RMH Travel: Polynesian Resort-A look inside

Polynesian Resort-A look inside


Copyright:Disney

Polynesian Resort Motto: Aiita Peatea (which means “There will be another day tomorrow, just like today.”)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was one of the original Walt Disney World resorts, opening on October 1, 1971. The Grand opening ceremony was on the beach on October 24, 1971. Earlier that day, the Contemporary had its dedication speech by Bob Hope. During the grand opening, the Polynesian put on a stage show featuring hula dancers, fire eaters, and Hawaiian music. Down to this day you can still see a Polynesian show, thought during the years the presentation has seen a number of revisions and name changes. In the 1980s the “Village” portion of the name was dropped, leaving the resort as Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is an 847-room resort located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. It is situated directly south, and two monorail stops, from the Magic Kingdom. The Polynesian occupies 39 acres and is styled as a South Pacific paradise, complete with beaches, tropical landscaping, waterfalls, and bamboo tiki torches. The Great Ceremonial House is the center of the resort, serving as both lobby and focal point of the area. The Polynesian is a Disney Deluxe Resort, but the atmosphere is very casual and family-oriented.

There is a short program to welcome the night at the Polynesian, call the torch lighting ceremony. It features an authentic Polynesian dancer who does a traditional fire-knife dance, and lights the torches leading into the Great Ceremonial House. A Polynesian entertainer is also on hand to perform chants and authentic drumming. It is present each evening, Tuesday through Saturday, at 6 p.m.

What are rooms like at the Polynesian?

Polynesian rooms are located in one of 11 different buildings called longhouses. Each one is either 2- or 3-stories high. All rooms are accessed through interior hallways.

A standard room at the Polynesian includes two queen-size beds, a day bed, an armoire, a very small table, and two chairs. Typical rooms are 415-476 square feet and have a maximum occupancy of 5 persons, plus one child under the age of 3. All rooms come equipped with an iron, ironing board, small refrigerator, Disney sundries (soap, shampoo), coffee maker, safe, Ipod dock and a hair dryer. Free WiFi. You may request a crib when checking in, or touch the Housekeeping button on your room phone. Housekeeping can also provide you with a high chair, a playpen, bed rails, and other things you might need for little ones.

In 2013 some room in the longhouse will have King size beds.

Suites are located exclusively in the Tonga longhouse. They can accommodate between four and nine people.

Room Views options

Lagoon views offer a view of Seven Sea Lagoon.

Theme park view offers an unobstructed view of the Magic Kingdom

Standard View rooms feature views of the Polynesian’s tropical landscaping and walkways. Views of the marina or of the pool are included in the standard category. Standard view rooms may also face the parking lot. Request can be made when reservations are made, but they cannot be guaranteed.

For a complete breakdown of all the longhouses, information about their concierge service and suite, and child care center please check out our blog Inside look into Poly part 2

Polynesian Pools

Polynesian has two pools and no Jacuzzi. The Nanea Volcano Pool, featuring a volcano with waterfall and waterslide opened in March 2001. A stream begins outside of the Great Ceremonial House and continues down to the Volcano pool. A 40-foot high Volcano house the pool bar and a tubular slide. Underwater jets, warmer water area, and in-pool seating are also a part of the Volcano pool. On the beach end of the pool, guest will find a zero entryway, no steps required to enter or exit. A specialized water wheelchair is available here, allowing access directly into the swimming pool.

The second pool is often referred to as the quieter pool, is larger. It is freeform swimming pool is centrally located to all the longhouses. Both pools are heated. The Polynesian pools feature music that is piped into the pool itself, perfect for underwater listening!

Plans are to install a Jacuzzi in 2013.

Restaurants and Shows

‘Ohana – This is a popular family restaurant at the Polynesian. It features all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon. “ohana is not a buffet. It is served family-styple at your table. Food is prepared on a open fire pit. ‘Ohana is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

‘Ohana has a Character Breakfast where you can meet Lilo and Stitch. Also, stopping by is Mickey, Pluto, and Goofy.

Kona Café – This restaurant serves creative fresh dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features special Kona Coffee! Unique desserts are a specialty of the house. Kona Café can accommodate special dietary requirements including vegan diets. There is a coffee bar just outside the restaurant, near the entrance to the monorail. Kona Café is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Captain Cook’s Snack Company – This recently renovated and expanded 24-hour snack bar features fast food, snacks, and desserts. There are some additional outdoor tables available. Refillable Mugs are available here! Note the grill does close at 11 p.m. Captain Cook’s is located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is presented every Tuesday through Saturday at Luau Cove, weather permitting. There are shows at 5:15 and 8 pm. The show features authentic Polynesian dancing and the food includes a full Polynesian-style meal, including drinks (nonalcoholic and some alcoholic) and dessert. Note the luaus are sometimes cancled if the temperature falls below 55 degrees.

Transportation

Monorail- Inside the Great Ceremonial House, this resort monorail, and it will take you to the Magic Kingdom, the Monorail Resorts, and the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC). In order, the monorail stops at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the TTC, and then back to Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

Transportation & Ticket Center is a short walk from the Polynesian (signs point the way). There are three monorail lines here. The resort monorail and will take you to Magic Kingdom by way of the Monorail resorts. The express monorail will take you directly to the Magic Kingdom, The Epcot monorail will take you directly to Epcot.

Boat Launch- The boats at the dock behind Nanea Volcano Pool take you to the Gran Floridian and the Magic Kingdom. The boats run from 30 minutes before the Magic Kingdom opens until closing.

Ferry at the Transportation & Ticket Center takes you directly to the Magic Kingdom.

Bus Stop near the Great Ceremonial House- The bus stop is located between Rarotonga and the Tangaroa Terrace. Here you will find Disney’s Hollywood Studios bus, the Disney’s Animal kingdom/Blizzard Beach bus and the Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon bus. Buses may also pick up guest at the Grand Floridian and Wilderness Lodge.

Best Place to see Fireworks and The Electrical Water Pageant

Most lagoon-view rooms features great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Otherwise, any place on the Polynesian beaches or boat dock offer good place to watch.

The Pageant floats by the Polynesian each night at approximately 9:00. The Polynesian is actually its first stop, and if you position yourself at the boat dock a few minutes before 9:00, you can watch the floats being towed out to the Lagoon and prepared for the show.

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Monday, July 29, 2013

Polynesian Resort-A look inside