We love the POLYNESIAN.
For our family of 5 (2 adults & 3 children), the Polynesian is the best option. Here are the reasons why:
1 - Location, Location, Location....Just minutes from Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and TTC with connections to EPCOT, etc. Such close proximity allows us to spend much less time in "transport", and more time in the parks. We also like to break up each day by heading back to the hotel for some swimming and relaxation - this is very quick and easy to do when staying at the Poly.
2 - Transportation options.....Take your pick - Monorail, Bus, or Boat are all right there. Or just a quick walk to the TTC.
3 - The Poly is one of the few Disney resorts that allows a family of 5 to stay in one "Standard" room - without having to upgrade to a "Suite". This saves us alot of money.
4 - The tropical, polynesian theme is WONDERFUL. From the lush green vegetation and piped-in hawaiian music, to the torch-lit walkways and white-sand beaches.....need I say more?
5 - The swimming pools....Kids absolutely love the Volcano pool and slide. Plus, the walk-in, zero-depth feature is great for small children and older adults. And if you prefer a more quiet serene atmosphere, there is a completely separate second pool. Don't forget the beach too, with it's white-sand, cabanas, hammocks and marina for water recreation. My favorite place in Disney is in a hammock on the beach at night, watching the MK fireworks.
6 - We typically go with the
Disney Dining Plan, and the dining options at the Poly are first-rate - O'Hanas, Kona Cafe, Captain Cook's and more. Oh, and don't forget the Luau!
7 - The rooms are all recently refurbished, with up-to-date decor, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators.
Overall, we do not spend too much time in our room - so our theory is to get the cheapest/standard room, but at the BEST deluxe resort we can afford. It's not so much the room, as the amenities, features and service that the Polynesian has to offer that make our Disney vacation MAGICAL!
ALOHA!