Which Section of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is Right for You?

Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort, with its approximately 850 guest rooms, is less than half the size of some of her more sprawling sisters (Disney’s Coronado Springs resort has more than 1,900 rooms, for example); nevertheless, there are some nuances to this hotel that may impact your stay based on the location of your room.

A bit of context before we get going … Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (affectionately known as “the Poly” to her fans), was one of the two original WDW hotels, opening in 1971, with three (soon to be four) later expansions. The Poly, with its South Seas theme, is located directly across Bay Lake from the Magic Kingdom and is part of the Magic Kingdom monorail loop. The primary structure is the Great Ceremonial House which is home to the hotel’s services including the check-in desk, bell services, restaurants, bars, shops, and monorail access. Guests rooms are located in outbuildings, called longhouses and bungalows, scattered around the property. A tower building, to be part of Disney Vacation Club offerings, is scheduled to open within the next year. The Poly is also walking distance from the Ticket and Transportation Center which includes the Magic Kingdom parking lot and, more significantly, the transfer station to the EPCOT monorail line.

Note that during construction of the DVC tower, there is no walking path from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian and beyond. We expect that once the tower is completed, guests will again be able to walk from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian resort, Magic Kingdom, and Contemporary resort.

Click photos to enlarge.

Ceremonial Hall Area

There are no guest rooms in the Ceremonial Hall, but having an understanding of what’s there may impact whether you think having easy access is important.

Bora Bora Bungalows

The Bora Bora Bungalows are 20 stand-alone buildings, one party per bungalow, located on stilts actually in the Seven Seas Lagoon.

PROS

• Unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom
• Private space with loads of amenities including outdoor lounge space and a plunge pool
• These buildings are the height of Disney World swankiness – on the bucket list of many WDW devotees

CONS

• The cost is staggering. Prices start in the mid $3,000s per night and go for more than $6,000 per night over the winter holidays.
• There is boat traffic noise in the lagoon from about 7:00 a.m. until at least 11:00 p.m., often later.
• These are among the most distance guest rooms at the Polynesian if you want to get to the Ceremonial House amenities or transportation.

Moorea, Pago Pago, and Tokelau Area

These buildings have been converted into Disney Vacation Club studio villa units. They are available to rent with points by DVC members and with cash by non-members.

PROS

• The rooms are among the most spacious studio villas at Disney World
• These buildings are a quick walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center and the monorail to EPCOT
• Some rooms in the Moorea building face the Lagoon. Upper floor rooms may have a view of the Magic Kingdom.
• Some rooms in the Pago Pago and Tokelau buildings are the closest to the bus transportation area
• There is a well-maintained BBQ area
• Tokelau rooms are near the Oasis Pool and Bar
• Guest laundry building is nearby

CONS

• This area is distant from the Lava pool
• This area is distant from the dock and boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom
• These rooms may hear noise from the ferry whistle at the Ticket and Transportation Center

Hawaii Building

PROS

• Close to both the Oasis Pool and Lava Pool
• Some rooms in the Hawaii building face the Lagoon. Upper floor rooms may have a view of the Magic Kingdom.
• The Concierge level lounge (King Kamehameha Club) is in the Hawaii building
• Some rooms are close to the dock and boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom

CONS

• Some rooms may hear noise from the ferry
• Distant from the Polynesian parking lot and other transportation options
• Benefits of the building are inaccessible if you are not paying for Club Level accommodations

Samoa, Niue, and Raratonga Area

PROS

• Samoa and Niue are close to both the Oasis Pool and the Lava pool
• All buildings have easy access to the Great Ceremonial Hall and the Polynesian monorail
• Raratonga is an easy walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center
• Raratonga is an easy walk to the Polynesian bus stop

CONS

• No views of the Magic Kingdom

Tonga, Aotearoa, Fiji, and Tuvalu Area

PROS

• Tonga has easy access to the Great Ceremonial Hall
• Tuvalu rooms may have unobstructed views of the Magic Kingdom and Grand Floridian
• Will be close to the amenities at the DVC tower (once it opens)
• Easy access to the Magic Kingdom boat transportation

CONS

• Distant from the Polynesian parking lot
• Distant walk from the Ticket and Transportation Center
• Many rooms are distant from the pools
• Closest to the DVC Tower construction zone (this will end when the Tower opens)
• The suite-style rooms in the Tonga building are not in the same place as the Club lounge (at the Hawaii building)

If you have a preference, take a look at our room finder tool, which shows the view and detailed information about every room at Walt Disney World. Once you’ve decided where you want to be, use our room request tool to let Disney know. Requests are not guaranteed, but they are often honored.