One of the most unique and intriguing resorts at Walt Disney World® is Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®. Modeled after the tropical Polynesian islands in the South Pacific, this Deluxe Resort is in Magic Kingdom Park area and located on the monorail line. I haven't stayed here (yet), but I know it ranks at the top of at least one MousePros agents' lists for favorite places to stay. After everything I learned about this magical resort, it is going on my list of things I must check out on my next trip. Here are ten of the reasons why I think you should consider staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®.
(Photo credit: MagicalPix by Candi)
1. The Monorail. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® is on the Resort Monorail line. This line connects Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®, Disney's Contemporary Resort®, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa®, Magic Kingdom Park, and Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). You can hop on the monorail for free and take it to Magic Kingdom Park, or to Epcot via a transfer at TTC. Or you can ride the monorail around Seven Seas Lagoon for some free fun and air conditioning! If you decide to take the monorail to Magic Kingdom Park, one benefit is going through security and bag screening at the resort before you board the monorail. Once you arrive at Magic Kingdom Park, you can walk up to the gate, scan your Magic Band and go inside.
If the monorail isn't your thing, there are plenty of other transportation options at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®, including water taxi, bus, and as of this week, Minnie Vans.
2. Bungalows. In addition to the deluxe room accommodations, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® is home to Disney's Polynesian Villas and Bungalows®. Technically a part of Disney Vacation Club®, the bungalows can potentially be reserved by non-DVC-members, depending on availability. Each bungalow has an expansive view of Seven Seas Lagoon along with a plunge pool on the deck attached to your room. Between the top-of-the-line finishes inside (hello, TV inside the bathroom mirror) and the amazing, we-aren't-in-Disney-World-anymore-Toto views, the bungalows are one of the most unique room experiences in Walt Disney World®. The bungalows are at the top of the price range for this resort, but fear not - your MousePros agent can provide you with a free quote for a bungalow or any other type of room at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®.
(Photo credit: MousePros Travel Agency)
3. 'Ohana. If you have a Lilo & Stitch fan in your family, you need to check out the Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch at 'Ohana, one of the two Table Service restaurants at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®. This character dining experience requires an Advanced Dining Reservation, which can be made at 180 days prior to your check-in date at any Walt Disney World® Resort hotel. Your MousePros agent is happy to make ADRs for you.
(Photo credit: MousePros Agent Andrea Fraley)
4. Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. Experience an authentic luau at the Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®. Held in the open-air theater in Luau Cove, this all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style dining experience includes Polynesian dancers, drummers, and a fire-knife performer! Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show requires an Advanced Dining Reservation and may be eligible for Disney Dining Plan credits. Your MousePros agent can help you make your ADR at 180 days prior to the start of your trip, and they can confirm Disney Dining Plan eligibility based on the tickets you purchase to the show.
5. Dole Whip. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® is the only resort on property that serves Dole Whip outside of the parks. You can find it by visiting Pineapple Lanai, or if you prefer the adult version with a splash of rum, check out the Barefoot Pool Bar or Oasis Bar & Grill. Dole Whip is one of the MousePros agents favorite ways to use a snack credit if you're on the Disney Dining Plan.
(Photo credit: MousePros Agent Emily Milligan)
6. Tonga Toast. Do you sense a theme yet? Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® is the place to be for delicious food and drinks. Tonga Toast starts with Sourdough Bread, which is then stuffed with bananas and then deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar. I don't know about you, but it sounds like exactly what I need before a long day in the parks. This is another dish that is unique to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® and can be found at Capt. Cook's and Kona Cafe Quick Service restaurants. (Want to try Tonga Toast but can't wait for your next visit? Check out the recipe posted by Oh My Disney!)
(Photo credit: MagicalPix by Candi)
7. Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. From what I've been told, it seems that no visit to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® is complete without a visit to this tropical tiki bar. And if that name sounds familiar, you can count yourself among the biggest Walt Disney World® fans. Trader Sam is a character on the famous Jungle Cruise ride at Magic Kingdom Park. The tropical and exotic atmosphere and unique food and drink options make this a must-do for anyone passing through the resort. But be aware, after 8 pm, this becomes an over-21 establishment.
(Photo credit: MagicalPix by Candi)
8. Lilo's Playhouse. Don't let the news about Trader Sam's Grog Grotto being 21-and-over in the evenings disappoint you for too long. Lilo's Playhouse welcomes guests ages 3-to-12-years-old from 4:30 pm - 12 midnight for games, dinner, snacks, movies, and even a visit or two from their favorite characters. Lilo's Playhouse is one of four secure children's activity centers at Walt Disney World Resort®. All children's activity centers are staffed by fully-trained and vetted Cast Members. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance of your arrival. A flat $55 fee is charged per child, which includes dinner and snacks.
9. Lava Pool. This zero-depth entry pool is built around a volcano. Yep, a volcano, in a pool (#onlyindisney). Contrary to the name, this volcano spews a waterfall, not lava. Kids and adults alike will want to check out the 142-foot-long waterslide, and when the kids have had enough of the big pool, they can visit Kiki Tiki's Splash Play area, with wading pools, water jets, waterfalls, and two slides. This is also close to the previously mentioned Barefoot Pool Bar, so adults can grab a drink while the kids play nearby. A win for all.
10. Electrical Water Pageant. Starting at 9 pm, guests at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort® have a prime viewing spot for the Electrical Water Pageant on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Small barges are outfitted with lights in the shapes of magical sea creatures and American flags and set to electronic patriotic music. After the parade, stay where you are for a great way to see Happily Ever After, the new fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom Park.
(Photo credit: MousePros Agent Andrea Fraley)
So, which of these has you most wanting to go to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort®? For me, it's Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tonga Toast. If you've been here before, let us know what you love the most about it by leaving us a comment or visiting our Facebook page.