I love to update my resort reviews after each visit, and we last stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort just last month. From the moment you arrive, you’re transported straight to the South Pacific. Lush tropical plantings, flickering tiki torches, and the sound of waterfalls set the scene for that iconic island escape.
The Polynesian is a fantastic choice for deluxe travelers who want the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience – a serene retreat just moments from the magic. Here, you get all the immersive storytelling, legendary service, and special Disney touches that make a stay truly unforgettable.
If you remember the old Polynesian Resort, I’m sure you’ll recall the grand waterfall that once stood proudly in the center of the Great Ceremonial House. While that iconic feature is gone now, I have to say, I really love what they’ve done with the space. It feels open, airy, and honestly, it reminds me so much of Aulani.
One of my favorite things about this lobby is that it’s always alive with energy. No matter the time of day, you’ll see families and friends gathered in the many cozy seating areas sipping coffee, planning the day, or just soaking in that warm island vibe.
The property itself is lush, tranquil, and beautifully maintained. Every detail feels purposeful, from the tropical gardens to the winding pathways glowing under flickering tiki torches at night. Even when you’re dog-tired after a day in the parks, there’s something magical about those quiet nighttime walks back to your room. And the views? Watching the sunset over Seven Seas Lagoon with Cinderella Castle in the distance is just about as good as it gets.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort Rooms & Villas
The Polynesian offers a wonderful mix of accommodations, from spacious regular hotel rooms and villa studios to the most charming over-water two-bedroom bungalows – a true bucket-list stay for many Disney fans!
Hotel Rooms
The standard hotel rooms here are some of the largest you’ll find on Disney property, which makes sense given that the Polynesian is one of the original resorts that opened with Walt Disney World back in 1971. Most rooms have beautiful views of the lush grounds, and every single one was fully renovated with a fresh Moana theme in fall 2021. They look fantastic! I adore the feature wall art, and the subtle nods to the film throughout the room make it feel playful yet refined.
One of my favorite touches is the couch that folds down into a comfy twin bed – perfect for kids or extra guests. And don’t miss HeiHei peeking out by the coffee station. He’s such a darling little surprise!
The bathrooms are also wonderfully spacious, with double sinks, a shower/tub combo, and a separate toilet area in most rooms – a thoughtful layout that makes getting ready so much easier for families and larger groups.
King Kamehameha 2 Bedroom Concierge Suite
The regular hotel rooms also offer concierge-level accommodations, and the club level at the Polynesian is one of the most highly regarded concierge lounges at Walt Disney World … if not the best! It’s a wonderful way to add an extra layer of ease and indulgence to your stay, with delicious food and drinks available throughout the day, attentive personalized service, and that warm Polynesian hospitality Disney does so well.
All of the suites have also been beautifully updated since my last tour and they look fantastic! In addition to the standard club-level rooms, there’s a range of luxurious suite options to choose from. One of the most special is the stunning King Kamehameha Suite, a two-story, two-bedroom retreat that feels like a private island oasis right in the heart of the Magic Kingdom area.
Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
A couple of the longhouses were converted to Disney Vacation Club studios a few years ago, but can be booked by any guests!
Deluxe Studio
The studio rooms at the Polynesian are impressively spacious compared to a typical hotel room. Each one includes a comfortable queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a twin-sized pull-down bed. We love this layout because our boys never have to share a bed (which avoids so many nighttime squabbles!) and there’s plenty of extra floor space when the sleeper sofa is folded away during the day. The unit has a split bathroom which was fabulous. “My” bathroom had a luxurious shower and sink, while the “boys” bathroom had a shower/tub combo, sink and potty.
Note: The studios have been refreshed with playful Stitch details and look absolutely wonderful. They feel so much brighter and more cheerful, perfectly capturing that laid-back island vibe with a touch of mischievous Disney fun.
Over Water 2-Bedroom Bungalow
We stayed in the over water 2-bedroom bungalow for our four nights in July and it was absolutely amazing!!
You can take a full tour here:
Island Tower at Polynesian Resort
The new Polynesian Island Tower beautifully blends modern luxury with the resort’s signature tropical charm. Tower guests enjoy their very own lobby and check-in experience.
With spacious villas, stunning views of Seven Seas Lagoon, and thoughtful touches inspired by Polynesian culture, it offers guests a serene and stylish retreat just steps from all the magic.
Whether you’re relaxing by the zero-entry pool, enjoying the whimsical Moana splash area, or soaking in the peaceful surroundings, the Island Tower elevates the classic Polynesian experience to a whole new level of comfort and relaxation.
2 Bedroom Villa
We called the 2-Bedroom Villa home for the week, and it was every bit as comfortable as it was gorgeous. There was plenty of space for everyone to spread out when we needed a little quiet time, but also enough room to gather for breakfast before heading to the parks and to share a glass of bubbles while watching fireworks in the evenings.
The main area of the villa combines the living, dining, and kitchen spaces beautifully, making it feel open and welcoming. There’s also a (third!) full bathroom and a convenient laundry closet – such a lifesaver during longer stays. One of my favorite features was the expansive balcony that spans the length of the living room and the master bedroom, giving you plenty of outdoor space to relax and soak in those stunning views. The sofa coverts to a queen bed, and a twin folds down from under the TV.
The master bedroom is a peaceful retreat with a king bed, private balcony access, and the most glorious soaking tub. Don’t underestimate how amazing a bubble bath feels after a long day in the parks! Or how much you’ll relish your own quiet space when you’ve got a bunch of kids in tow. :-)
The second bedroom sleeps four comfortably with two queen beds, an en suite bathroom, and its own private balcony – perfect for giving everyone a bit of extra space.
This villa had a theme park view, and it was truly spectacular. Waking up with coffee in hand and Cinderella Castle on the horizon is pure Disney magic. And there’s nothing quite like ending the day with a glass of bubbly while watching the Happily Ever After fireworks and the Electric Water Pageant drift by on Seven Seas Lagoon.
Dining at the Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian is truly one of my favorites when it comes to dining at Walt Disney World. Every option feels thoughtfully themed, delicious, and conveniently located right inside the Grand Ceremonial House – just a short stroll from any longhouse and always buzzing with that signature island energy.
Captain Cooks
Captain Cook’s easily ranks in my personal top three quick-service spots across all of Walt Disney World. It’s casual, fast, and the menu is so flavorful. My go-tos are the veggie noodle bowl and the Thai coconut meatballs, and you can’t miss the iconic Tonga Toast for breakfast, a must-try Disney treat.
Pineapple Lanai
Pineapple Lanai is another fan favorite where you can grab a refreshing Dole Whip or Dole Whip Float without stepping foot in Magic Kingdom. It’s the perfect cool-down treat on a warm day.
Tambu Lounge
Upstairs in the Grand Ceremonial House, Tambu Lounge is a relaxing spot for tropical drinks and light bites. My favorite is the classic Lapu Lapu, served right inside a fresh pineapple. It tastes as good as it looks and always feels like vacation in a glass.
Trader Sam’s
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the resort’s famous tiki bar that made its way to the East Coast not too many years ago and quickly became a guest favorite. It’s such a fun, interactive experience, especially if you manage to snag the large table in the middle and order one of their specialty drinks – the room comes alive with every round! Trader Sam’s opens daily at 3 PM, but they start a waitlist around 2:30 PM, so it’s smart to get there early. Kids are welcome from 3 to 8 PM. If you’d rather enjoy the tropical vibes outside, the terrace behind Trader Sam’s offers live music and a gorgeous waterfall backdrop in the evenings. It’s such a lovely way to unwind after a day in the parks.
Read a full review here:
‘Ohana
For a family-style meal, ‘Ohana is the Polynesian’s beloved table-service restaurant. We’ve always enjoyed the food and the lively atmosphere here. It’s warm, casual, and perfect for groups.
Read a full review here:
Stitch’s Best Friends Breakfast at O’hana
We’ve also done Stitch’s Best Friends Breakfast at ‘Ohana. I’ll be honest: the food itself is pretty basic for the price – think eggs, Mickey and Stitch waffles, biscuits, fruit (mostly melon), bacon, and sausage – but if meeting Lilo is on your must-do list, this is the only place to find her!
Kona Cafe
For a much better (and more budget-friendly) breakfast option, Kona Cafe is my top pick. I still remember trying the famous Tonga Toast here when I was little, and it’s just as delicious today – sweet, fluffy, and such a fun Disney breakfast tradition. I love that my boys love it as much as I do.
Lunch and dinner at Kona Cafe are just as much of a treat. The menu has some of the best sushi you’ll find on Disney property, plus tasty burgers, fresh bowls, and flavorful island-inspired dishes. Overall, I think Kona Cafe is one of the most underrated table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World. It’s casual, convenient, and consistently delicious.
Read a full review here:
Kona Island
Kona Island is located on the upper level of the Grand Ceremonial House. My favorite picks here are candied bacon, chocolate covered strawberries and lilikoi juice! They also keep the CUTEST celebration cakes in the case.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
The newest dining gem at the Polynesian is Wailulu Bar & Grill, located over at the new Island Tower. We absolutely loved this spot for breakfast, lunch, or a sunset snack. Whether you sink into a sofa, pull up a seat at the bar for tropical cocktails, or settle at a table, the atmosphere is perfectly relaxed with sweeping views of Seven Seas Lagoon.
Inside, the design is beautiful and thoughtful. Vibrant Polynesian-inspired art fills the space, much of it crafted from reclaimed materials and repurposed fishing nets. This gives the restaurant an authentic, sustainable touch that feels true to the spirit of the islands. The menu celebrates fresh, flavorful ingredients with dishes inspired by Hawaiian and Polynesian flavors. Small plates are perfect for sharing, and the drinks menu has some wonderfully unique cocktails and zero-proof options.
If you time your visit just right, Wailulu is an incredible spot to watch the fireworks over Magic Kingdom – a little extra Disney magic to go with your island-inspired bites and drinks.
Recreation at the Polynesian Resort
The Polynesian marina offers boat and small craft rentals, just like some of Disney’s other deluxe resorts. One thing we absolutely love about staying at a resort on Seven Seas Lagoon is how incredibly easy it is to get to Magic Kingdom. If you’re staying here, it’s definitely worth considering a park hopper ticket for the flexibility alone – hopping over to Magic Kingdom for fireworks or just a few favorite rides is so quick and easy.
Every time we’ve stayed at the Polynesian – even when I was a kid myself – watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach and pool areas has been a highlight. If you’re visiting during the Fourth of July, Halloween, or Christmas, don’t miss the special holiday fireworks shows. The incredible 180-degree finales are even more spectacular when viewed from the Polynesian’s beach, a sight you simply can’t fully appreciate from inside the park.
Another childhood favorite of mine is the Electric Water Pageant, which still runs nightly to this day. There’s a perfect view of this charming little light parade from the Polynesian’s beach – a nostalgic, magical way to end the evening.
I have so many fond memories of swimming in the Volcano Pool as a kid, and my own boys think it’s just as amazing today. The water slide is always a hit, and the zero-entry area is perfect for families with little ones. There’s just nothing quite like taking a dip with Cinderella Castle twinkling in the distance.
The Volcano Pool has so much to offer — a large splash area for kids, zero entry at one end, a waterfall, an infinity-edge hot tub overlooking Magic Kingdom, and of course, the waterslide. It’s also steps away from Captain Cook’s if you want a quick bite, and there’s a pool bar tucked away in the back.
For a quieter retreat, the Oasis Pool is the resort’s peaceful “quiet pool.” It has a zero-entry area too, plus a spacious hot tub. We love the food at the Oasis quick-service spot where the malasadas reminded us so much of our time at Aulani.
Over at Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, guests enjoy another zero-entry pool that’s perfect for relaxing. Little ones can splash and play at the new themed splash area, where life-size sculptures of Moana and her iconic canoe bring Disney’s beloved wayfinder to life. It’s such a fun touch for families with younger kids.
Like many Disney resorts, the Polynesian also hosts Movies Under the Stars – one of our favorite ways to wind down after a busy day in the parks. They even hand out bags of popcorn, making it such a sweet, low-key evening for the whole family. Be sure to check the resort activity schedule at check-in for movie times and titles.
Transportation at the Polynesian Resort
One huge advantage of staying at the Polynesian is its incredible access to transportation. The monorail from the Grand Ceremonial House takes you straight to Magic Kingdom, and there’s also a scenic boat launch from the marina if you prefer to cruise over the water. You can easily walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center to catch the direct monorail to EPCOT, and bus service is available to take you just about anywhere else on Disney property. If your plans include spending most or all of your park days at Magic Kingdom, the convenience of the monorail alone makes the Polynesian a standout choice.
All in all, we absolutely love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s a place we find ourselves returning to time and time again. It’s a true classic that only gets better with each visit.
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