First Trip to the Polynesian and Disney World!

[darly2004]

We are so excited to be taking our first trip to Disney World and first time using our points as DVC owners at the Polynesian! We pretty much bought sight unseen at AKV, but took the opportunity to book at the Polynesian since it is a monorail resort. We were able to book 6 months out, so that was great! DH is definitely excited that our hotel stay would have cost us $5000 retail, but a lot less with our DVC points. Looking forward to many more years of Disney trips and Aulani stays with our 3 little ones. Any tips regarding the resort (i.e. what building, where to eat, etc) and planning the trip itself are greatly appreciated!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Poly has great restaurants all the way around. You can't go wrong at any of them. Make time to check out Trader Sam's. It's fun but caution little ones cannot be in their after 9pm since it's a bar.
I own there too but have only stayed twice and it didn't matter to me where I stayed. Others can give you a better suggestion on location.

 

[bethp1968]

DVC studios are in 3 villas - Moorea - lake view and standard view, which would face the gardens/grassy area/Pago Pago; Pago Pago - standard view studios only either facing Moorea or the parking lot; and Tokelau - standard view only facing grassy area/walkway or the Oasis Pool, note that there are a few studios at the end with a view of the lake (but are still considered standard view).

We have stayed twice last year (once in Pago Pago facing Moorea and once in a lake view studio). The laundry room is on the first floor of Moorea. It is a short/easy walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center to catch either the ferry to MK or the monorail to MK, Epcot or Resort Monorail.

Trader Sams is a neat bar, but sometimes there can be a wait (no reservations accepted) and if you get in, it's first come first serve on seating. There is an outdoor bar/seating area as well.

There is no gym/fitness facility at Poly - you will need to go to Grand Floridian if you are looking for a gym.

 

[Matty B13]

You will definitely need an ADR for OHana, very slim chance to just walk in any night. Spent a week there in 2015 and there were 50-100 people lined up to get in. Trader Sam's is fun, but pricey. Great resort though. Check out Tikiman's web page and facebook page for great info on the resort and DVC villas.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Trader Sam's doesn't allow anyone under 21 around 8pm.

 

[jdmn2010]

My family loves Ohana and Kona Cafe is great for breakfast. We stayed in Moorea and it's a bit of a walk from the hotel monorail, but it's nice to have the option to walk to the Ticket and Transportation Center, especially if you are going to Epcot. Have a great trip!

 

[LionKingCPA]

Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai!!

 

[kboo]

Not owners there, but the Polynesian is my favorite resort that I haven't stayed at --- and we love Kona Cafe! We made trips there from the CR and GF on our last trips there.

 

[vbmom40]

It depends on what view u picked if you are a standard view I would request Pago Pago upper floor close to the elevator. It is close to the path at the ticket and transportation center and close to the parking lot. We have stayed there twice due to its location the the TTC. The only downfall is the Laundry is not in that building.