5 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

We just returned home from an amazing end-of-summer getaway at Walt Disney World. This was our second trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth this year, but our first time staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. And I just have to say – wow! From beginning to end, we were truly blown away during our stay here. Over the years we have been fortunate to stay at many other Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and have enjoyed them all; however, after our stay at the Polynesian, I think it’s safe to say we have found our “home resort”.

Throughout our visit I spent a great deal of time exploring many of the amenities this gorgeous resort has to offer. And today I’m sharing with you some of the highlights. Here are 5 reasons why the Polynesian Village Resort should be your next Disney destination!

1. Location, Location, Location (Resort Monorail Access)

There is so much beauty to explore at the Polynesian, but one of the biggest perks that bring guests to this resort is the location. Located just steps outside your front door, the Monorail will have you inside the Magic Kingdom in under 10 minutes.

During our stay we took the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom, as well as Epcot. Taking the Monorail to Epcot isn’t quite as direct as it is to the Magic Kingdom; however, it’s still pretty easy. Let me explain. In order to take the Monorail from the Polynesian to Epcot, you have two options:

1. Catch the Resort Monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and then transfer over to the Epcot Monorail from there.
2. Take a short walk to the TTC (located next to the Polynesian) and then hop on the Epcot Monorail from there. I personally recommend this option, as we found it to be faster and more convenient – even with the short walk over to the TTC.

As for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, they are both just a quick 10 minute bus/car ride away.

Another transportation option over to the Magic Kingdom is the convenient water launch. This scenic boat ride will take you across the Seven Seas Lagoon and drop you off right outside Magic Kingdom. I recommend doing this at least once during your stay!

The boat ride is about a 20 minute journey, which includes a stop at the Grand Floridian next door.

Note: Please keep in mind that all travel times are approximate and will vary depending upon time of day/crowd levels.

2. Magic Kingdom Fireworks View

Did you know that you have a direct view of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom from the shores of the Polynesian?! And not only that, but they also pipe in the music from the show so it really feels like you’re in the middle of the action on Main Street – without the crowds! You can sit back & relax while enjoying Happily Ever After from the comfort of your resort. We made it a point to do this several nights during our stay and it was a highlight for sure!

Bonus Tip: Head out to the firework viewing area about an hour before the scheduled show to grab a chair and watch the sunset. While you wait grownups can enjoy a drink from the pool bar and the littles can enjoy a delicious s’mores treat from the campfire. Shortly before the fireworks begin you’ll also have a front row seat to the Electrical Water Pageant that takes place in the Seven Seas Lagoon. Trust me when I say it will be one of your favorite memories from your trip!

3. The Incredible Pools + Water Slides

Now I do realize that many of the Walt Disney Resort Hotels have some pretty amazing pools, but the Polynesian’s Lava Pool ranks up there as one of our favorites! Complete with a waterfall + 142 ft. water slide, you’ll definitely want to carve time out of your trip to enjoy it! We spent our first full afternoon here and a few post-park evenings as well. Another one of our favorite memories from our trip was swimming in the Lava Pool while watching the fireworks from Magic Kingdom. Note: Complimentary kid-size life vests are available, as well as pool towels.

In addition to the Lava Pool, there are two other pools at the Polynesian, including the Kiki Tiki Splash Zone, which is perfect for the 48″ and under crowd! My kids (ages 4 & 6) both had an absolute blast here!

4. The Spacious Rooms (Sleep up to 5 adults)

With 2 Queen beds + 1 day bed, the Polynesian rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 5 adults. Our family of 4 was pleasantly surprised by how spacious our room was. We had plenty of room for all of our luggage and there was even space left over to park our double stroller (without having to fold it).

The additional day bed was a huge hit with the kids, as they each took turns sleeping in the day bed (they thought it was the coolest thing to get their own “special bed” as opposed to sharing the Queen bed)!

5. Overall Theming + South Pacific Atmosphere

I truly am blown away by how perfectly themed the Polynesian is. You really feel like you are in the middle of the South Pacific. I mean, just look at these lush gardens and gorgeous views!

Upon check-in at the Polynesian we were greeted with a warm Hawaiian welcome complete with flower leis.

And how gorgeous is the lobby?! Located right off the 2-story lobby, you will find several gift shops and restaurants, including ‘Ohana.

On our arrival day, the kids enjoyed walking around the resort and exploring. It was also really sweet to hear the kids say “Aloha” to many of the Cast Members and resort guests. We loved the family atmosphere here!

And if you’re looking for more fun, you’ll want to check out the Seven Seas Marina right outside the resort. Here you can rent boats, take a fishing excursion and even enjoy a firework cruise!

Bonus Perk: Dole Whip at the Polynesian

Another fun fact – did you know that you can get your fill of Dole Whip at the Polynesian’s Pineapple Lanai?! Our little London gives it a thumbs up for being not only delicious, but also dairy-free!

Overall, I can’t say enough good things about our stay here! I have no doubt we will be back enjoying this beautiful resort in the future. If you’re looking for a resort that feels like a vacation within a vacation, you won’t want to miss Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

Aloha! A hui hou, Polynesian Village Resort!

Have you stayed at the Polynesian? What is your family’s favorite Disney resort?

xo,

Sumer

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