Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a deluxe resort, conveniently located just a monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom. It is also a short walk from the Ticket & Transportation Center, making it easy to catch the Epcot monorail. The Polynesian Village Resort is one of the original Walt Disney World Resorts, and it opened in 1971 along with the Magic Kingdom.
Arrival
When you arrive at the Poly, you’re typically greeted with a warm “aloha!”and a flower lei. The moment you step inside, you’ll smell the signature Polynesian scent, hear island music, and see the stunning tropical decor and plants.
Here’s what the arrival process generally looks like:
- If arriving by car, you’ll go through the security gate, where they check your reservation. If using Mears Connect, Minnie Vans, or another transportation service, you'll be dropped off near the Great Ceremonial House.
- Check-In at the Great Ceremonial House – If you haven’t done online check-in, you’ll visit the front desk. Cast Members often offer leis upon arrival.
- Online Check-In Option – If you checked in via the My Disney Experience app, you can bypass the front desk and go straight to your room when they text you that it's ready, if you don't want to get a lei or a resort map.
- Luggage Assistance – Bell Services can hold your luggage if your room isn’t ready.
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The Poly, as it is affectionately called by some, consists of several buildings or "longhouses" named Tuvalu, Fiji, Aotearoa, Tonga, Hawaii, Samoa, Niue, Rarotonga, Tokelau, Moorea and Pago Pago. The Bora Bora Bungalows located along the Seven Seas Lagoon. The newest addition to the resort is the Island Tower, home to duo studios, one and two bedroom villas, and the penthouse villas.
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| pull down murphy bed |
Accomodations
*All rooms have a balcony or patio, and indoor entry*
Standard Resort Rooms
- Moana-inspired themes
- Typically 2 queen beds + 1 daybed (sleeps up to 5)
- Exclusive Access to a private lounge with snacks, drinks, and concierge services.
- Same theming, but in premium locations with extra perks.
Deluxe Studios (Disney Vacation Club – DVC)
- 1 queen bed + 1 pull-down Murphy bed + 1 daybed (sleeps up to 5)
- Lilo and Stitch/Polynesian theming
- Kitchenette: Microwave, sink, and mini-fridge.
- Split Bathroom Layout: One side has a walk-in shower, the other has a bathtub.
Overwater Bungalows
- These are massive, private villas over Seven Seas Lagoon with stunning views of Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain
- Sleeps 8: 2 bedrooms + a pull-down bed + a full kitchen & living area.
- Private Plunge Pool
- In-Room Fireworks Music: So you can enjoy the show from your deck!
- South Pacific Aesthetic – Inspired by Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa, with rich wood tones, tropical prints, and island-style lanterns
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| One of two bedrooms in the bungalows |
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| Back deck of a bungalow |
Room Views
- Theme Park View – Overlooks Magic Kingdom with fireworks views!
- Lagoon/Lake View – Looks out over Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Pool View - Views of one of the pools
- Garden View – Overlooks lush tropical landscaping.
- Standard View - May have parking lot views
Park Transportation
This resort is on the Resort Monorail loop, making it super convenient for getting to Magic Kingdom, the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC), and Resort Hopping
Resort Monorail
Stops at:
- Polynesian Village Resort
- Grand Floridian Resort
- Magic Kingdom
- Contemporary Resort
- Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC)
Express Monorail
Stops ONLY the TTC & Magic Kingdom (skips the resorts). This is a faster way to Magic Kingdom. Just walk to the TTC from the Polynesian (5-10 min). Board at the TTC, not the resort.
EPCOT Monorail
Stops ONLY the TTC & EPCOT. This line is for getting to EPCOT. Walk to the TTC and board the EPCOT line.
Magic Kingdom Ferryboat
Departs from the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) it's a 5-min walk from the Polynesian and goes to Magic Kingdom. It takes about 10 minutes (plus wait time). Often less crowded than the monorail, especially after fireworks, the boat is a nice relaxing way to travel.
Resort Boat Launch
Boat Service to Magic Kingdom & Grand Floridian that departs From: Polynesian Boat Dock (near the beach). This goes to the Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian (before or after Magic Kingdom). Travel Time is about 15 minutes. No need to walk to the TTC—just board near the Polynesian beach.
It runs more frequently than the ferry, usually every 15-20 min.
Buses and Rideshare
Disney buses run to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs from a bus stop on the first floor outside the lobby. Rideshare services can be much faster to Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.
Dining Options
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| Kona Cafe |
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| Trader Sams |
The Lilo and Stitch Best Friends breakfast is a character meal served family style where Mickey, Pluto, Stitch and Lilo will vist your table for photos and autographs. You'll be served Mickey and Stitch waffles, eggs, potatoes, fruit, pineapple bread, breakfast meats, and POG juice. Learn more about 'Ohana Breakfast here! Kona Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is the home of the famous Tonga Toast. It also features delicious sushi and sashimi.
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| 'Ohana Breakfast |
👍Expert Tip: Mobile order from Capt. Cook’s, Wailulu or Kona to avoid lines – These spots can get busy! Ordering ahead through the My Disney Experience app saves time.There are 2 pool bars, the Oasis Pool Bar and Barefoot Pool Bar. The Tambu Lounge is located inside by ‘Ohana and serves the Lapu Lapu, or the “drink in the pineapple.” The Pineapple Lanai is where you can find the infamous Dole Whip... without needing a park ticket! It’s an outdoor walk-up counter right outside the Great Ceremonial House, near the entrance to Capt. Cook’s.
Pineapple Lanai Highlights:- Classic Dole Whip (Pineapple, Vanilla, or Swirl)
- Dole Whip Floats (Dole Whip + Pineapple Juice)
- Seasonal & Limited-Time Flavors – Sometimes they offer unique flavors like raspberry, lime, or themed swirls
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a hidden tiki bar known for its over-the-top tropical cocktails, interactive elements, and immersive theming. Inspired by Disney’s Jungle Cruise and Trader Sam, the “head” salesman from the ride. The bar is packed with kitschy jungle and tiki decor, nods to Disney history, and Easter eggs from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Indiana Jones, and the Enchanted Tiki Room.
Ordering certain drinks triggers special in-room effects like volcano eruptions, sinking bar stools, and surprise visits from mythical sea creatures! The Skipper-style bartenders play along, adding to the fun.
The indoor bar is tiny (only seats about 50 guests), making it a first-come, first-served situation. If it’s full, you can put your name on a waitlist.
Legendary Drinks
- Uh-Oa! (For 2+ people) – Comes with a fiery ritual
- Nautilus – Served in a souvenir submarine mug
- Shrunken Zombie Head – A strong, classic tiki-style cocktail served in a zombie head mug
- HippopotoMai-Tai – A classic Mai Tai with a cool souvenir glass.
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| Shrunken Zombie Head |
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has two main gift shops: BouTiki and Moana Mercantile, each offering different types of merchandise. BouTiki (Main Gift Shop) is in the Great Ceremonial House, near the lobby. Here you'll find tiki mugs, shirts, resort-branded items, pins, Hawaiian shirts, dresses, Mickey ears, spirit jerseys, and seasonal collections, Polynesian-style art, mugs, kitchenware, Pandora charms, designer bags, Hawaiian treats, candy, and some snacks.
Moana Mercantile (Family-Friendly Shop) is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, near the monorail entrance. Here you'll find lots of Stitch and Moana merch! There's plenty of Disney merch too– Plush toys, kids’ apparel, stuffed animals, LEGOs, puzzles, action figures, pins and stationary sets. They have some basic groceries like milk, bottled drinks, over-the-counter meds, sunscreen, and chips next door as well.
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| Moana Mercantile Gift Shop |
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Lapu Lapu |
There are 3 large swimming pools -all of which include a hot tub! The all new Moana splash pad is located at the Cove Pool between the Ceremonal House and the new Island Tower. There is beach volleyball, hammocks, giant lawn games, a jogging trail, movies under the stars, and a campfire. The main pool, Lava Pool, features a towering volcano, waterfall and 142-foot-long waterslide.
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| Lava Pool |
👍Expert Tip: Take advantage of movie nights on the beach – Disney films are shown outdoors, and it's a fun way to wind down after a busy park day.
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| Electrical Water Pageant |
The best spots are along the sandy beach near the Lava Pool or by the boat dock. The fireworks show audio is played over speakers, so you get the full experience. Some guests grab a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai or a cupcake from Captain Cooks beforehand and make a whole event of it!
The Electrical Water Pageant is a classic Disney experience that’s been around since 1971. It’s a charming, retro-style parade of floating light-up sea creatures set to Disney tunes. The best views are from the Polynesian’s beach, boat dock, Cove Pool, or near the bungalow area. It’s a great way to end the evening, especially if you’re not in the parks!
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| Island Tower |
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| Cove Pool |
From the time you walk in and have a lei placed around your neck to your Monorail ride back from the Magic Kingdom, you won’t regret choosing Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for your next Disney vacation! We'd love to help you plan a magical and memorable Disney Vacation! Contact us for a free quote and planning help from our experienced Disney travel planners.
What's your favorite thing about the Polynesian Resort?
Summer fell in love with Disney the very first time she visited. Now, she helps clients book stress-free and affordable family vacations! Email her at Summer@kingdomkonsultant.com for a quote and planning help.
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