A Standout Florida Resort Amongst Disney World's Best, Adored for Its Exotic Tiki Atmosphere
Article Title: Luxury and Convenience at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, one of the two original hotels at Walt Disney World, continues to captivate visitors with its Polynesian charm and modern updates. Opened in 1971, the resort has undergone recent enhancements, including the addition of the Island Tower in December 2024, offering less expensive rooms starting at $564 plus.
The Polynesian Village Resort is situated along the monorail loop around the Seven Seas Lagoon, just two stops from the Magic Kingdom, making it a convenient base for Disney enthusiasts. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from the resort to the Magic Kingdom, or guests can utilise the monorail, water taxis, and buses for easy access to other Disney World destinations.
The resort features a second-floor Great Ceremonial House, with a lobby centered on a tiki statue and longhouses named after real Polynesian islands. The longhouses are laid out in roughly the same geographical pattern as their island counterparts. The Polynesian's gift shops like BouTiki and Moana Mercantile sell Disney-themed merchandise, including plush dolls based on "Lilo and Stitch" and "Moana".
One of the resort's most unique offerings is the Villas and Bungalows section, which includes the Bora Bora Bungalows. These luxury over-water bungalows, jutting out over the Seven Seas Lagoon, offer a truly immersive experience. They feature private decks, plunge pools, kitchens, and offer breathtaking views of the Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle. The Bora Bora Bungalows range in price from approximately $3,590 to $5,718 per night. Due to their popularity, these bungalows typically need to be reserved over a year in advance.
Guests can find some savings by booking through Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points rentals, even as a non-member, though this depends on current DVC inventory and availability.
The Bora Bora Bungalows aren't the only unique amenities at the Polynesian Village Resort. Kona Cafe offers an onstage kitchen where chefs hand-roll sushi for customers, while Tambu Lounge and Capt. Cook's offer late-night dining options. Pineapple Lanai serves the fan-favorite frozen treat, Dole Whip, and the Barefoot Pool Bar serves fish tacos and margaritas at the base of an artificial volcano.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, a popular venue with appetisers, cocktails, collectible tiki mugs, and decorative artifacts, often requires early arrival due to potential waiting lists.
'Ohana, a family-style character breakfast at the Polynesian Village Resort, features visits from Stitch, Lilo, Hawaiian-shirted Mickey Mouse, and Pluto for photos.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort draws from Polynesian culture, with Moana updates keeping it enjoyable for 21st-century character lovers. The resort holds the unusual distinction of being the Disney resort room where John Lennon officially left The Beatles.
In terms of rankings, Disney Tourist Blog ranks Disney's Polynesian Village Resort as the number one deluxe resort and number two overall resort at Disney World. With its blend of luxury, culture, and convenience, it's no wonder that the Polynesian Village Resort remains a favourite among Disney World visitors.
[1] Disney's Polynesian Village Resort [2] MouseSavers [3] Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Rooms [4] DVC Rentals
