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INTERCOT > Resorts > Disney Resorts > Polynesian Resort

Polynesian Resort

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Probably our favorite of all resorts partly for nostalgia reasons (it was the first resort we ever stayed in), partly for design and setting and partly for convenience. South Sea theme abounds. From the second you walk into it's tropical lobby, your cares of the outside world are left behind. Could this really be in Florida? Our favorite time of the day at the Polynesian is evening, as tiki lamps are lit and soothing sounds of the islands float through the air. Walk down by the boat dock and kick your shoes off and walk in the sand beach of the Seven Sea's lagoon. The Polynesian occupies 39 acres - 11 long houses - 853 guest rooms, encompass the Monorail linked hotel. The Magic Kingdom is just minutes away and you can walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center to catch a ride to Epcot (on a hot day, you can alternatively take the monorail there for a relaxing ride). The Polynesian has a number of places to eat, 6 gift shops, 2 pools, laundry facility and an arcade.

The Great Ceremonial House went through extensive renovations in 1996. In 1999 the long houses were renamed to represent Polynesian Islands. All long houses were refurbished from 1996-1998. Major renovations began again on the original long houses in 2003.

Original Name -- New Name
Bali Hai -- Tonga
Tahiti -- Aotearoa
Fiji -- Fiji
Samoa -- Tuvalu
Tonga -- Hawaii
Hawaii -- Samoa
Bora Bora -- Niue
Maori -- Rarotonga
Oahu -- Tokelau
Moorea -- Tahiti
Pago Pago -- Rapa Nui
(The INTERCOT Resort Property Map reflects the new names)

Accommodations:

Size of Rooms: 404 square feet

Number of beds: 2 queen beds and one day bed (746), 17 disabled accessible rooms.

Features of Room: An armoire, refrigerator, TV, a night stand, a table/desk, 2/ chair, a small safe and chaise.

Bathroom: Full bathroom with tropical decor.

Balcony: All of the third floor rooms have balconies. The newer long houses have balconies on both the second & third floors. The first floor/ground level rooms have small patios. Both the patios and balconies have a small seating area w/ table and 2 chairs.

Occupancy: Rooms offer a daybed with a maximum five-person occupancy. If there are more than 2 adults in a room, there is an additional charge of $25 per adult, per night.

Extras: The morning paper is delivered to your door daily. Nightly turndown service is available to all guests. Hairdryers are provided in the bathroom as well as Disney bath products. An iron & ironing board are housed in the closet.

Suites: Yes – Most contain one king-sized or two queen-sized beds and two beds in parlor. Suites are located in the Tonga building.

Concierge: Concierge standard rooms are located exclusively in the Hawaii building and are accessible with a room key card. Includes a separate lounge area and check-in desk. The lounge area has a fantastic view of the Magic Kingdom and fireworks. Concierge services include, (in addition to the standard room amenities above), triple sheeting, speaker phone with second line, phone in the bathroom area, make-up mirror, robes, mini bar coffee and refrigerators. Personal vacation itineraries are mailed out to the concierge level guests.

Morning Service: 7:00AM - 10:30AM
The offerings include bagels, danishes, muffins, cereal, fruit, pastries, coffee & juice.
Afternoon Service: 12:00PM - 4:00PM
Snacks such as cookies, candy, fruit, sandwich fixings, and beverages are available.
Evening Service: 5:00PM - 7:00PM
The offerings vary from day to day. Each evening sets forth a different food theme. Asian , Mexican, Moroccan, Luau, Italian nights are among the themes. With an array of dishes each evening, ranging from Sushi to Lasagna.
Late Evening Service: 7:00PM -10:00PM
Wine, cheese, cordials, desserts & beverages offered.
Visit our Concierge page for more details and guest feedback.

Dining:

'Ohana (which means "Family" in Hawaiian)
Advanced Dining Reservations: Yes
Call 407-WDW-DINE
Hours: Breakfast - 7:30AM-11:00AM - Menu
Dinner - 5PM - 10PM - Menu
Range of Breakfast Food: Mickey waffles, sausage, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, ham, biscuits, fruit & beverages
Range of Dinner Food: Chicken Wings & Fried Rice, Marinated Pork Loin, Mesquite Seasoned Turkey Breast, Oak Grilled Sirloin Steak and Grilled Jumbo Shrimp

Kona Cafe
Advanced Dining Reservations: Yes - Call 407-WDW-DINE
Hours: Breakfast - 7:30-11:30AM - Menu
Lunch - 12Noon - 3PM - Menu
Dinner - 5PM-10PM - Menu
Range of Food: Start your day with omelets and Tonga toast and stop by for lunch and try a signature entree soup or a "mile high" sandwich. Dinner features strip steak to a wide variety of fresh fish. Kona Cafe is famous for their Kona coffee and spectacular desserts.

Captain Cook's Snack Company
Hours: Open 24 hours and Serves Breakfast (6:30-10:30am), Lunch, Dinner & Snacks. The grill closes at 11PM.
Range of Food: Egg sandwiches, fruit, French toast sticks, burgers, pizza, & fries.

Tambu Lounge
Located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, right next to 'Ohana.
Hours: Open: 1PM - 12 Midnight
Appetizers available from 5-10PM
The lounge serves a variety of appetizers and tropical drinks. They also have a big screen TV to sit and watch your favorite sporting event.

Barefoot Pool Bar
Hours: Opens 12PM - (weather permitting)

Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
The Luau has been a tradition of the Polynesian Resort since the beginning and was revamped February 2003.
Priority Seating: Yes. Call 407-WDW-DINE, up to 2 years in advance.
Details: – The hostess of the evening, Auntie Wini, invites the whole neighborhood for a celebration featuring the music and dances of the cultures of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, and Hawaii, while guests dine on a feast inspired by the flavors of Polynesia.

Presented in an open theater on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Located at the Luau Cove.
Hours: 5:15 & 8:00PM (90 minute shows), Tuesday-Saturday
Range of Food: Bread, salad, roasted chicken, fish, pork, rice, sautéed vegetables, w/ pineapple cake for dessert. Beverages are included, unlimited soda, coffee, tea, milk, beer, wine or the house cocktail. Visit our Dinner Show page for member feedback, more details and prices.

Please Note: Mickey's Tropical Luau closed in 1999 and is not expected to re-open.

Polynesian In-Room Dining
Available each day from 6:30AM until midnight.
A menu is provided in each room.

Recreation:

For the Swimming Fan: 2 Pools - Nanea Volcano Pool & a "Quiet" Pool.
In March 2001 the Themed Volcano pool debuted. The pool has a 40 foot high volcano that has a 120 foot water slide inside of it. The area from the Great Ceremonial House to the beach was completely redone at the same time. There is a white sandy beach for sunbathers, complete with hammock, swings, canopies & lounge chairs.

For the Mouseketeer: A play area is located near the Nanea Volcano Pool. There are also spurting fountains for the children to play in. Keiki Korner is held at the Volcano pool. Children can learn all about Polynesian culture and the various instruments & dancing. The children can also participate in an assortment of crafts. There are programs in the Lobby daily. Current activity schedules are available at guest relations.

For the Game Player: Moana Mickey's Fun Hut Arcade is located next to the Neverland Club. Open 24 hours. Resort ID Card required between 11 PM - 7 AM.

For the Athletic One: There is no Health Club at the Polynesian. However, the Grand Floridian Spa and Health Club is located one monorail stop away at the Grand Floridian. Polynesian guests can also walk to the Health Club via a walkway on the west side of the resort. There is no charge to use the facilities. Visit our Health Clubs & Spas Page for more details and rates.

Paths for walking and jogging. Ask for a map at guest relations. Boat and bike rentals available at Mikala Canoe Club. Fishing excursions, and Volleyball courts are also offered.

The Electric Water Pageant floats by the Polynesian beach at 9:00 PM.

Transportation:

Monorail: Service is available between the Transportation & Ticket Center, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot until 1½ hours after each park closes. Service to the resorts is available until 11PM or two hours after the Magic Kingdom closes, whichever is later. The resort monorail services Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and begins running at 7:15AM.

Bus: Bus transportation is available to the Studios, Animal Kingdom, Water parks, and Downtown Disney.

Approximate Duration:
Disney's Hollywood Studios -- 15 minutes
Epcot -- 10 minutes
Magic Kingdom -- 5 minutes
Animal Kingdom -- 15 minutes
Downtown Disney -- 25 minutes

Boats: Boats launch ½ hour before Magic Kingdom opens until 45 minutes after the park closes.

Walk: The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) is a short walk from the Polynesian along a special "pathway". From the TTC you can hop the Epcot monorail or park buses, as well as tend to any ticket needs. The Grand Floridian resort is also within walking distance of the Polynesian.

Room Location:

Which buildings can I enjoy the nightly Luau and hear the drums?
Aotearoa, Fiji & Tuvalu

Which buildings are closer to the monorail depot and restaurants? Tokelau, Aotearoa, Samoa, Rarotonga & Niue

Which buildings are closer to the main pool area and boat dock? Hawaii, Tokelau, Niue, & Samoa

Which buildings is closer to the quiet pool?
Tokelau, Rarotonga, Samoa, Hawaii & Niue

Which buildings are closer to the Transportation & Ticket Center?
Tahiti & Rapa Nui

What long houses offer Lagoon Views?
Hawaii, Aotearoa, Tahiti or Tuvalu

Services for Guests with Disabilities locations?
The Polynesian has special rooms in the Rapa Nui and Tokelau long houses for guests with disabilities. These rooms have roll in showers.

Is there Childcare at the resort?
Yes. The Neverland Club is themed after Peter Pan and has arcade games, Disney movies and Dinner Show. For more details visit our page on Childcare facilities.

Any special Tips?

Be on the look out. There are at least 20 different Hidden Mickey's scattered throughout the Polynesian resort.

A Hidden Tinkerbell can be "found" in Captain Cook's.

It's tradition at the Polynesian to throw a penny into the pond as you leave. It represents a wish to return to the resort.

What can I expect to pay for a room?
See INTERCOT's Resort Pricing Matrix.

Check In/Out?
Check in time is 3:00 PM. Check out time is 11:00 AM.

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