Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been giving guests something to write home about since 1971. This tropical paradise offers a postcard vacation feel with swaying palm trees and flickering tiki torches. As one of the original Walt Disney World Resort hotels, the Polynesian is a classic destination. Let’s sail into some of the most beloved facts and history of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

History of Disney’s Polynesian Resort

What was the first hotel at Disney world?

Way back when, more than fifty years ago, Walt Disney World Resort opened in Central Florida. Today, there are four theme parks and two water parks. Back then, there was just one theme park and two resorts. Of course Magic Kingdom was the debut theme park. The resorts were Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Was there surfing in the Seven Seas Lagoon?

We’ve seen Disney change so much over the years as it grows. It might be hard to imagine there was once surfing in the Seven Seas Lagoon right next to Disney's Polynesian resort. Sadly, the man closely associated with this passed in the end of 2023. Dick Nunis worked at Disneyland for a long time starting in 1955 and later helped develop Walt Disney World. Mr. Nunis was once the executive vice president of Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Later in his career he was named president of the Outdoor Recreation Division at Walt Disney World Resort, overseeing the parks that were built at the time.

When did the Polynesian get DVC? When were the Polynesian bungalows built?

The Polynesian resort first debuted its Disney Vacation Club offering in 2015.

In 2024, a brand new building opened at the resort. This Polynesian DVC tower is part of the existing condo association. What does that mean? Disney Vacation Club Members who have the Polynesian as their home resort are able to stay in these new rooms too. The villas at the Polynesian have always offered a studio style accommodation and the extravagant bungalows. Now DVC Members can choose from a wide range of room styles at this resort.

Disney Polynesian Resort Fireworks

Staying across from Magic Kingdom has its perks. These are the best places to watch the fireworks at the Polynesian.

DVC Resale Experts Can Help Welcome You Home

The Polynesian is the setting of many happy memories for vacationers from around the world. Become part of Disney Polynesian Resort history yourself by becoming a Disney Vacation Club Member at this home resort.

What originally launched as DVC in 2016 with bungalows and studio style rooms now has much more to offer. Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows welcomed the new DVC tower in 2024. What's exciting is that if you buy a resale DVC Polynesian contract, you have the ability to book any of the DVC villas there. Since they are all part of one home resort, this offers exciting room options and a little something for everyone right across the Seven Seas Lagoon from Magic Kingdom.

DVC Resale Experts is a licensed real estate broker with a team specializing in resale DVC. The Experts can help you find the contract of your dreams. Whether it's at the Polynesian or one of the other original 14 DVC resorts, resale DVC allows you to stay at other DVC home resorts, too! For some home resorts, you can only use your DVC resale Membership to stay at that resort. This includes beautiful resorts like Disney's Riviera Resort and those built after. With a contract at the Polynesian, you have lots of flexibility in where and when you can stay.