Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows – Disney Vacation Club Resort Overview
Renovated and expanded as a DVC Resort in 2015, “The Poly”, as it’s commonly known, is one of Walt Disney World Resort’s first two on-site hotels, originally opening the same day as the Magic Kingdom on October 1st, 1971. With its South Seas theming and nearly 50 years of nostalgia, it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among DVC Members.
Did you know that the paperwork to break up The Beatles was signed by John Lennon at the Polynesian on December 29, 1974 while spending Christmas in Florida?
Location
Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows (PVB) has what many consider to be one of the absolute best locations of any DVC Resort. It is one of three resorts on the monorail, and the resort has one of the best views of the Magic Kingdom and it’s Happily Ever After Fireworks Show.
Disney Vacation Club’s villas are located in the Moorea, Tokelau, and Pago Pago longhouses, as well as the Overwater Bungalows. Standard view deluxe studios are situated in Tokelau, Pago Pago, and Moorea while all lake view deluxe studios are in Moorea. The 20 Overwater Bungalows, also known as Bora Bora Bungalows, hover over the Seven Seas Lagoon. These private accommodations offer a Disney vacation like no other.
Lobby
The lobby is located in the Great Ceremonial House, where DVC guests may check in, although using online check in allows you to go straight to your room. The Polynesian’s shopping boutiques and dining venues are also located in the Great Ceremonial House, while all guest rooms and DVC villas are in the separate “longhouses” and Overwater Bungalows.
Villas
The Poly is a unique resort for Disney Vacation Club Members. There are two villa types, Deluxe Studios and Overwater Bungalows, so those preferring a One, Two, or Three Bedroom Grand Villa will need to be a little flexible or choose another resort for their vacation.
- Deluxe Studios: Deluxe studios sleep 5, with a queen-size bed, a queen pull-out sofa, and a twin-size pull-down bed. There is a small seating area and a kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and toaster. Deluxe studios have a split bathroom, so there is a walk-in shower on one side as well as a tub with shower on the other.
- Overwater Bungalows: DVC’s Overwater Bungalows offer a spectacular option for DVC Members to experience a Disney vacation like no other. These 2 bedroom bungalows sleep up to eight people and hover over the Seven Seas Lagoon. The master suite features a king-size bed and a spa-like master bath, with a walk-in shower, jetted tub, and even a television hidden behind the mirror. The second bedroom has a queen-size bed along with a twin pull-down bed, while the guest bath is split, with a sink/vanity and a tub with shower on one side, while a sink/vanity and toilet are on the other side. The living room sleeps 3 more, with a queen pull-out sofa and a twin pull-down bed. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is a dining table that seats up to eight people. The wraparound decks provide incredible views of Magic Kingdom and you even have a private plunge pool, which is a small wading pool, perfect for cooling off after a hot day in the theme parks. The bungalows also have a washer and dryer in the unit. Relaxing evenings are truly spectacular in the Overwater Bungalows, with views of the Magic Kingdom, every night you’ll be able to enjoy the Electric Water Pageant as well as Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After Fireworks Show.
Views
At the Polynesian, DVC Members have the choice of Standard or Lake view villas. Standard view villas look out to the front and sides of the villas with potential views of the resort or parking lot. Lake view villas look out across the Seven Seas Lagoon and will provide incredible views of Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks. If you’re in the Overwater Bungalows, you’ll have incredible lake views, however you may hear the water traffic.
Amenities
- Pools: There are two pools at the Polynesian. The main Lava Pool in the center of the resort and the quiet Oasis Pool, as well as the kids splash area and multiple beaches.
- Dining: Near the lobby you’ll find Captain Cook’s quick service restaurant and outside the lobby doors is the Pineapple Lanai, to satisfy your Dole Whip craving right after you check in. Upstairs on the second floor of the lobby you’ll find ‘Ohana, the Kona Cafe, and the Kona Island coffee bar, also offering snacks. There’s also another snack shop and boutique on the second floor. Polynesian’s Great Ceremonial House also offers stations for your refillable mugs. You can find more refillable mug stations at the Oasis pool. The DVC longhouses do not offer any food or beverage options. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a must see! With it’s South Seas theming, this tropical tiki bar offers unique food and drinks, as well as some of the most unique souvenir glasses at Disney World. The theme of the bar changes depending on the drink someone orders. A few more surprises await in this lounge, but I don’t want to give away all of the surprises. You’ll want to see for yourself. But get there early, as this popular spot fills up fast and may require a wait. Lastly, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is a Disney Guest favorite. This enchanting luau, complete with Polynesian dancing, offers an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style feast.
- Checkin: DVC Guests check into the Polynesian at the front desk of the Grand Ceremonial House, although online check-in is much more convenient, since you can go straight to your room. The DVC longhouses are about a five minute open air walk from the Grand Ceremonial House.
- Transportation: DVC Members and Guests have three great transportation options available at the Polynesian, with busses, water taxis, and the monorail all available at the Grand Ceremonial House. The Transportation and Ticket Center is also a short walk from the Poly, being no further than the DVC longhouses.
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