Disney's Polynesian Resort

The Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World is Dad's favorite hotel in the world.

What's not to love about this romantic location... Beautiful white sand beaches... Great pools... Large, clean, well appointed rooms... Luau's... Great views of the Magic Kingdom... One of the best restaurants at Disney World... it's all right here at this beautiful island resort.

The Polynesian was built in 1971. It's part of the original plot that Uncle Walt himself designed.

The Polynesian is a the perfect home base for a Disney World vacation. Transportation to the theme parks, water parks, other hotels, to Downtown Disney, and everywhere else in Disney World is more convenient than from any other hotel.

Dad has too much information about the Polynesian Resort for just one page. Here's a list of what's Dad has just for you.

Check it out...

• Guest Rooms
• Transportation
• Pools, Marina, Beach
• Polynesian Resort Videos
• Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Keep reading for information about the Great Ceremonial House. The meeting place and center of activity for the Polynesian Resort. (Isn't the beach lovely.)

Great Ceremonial House lobby at the Polynesian Resort - Photo taken by Jeff B.

Arriving at the Polynesian Resort

A journey to the Polynesian is full of magic and wonder. When you arrive at Disney World and drive under the arches that say Welcome to Walt Disney World, the magic begins. You pass Epcot and the excitement builds. You catch a glimpse of the monorail on it's way to Epcot, be still my heart. You make the right turn on to Seven Seas Drive an then, off to the right... there it is... just a glimpse... right behind the Transportation and Ticket Center... The Magic Kingdom.

And then, you're there. You've arrived. You pull up into the Polynesian parking lot and the real magic starts.

The Great Ceremonial House

When you pull up to the resort, if your driving yourself, you have a choice... The first of many... You can choose to act rich... Or, you can choose to act poor... Most of us normal people take a left turn and park our cars ourselves, unload our bags and start walking to the check-in counter.

Or... pull up under the huge overhang throw the keys at the valet, tell the bellman to grab the bags, (luggage, not human) and stroll snootily up to the check in counter and announce your presence.

Yes, there is valet parking for Polynesian guests and bell services (valet parking costs $10.00 per day, tips for parking and luggage service are expec... appreciated).

Bell services and valet parking are all part of the first class services available at Disney's Deluxe Resorts. Disney knows how to take care of their friends.

Even before you walk into the Great Ceremonial House, the romantic beauty of the resort jumps out. Lush, tropical foliage is everywhere. Green is the dominate color even in winter.

Look for the Koi (fish) in the stream by the entrance. Check out the waterfall. It's beautiful.

The Great Ceremonial House has two floors. There are shops and eating areas on both floors. Here's what you'll find -

First Floor

• World renown Wyland Galleries

  Captain Cooks - Quick serve meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Information center - or front desk. Online check-in, park information available here.
• BouTIKI - Tropical gift items are available for purchase. Open from 8-11. Many items have the resort logo.
• Wyland Gallery - World renown art gallery.
• Arcade - Kids of all ages will love the games here.

Second Floor

• Trader Jacks - buy Disney merchandise and other items. A pin trading cart is available outside.
• Samoa Snacks - snacks, drinks and various nick-nacks are available.
• 'Ohana - The best restaurant at Walt Disney World. Grilled meats served family style. It's a blast.
• Tambu Lounge - Tropical Themed Lounge in 'Ohana.
• Kona Cafe - an intimate open air restaurant. Home of Tonga Toast.

The Great Ceremonial House is where the fun begins. 'Ohana is a great place to eat. The lobby is absolutely beautiful. It's fun just to sit in the lounge area and enjoy the scenery.

Dad's Bottom Line

Dad loves the Polynesian Resort. It's his favorite place in the whole world. If Dad could he'd live there. Maybe some day.

For information about guest rooms, pools and much more. Check out Dad's other Polynesian pages-

PAGE 2 - Guest Rooms
PAGE 3 - Transportation
PAGE 4 - Pools, Marina, Beach
VIDEO - see videos of the Disney Polynesian Resort

Dad's Disney Hotels page
Dad's Disney World home page