Looking for a few reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Here are five reasons you’ve got to check out this original Deluxe hotel.

As the temperature begins to drop and winter approaches, there is only one thing on my mind: the beach! 

But sometimes, the beach alone just won’t do. That’s why I like to set my sights on the tropical oasis that is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

The Poly is a tropical oasis. Photo by Brett Svenson

If an abundance of delicious food options and being a AAA Four-Diamond Award-winning resort aren’t enough to sway you, here are another five reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Note: As WDW continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, certain attractions mentioned in this piece may not currently be offered.

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1. Island Vibes

It’s like an island getaway. Photo by Brett Svenson

Before even entering the lobby, lush vegetation and a calming waterfall set the tone for the “no worries” atmosphere of a stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

A beautiful, laidback stay awaits you. Photo by Laurie Sapp

Seeing as the laid back spirit of the islands are the inspiration behind the Poly, you’ll never be at a loss for a place to sit back and relax. Swing your day away in a hammock on the white sand beach while listening to Hawaiian music or take a walk through the tropical landscaping, lit up by tiki torches after dark.

Rest assured that rest is assured. 

Your chair awaits you. Photo by Laurie Sapp

A fun aspect to this resort is that it is broken up into multiple buildings. The Great Ceremonial House is at the center and filled with rockwork flooring (including a hidden Mickey right when you enter!), glass buoy light fixtures, and fun tiki statues—specifically, the beloved Shruggy! Accomodations take place in separate longhouses, each unique in its island name and view. 

Relaxation, island-style, is among the top reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Photo by Brett Svenson

Are you in love with the Poly? Make sure you sign up for a WDW Magazine print subscription before January. As part of our 100th issue (!) and our look-back at the first 50 years of Walt Disney World, we’ll be paying homage to the Poly, exploring its amenities, food, and stories, both then and now.

Start your print subscription for just $8/month!

Subscribe for an in-depth look at the Poly in January 2022. Photo by Rich Ramos

2. Transportation & Location 

The monorail at the Poly. Photo by Rich Ramos

Debatably, this could be the number one reason for staying at the Polynesian. The proximity to Magic Kingdom alone makes you feel like you’re always at the park.

I mean, it’s hard to not see Cinderella Castle no matter where you are at this resort. Even if you don’t get a Theme Park View room, and in the spirit of the resort, no worries! Just step outside, kick your shoes off, stick your toes in the literal sand, and marvel at the revelation that is the Space Mountain structure. 

Oh … is that just me? I do love Space Mountain so my tunnel vision would be set there. But I digress … 

When you need more than just a sweet view, you’re literal minutes away from Fantasyland. So many transportation options, it’s honestly hard to decide which to use. 

Hop aboard! Photo by Brett Svenson

A classic choice, of course, is the monorail. Find a convenient station on the second floor of The Great Ceremonial House at the Poly; just hop on and make your way to Magic Kingdom.

Or transfer at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) to get to EPCOT … or the Grand Floridian … or Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Basically, you can monorail hop to any and all of the Disney Property hot spots starting from the comfort of your own hotel. 

Join us on a resort-hopping adventure aboard the monorail in our special Magic Kingdom keepsake issue of WDW Magazine. This collectible comes with an exclusive double-sided Cinderella Poster and is available for just $12 + shipping.

Join us for a resort-hopping adventure aboard the monorail!

Looking for something a bit different? How about a boat? That’s right, you can take a water taxi from the Polynesian to both Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian. It’s ferry cool. 

But if ground transportation is more your speed, a trusty Disney bus can get you to any of the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. 

3. Nighttime Spectaculars 

Fireworks from the Poly. Photo by Courtney Reynolds

Normally, if I’m on a Disney vacation, as soon as I get back to my room, I immediately fall asleep from exhaustion. This is not the case at the Polynesian.

At the Poly, there are so many nighttime spectaculars that make you, dare I say, look forward to the park day ending so you can enjoy the evening at the resort!

From the comfort of your resort, you can experience the following:

Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

This enchanting luau show is filled with Polynesian dancing, storytelling, and fire dancing. Learn to hula danc,e then indulge in an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast located in Luau Cove, an open-air theater. Be sure to try the authentic Aloha pulled pork and polish it off with the Pineapple Guava Cake for dessert. 

Electrical Water Pageant

Catch the Electrical Water Pageant from the Poly. Photo courtesy of Disney

This charming show takes place every evening, so you have the opportunity to catch it multiple times throughout your stay. A bright green sea monster leads the parade of whimsical sea creatures gliding to Disney tunes over the Seven Seas Lagoon. It’s a beloved nighttime delight that’s twinkled in the eyes of Disney fans since 1971. 

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Fireworks

Remember how I mentioned that it’s hard not to see Cinderella Castle from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Well, that especially comes in handy when the sun sets.

While you will not be able to see the projections, you will be able to avoid those Main Street crowds for Disney Enchantment. The music of the show is pumped through the resort’s speakers so you still feel part of the action as the Magic Kingdom fireworks light up the sky, viewable from the beach along the lagoon and sometimes even your room. 

4. Become One With Water

Take to the water at the Polynesian. Photo by Brett Svenson

Speaking of the Seven Seas Lagoon, the Polynesian gives you many opportunities to get out on it. Pilot your own adventure and cruise around by taking advantage of the motorized boat rentals. 

Looking for a more hands-on activity? Reel in the fun with a guided catch-and-release bass fishing excursion. This entertaining activity is fun for all ages and levels of experience.  

The pools are among the top reasons to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Photo by Andy Sanchez

If pools are more your style, you have two to choose from. The Oasis Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village is great for unwinding. But my favorite part is the large hot tub ,plus the fact that you can order food and drinks to be delivered directly to your lounge chair. Count me in. 

This is the life. Photo by Laurie Sapp

The Lava Pool is where you go when you are ready to get wet and wild. A thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide goes through the towering volcano centrally located at this pool. A zero-depth entry point emulates the beach vibe and allows for easy entry and exit. Little ones will especially enjoy the Kiki Tiki Splash Pad.  

This splash pad is where it’s at. Photo by Jeff Chiu

5. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar

Don’t skip Trader Sam’s. Photo by Andy Sanchez

You grotto see it to believe it! Inspired by rides like Jungle Cruise and movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, this tropical hideaway is a bar, restaurant, and show all in one. With cocktail-triggered animatronics and delicious island-inspired bites, this popular spot is worth the usual wait to enter. 

Some seriously good grub at Trader Sam’s. Photo by Andy Sanchez

Inside Trader Sam’s. Photo by Andy Sanchez

If looking for a more relaxed version of the fun, step outside to Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace where you can order the same food and drinks, but sans the (occasionally loud) special effects. 

But don’t sleep on ‘Ohana. Photo by Brett Svenson

And if you’re looking for something else to eat, may I recommend ‘Ohana? Our subscribers officially voted it their favorite restaurant on Walt Disney World Property. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

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A Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Is It Worth It?

A look inside the Polynesian Village Resort lobby. Photo by Brett Svenson

All in all, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the place to be if you value relaxation and convenience. The location can’t be beat, the atmosphere is tranquil, and the magic of Disney flows like lava.

So keep it cool and casual—dine in and look out at the beauty that is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. 

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