Disney’s Polynesian Resort, one of the first on-site hotels located in the Walt Disney World Resort area, officially opened October 1, 1971. The hotel was originally named the Polynesian Village, but was changed in 1985 during the resort’s second expansion, which added two additional longhouses. Now, the resort has a total of 847 rooms spread among 11 2-story and 3-story longhouses.
The resort transports visitors to a lush tropical paradise, which features gorgeous vegetation, thatched roofs, koi ponds and plenty of white sand lakebeaches for guests to sit back and relax. One of the fun features at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the Great Ceremonial House, which includes majestic waterfalls, coconut palms, shopping and dining establishments, as well as a torch lighting ceremony, which includes a traditional fire-knife dance as well as authentic chants and drumming.
There are various room types and views available at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, including a selection of standard rooms with garden, lagoon or theme park views. Additional rooms include club level rooms with concierge service, as well as club level suites. These rooms will have various views depending on availability.
The Polynesian Resort also offers plenty of dining options for guests, including a combination of signature and casual dining, as well as quick service options. Additionally, the resort features a unique dinner show, dubbed The Spirit of Aloha show. Guests can enjoy a family-style, all-you-can-eat meal while enjoying a South Pacific-inspired show featuring fire-knife performers and hula dancers.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort features several recreational activities for guests as well, including plenty of fun for adults and children alike. Visitors can relax on sandy white beaches, or rent a private cabana for personalized service and privacy. The beaches flank the Seven Seas Lagoon, but swimming is not permitted here. Bike rentals, watercraft rentals, jogging trails and fishing excursions are also available. For parents who want a night on the town, the Never Land Club Birthday Party can supervise children ages 3 to 12 with dinner, snacks, games, and more in this Peter Pan-themed activity center. Children will also enjoy the Moana Mickey’s Arcade, which is open 24 hours a day and features the latest in high-tech video gaming.
There are also four shops located within the Great Ceremonial Hall, where guests can pick up Disney merchandise, gifts, souvenirs, art, alcohol and more. The shops include the Wyland Galleries of Florida, Samoa Snacks, Trader Jack’s, and Bou-tiki. All of these shops can be found on the first and second floors of the Hall.
For visitors who want to relax and enjoy the day, Disney’s Polynesian Resort features two swimming pools, including Nanea Volcano Pool. This pool features a 40-foot high volcano, as well as a 142-foot tubular waterslide for even more fun. Close by is a children’s wet-play area for those too young to access the waterslide. For a more tranquil atmosphere, the Poly East Pool is available and has deeper depths than the Nanea Volcano Pool.
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a tropical paradise with plenty of recreational activities, amenities, shopping and dining establishments for children and adults alike.