Polynesian Beach Resort

Overview

One of the original two hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort (The Contemporary is the second), The Polynesian Resort was opened on the 1st October 1971 to coincide with the official opening of The Magic Kingdom.

The Polynesian Beach Resort is decorated like the south sea islands of the Pacific ocean. The A-frame shaped central ceremonial house, which encloses the resort offices, shops, and most of it's restaurant options, is filled with lush tropical vegetation, a waterfall, and a feeling that you're really in the pacific region.

Each building in the resort shares the same A-frame construction and the rooms are nicely decorated with the same south seas flair, without being overbearing.

Outside, there is a themed pool, a lovely stretch of white sand beach, a marina, and "luau cove" where Disney's nightly luau extravaganza is held. At night the real magic of the Polynesian Resort comes to life as the many pedestrian walkways are lit by flaming torches and the soft sounds of island music wafts through the air.

Rooms

The hotel rooms are in several long-houses named after Pacific Islands such as Samoa, Oahu, Bali Hai, and Tonga. It maybe because of the South Sea Islands theme, but for some reason the Polynesian is one of the most relaxing hotels at the Walt Disney World resort, and is many people's favourite.

Food and Drink

Restaurants at the Polynesian include Ohana, where polynesian all-you-can-eat feasts are served. Cinnamon's Cafe is a pretty standard coffee shop. Finally, the Tangaroa Terrace serves both ala carte and buffet style dinner as well as one of WDW's most popular character breakfasts.

Activities

Swimming in the pools (one of which is themed as a southseas lava pool) and boating out of the Polynesian's extensive marina highlight the activities here. This resort also has several shops for the trinket hunter and the serious shopper.

Luau Cove, located at the Western end of the resort property, is the site of nightly luau dinner shows. Mickey's Tropical Revue and the Polynesian Luau are fun ways to spend a couple hours in the evening.

Recreation

Shopping

Checkin/Checkout

Guest Services

Disney Transportation

The Polynesian Beach Resort is one of the few "Monorail Hotels". That means that the transportation to the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are via that mode of transportation. Buses provide service to the Disney / MGM Studios and the other WDW attractions. Water taxis can be taken to the Magic Kingdom.