Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World (Hotel Tour)


Located directly on-site at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of Disney’s “Deluxe Resort” category hotels, providing an extensive array of amenities and a premium experience.  

The Polynesian was one of the original on-site hotels to open at Walt Disney World back in October 1971.  The resort features 847 rooms and suites which includes 380 rooms in Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (vacation club).

The resort is extensively themed after a Tahitian royal assembly lodge which hoses a Great Ceremonial House at it center.  The Great Ceremonial house includes the hotel lobby / check-in desk as well as the majority of the resort’s dining and merchandise locations.  During 2020/2021 the resort underwent an extensive renovation which including enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House as well as the guest rooms.  The Villas Bungalows portion of the resort remained open during the renovation.  

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is just across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom theme park.  The resort is part of the hotels on Disney’s monorail loop along with Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Guests can get to the Magic Kingdom not only by the monorail service but also by water taxi or walking path.

Guests will find that hotel amenities are extensive and include two resort style pools, white sandy beaches, boat rentals, numerous organized activities, a finesses center & full service spa, complimentary resort wide transportation and a number of food & beverage options.

If you thinking about staying at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we would appreciate if you can use our links when making the reservations.  Endless Summer is an affiliate with Expedia.com and receives a small commission for each visit that was referred by our website.  This allows us to continue to continue making great content for our audience.

Click here for Hotel Rates and Reservations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Frequently Asked Questions – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

What are the hotel rates at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Since the Polynesian Village Resort is one of Disney’s “Deluxe Resorts”, prices are among the highest of any at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Typically, nightly rates range from less than $350 per night to more than $700 per night depending on the time of year and the room type.  See our price chart below for rates during specific nights.

Does Polynesian Village Resort provide transportation to the Walt Disney World theme parks?

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers complimentary monorail and water taxi transportation to the Magic Kingdom as well bus transportation throughout Walt Disney World including the other theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs.  

It should be noted that guests can take the Epcot monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Epcot theme park.  The TTC is within walking distance to the Polynesian.

Is there free transportation from the Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, as with all on-site Disney hotels, provides complimentary bus transportation from the Orlando International Airport via Disney’s Magical Express.  Advance reservations are required and luggage delivery service and resort airline check-in service is no longer offered.

** Disney’s Magical Express will no longer be available starting January 1, 2022.  However, service new and existing reservations for Disney Resort hotels will remain in effect throughout 2021.  Service for the all new “MEARS CONNECT” starts January 1, 2002.  

Is there a Resort Fee or Parking Charge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

There are no Resort Fees at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort but self-parking costs $25.00 per night for hotel guests.  Valet parking is available for $33.00 per night.

How many pools are there at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

There are two pools at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  The main Lava Pool, which is located behind the Great Ceremonial House, features a towering volcano and a water slide while the Oasis Pool is a great place to relax and unwind.  

Contrary to rumors circulating on the internet, Disney does not allow hotel guests to “pool hop”.  However, there are a few exceptions when stay at DVC resorts (owners only), Disney’s All-Star Resorts and Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts.

What are the food & beverage options at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort features a number of dining options which range from grab-and-go / quick service, to upscale and resort casual dining.   See a complete list of food & beverage options below.

What is the check-in and check-out time at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

The check in-time at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is 4:00 pm and check out time is at 11:00 am.

What is the pet policy at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  However, Disney has an ongoing pilot program that allows pets at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort.

Click here for Hotel Rates and Reservations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

About Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort originally opened in October 1971 and is one of the original on-site hotels at Walt Disney World (along with Disney’s Contemporary Resort).  The Polynesian originally featured 484 room but had been expanded in 1985. At this time the resort includes 11, two- and three-story “longhouses”.  These longhouses are called Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Aotearoa, Hawaii, Samoa, Niue, Barotonga, Pago Pago, Moorea and Tokelau. The property underwent a substantial renovation in 2020 / 2021 which included some retheming based on the Disney movie Moana.

In addition to the hotel buildings, there is a large lobby building called Great Ceremonial Hall which features check-in/guest services, several dining options and shopping venues.  Bus transportation services pick up and drop off just outside of the Great Ceremonial Hall and the monorail can be access from the second floor.

This resort hotel is located on-site within the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida near the northern end of the property at the end of World Drive Drive.  Access to the area is provided by the Osceola Parkway or Epcot Center Drives which connects to Interstate 4 just a few miles to the southeast.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

1600 Seven Seas Drive

Lake Buena Vista, Florida  32830

407.824.2000

It will take about 30 minutes to get to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort from the Orlando International Airport.  Guests can either take SR-528 (Beach Line Expressway) to Interstate 4, west to Osceola Parkway or  SR-417 west to the Osceola Parkway.  Both routes are similar in mileage and fairly easy to navigate for out-of-area travelers.

From Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the time / distance to the visitor toll plazas at the Disney theme parks are as follows (per Google Maps):

The time / distance to other popular Orlando area attractions is as follows:

  • SeaWorld Orlando: 13.5 miles, approximately 15 to 20 minutes
  •  Universal Orlando Resort: 17.3 miles, approximately 35 minutes.
  • Downtown Orlando: 25 miles, approximately 30 to 40 minutes
  • Orange County Convention Center: 15.1 miles, approximately 20 minutes
  • The Mall at Millenia: 19.6 miles, approximately 25 to 30 minutes

Click here to see the photo gallery for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Amenities at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the premier hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.  This resort hotel features an extensive amount of amenities and recreational offerings.

Resort Pool Areas

There are two separate pool areas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  The main pool is the Lava Pool which features a towering volcano with waterfall along with a 142-foot long waterslide.  The pool itself is a zero-entry beach style pool with a poolside restaurant and bar.

In addition to the Lava Pool is the Oasis Pool which is the place to go to relax after a long day at the theme parks.  This pool area features the Oasis Patios which can accommodate up to six-guests in a cabana like setting.  Rentals are first-come, first-serve and feature cushioned lounge chairs, towels and plenty of shade.  

In addition to the two pools, the Polynesian has multiple white sandy beaches that face the Seven Seas Lagoon.  Some of the best views at the Walt Disney World Resort are from this resort’s beaches. 

Resort Wide Transportation

Since the Polynesian is one of just three hotels on the “monorail loop”, guests will travel to the Magic Kingdom in air-conditioned comfort and arrive in just a few minutes.    In addition to the monorail, water taxi service is available for guests traveling to the Magic Kingdom.

For guests visiting other areas of the resort, bus transportation is provided and accessible at the front of the hotel.  Additionally, guests can take the Epcot monorail from the Transportation and Ticket Center and arrive at the front gate of Epcot within less than 15 minutes.

Organized Activities

The Polynesian offers a number of organized activities including Disney movies under the stars at the Great Ceremonial House Lawn as well as family campfires where guests can roast marshmallows.

Every evening guests will enjoy watching the Electrical Water Pageant right from the beach along the Seven Seas Lagoon.  This pageant features a number of lighted sea creatures and patriotic displays that are set to your favorite electronic Disney music.

Other Amenities

  • Jogging Trail
  • Fitness Center
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
  • Resort Concierge
  • Merchandise Pickup and Delivery
  • Motorized Boat Rentals and Guided Fishing Tours
  • On-site Senses Spa

Click here for Hotel Rates and Reservations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

 Dining Options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Dining options at the Polynesian Village Resort are fairly extensive and range from quick service to upscale dining.

  • ‘Ohana:  Serving American fare family-style, this Polynesian themed full-service restaurant is located in the Great Ceremonial House and open for breakfast and dinner.  Click here to see the menu at ‘Ohana. 
  • Kona Cafe’: Serving a continental cuisine with a bit of Asian flair, this full-service restaurant features an open kitchen and is located in the Great Ceremonial House.  The Kona Cafe’ is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner service.  Click here to see the menu at the Kona Cafe’.
  • Capt. Cook’s:  Guests will enjoy American fare at this quick service dining restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Capt. Cook’s serves a wide variety of foods including Mickey waffles and roast beef hash for breakfast to cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches for lunch & dinner.  Click here to see the menu at the Capt. Cook’s.
  • Oasis Bar & Grill:  Enjoy American fare and cocktails poolside for lunch and dinner (until 8:00 PM).  Located by the Oasis Pool, this quick service restaurant features a variety of starters and sandwiches as well as kids meals.  Click here to see the menu at the Oasis Bar & Grill.
  • Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show:  One of the main reasons to stay at the Polynesian is to attend the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is which located at the Luau Cove.  This amazing show features Polynesian music and dancing along with an all-you-can-eat family-style feast.  Menu items include pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted chicken and seasonal vegetables.  Non-alcoholic beverages and desserts are also part of the meal. 

The cost for Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show starts at $66 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3 to 9) for Category 3 seating.  Seats closest to the stage (Category 1) cost $78 per adult and $46 per child.  A 10% discount is offered to annual passholders and this show is eligible for the Disney Dining Plan (Category 2 and 3 seating).  Click here to learn more.

Additional food and beverage options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort include:

  • Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (bar service)
  • Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (bar service)
  • Tambu Lounge (bar service and late night snacks)
  • Pineapple Lanai (soft serve ice cream)

The Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There are a number of different room types at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort which are listed below.  All rooms feature free wireless internet service, a coffee maker, iron / ironing board, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, hairdryer and bathroom products.

  • Standard View: One King with a day bed or two Queen beds – sleeps up to 5 adults; views are of the garden, monorail or parking area.
  • Pool or marina View: Two Queen beds and a day bed – sleeps up to 5 adults; views are of the marina or pool areas. 
  • Theme Park View:  Two Queen beds and a day bed – sleeps up to 5 adults; views are of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom.
  • One Bedroom Suite:  Two Queen beds and a day bed – sleeps up to 5 adults; views are of the marina.
  • Ambassador VIP Suite:  1 King bed and two Queen beds and a Queen sized sleeper sofa – sleeps up to 8 adults; views are of the garden area.
  • King Kamehameha Suite: 1 King bed and two Queen beds and a Queen sized sleeper sofa – sleeps up to 8 adults; views are of the marina and Magic Kingdom.

The Polynesian offers a club level rooms and suites which offers secure key access to the King Kamehameha Club lounge which is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.  Guests enjoy complimentary refreshments, free health club access and personalized front desk / guest services.

Like most hotels in the greater Orlando area, rates at Disney’s Polynesian Resort are highly seasonal and we have found that rates and availability do vary quite considerably throughout the year.   The rates shown below are the best available rate for two adults and two children in both room types offered at this hotel.  

The following rates were obtained from the hotel web site at the time of publication.  Please note that nightly rates can change at any time.

Rates for 2023 June 15th September 15th December15th
Standard View NA $743.00 $1,03700
Lagoon View $854.00 NA $1,260.00
Theme Park View $968.00 $1,072.00 $1,357.00

Disney is constantly running special offers and there are always discounts for annual passholders and Florida Residents. Taxes: There is a 6% resort tax on top of a 6.5% sales tax.  There are no resort fees or parking charge at the Polynesian.

Click here for Hotel Rates and Reservations at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows (Disney Vacation Club)

During the 2015 the Polynesian Village Resort expanded to include the addition of 380 rooms for the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort – Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.   This DVC resort features three longhouses that include 360 deluxe studio rooms and 20 over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows.

The Bora Bora Bungalows are one of the most unique hotel experiences at the Wald Disney World Resort as the rooms are literally in the Seven Seas Lagoon.  These bungalows are essentially deluxe apartments with multiple bedrooms, living areas, large patios and plunge pools.

As you can imagine, the Bora Bora Bungalows are extraordinarily expensive and rates start at $2,000 per night.  For that price, guests get one of the best places to watch the Electrical Light Pageant and the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom.

In addition to the bungalows, Disney is in process of building new DVC tower on the site of the former Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.  Many of the villas in this tower will have spectacular views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom.  Opening has been indicated to be in late 2024.

What We Liked about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There are a number of things to like about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  Following are some of the highlights:

  • Excellent location near the Magic Kingdom & on the Monorail loop
  • Complimentary Disney resort wide transportation
  • Great view of the Seven Seas Lagoon & Magic Kingdom

What We Did Not Like about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

There are a few things about the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort we do not like which include:

  • Very expensive nightly hotel rates
  • Limited availability due to high demand (forget about last minute trips here)

What We Think Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is Perfect For

We were very happy with our stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and find that it is perfect for:

  • Guests seeking the best Disney vacation experience
  • Families spending time at either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot theme parks

Our Thoughts

As Florida residents as well as Disney annual passholders, we try to take advantage of special offers for any on-site hotels including the Deluxe Resorts like the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  Unfortunately we have found at this time availability has been limited during times we travel and nightly rates far exceed that we find at luxury off-site resorts like the Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriott Bonnet Creek and the Ritz-Carlton Orlando

However, if we find a nightly rate under $500.oo during a weekend, we definitely feel the cost is worth it for the location and the Disney experience.

Jerry Joyce

Jerry Joyce has been a Florida resident since 1988 and has lived in a variety of places in the South Florida area. Jerry is an avid boater & water sports enthusiast, beach aficionado, a lover of great food, muscle car fan and a theme park annual passholder for many years. Some of his favorite places in Florida include the Florida Keys, Walt Disney World, Cedar Key, the Loxahatchee River, St. Augustine and Ten Thousand islands.

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