If you’re wondering whether you should book a stay at one of Disney World’s most iconic resorts, I’m breaking down the good, the bad, and the need-to-known details.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most popular resorts at Disney World, and for good reason. It’s iconic, from its immersive island-inspired theming to its variety of accommodations to its delicious (and downright fun) dining options. But as a Deluxe Resort, the Polynesian is also very pricey – so is it worth splurging on?

As one of Disney World’s very first hotels, I think the long history and rich theming of the Polynesian Village Resort make it well worth experiencing. But, as a Disney expert who’s stayed in her fair share of on-property hotels, it’s not necessarily worth its high per-night rate. So, before you book, consider these pros and cons.

The Pros of Staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Photo by Danny Shuster

The Polynesian is Super Close to Magic Kingdom Park

There’s some extra-special magic to be found at Disney World’s Monorail Resorts (or, the three resorts located on the monorail’s loop: the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, and the Contemporary). Not only do they offer one of the coolest modes of transportation, but they’re all super close and conveniently located near Magic Kingdom Park.

I love the proximity because it makes getting to and from the park I spend the most time at a breeze. As a Disneyland local, I’m a huge fan of staying as close to the parks as possible, and the Polynesian delivers here. I can get back to my resort in a matter of minutes versus the lengthier bus or boat trips required to get from EPCOT area or Animal Kingdom area resorts.

Plus, I love the extra perks that come with this proximity to Disney World’s most magical park. You can catch the Electrical Water Pageant as it sails by in the evening, and you can even view the fireworks right from the resort’s grounds. If you’re extra lucky (or willing to pay more for a view), you can even watch right from your room.

The Restaurants Are Amazing (and a Whole Lot of Fun)

If you’re looking for varied dining options, the Polynesian has plenty. I love the tropical fare on the menu of restaurants like Capt. Cook’s, Kona Café, Pineapple Lanai, and Tambu Lounge, to name just a few options. But the real stars of the show here are ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (and by extension, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace) is where I always head for a fun dining atmosphere and standout drinks. This uniquely Disney tiki bar features magic behind the bar, and the interactive experience created by Cast Members means this restaurant always has a lengthy wait to grab a table. While you can still enjoy some of that (namely the food and drinks) over at Tiki Terrace, the Grog Grotto is where you’ll have the best time.

Similarly, ‘Ohana is a must-try at Disney World. The Polynesian-inspired menu, which features dishes served family-style, is delicious. You’ll have plenty of options and flavors to choose from, and it’s easy to satisfy different tastes and appetites here. Plus, the atmosphere is fun whether you’re stopping by for the Lilo & Stitch-inspired character breakfast or the character-free dinner. 

Overall, compared to Value and even Moderate Resorts at Disney World, there are far more choices available at the Polynesian. And out of all of those different restaurants, they’re all excellent (or, at the very least, offer at least one standout item).

The Polynesian’s Transportation Options Make Getting Around Easy

I’ve already mentioned the fact that the Polynesian is a Monorail Resort – but it’s a detail well worth calling out again. That’s because the monorail is just one of the modes of transportation offered here.

While most Disney World Resorts offer bus transportation, it’s rare that you’ll find three or more options to get around the grounds. The Polynesian gives guests a complete wealth of choices. 

You can hop on the monorail at the Polynesian and head to Magic Kingdom, the Transportation and Ticket Center (which will then allow you to get to EPCOT), or stay on the loop to visit the Grand Floridian or the Contemporary.

Don’t want to take the monorail? You can board a bus, which will take longer but offers plenty of options for Disney World’s four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs. Or, you can board a water taxi and boat your way around. Prefer to walk? That’s a possibility, too – but it will take you about half an hour.

Simply put, you have enough options at the Polynesian to get pretty much anywhere you’d like to go at Disney World in a matter of minutes.

Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Photo by Laurie Sapp

Some of the Polynesian’s Best Amenities and Activities Cost Extra

Disney World’s Resorts, particularly Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts like the Polynesian, can offer a wealth of onsite amenities and activities. These can include everything from your typical pools and fitness centers to campfires and s’mores, family movie nights, and guided activities in community halls.

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, there are a number of cool amenities and activities that differentiate it from other resorts. For example, here you can book pontoon boats that’ll take you out onto Seven Seas Lagoon, take fishing excursions, or roast marshmallows on the beach. But the most unique and exciting activities – like those boat rentals – do come with an extra cost.

Since you’re already shelling out quite a bit of cash to stay at the Polynesian, it’s hard to justify paying more just to add on experiences outside of the theme parks themselves. I don’t find that it’s worth taking advantage of them, simply because you can do more for your money elsewhere at the resort (like over at Magic Kingdom).

It’s Incredibly Expensive

One of the most important questions you’ll have to ask yourself before booking a stay at the Polynesian is whether or not it’s within your budget. It’s no secret that Disney World Deluxe Resorts are getting more expensive every year – and it’ll cost you thousands for a multi-day stay no matter what time of the year you visit.

If you’re hoping to stay in a standard Resort View room at the Polynesian, rates can start at around $765 during non-peak months. Want a theme park or water view? It’ll cost you – these rooms can cost more than $1,000 per night.

Don’t mind a smaller space? The newest addition to the resort, the Island Tower, does offer Duo Studio rooms at a lower per-night price. These rooms start at around $570 per night during non-peak months.

That means even during less crowded and popular times of the year, you’re looking at spending thousands of dollars for just a couple of nights. While I think the Polynesian is worth experiencing, that’s an awful lot to spend in addition to theme park tickets and meals out.

Now, there are ways to save. For example, I prefer to rent DVC points through a company like David’s DVC Rentals. That way, I can score larger DVC accommodations (a must-have when you’re traveling with kids, in my opinion) without paying the full price. 

Who is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Best For?

While there are pros and cons to staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, it’s overwhelmingly a fan favorite for a reason. Sure, it’s a Disney World staple – it opened right alongside Magic Kingdom back in 1971 – but its theming really makes it worth experiencing.

However, it’s not necessarily the best Disney World Resort for every guest. I think the Polynesian is best for:

• Adults who are looking to splurge on an extra-special trip
• Those who need convenient, versatile transportation options and proximity to Magic Kingdom
• Families of very young kids who may need quick hotel access (or walking paths)
• Those who don’t mind spending more for a “beachy” Disney World vacation
• Anyone who loves incorporating at least one resort day into their plans

If you’ll spend all of your time at the theme parks and only plan to crash in your hotel room, the Polynesian isn’t worth spending more on. Instead, save your money and stay at a Value Resort where you don’t want to worry about theming, restaurants, or the general vibes of your resort.