Disney's Polynesian ResortOperation Pixie Dust

The Polynesian Resort can be found on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon just two monorail stops away from the Magic Kingdom. This South Pacific paradise with its white sandy beaches and tropical landscaping was one of the original Resorts opening on October 1, 1971.

The Resort underwent an extensive upgrade from 2001 through 2006, including the Grand Ceremonial House, the main pool and all the guest rooms.

The Polynesian is served by the monorail, which will take you to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot theme parks. A bus stop near the Grand Ceremonial house provides transport to the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney and the water parks.

What are the rooms like?

Guest rooms at the Polynesian can be found in the 11 longhouses. All rooms are accessed via an internal corridor and include the standard Deluxe Resort amenities; two queen sized beds with day bed, small safe, fridge, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board. King-sized beds are only available in the suites. High Speed Internet Access is available for a daily fee.

Suites, which sleep four to six people, are located in the Tonga longhouse. They range from the one bed Concierge Suite right through to the King Kamehameha Suite which is two stories high and overlooks the marina.

There are three views available; the Lagoon view offers guests a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, while the Magic Kingdom view provides unobstructed views of the park at a slightly more expensive rate. The Garden view offers views of the luscious landscaping as well as the marina or the pool. It is possible that Garden view rooms may also overlook the parking lot; you can of course make a specific request when you make your reservations or check in to the Resort but they cannot be guaranteed.

Concierge rooms are available in the Hawaii and Tonga longhouses and guests have private access to the concierge lounge, which offers fantastic views of Cinderella Castle and the Wishes fireworks spectacular. Guests can also request a nightly turn down service.

What are my eating options?

Captain Cook’s Snack Company offers fast food and snacks and is open 24 hours a day (note that the grill closes at 11pm).

For breakfast, lunch and dinner you can head to the Kona Cafe; be sure to try out the specialty Kona Coffee and the Tonga Toast.

For an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon don’t miss ‘Ohana. Food here is prepared on an open pit and served family-style. In the mornings the restaurant hosts the ‘Ohana Character Breakfast where you can interact with Disney Characters while eating your Mickey shaped waffles.

Cocktails and specialty drinks can be enjoyed at the Tambu Lounge while the Barefoot Pool Bar offers drinks and snacks during the day.

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, featuring authentic Polynesian dancing and a full Polynesian-style meal is presented Tuesday through Saturday at the Luau Cove. Shows start at 5.15pm and 8pm during the warmer months.

What recreational facilities will I be able to enjoy?

There are two pools at the Polynesian. The Naneau Volcano pool features a volcano with waterfall and slide – it’s also home to the pool bar. The quiet pool is slightly larger and can be found nearer the longhouses.

Guests can also rent watercraft to enjoy time on the Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake, or if jogging is more your thing there is a 1.5 mile path that circles around the longhouses and out to the Shades of Green Resort.

There is no health club but guests have complimentary access to the one located at the next-door Grand Floridian.

Kids aged four through 12 can sign up for the Never Land Club; themed after the Darling Nursery, Skull Rock and a pirate ship, this supervised child care facility offers arcade games, computers, dress up, crafts and Disney movies. A dinner buffet is served from 6pm through 8pm followed by desert at 8pm and juice and cookie snacks at 10pm. You need to call (407) WDW-DINE to make a reservation for your child.

What else do I need to know?

From Tuesday through Saturday at 6pm a Polynesian dancer performs a traditional fire-knife dance to welcome in the night and light the torches in the Grand Ceremonial House.