughout the Resort. Taking the time to tour the resort to appreciate all the details and talking about the Resort history with Cast Members can be a fun activity for Guests looking to nerd out.

Great Ceremonial House

Credit: WDW Shutterbug

During a table service meal at this Resort, my family chatted with an opening-day employee that had worked at the Resort since 1971. He shared highlights from the years and even mentioned that a Bay Lake wave machine was an early addition to this Resort. The hope was that the wave machine would simulate the gentle waves of the South Pacific.

Unfortunately, the idea was quickly abandoned when the machine relocated large amounts of sand from the beach, washing it into the Bay Lake. This neat tidbit was shared because we took the time to slow down, chat and ask questions. So take the time to visit with Cast Members to learn more about Walt Disney World history.

On-Site Childcare

Polynesian Village Resort is one of the few resorts with childcare available on the property. Lilo’s Playhouse is a fun way for kids to make friends and have their own Disney experience while their parents enjoy an evening out. Parents can have a meal at an incredible restaurant, take time to shop at Disney Springs or relax at the pool.

Lilo's Playhouse signage, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Walt Disney World

Credit: Disney Dining

Meanwhile, kids make crafts, play games, and experience fun activities with Cast Members. Guest services can assist in arranging a visit to Lilo’s Playhouse for families interested in booking.   

Sure, Polynesian Village Resort is an expensive option. After all, it is a deluxe Resort. However, repeat visitors will tell you the luxury with the price tag is well worth the splurge if you can swing your budget to accommodate it.

The delicious smells of the restaurants, the sounds of the tropical music, and the fun leis Guests receive at check-in all enhance the vacation experience from the moment you enter the Resort. The convenience, fun, and relaxation that come with a stay at Polynesian Village Resort make it a great vacation destination for Guests looking to splurge.

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.