Complete Guide to Polynesian Village Resort (w/ review)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a Deluxe Resort that’s located near Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

The resort is inspired by the South Pacific and will forever be a classic Walt Disney World Resort hotel, especially since it first opened on Oct. 1, 1971, the same day Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom opened.

This is 1 of 8 Deluxe Resort hotels (not including Deluxe Villas) on Disney World property. The resort is known for having access to the Monorail, along with its iconic porte cochere entrance.

Here’s what you need to know about the Polynesian.

Quick review

Submit your review at the bottom of the page.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Easy access to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot by monorail (can walk to TTC to get to Epcot monorail if you would like), boat option to Magic Kingdom, theming, view of Magic Kingdom fireworks with music piped in, very popular/delicious on-site restaurants, big rooms themed to Moana

Cons: High cost, shared buses which can mean long bus rides to places other than Magic Kingdom and Epcot, resort can feel too spread out

Overview

Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, the Polynesian has a lot to offer and not only because it’s an original resort that’s been standing since opening day.

From popular dining locations, like Kona Café and ‘Ohana, to a Monorail station attached to the hotel, to having views of Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom, to being able to eat Dole Whip right at the resort, well, Polynesian is a fan-favorite for many reasons.

There’s no denying that Polynesian as a whole is a stunning resort.

Guest Rooms And Bathrooms

There are a variety of rooms to book at Polynesian, including a selection of rooms with Club Level Service, which we go over in more detail below. Depending on the room you book, you can even sleep up to 8 adults. 

Of course, the rooms feature the standard amenities, including a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a coffee maker (a Keurig!), telephone, in-room safe, and an iron and ironing board.

There are even some great amenities like a microwave, toaster, and a fully-equipped kitchen with either a full or mini-refrigerator.

If you’re wondering about outlets and USB ports, you can find both in all of the rooms. Regarding storage, there is space underneath the beds to place luggage or other belongings. You can find also store whatever you need in drawers and the closets. There is also counter space in the bathrooms to place belongings and bathroom products. 

The resort also now has Moana-themed rooms found in regular non villa rooms (including those with Theme Park and Lagoon Views). There is no word yet whether the theming will be extended to the Disney Vacation Club section of the resort.

Here are the rooms available to book:

Rooms And Suites Without Club Level Service

• Theme Park View: Views of Magic Kingdom Park and Seven Seas Lagoon; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

• Lagoon View: Views of Seven Seas Lagoon; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

• Standard View: Views of Garden, Monorail or Parking Area; 2 Queen Beds or 1 King Bed and 1 Day Bed

• Pool or Marina View: Views of Pool or Marina; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

Rooms And Suites With Club-Level Service

These rooms and suites have standard amenities, in addition to Club-Level Service perks. They include:

• Evening turndown
• Secured key access to the club-level lounge (serves refreshments 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily)
• Complimentary fax assistance
• Access to Concierge service at the King Kamehameha Club
• Complimentary health club access
• Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
• Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services

Here are the rooms:

• Lagoon View — Club Level: Views of Seven Seas Lagoon; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
• Theme Park View — Club Level: Theme Park View; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed

• Garden View — Club Level: Views of Garden or Quiet Pool; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
• Honeymoon Room — Club Level: Views of Marina; 1 King Bed

• 1 Bedroom Suite — Club Level: Views of Marina; 2 Queen Beds and 1 Day Bed
• Ambassador Vice Presidential Suite — Club Level: Views of Garden; 2 Queen Beds and 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

• King Kamehameha Suite — Club Level: Views of Cinderella Castle and the Marina; 2 Queen Beds and 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa

Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms. 

You can check out room layouts below.

Polynesian Village Resort Room Options

Stay tuned for a helpful graphic detailing each room layout.

Checking In And Out

When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.

The front desk is located in the main lobby of the Great Ceremonial House. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.

• Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
• Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.

Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance. 

The lobby has plenty of seating and is perfectly themed. You can also access dining and gift shops, along with the Monorail station on the second floor.

The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) is just outside the lobby. Luggage storage is also right out front of the lobby for those who have checked out or are waiting to check in.

Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.

Package Delivery & Pick Up

You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.

Here’s everything you need to know about having packages delivered and picking them up.

Grocery Delivery

You can have groceries delivered directly to your Disney Resort hotel. Dry-good storage and refrigerated storage are offered (subject to availability).

Important: a $6 fee will be charged to your room account for each grocery delivery order brought to your room by Bell Services or Luggage Assistance. Or, you can pick up these deliveries yourself from Bell Services or Luggage Assistance — at no charge.

Select items will need to be picked up in person, like alcohol. Most grocery delivery services require an individual of age to sign for alcohol and to show valid identification. Disney Resort hotels will not accept these types of orders on behalf of you.

Resort Hotel Delivery (temporarily unavailable)

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can have park souvenirs delivered to your hotel instead of carrying them around with you all day.

Just tell the Cast Member at checkout that you want your purchase delivered to your hotel. You’ll usually pick up these items at your hotel’s gift shop (a Cast Member should tell you the designated pick-up location).

Home Delivery

In-park purchases can also be shipped to your home via UPS or FedEx for an additional fee.

Sending and Receiving Mail

Sending Mail

You can mail postcards, letters, and packages from the theme parks and select Disney Resort hotels.

Letter and Postcards
Postcards and letters with postage already applied can be mailed from any mail box located throughout the theme parks and at the Front Desk of Disney Resort hotels.

Packages
You can ship pre-packed, pre-labeled packages at the Front Desk or Concierge desk of most Disney Resort hotels. Hotels that include an onsite Business Center, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, can also ship packages for you.

Regular shipping and handling fees will apply.

Purchasing Postage
Postage stamps are available for purchase at various gift shops including:

• Art of Disney (Epcot)
• Celebrity 5 & 10 (Hollywood Studios)
• Disney Springs Welcome Center (Disney Springs)
• Disney Traders (Epcot)
• Garden Gate Gifts (Animal Kingdom)
• Heritage Manor (Epcot)
• Main Street Chamber of Commerce (Magic Kingdom)
• Mickey’s Gift Station (Transportation and Ticket Center)
• Mickey’s of Hollywood (Hollywood Studios)
• Movieland Memorabilia (Hollywood Studios)
• Newsstand (Magic Kingdom)
• The Outpost Shop (Animal Kingdom)
• Sundries (Disney Springs)

Receiving Mail

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can receive mail throughout your stay. Occasionally, some guests will ship items in advance of their vacation to help save luggage space.

If you want to receive mail during your vacation, be sure the letter or package:

• Includes the mailing address of your Disney Resort Hotel
• Clearly features the word “Guest” on the front and the date of your arrival

Important: a $6 per package handling fee will apply to all packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.

Parking

Parking is available. There is a standard $25 overnight self-parking fee (including tax) that is applied to guests’ hotel folio upon check-out.

Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.

We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.

Important: Valet parking might not always be available.

Resort Map

Polynesian Village Buildings

Tonga

Buildings: Club Level
Location Tips: Tonga is one of the closest buildings to the Great Ceremonial House, which is where you can find the main lobby, front desk, Monorail and bus access, dining, and more.

Hawaii

Buildings: Club Level
Location Tips: Hawaii is a bit farther from the Great Ceremonial House, where the main lobby, dining, and more is located. Hawaii also has beach access and lagoon and theme park views, depending on room location.

Aotearoa

Buildings: Theme Park/Lagoon View
Location Tips: Aotearoa has a short walk to one of Polyensian’s beaches. Depending on room location, you may have a farther walk to the lobby, dining, transportation, and more inside the Great Ceremonial House.

Tuvalu

Buildings: Theme Park/Lagoon View
Location Tips: Tuvalu isn’t too far from the Great Ceremonial House. Select rooms also offer fantastic views of the lagoon, Magic Kingdom, and Grand Floridian.

Fiji

Buildings: Standard
Location Tips: Situated between Tuvalu and Aotearoa, Fiji mainly has views of other buildings, the Seven Seas Marina, or part of the resort. It’s not too far of a distance from the Great Ceremonial House.

Samoa

Buildings: Standard
Location Tips: Samoa is centered between the Lava and Oasis pools. It’s a quick walk to the Great Ceremonial House, which is home to the main lobby, front desk, Monorail and bus access, dining, and shopping.

Niue

Buildings: Standard
Location Tips: Niue isn’t too far from the Great Ceremonial House. Here you can find the main lobby, front desk, Monorail and bus access, dining, and shopping. Niue is also situated between both the Lava and Oasis pools.

Rarotonga

Buildings: Standard
Location Tips: Rarotonga isn’t too far from the Great Ceremonial House. Here you can find the main lobby, front desk, Monorail and bus access, dining, and shopping.

Amenities And Shops

From gift shops, to on-site laundry services, there are several amenities offered to guests at Polynesian.

Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.

• BouTiki: Shop for Hawaiian shirts, ukuleles, Disney character merchandise, and more.
• Disney’s Magnolia, Palm and Oak Trail Pro Shop: Found at the Magnolia Golf Course located nearby the resort. Shop for golf merchandise, rentals, and other souvenirs.
• Moana Mercantile: The main gift store located that features a variety of merchandise, including items that are resort-themed.
• Electrical Water Pageant: A nighttime water parade that sails along on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.
• Lilo’s Playhouse: Adults can drop off kids (ages 3 to 12) to enjoy activities inspired by classic tales like Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and Pinocchio.
• Laundry Services: You can find 24-hour self-service laundry rooms near Lil0’s Playhouse.
• Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
• Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies on the Great Ceremonial House lawn.
• Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.

Pools And Recreation

Polynesian has one feature pool and one leisure pool. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool.

Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.

Feature Pool

• Lava Pool: Features a towering volcano, a waterfall, and a 142 foot-long waterslide. There’s also a lounge and bar nearby.

Leisure Pool

• Oasis Pool: A leisure pool for all ages that perfect for relaxing.

Guests can also check out the Oasis Patio, a private shaded area close to the pool and accommodates up to 6 guests. You can also place food and drink orders to be delivered from the Oasis Bar & Grill. These are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.  For advanced reservations and pricing information, call (407) 939-7529.

Some other recreational options include:

• Jogging
• Volleyball
• Fishing
• Motorized Boat Rentals
• Hula Dance Lessons
• Lava Pool Party
• Campfire to roast marshmallows

Restaurant & Dining Options

You can find a few different dining options at the Polynesian. Take note that Capt. Cook’s offers Mobile Order and Kona Cafe and ‘Ohana have Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.

Kona Cafe also has Table Service To Go, which allows guests to Mobile Order and take their meal back to their room. You can read more about the dining options below.

Quick Service

Although you don’t need reservations to dine at the Quick Service locations at Polynesian, you may want to consider using Mobile Order where available.

Capt. Cook’s

Capt. Cook’s is Polynesian’s main Quick Service location, where you can order a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, including Tonga Toast, Pan-Asian Noodles and Vegetables, and Thai Coconut Meatballs.

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American, Seafood
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Easy and quick way to grab favorite breakfast items like Mickey waffles and Tonga Toast, solid lunch and dinner choices (the homemade chips and Aloha pork sandwich are particular favorites) lots of seating, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
• Cons: Can get quite busy during peak times

Kona Island

Kona Island is a Quick Service spot where you can buy coffee and pastries in the morning and grab-and-go sushi later in the day. There’s also a variety of desserts.

Location type: Grab-and-go
Type of food: American, Sushi
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Easy and quick option, especially for guests staying at the Polynesian
• Cons: Limited menu, not much seating

Oasis Bar & Grill

Oasis Bar & Grill is the Quick Service dining spot at the Oasis Pool. While you can order meals here, there is also a full bar with tropical cocktails and Hawaiian beer.

Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals served: Lunch & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Several unique salads and fish options are available for lunch or you can grab some standard bar food or a specialty cocktail or Hawaiian beer while enjoying the pool
• Cons: Limited menu, not much seating

Table Service

Table Service locations typically require Advanced Dining Reservations. You can make those online or inside of the Disney Experience app.

‘Ohana

‘Ohana is a popular Table Service location that serves breakfast and dinner, with the former featuring beloved characters. The family-style food is also usually a hit here, especially the noodles and bread pudding.

Note: Currently, this is a modified dining experience. Character dining returns September 27, 2022.

Location type: Family-style, Character dining
Type of food: American, Polynesian
Meals served: Breakfast & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros: Food options to please most anybody (all-you-can-eat American breakfast, lots of meat options for dinner plus the much-beloved bread pudding for dessert, and plant-based choices), characters appear (Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and others), kids are included in activities during the meal
• Cons: Popular spot so reservations are hard to get, check in can take a long time so maybe even consider arriving early for your reservation
• Tip: Book ASAP if you are interested in eating here; breakfast hours extend until 12:00 pm which makes it a great place to grab a late breakfast

Kona Cafe

Kona Cafe is a great Table Service restaurant to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They’re best known for breakfast, especially the famous Tonga Toast and Kona coffee. We’re also fans of the Macadamia Nut Pancakes.

Location type: Casual dining
Type of food: American, Seafood
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Good food all around (try the Tonga Toast and Kona coffee for breakfast), mobile ordering available through the My Disney Experience app
• Cons: Used to be a hidden gem but now books up much further in advance. Can’t get in? Try pastries, coffee, and sushi at the nearby Kona Island

Everything Else

Looking to grab some appetizers or a cocktail? Here’s where you can do that at the Polynesian.

Barefoot Pool Bar

The Barefoot Pool Bar is located at the Lava Pool. You can find drinks, snacks, and entrees (perfect for if you’re hanging by the pool), including cocktails with Dole Whip.

Location type: Pool bar
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snacks, lunch, & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros:  Great place to grab a specialty drink and Dole Whip
• Cons: Limited seating

Pineapple Lanai

Pineapple Lanai is a small outdoor stand, where you can order a variety of Dole Whip flavors.

Location type: Counter service
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snack

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits, Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Dole Whip treats (much quicker spot to get Dole Whips than Magic Kingdom location), good use of snack credits, nice outdoor seating area
• Cons: No longer self serve

Tambu Lounge

Tambu Lounge is an indoor bar and lounge next to ‘Ohana. You can either sit at the bar or tables for drinks and small bites or take drinks to go. You can also order select menu items from the ‘Ohana dinner menu.

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals served: Small plates and drinks

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros: Nice spot to grab an appetizer, ‘Ohana bread pudding and noodles (not on menu, but you can can still order), or a specialty drink (including a Lapu Lapu, the popular drink that served in a pineapple), good atmosphere
• Cons: Only open in the evening, expensive drinks

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

A themed-bar experience that has all kinds of fun antics that are not to be missed. The cocktails and souvenir cups are great too. This is a very popular spot. Reservations are not accepted and guests are welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location type: Lounge, Unique/Themed dining
Type of food: American
Meals served: Small plates and drinks

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros: Super fun environment, delicious drinks (including great souvenir cups!) and food
• Cons: Very limited indoor seating, Disney Dining Plan credits not accepted

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace is an outdoor bar that serves the same cocktails as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, and indoor themed-bar experience.

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American, Polynesian
Meals served: Small plates and drinks

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credit(s)
• Pros: Same delicious drinks offered inside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, lovely seating area with view of the Polynesian pool and Magic Kingdom
• Cons: The fun antics that occur inside at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto are missing at the outdoor Tiki Terrace

How to get from Polynesian Village Resort to anywhere at Disney World

There are three forms of transportation available: buses, water transportation, and the Monorail. You can access theme parks and Disney Springs via the bus. The water taxis transport guests across Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

As for the Monorail, you can access Magic Kingdom, Epcot (the park has its own line and you will have to transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center, aka TTC), Grand Floridian, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All of the different ways to get from the Polynesian to anywhere in Disney World is detailed below.

Scheduled Refurbishments

Name: Dining Refurbishment
Description: Kona Cafe is closed for a complete refurbishment. No reopening date has been announced yet. During the closure, Mobile Ordering will be available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Kona Island.
From: 08/15/2022
To: Fall 2022

Name: Resort Refurbishment
Description: In March 2022, it was announced that the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show would not be returning as a new DVC Villas property would be built in the location of the dinner show. No opening date has been announced yet.
From: 03/16/2022
To: TBD

Other Info

• Polynesian Village Resort Maps
• Pros and Cons of on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels