Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort you’ll be immersed in the spirit of the South Pacific with tropical palm trees, lush vegetation and torch-lit pathways.

While technically Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the flagship hotel at Walt Disney World, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has been the most popular hotel since it opened in 1971. Even a few unofficial fan clubs have been created.

Dining, shopping, hotel check in and the monorail are all located in the The Great Ceremonial House, the main building within the resort.

Its nearly 500 guest rooms are located inside several, 3-story outer buildings called longhouses. The furthest is an 8 minute walk from The Great Ceremonial House.

Exterior pathways lead to the different buildings. Hotel rooms are accessed through interior hallways.

This 40-acre resort sits directly across from Magic Kingdom Park on the man-made Seven Seas Lagoon, just minutes away by monorail or by boat.

The Magic Kingdom monorail stops at the lobby of the Polynesian and the Epcot monorail line is within walking distance.

Except for a few enhancements over the years, the lobby looks the same as it did in 1971. There is a lot of nostalgia here, especially for those who may remember coming as a child, so Disney has been careful not to make drastic changes.

But some criticize that decision, calling for a more upscale remodel. It think it's uniquely Walt Disney World.

Upon entering the lobby, you’re immediately greeted with a sweet, tropical scent that is unique to this hotel. In fact, a number of candle and fragrance companies have duplicated the scent so you can make your home smell like the Polynesian.

Note: There’s a kiosk inside the Co-Op at Disney Springs that sells the fragrance.

Online check-in is an option at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but I still recommend stopping at the front desk to pick up a resort map.

There are a number of outer buildings at this resort and if you’re not sure where you’re going, you could end up doing a lot of unnecessary walking.

Plus, when you stop at the front desk, a Cast Member will give you complimentary Hawaiian leis!

If you’re celebrating something special such as a birthday, anniversary, or any personal triumph, be sure to let the front desk Cast Members know that as well.

During the last refurbishment, more seating was added to the lobby. I love to grab a coffee or a Dole Whip, then find a place to sit in the lobby and just relax.

Sometimes I forget I”m not actually in Hawaii.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Rooms

Ground floor rooms have patios, third floor rooms have covered balconies.

Most of the resort’s second floor rooms do not have full balconies. Instead they have a sliding door that opens to outside but it is not possible to actually stand outside.

My clients will often ask me to request a first floor or third floor room so they have the option of going outside.

For assistance with making room requests, plus other insider advice on planning your Walt Disney World vacation, contact me here to get started!

Most guest rooms have the same configuration: 2 queen beds and a twin-size daybed.

Suites and Club Level rooms are available as well.

Like most Disney World hotels, the nightly rate depends largely by the view from your room and/or the room location. Disney charges more for premium views and/or more convenient room locations.

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort there are 6 main room categories:

Standard View - Views of gardens, walkways, or monorail.
Lagoon View - Views of the the Seven Seas Lagoon. Some rooms may have an obstructed view of Magic Kingdom.
Pool or Marina View - Rooms that overlook one of the two pools or a room overlooking the marina on the Seven Seas Lagoon. There isn’t much of a marina these days compared to years ago, but Disney still uses it to dock a few boats.
Theme Park View - Views of the distant Magic Kingdom Park. Most rooms have views of the nightly fireworks and the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Club Level - There are multiple views to choose from within the Club Level category such as Theme Park View and Garden View. These are standard rooms but include access to a lounge where breakfast and snacks are served daily.
Deluxe Studio - Views of the lagoon, landscaping or parking areas. These spacious rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave, toaster, mini-fridge, paper plates, bowls, and plastic utensils. They have 1 Queen Bed, 1 Queen-Size murphy bed that doubles as a sofa, and 1 Single pull-down bed. Sleeps up to 5 adults

How Much Does Disney’s Polynesian Resort Cost?

Rates vary by day of the week, time of year and room view. Friday and Saturday night stays cost a little more.

Rates are lower from late August through October and higher from February through April.

Holiday rates are in effect between Christmas and New Year’s Day, and the week immediately following Easter.

Approximate room rates at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Standard View starting at $650/night
Pool or Marina View starting at $765/night
Lagoon View starts at $890/night
Theme Park View starts at $960/night
Garden View Club Level starts at $928/night
Theme Park View Club Level starts at $1025/night
Deluxe Studio starts at $655/night

Note that Garden View Club Level is less than a Theme Park View room. I advise my clients to book the Club Level room over the Theme Park View whenever possible. The value of Club Level outweighs the view of Magic Kingdom.

What is Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Club Level rooms are not suites, they are standard rooms with 2 queen beds and 1 daybed, but they come with access to the King Kamehameha Club. Here you’ll have secured key access to the club-level lounge, where a continental breakfast and refreshments are served daily.

▸ See my Easy Guide to Club Level at Walt Disney World

Standard rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are among the most spacious at Walt Disney World at about 450 square feet.

Standard rooms can sleep up to 5 adults plus 1 child up to age 3 in a crib.

Rooms have 2 queen size beds and a sofa bed. King bed rooms are also available and sleep up to 2 adults plus 1 child up to age 3.

Amenities include

Hair Dryer

Coffee Maker

In-room safe

Telephone with voice mail

Iron & ironing board

Complimentary High-Speed WiFi

Pool Towels

Flat-Panel Television

Keurig Coffee & Tea Set Up

Table & chairs

Mini-fridge

Video: Tour a standard room at Disney’s Polynesian VIllage Resort

The sofa easily converts into a twin size bed. It’s quite comfortable, there’s no iron bar in your back as with a pull out sofa.

Spacious bathrooms have a double vanity with a separate water closet. There’s a tub/shower combo with luxury fixtures.

Longhouses consist of 3 floors and are scattered around the resort’s 40 acres.

While it isn’t possible to choose a specific building, you can make a request in advance.

For example, if you prefer to have a full balcony or patio, odds are pretty good that request will be honored. But if you book a Standard View room and ask for a view of Magic Kingdom…not so much on that one.

I make room requests for my clients all the time. If you would like expert planning advice on your Walt Disney World vacation, ▸contact me now.

Most of the 2nd floor rooms at the Polynesian do not have full balconies.

Second floor rooms without full balconies. Sliding doors open to a railing, it’s not possible to stand outside.

The Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort can sleep up to 8 guests and offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom and nightly fireworks.

Room rates start at about $3,500 per night and can go as high as $4,500 per night during peak season.

Some of my clients will split a bungalow with family or friends for a few nights to share the cost and get an amazing experience. You can also do a split-stay between a standard room for a few nights and a bungalow or a night or two.

Bungalows have 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 1 Queen-Size Pull Down Bed and 2 Single Pull Down Beds

Bungalows do not include access to the Club Level lounge.

Can you see Cinderella Castle off in the distance?

Rooms in the Hawaii Building are all Club Level. Here you’ll find the King Kamehameha lounge.

Each morning a continental breakfast is served. Then a daily snack service is provided followed by a light dinner buffet.

Later in the evening, there’s a dessert and cordial buffet, perfect for watching the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from the lounge or the beach at the Polynesian.

Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and water are also included throughout the day at no additional cost.

This is the marina at Disney’s Polynesian Village resort. The marina has been used in a variety of ways over the years. At one point, this was home to a massive Chinese sailing vessel that sailed the Seven Seas Lagoon.

In its heyday, the marina was used for boat and windsurfer rentals. They added a lively and colorful element to the marina. Perhaps one day Disney will bring them back.

Here’s a fun look back at the marina in the 1980’s. (Credit: retrowdw.com)

Fiji building, Marina View

There are two pools, the Volcano Pool, also known as the Lava Pool, pictured here and the Oasis Pool pictured below.

The Volcano Pool has a waterslide, children’s playscape, afternoon music and entertainment, and poolside bar service.

The pools at Walt Disney World are heated during cooler weather.

Pool hours vary, but in most cases they open at 8am, and close at 10pm

The Oasis pool, also known as the “quiet pool” has cabana rentals, poolside bar service, and plenty of lounge chairs.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Restaurants

‘Ohana is one of the most popular restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. It’s currently open for breakfast and dinner.

Disney Characters may be available for breakfast, check the Disney World website for current information. ▸ View ‘Ohana’s menu here

‘Ohana is home to the world’s largest indoor fire pit.

Captain Cook’s is the Polynesian’s quick service dining restaurant.

It has indoor and outdoor seating available.

I recommend the Tonga Toast for breakfast and Thai Coconut Meatballs for dinner.

Mobile order is available inside the Disney World mobile app or you can place an order at the restaurant.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a small, hidden lounge just off the lobby of the Polynesian.

This secret lounge is actually extremely popular! People will line up in the hallway waiting to get inside. ▸ View the menu for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto here

Children are allowed inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto until 8pm. After 8, it’s adults ages 21+ only.

If you don’t want to wait to go inside, there are a number of great lounges and bars located at the Polynesian that do not have a wait.

Kona Cafe is a casual table service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. ▸ View the Kona Cafe menu here

Kona is popular so reservations are recommended, especially for breakfast.

You can also try to join the walkup list from the Disney World mobile app. My family and I have had great luck getting a last minute table by joining the virtual walkup list for both, breakfast and dinner. But there’s never a guarantee you’ll get in.

Years ago Captain Cook’s had an ice cream machine that served vanilla and pineapple swirl, known as the Dole Whip.

A cult following developed (myself included) and it became so popular that Disney built a takeout window and added seating to better accommodate the amount of people wanting a Dole Whip.

A long line tends to develop in the evening, especially just before fireworks.

The Magic Kingdom fireworks can been seen from the beach at the Polynesian, so a lot of people will grab a Dole Whip and head to the beach to watch the show.

Say "aloha" to coffee and pastries in the morning and grab-and-go sushi later in the day.

Shopping at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Boutiki is a terrific gift shop offering popular Disney World merchandise plus specialty logo items from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Moana Mercantile: Here you’ll find another selection of Disney merchandise along with sundries and snacks.

Everything from beer, wine, milk, solda and prepackaged items.

Transportation Options at Disney’s Polynesian VIllage Resort

Complimentary boat service is provided to Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Boats arrive every 15-20 minutes

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is located on the monorail line to Magic Kingdom. Monorails arrive every 5 minutes at the Great Ceremonial House.

They usually begin operating 60-90 minute prior to park opening and continue to run 60-90 minutes after park closing.

Be sure to check the signage in the lobby for daily operating hours.

Monorails make a stop at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, then continue on to Magic Kingdom.

Monorails operate on a loop around the Seven Seas Lagoon, also stopping at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Ticket and Transportation Center before returning to the Polynesian.

Complimentary bus transporation is provided to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and the Disney water parks.

The Ticket and Transportation Center is within walking distance from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Here you can take the monorail to Epcot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a place to do laundry at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Yes, there is a laundry room on site. I recommend bringing your own detergent pods. The brand Disney sells isn’t very effective at removing stains.

Did the Beatles really break up at the Polynesian Village Resort?

Yes, John Lennon was staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in December 1974. His lawyers brought him the official documents to sign that would officially dissolve The Beatles. While Disney will not confirm the exact room Lennon was staying in, it’s believed to be a Theme Park View room, most likely in the Samoa longhouse based on photos taken during Lennon’s vacation.

What time is check in at the Polynesian Resort?

Check-in is at 4pm. Online check-in is available through the Walt Disney World app. Check-out time is 11am.

Is there a map of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

What are the different buildings at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Aotearoa - Close to the Great Ceremonial House, views of monorail or lagoon. 2nd floor rooms do not have balconies.
Fiji - Close to the Great Ceremonial House, far from the Epcot monorail. Overlooks marina or gardens. 2nd floor rooms do not have full balconies.
Hawaii - This is the Club Level building. Views of the lagoon, Magic Kingdom, or Gardens. 2nd floor rooms do not have full balconies.
Niue - Close to the Great Ceremonial House and pools. One of the most requested buildings at the Polynesian because of its convenient location. 2nd floor rooms do not have full balconies.
Rapa Nui - Deluxe Studios building. Close to the Epcot monorail station and quiet pool. Rooms on the north face gardens, south facing rooms have a parking lot view. 2nd floor rooms have full balconies.
Rarotonga - Close to Great Ceremonial House and pools. One of the most requested buildings because of its convenient location. Mostly standard view rooms here (gardens, quiet pool, or a distant parking area). 2nd floor rooms do not have full balconies.
Samoa - Mostly pool view rooms, very close to the Great Ceremonial house. Ground floor rooms have easy access to both pools. Can be noisy when pools are busy in the afternoon. 2nd floor rooms do not have full balconies.
Tahiti - Made up of Deluxe Studios, so no standard hotel rooms here. Studios are similar to standard rooms, and perhaps even more desirable. Very close to the Epcot monorail station, but it’s the furthest away from the Great Ceremonial House. 2nd floor rooms have full balconies.
Tonga - All of Polynesian’s suites are located here including the Presidential Suite and a Honeymoon Suite.
Tokelau - Another building made up of Deluxe Studios, so no standard hotel rooms here. Studios are similar, and perhaps even more desirable than standard rooms. Excellent location, between the Great Ceremonial House, pool and Epcot monorail station. 2nd floor rooms have full balconies.
Tuvalu - Has many rooms overlooking Magic Kingdom, in a quiet location. Far from the Epcot monorail, somewhat close to the Great Ceremonial House. 2nd floor rooms do not have full balconies.