Reviews of Polynesian Deluxe Studios (Disney Vacation Club)
Reviewed by Tasha Review Date: 04/16/2020
Rating: (5) Not Recommended
We adore they Polynesian resort have stayed 3 other times in the Hawaii building, this time we rented DVC. We were shocked to see how worn the inside of the DVC buildings were, the elevators were scratched up and dirty, carpets were dirty. We had stayed 4 nights at disney grand floridian villas before checking into the Poly Villas and the GF Villas had been open longer and didnt show the wear like the Poly villas did. It was kind of disappointing. We still really loved the rest of the resort like we always did but wont stay in a Poly Villa again it will be on the hotel side again, those rooms seem to be more taken care of
Pros:
Its the POLYCons:
very wornReviewed by Grey137 Review Date: 03/24/2020
Rating: (10) Recommended
The best deluxe/DVC resort!!!
Pros:
Hawaii themed and is VERY relaxing!Cons:
No cons!!!!Reviewed by skipperina Review Date: 03/18/2020
Rating: (7) Not Recommended
I think I expected more. I have always wanted to stay here and I was a little underwhelmed. I am glad I stayed here, but I don’t feel the need to go back for a while.
Pros:
The pool, the grounds are nice, watching the fireworks from the beach, the glow event for kids at nightCons:
The resort is dated and feels old (not in a charming way); the monorail was not very convenient - broke down a lot, stinky, not much faster than the buses in our experience; prices are high (you can get more for your money at other resorts); dining is just okReviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 03/15/2020
Rating: (10) Recommended
Oh so beautiful and peaceful.
Pros:
It's close to the transportation and ticket center, in some ways closer to that than the lobby so you can catch a monorail there, but even so, the lobby isn't that far a walk. The food is excellent, and the pool and theming is impeccable. There are plenty of gift shops and a view of the magic kingdom. It's just a monorail ride away from the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary resort. And I must say, this resort has the best service I've ever experienced at a Disney Resort.Cons:
The room is a little pricey, and this may be a subconscious weight on your shoulders for your stay.Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 02/27/2020
Rating: (10) Recommended
Wonderful resort
Pros:
EveryhingCons:
NothingReviewed by JennyM Review Date: 06/19/2019
Rating: (10) Recommended
Our family stayed at the Polynesian as DVC members in July 2018. Our room was clean and well appointed. We had a view of the lagoon and could see the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom from our patio. My son and I sat outside eating a quick breakfast each day before heading to the parks and sat outside for a little bit each night enjoying the view. We enjoyed walking along the paths near the water and sand to the boats to the MK or on our way to the amazing pool (with the volcano waterslide). It was easy to walk to the main building and catch the monorail, or go to the boats to ride across the lagoon, or walk to the TTC and catch a monorail to Epcot. The room had plenty of space for the four of us (2 adults, 9 and 11 year olds). We had room to store all of our luggage and the kids enjoyed sleeping in the pull down bed (with Lilo and Stitch painted on the back panel).
Pros:
beautiful theming!!!! Location, location, location; on the monorail; great view of the water and Magic Kingdom; close to transportation (monorail, small boats, ferry and TTC to catch Epcot monorail)Cons:
cost ($ or points) considerationsReviewed by jennarenay96 Review Date: 06/13/2019
Rating: (10) Recommended
LOVE the theming and atmosphere here!
Pros:
Great theme, close to MK and Epcot, and very quietCons:
NoneReviewed by kekmouse Review Date: 04/28/2019
Rating: (8) Recommended
We stayed in Tokelau, second floor, with 5 people (2 adults, 3 under 16) from 4/20 to 4/27 2019. Our room was ready upon arrival at the resort and was surprisingly spacious, even with the couch as a third bed. Both bathrooms were large enough with great vanity lightening and wonderful water pressure in both showers. Our two general issues with the room were limited space for clothing (two drawers under the bed, two small bedside tables, and closet with a few hangers as we used the chest in the room for souvenirs/luggage to keep the floor clear) and some of the outlets weren't working. Bring a power strip to be safe. The one major issue we had was the mini fridge broke about halfway through the trip. The staff replaced it within a half hour of us calling, but as we didn't get back to the room until late that day, we lost perishables. Check them every morning before you leave.
The big hit with the kids was the pool. We didn't venture to the main pool b/c it looked a little rowdy for us in terms of crowds and noise so we stuck to the Oasis Pool b/c it was literally right outside our building. The water was always clean, there was space to both swim and lounge, and there were always plenty of chairs and umbrellas. Also, the Jacuzzi was heaven after a day of park walking. Be warned, there is no lifeguard at this pool so younger children will need to be supervised. My personal favorite part about this resort was the beach part b/c we had amazing views of the Wishes firework show every night it ran. We could hear it from our room the few nights we didn't go so if you're sensitive to that, it might be wise to bring earplugs or some noise-canceling device. If you do attend the show, go down at least an hour early if you want one of the chairs or benches, otherwise bring a blanket for the sand.
We are personally not a table-service family so the night we ate dinner at the hotel, we went with quick-service. They have the standard nuggets/hot dogs/ mac and cheese for kids so they were happy with that but the adult menu is a bit more limited unless you like more South Pacific food. Loved the flatbread pizzas, though. We liked the breakfast much more b/c you get really great portion sizes for what you pay. My mother especially loved the Tonga toast, their specialty item. They also offer the luau at the Luau Cove most nights. We didn't have an interest in the menu or long show, but we did notice that the lobby gets very hectic before each of the showtimes with incoming guests so plan trips to the Great Ceremonial House strategically during those times.
Transport was a mixed bag, but I find that it is at most Disney properties so it didn't really affect our trip b/c we planned for it. We found it was easier and quicker when going to Epcot to walk to the TTC b/c we would have gone on the whole loop otherwise. Buses to Hollywood and Animal Kingdom ran fine, we just had issues with buses to Disney Springs. Very long wait times for those for some reason. My one big surprise was even though we planned on using it, we did not use the Minnie Van service provided by Disney b/c for us, it ran much more expensive than using Lyft. For the few reservations, we had at other locations, the Lyft drivers were both cheaper and much less wait times. When we were done, we took the bus to Magic Kingdom to get back to the hotel. I would recommend to anyone going to Disney to download a rideshare app b/c it was a huge timesaver for us and probably a money saver, especially if your party is four or less.
All in all, I had a really great trip to this resort. It was our first deluxe resort and on the whole, it was a good investment in terms of how much more comfortable we were. If you're a Magic Kingdom fan, this is the perfect resort for you.
Pros:
Beautiful location, very close to Magic Kingdom, great pools, comfortable rooms, friendly and helpful staff, easy to navigate.Cons:
Further away from other parks, some noise issues, limited Quick-Service options, no arcade for kids.Reviewed by NatF Review Date: 04/24/2019
Rating: (10) Recommended
I love the Poly. The lushness of the grounds, the beautiful rooms, the dolewhip counter, the volcano pool and the smell in the lobby are all amazing. The Poly has great activities for kids. You can watch the fireworks from Magic Kingdom on the beach. It is super easy to get to the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, Magic Kingdom and Epcot. My favorite resort!
Pros:
Location, themeCons:
NONEReviewed by SecondStar Review Date: 04/18/2019
Rating: (10) Recommended
The Polynesian has the best of both worlds: a quiet and relaxed environment, and a location that's right in the middle of all the action. The grounds are gorgeous and very well-kept, you can see the castle and the fireworks from the beach, and the restaurants are excellent. The deluxe studio is very spacious, with two bathrooms (only one has a toilet). I've been able to see the fireworks from the balcony of a standard view in the past, although that's not guaranteed, of course.
