When you’re deciding where you want to stay around Disney World, sometimes picking a resort that’s closer to your favorite park can help narrow the process down! And, the Monorail Resorts (Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort) can be SUPER helpful with their close proximity to the Magic Kingdom.
While Disney’s Polynesian Village has only had a limited opening to Disney Vacation Club Members, the resort has finally reopened to all other guests as well! Along with the grand reopening, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has also debuted new Moana-themed rooms as part of its ongoing refurbishment. And, we’re giving you a FULL tour of what they look like!
Resort Atmosphere
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a “Monorail Resort,” meaning it connects directly to the Magic Kingdom and other similar resorts by the Monorail system. (Note: During our visit, the Monorail station hadn’t reopened from construction yet.) In regards to Disney World’s hotel tiers, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the more luxurious stays at it is a Deluxe Resort. And, it’s actually currently rated as a AAA 4-Diamond resort as well!
The theme of the resort takes influence from the Polynesian Islands as guests feel like they are in their own island paradise with views of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The atmosphere of the hotel is meant to draw influence from the South Pacific, meaning that there are a lot of warm colors and and cozy textures.
The resort itself is supposed to look like a village to bring a sense of community between the guests who stay there, as luaus and other high-energy festivities can sometimes be found during a visit.
The lobby itself really pulls from the beauty of the islands with plenty of greenery, colorful lanterns, fountains, and tikis.
And, while the Great Ceremonial House is under construction currently, we’re sure it will be even MORE beautiful when its refurbishment is completed!
Along with plenty of unique stores like Moana Mercantile and Boutiki, the dining options in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have become fan-favorites as well!
Guests can grab snacks and coffee to go at Kona Island or sit down to a full breakfast at the Kona Cafe with the famous Tonga Toast.
If the grown-ups are looking for a nightcap or a drink with friends, they can head over to the Tambu Lounge or Trader Sam’s for unique cocktails and bar bites.
There are also pool bars like Barefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Pool Bar at the resort during the days you’re looking to relax on a lounge chair.
For Quick Service meals, Capt. Cook’s is a great place for the whole family to visit before hitting up Pineapple Lanai for regular and themed Dole Whips for dessert.
And, of course, we couldn’t leave out ‘Ohana that is available for both breakfast and lunch for guests. The restaurant hosts a variety of unique, Polynesian eats that include the incredible noodles and Bread Pudding that have become famous around Disney World.
The entire resort is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Disney World. But, for the Deluxe Resort price, are the refurbished rooms worth it? Well, let’s take a look!
Room Tour
Now that we’ve explored the hotel, let’s head to our room! Disney refurbished the Polynesian’s existing rooms to incorporate a new Moana theme to match the resort atmosphere. The rooms have taken inspiration from the Pacific Ocean in its color palette and decorations that should evoke “undulating ocean waves and tropical flowers,” according to Disney.
With that being the case, you may find textures and details that you recognize from Moana’s island of Motunui, as well as characters from the film around the room.
Guests are surrounded by beautiful artwork, like the pattern of Maui’s tattoos on the wall…
…Hei Hei peeking out behind the coffee bar…
…and even Moana and Pua setting off on their next adventure from their beloved island!
The curtains themselves even evoke the ocean waves with the Heart of Te Fiti scattered throughout the design!
Guests have plenty of room to store their bags out of the way underneath the elevated beds. The pop of color looks like much of the island’s flora and water…
…while the giant headboards are carved with elaborate designs, similar to Moana’s oar!
Guests have access to a comfortable seating area, a flat screen TV, and a dresser with plenty of drawer space in the Moana rooms.
Plus, there is even a closet available for your family…
…with enough room for everyone in your party to store their belongings!
Speaking of the intricate designs around the room, the lighting even has a few special features! The lamp near the seating area features some of your favorite characters like Moana, Pua, and Gramma Tala…
…along with Hei Hei, Maui, Te Fiti, and others!
And, the overhead lighting even has references to Moana’s island with waves, flowers, and other elements.
Since the Moana rooms make you feel like an island, the bathrooms definitely look like the beach! The tiles and vanity use neutral tones for the appearance of a sandy ocean floor.
The restroom is in a separate, closed-off area of the vanity area…
…where you can also find extra towels and shelves to store your toiletries.
A shower and bathtub combination is available in the room with a sliding glass door, instead of a shower curtain…
…where you’ll find reusable toiletry canisters…
…and even hidden details on the tile, also inspired by Moana.
After a long day of exploring the parks AND Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you can also kick back and relax on the patio!
Who else here is blown away by all that attention to detail?!
Overall impression
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is still one of our favorite places to stay, even with all the construction happening right now. The entire theme of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is both tranquil and fun with an incredibly unique atmosphere. And, we have to say that the re-themed Moana rooms are just SO beautiful, that they’re worth a trip to the resort alone. The re-design is spacious, yet inviting with all the decorations inspired by the film!
However, the biggest issues you may encounter by visiting the resort now are in regards to the ongoing construction. The Great Ceremonial House is still being refurbished, along with the Monorail Station. So, if you feel like it would significantly impact your visit, you may want to opt for another Deluxe Resort instead!
If you want a further peek inside Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, take a look at Molly’s review of the reopened ‘Ohana down below!
Polynesian Village Resort (Deluxe Resort)
Here’s what a reopened Trader Sam’s looks like at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
Will you be staying in the new Moana rooms? Let us know in the comments below!
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Thank you, Molly, for the all ears video on the Polynesian reopening. We have reservations April 2022. I was wondering how to open the day bed; thanks for the demonstration. We are so excited, but we are glad we are waiting until Spring. We are hopeful all of the construction will be completed (including a working monorail stop).