Happy Sunday and welcome to the second iteration of Sunday Showcase. As mentioned in last week’s article, Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened with a second resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Sunday Showcase: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The resort is described by Disney as:

“Celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this oasis of tropical palms, lush vegetation and so much more. From moonlit nights immersed in the outdoor island ambience to the exotic tastes of our world-class restaurants, discover the signature tropical atmosphere that’s made Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort a favorite Disney destination since 1971.”

Brief History

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was opened on October 1, 1971 along with Walt Disney World and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Additionally, this resort was also a collaboration between Disney, U.S. Steel Company and Architect Welton Becket. Similarly to the construction of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, steel frames were erected on-site, and pre-constructed modular rooms were lifted into these frames via crane. This new method of construction caused problems in both resorts. Once opened, guest complained of a moldy smell in their rooms, which was a result of mold and debris collecting in the spaces between each room. As a result, the spaces were filled in, stopping the problem, and Longhouses built as part of the resort’s later expansions were built using conventional building techniques.

This resort has gone through three renovations since opening and is currently going through a fourth.

1. 1978 – Addition of a longhouse, the Tangaroa Terrace restaurant/support facility, and a secondary pool.
2. 1985 – Addition of two longhouses. Also adopting a shortened Name “Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
3. 2014 – Reverting to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and addition of Disney’s Vacation Club Studios and Bungalows.
4. Currently – Complete rebuild of the Monorail Station and renovation of the Great Ceremonial house. Additionally rooms are being rethemed with a Moana overlay.

Rooms and Facilities

Currently, the resort consists of over 480 Guest rooms, 20 Bungalows and 5 Suites. Each of these rooms sleep a minimum of 5 guests with an additional child 3 years or younger in a crib. The rooms at Disney’s Polynesian are some of the biggest on property, consisting of 404 sq feet in the standard Guest rooms, 447 sq feet in Deluxe Studios and 1093 sq feet in the Bungalows. Additionally, guests choosing Club Level accommodations at the King Kamehameha Club receive personalized concierge service and lounge with continental breakfast, midday snacks and evening wine, hors d’oeuvres, cordials and desserts. Unfortunately, at the time ow writing this article, Club Level is unavailable due to the ongoing Pandemic.

Typical Standard Room

1 of 3

Parking Area, Garden and Monorail View, with one king and one single day bed or two queens and one single day bed, 404 sq. ft. Accommodates up to five Guests plus one child under age 3 in a crib.

DELUXE VILLAS

Escape to an enchanting oasis of swaying palms, tropical surroundings and an island ambience that evokes the languid spirit of the South Pacific. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows makes its home at one of the original—and legendary—Walt Disney World® Resort hotels.

Deluxe Studios

Accommodate up to five Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and have a one queen size bed, one queen-size sleep sofa and one single pull-down bed with a private porch or balcony.

Bungalows

accommodate up to eight Guests, plus one child under age 3 in a crib, and offer a fully equipped kitchen, master bedroom, second bedroom, living room, washer & dryer, and a private deck with plunge pool and lounge furniture.

Activities, Recreation and Transportation

The following offerings and experiences are currently available at this Disney Resort hotel. Hours of operation will be provided during your stay.

Dining

TABLE-SERVICE DINING

• Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show — Experience the “aloha spirit” at a lively luau with an all-you- care-to-enjoy feast, fiery dance performers and more.
• Kona Café — Dine on continental cuisine with an Asian flair, featuring an open kitchen showcasing the talents of our sushi chefs.
• ‘Ohana — Delight the kids with Lilo & Stitch at a playful breakfast or relish family time at a festive Polynesian- themed dinner.

QUICK-SERVICE DINING

• Capt. Cook’s — Discover a bounty of classic and South-Seas inspired offerings – from breakfast, lunch and dinner to late night.

OTHER DINING OPTIONS

• Barefoot Pool Bar — Celebrate your escape – sans shoes if you will – to a South Pacific-inspired oasis at the base of looming Nanea Volcano.
• Kona Island — Enjoy coffee beverages and pastries in the morning then made-to-order sushi and appetizers starting from noon.
• Oasis Bar & Grill — Find a host of healthy salads as well as items from the grill – including burgers, wings and more.
• Pineapple Lanai — Pay homage to the pineapple – symbol of hospitality and sweet treat – with a refreshing frozen DOLE WHIP®.
• Tambu Lounge — Great Ceremonial House – Try a tropical drink at this tribute to the tiki god, featuring a full bar of libations and Hawaiian-inspired pupus.

RECREATION

• Lava Pool — Make a splash at this pool which features a towering volcano, a waterfall and a thrilling 142 foot-long waterslide.
• Oasis Pool — Nestled amid a lush garden, this all-ages leisure pool promises a more tranquil swim for those looking to relax and unwind.
• Movie Under the Stars Motorized Boat Rentals
• Polynesian Village Campfire Activities

TRANSPORTATION

• Bus Service to Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks, Water Parks and Disney Springs®
• Monorail service to Magic Kingdom® Park and select Disney Resort hotels (currently closed due to refurbishment). Monorail is available a short walking distance away at the Transportation and Ticket Center.
• Water Launch service to Magic Kingdom Park and select Disney Resort hotels

Parking

Standard overnight self-parking is available to registered Guests for a fee that will be applied to their hotel folio upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax.

• Parking for Disney Deluxe Resorts is $25 per night.
• Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.

Complimentary standard self-parking is available while you enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation experiences at this Resort.

In conclusion, Disney’s Polynesian is a fan favorite. From the top rated dining, room size and proximity to Magic Kingdom, there is a lot to enjoy.

Finally, if you are looking at traveling to Walt Disney World, contact Far Beyond Infinity Travel. They will help you navigate the inns and outs of Walt Disney World. While their services are always free and they will help as much or as little as you’d like. Contact them today at info@farbeyondinfinitytravel.com or visit them online.

What do you think about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Let us know in the comments below!

[Source: Walt Disney World, Wikipedia]