I've Stayed in Every Disney World Hotel. This Is Why Polynesian Village Resort Is Worth It.

Part of my job takes me to review Disney hotels, and now, I’ve stayed in every. single. one in Disney World.

Quincy at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Having stayed in every hotel, I know a lot about the amenities, perks, and pros and cons of every single one. It’s certainly tough to choose — especially when you see those price tags (yikes!) — but sometimes even the priciest hotels can show that they are worth it. Enter Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort — can it possible be worth the $1,000+ per night rates? Sometimes, it can.

I recently booked a stay at Polynesian Village Resort for a full tour, and you can learn a whole lot more about this popular hotel by watching our video right here.

But let’s get into what makes this resort special and why, to some, it’s worth the massive splurge.

The Theme

The Polynesian has a South Seas theme that is loved by many. In fact, it’s the reason a lot of Polynesian Village Resort die-hards book again and again. It’s also one of the hotels that has the most day-visitors. It’s easily accessed from Magic Kingdom via the monorail and even those not staying there tend to stop by to experience the island theming.

Outside in the resort you’ll find palm trees, torches, and the buildings themed to longhouses. Inside, keep an eye out for tiki heads, Polynesian flowers and foliage, and dark wood tones. Now, the resort even has many nods to Moana, and you can get a lei when you check in.

The Location

Another reason Polynesian Village might be worth the splurge is its location. This resort is located on the monorail loop that reaches Magic Kingdom and it has its own monorail station. So, you can easily access Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — or ride or walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center for a monorail to EPCOT.

That proximity also means that many rooms have theme park views and you can watch the fireworks from your table at ‘Ohana, the beach by the marina, and many other locations around the hotel.

The Dining Options

Perhaps the best thing about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is its dining — ok, maybe not the best but it’s pretty amazing. The Polynesian has a ton of dining options including table service spots ‘Ohana and Kona Cafe, quick service at Capt. Cook’s, bars like Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace and Tambu Lounge, and even a dedicated Dole Whip spot with Pineapple Lanai!

These spots are extremely popular for their focus on Polynesian cuisine and tiki drinks. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is one of the most popular bars in Disney World, with a typical wait of over two hours on any given day, perhaps due to its cool interactive effects. And it is truly difficult to beat being able to eat Dole Whip on a beach — especially when you have the option to top that Dole Whip with rum.

The Amenities

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a deluxe Disney hotel (as you can probably tell from the price), and it’s got a number of luxury amenities. Many of the rooms have Polynesian robes for your use, you have access to the huge Lava Pool and the peaceful Oasis Pool. The hotel offers Club Level, as well!

The Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Villa Resort

Recreation-wise, Polynesian doesn’t really stand out from other Disney hotels but it does have sport courts, a jogging trail, Disney movies under the stars, fishing, and campfire activities available.

Overall

I am certainly not the type to want to spend $1,000 a night on a hotel room. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is wildly expensive and unfortunately, not realistic for most budgets — as exciting as it may be.

For those who can budget for the Polynesian, staying in the beautiful rethemed rooms with access to the dining and amenities and the beautiful location just might be worth it. To be honest, I found myself thinking it might be worth the splurge while drinking a rum drink out a pineapple in bed at night with a Magic Kingdom day ahead of me.

You can see resort tours of every single hotel over on our YouTube channel! Stay tuned to AllEars for more!