Disney operates over 20 separate resorts at Walt Disney World. With so many to choose from, there is bound to be something that appeals to everyone. The resorts runs the gamut from Disney animation themed, to classic beach resort themed, to elegant Victorian resort themed… and everything in between. However, there is one resort that stands out from the rest. We consider this one to be the best resort of them all…
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Now we understand that this is considered a Deluxe resort, which puts it in a higher price category. However, if you can fit it into your budget, this should be among your first choices. After reading this article, if you still don’t agree that the Poly objectively is the best resort, then leave us a comment and tell us what you think is the champion!
Without further ado, we will begin making our case!
REASON #1: Location, Location, Location!
Walt Disney World is about the size of Manhattan, consisting of four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping/dining district, and so much more. Therefore, the location of your resort plays a huge part in the overall experience. It can really make a huge difference!
The Polynesian is one of three “monorail resorts” (along with the Contemporary and Grand Floridian). Monorail resorts allow you to access the Magic Kingdom via a short monorail ride. In addition, you can take the monorail to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) where you can transfer to a monorail to EPCOT. Being able to access two parks using the monorail is super convenient.
However, what is unique about the Polynesian is that you can walk directly to the TTC. This allows Poly guests to travel to EPCOT without having to transfer monorails. It’s like the difference between a direct flight and a flight that requires a layover. I’ll take the direct flight every time!
The resort itself is located on Seven Seas Lagoon, right across from the Magic Kingdom. This gives guests stunning views of Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, and Tron. Because of this, you can watch the fireworks from the beach at the Poly. They even pipe in the music for your added enjoyment! Now you can watch the fireworks from all three monorail resorts, but I would argue that the Poly’s view is superior. Because it is located directly across the lagoon, you get a “straight on” view of the show. The Contemporary might be closer, but it is also off to the side, so it is less than ideal. Another check in the
“pros” column for the Poly!
REASON #2: Theming
One of the top reasons to stay at a WDW resort is the wonderful, attention-to-detail theming. All the resorts are amazing, but the theming at the Polynesian is some of the best in all of WDW. The South Sea vibe appeals to children and adults alike, and the Poly really leans into it. You have the architecture, the larger than life tiki in the lobby, the trees and other flora, the torches at night, the beautiful white sand beach, the music… they all come together to transport you a world away from Central Florida! You’d be hard pressed to name a resort that does theming better.
Out of all of the monorail resorts, the Poly has the widest appeal. The Contemporary has a classic mid-century vibe, but it is kind of boring to some. The Grand Floridian has beautiful Victorian architecture, but some people find it stuffy. On the other hand, I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about the Poly and its theming. You will love it!
REASON #3: The Pools
Let’s face it. When you are vacationing somewhere as hot as Central Florida, pool time is critical to your survival. Therefore, having a good resort pool is a key feature.
The main feature pool at the Poly is called the Lava Pool, and it has all of the features that make for a perfect pool. The most striking feature is the large “volcano” around which the pool is set. Again… theming! The volcano is the home of a large water slide, as well as a waterfall feature. The pool itself as a zero-entry area, which makes it great for those with mobility issues, such as Little Banshee. For the little ones, you have a splash pad area, which contains all sorts of interactive play areas to keep the kids cool and busy. And of course, a perfect pool would not be complete without a hot tub (this one has great views of the Grand Floridian).
The Poly has a second, quieter pool called the Oasis Pool, for those who want to just chill out without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of the main pool. It’s always good to have options!
REASON #4: The Food
Of all of the Disney resorts, the Poly has among the best selection of dining locations. All of them are above average, and some hit it out of the park.
Let’s start on the quick service side…
The primary quick service location is Captain Cooks. While it does have your standard array of burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers, it also has some unique South Seas themed specialty items. This includes the amazing Thai Coconut Meatballs, Aloha Pork Sandwich, Asian Noodles, Korean Chicken Bowl. If you come here for breakfast, you can get the same Tonga Toast that’s served at Kona Cafe. This banana-stuffed French Toast is a legendary food item, so it is great that you can get it without having to snag a Kona Cafe reservation.
Just outside of Captain Cooks is Pineapple Lanai, where you can get your Dole Whip fix without having to venture into the Magic Kingdom. It is great that they bring this sweet treat directly to Poly guests!
Finally, if you are in a hurry, you can “grab and go” pastries (in the morning) and sushi (in the afternoon) from the Kona Island stand. This is also where you can find the Poly’s famous “press pot” Kona coffee!
Now onto the table service restaurants…
The Poly features two sit down restaurants which both consistently get high marks. The first is Kona Cafe. Above I mentioned their famous Tonga Toast that they serve for breakfast, but don’t sleep on the Macadamia Nut Pancakes either. At lunch/dinner, this restaurant turns into a pan-Asian spot, with sushi, Poke Bowls, and other Asian delights on the menu. If you want something more traditional, they also have a NY Strip Steak, as well as a “Big Kahuna” Burger and other diverse selections. And for dessert, don’t miss the Pineapple-Coconut Break Pudding, featuring ice cream and warm caramel sauce. I’m getting hungry just typing that!
The other sit down restaurant is the world-famous ‘Ohana. This has been a WDW institution forever! All meals here are “all you care to eat” family style. Breakfast features the usual array of breakfast items, but the real draw is the characters. Lilo, Stitch, and other Disney friends wander around the dining room, greeting guests. If you are a fan of Lilo and Stitch, this is the place for you!
Dinner isn’t a character meet. The star is the food. Again, it is family style, all you can eat, feature several famous fan favorites: Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings, Dumplings, the famous ‘Ohana noodles, the equally famous Signature ‘Ohana Bread, the even more famous ‘Ohana Bread Pudding, and more! Dining at ‘Ohana is a tradition with so many families, so be prepared to stalk a reservation early if you want to dine here.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the lounges.
First, there is Tambu Lounge, located right next to ‘Ohana. The cool thing about Tambu Lounge is that you can order several of the ‘Ohana items a la carte right from the lounge menu, including the ‘Ohana noodles. This is a great place to get a taste of ‘Ohana without having to snag a reservation 60 days out.
The other lounge is Trader Sam’s. However, calling this a lounge really doesn’t do it justice. It is an experience. First, it is hidden down a random hallway at the resort, so it has a “secret club” feel to it. Then, once you get in, the Tiki theming is over the top. And the drinks are equally over the top! If you want to grab a drink here, you need to make sure you get there early so you can put your name on the walk up list (there are no advanced reservations). Also note that you must be 21 or older to enter after 8pm.
Polynesian Alternatives
While Poly is the best resort, I fully understand that it might not be in everyone’s price range. Here are some alternatives that have some of the attributes of the Poly, but aren’t quite as expensive.
Pop Century: Value Resort with Great Location / Theming
Out of all of the Disney Value Resorts, Pop Century stands out. Not only is the over-the-top nostalgic “decade” theming appealing to all ages, but the addition of the Skyliner station is a real game changer. With the Skyliner, you can access both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios via a short ride on the Skyliner gondola system. You do have to transfer at the Caribbean Beach station, but that’s generally not a huge deal.
On the downside, however, the rooms are tiny motel style accommodations… clean but not anything to write home about. And the dining and pool options are reflective of the resort’s value status.
Caribbean Beach: Island Vibe
If you want that relaxed tropical feeling, another option is Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. As the name suggests, this resort is themed around the Caribbean islands, so it shares a lot of its theming aesthetic with the Poly. However, because It is considered to be a Moderate Resort, it isn’t quite as pricey.
In addition, you benefit from the fact that it is the main hub for the Skyliner, so you can get to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios without transferring. It also has some good dining and pool options.
The main downside of the resort is that it is super large. Depending upon where your room is located, you might have to do a lot of walking if you want to get to the Skyliner and/or the main resort building. Also be aware that none of the buildings have elevators, so request a first floor room if you have mobility issues.
Wilderness Lodge / Animal Kingdom Lodge: Deluxe Resort for Less
If you are interested in staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort, but you want to save some money, consider either the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge. Both resorts are very unique in their theming. Animal Kingdom Lodge is themed around an African safari lodge, complete with a mini-savannah with free roaming animals. Wilderness Lodge is themed to a Western US National Park lodge, with a rustic yet upscale feel.
Both resorts have all of the amenities that you expect from a Deluxe Resort: amazing pools, great dining options, generous room sizes, unique theming. However, because the locations don’t have quite the same level of convenience as the monorail resorts, they are generally cheaper than the Poly for an equivalent room. When you stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, you are relegated to bus transportation only. While the Disney bus system is efficient, it isn’t quite as convenient as the monorail or Skyliner. Wilderness Lodge does have a boat option to get to the Magic Kingdom, so it does have a little bit of an advantage there.
Wrap Up
After reading this article, I’m sure you will agree that the Poly is the “one resort to rule them all”! Feel free to leave us a comment and let us know what YOUR favorite Disney Resort is, and why!
AD: We hope you enjoyed this post. If you are coming to Central Florida and need a place to stay, please consider the Encore Magic Villa. It sleeps up to 12 and features a game room, theater room, themed bedrooms, and private pool… located within a short drive of the Magic!
If you enjoy this site and want to support us, please consider shopping on Amazon using our affiliate link. There is no additional cost to you, and it helps defray the cost of running this site.
If you really like us, please consider supporting us on Patreon for only $2/month. As a supporter, you get access to our growing library of trip planning infographics!
