The lush grounds at The Polynesian Resort- Photo by Sara A Broers
Booking a vacation at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort just adds to the excitement of a vacation at Walt Disney World. The lush, tropical vegetation is sure to take you to the South Pacific. The scenery is not only breath taking, but also relaxing. While at this resort, you will literally be swept away into a tropical paradise, unlike anywhere else. The Polynesian Resort continues to remain one of Disney’s most popular resorts. It is one of the original resorts, dating back to 1971, when Walt Disney World opened.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is home to 847 stunning rooms, which are all themed with rich tropical colors. The South Pacific touches of bamboo and rattan are sure to be found, as well. The Great Ceremonial House can be seen from a ways away in the parking area as you approach this resort. Upon your arrival at Disney’s Polynesian Resort you will be greeted in traditional South Pacific fashion, as each person in your party will receive their very own lei. You will also be greeted with a beautiful water fall and the sounds that accompany flowing water. Once you are all checked in your options as this resort are plentiful.
LOBBY
The lobby area is where you will check in and complete any business you need to take care of. Several couches, chairs, and other South Pacific themed pieces of furniture await you here. This is also the perfect place to ask a Disney Cast Member any questions you may have, as they are usually close by. Shopping and Dining are also located in The Great Ceremonial House.
TRANSPORTATION
While staying on the property at Walt Disney World be sure to utilize the complimentary transportation. Here’s a rundown of how to get where from the Polynesian Resort. Once you are on Disney property, enjoy the magic and remember to be patient. The Magic Kingdom is literally just a hop, skip, and jump from Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
Orlando International Airport– Use Disney’s Magical Express.
Magic Kingdom Theme Park– Monorail or Boat.
EPCOT Theme Park – Monorail to TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center, transfer to EPCOT Theme Park Monorail Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park, Downtown Disney Area, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course- Bus.
Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course– Bus to Downtown Disney Area, transfer to Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin Bus, walk from Walt Disney World Swan Hotel.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex- Travel to Downtown Disney area or closest theme park. Transfer to an All-Star, Caribbean Beach or Pop Century Bus. From these resorts, board the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Bus. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa- Monorail or Walkway Other WAlt Disney World Resort Hotels- Bus to Downtown Disney Area, transfer to Resort Hotel Bus
ACTIVITIES
Two swimming pools are located throughout the property. The volcano themed pool is very popular for families as it features a water slide and a 40 foot volcano with a stunning water fall. The Poly East Pool, other wise known as the “Quiet Pool” offers deeper waters, perfect for those looking for a more peaceful pool. Boating, Fishing, Water Skiing, and Para-Sailing are also very popular on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.
The sandy white beach is available for sandcastle building for the kids, and the hammocks are welcoming to parents. Bicycles are also available for rent. These can be rented down at the marina. Disney’s Polynesian Resort is also a great place to watch the nights electrical water pageant that sails through Seven Seas Lagoon on a nightly basis. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show features an all-you- care-to-eat family style luau, which feature hula dancers; as well as a stunning fire- knife performer. The setting of the theater is outdoors, with a covered, comfortable dining area. By the end of the evening you will feel as though you are a part of the show and are in your own tropical paradise. A children’s menu is also provided for those picky eaters.
DINING
The Kona Cafe offers American Cuisine such as slow roasted prime rib, macadamia-crusted mahi mahi and other traditional American fare with a touch of the South Pacific. Ohana is another topically themed restaurant that offers a family style dinner. Here you will find meats grilled over an oak fire. Both restaurants are within the $15.00- $35.99 price range. The Tambu Lounge is located in The Great Ceremonial House and offers appetizers and wine, beer, espresso and the like all under $14.99. Captain Cook’s also features American Cuisine, all priced under $14.99. Here you will find pizza, hamburgers, and the like. Kona Island features coffee, volcano rolls, as well as wine priced below $14.99. A nice selection of food is available within Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
PRICING
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a top of the line resort. During peak times, rooms run from $535.00-$2880.00 per night. Depending on your needs and what time of year you visit, will ultimately determine the price of your room. Standard Rooms come with 2 queen sized beds, small table, chair, cable TV, hair dryer, alarm clock, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and many other amenities. High Speed Internet is available for an additional fee.
Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort has become the resort of choice for many families for 40 years! The property is lush and the green all around is as inviting as the fine, white sand that surrounds the bay front. When you book a vacation at Walt Disney World and choose the Polynesian Resort, you will have memories of a vacation that took you to a slower place in time; and your family will thank you!
