Polynesian
Resort-A look inside
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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