TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I didn’t actually stay at the resort but went there for breakfast. When I arrived at 7 am, the officer at the gate to their parking lot refused me entry when I told him I didn’t have a breakfast reservation, but would be a walk up when they opened at 7:30. I was made to leave, and had to pay $35.00 to park with thousands of other cars at the main Magic Kingdom parking lot, then walk to the resort for breakfast. (I know, I should have just eaten elsewhere). As I walked up to the resort I saw that easily half of the parking spots there were empty. With the restaurant open to everyone, whether a resort guest or not, I shouldn’t have had to find expensive parking elsewhere. Very unreasonable.

Overall this is a fun resort with lots of great theming, and amazing transportation to the Magic Kingdom via monorail or boat. We also enjoyed the poolside food and beverage service. One big warning: the Moorea building is very close to the ferry dock of the Ticket and Transportation Center. Ferry horns will be part of your experience from very early in the morning to very late at night, roughly every ten minutes. While the room we were in was very nice, the noise pretty much ruined our one-night stay, as we were out for a late night in the Magic Kingdom, and then wanted to sleep in. If we were there for a longer stay, we definitely would've asked to move to a different building.

We stayed at the resort for five nights in early October, largely on the recommendation from many people. We did not have a disastrous experience by any means, but we were not overly impressed based on the price they charge for rooms. If we visited Disney again, we would select a less costly option and don't think we would need to sacrifice much in doing so. Some of the benefits are documented in other reviews (access to monorail, etc.). On the negative side, we were surprised that you only get cleaning service for your room every other day (even Motel 6 cleans your room everyday). Our room was on the ground floor facing a crowded walkway and so we had to leave our shades closed all day or else be a fishbowl. The resort is very busy/crowded, but I view that more as something to be expected on a Disney trip. I inadvertently left a jacket in the closet of our room when we left (which is my fault) and realized I forgot it on the way to the airport. What I found frustrating was there was no way to contact the hotel to try to report it (they have no phone, email, etc.). The only option was to submit a generic "lost item" request to Disney itself (no different than if you lost something at one of the parks). Not surprisingly, the response received was they were unable to find it. So to the hotel employee who claimed the jacket for themselves, you are welcome! Overall, it was very expensive for what you get and has pretty average service. You'd be better served by saving some money and staying elsewhere.

I found this resort very overpriced for what is provided. The service was good, Disney friendly, clean, all of that was fine. My issue is with the food and drink offering. Firstly it’s nearly impossible to find any fresh, healthy food or snacks, I was shocked that in this day and age the food was overpriced and not even good quality. Why there isn’t a sushi bar or poke bar or place to get Hawaiian bbq is beyond me. That would be an easy thing to setup on an outdoor grill by the pool. Capt Cooks is seriously dated and not in a good way. The food was awful. Just like fast food- and Kona cafe breakfast was a rip off too. Basically you are getting Denny’s- for more money- and it’s the same food they are serving at capt cooks. I wanted to visit the tiki bar which looked super fun but there was no space- not their fault. Run to the new restaurant in the “towers” that was really good. Also you have to work hard to find a water bottle filling station or pay $5 for Dasani. I feel by the ice machine in each building there should be a filtered water station. Its water! The tap is awful tasting. The wine program needs help too… not enough variety of whites and roses. The location is great! Being on the monorail was amazing and close to magic kingdom. The pools were fine- the main pool was an absolute zoo the day we went- no chairs open- and people crammed into the spaces. There are two other pools that are quieter. Still, I was expecting a main pool more refined and unique. The grounds and landscape are very nice and cared for. We would not return. You can stay at the ritz for these prices

Disney's Polynesian Village has been my favorite vacation spot for me for over 40 years. I have stayed there many times and always had a great time. The location, newly refitted rooms with modern fittings and club-level amenities are wonderful. I was surprised this visit to see how many many more accommodations had been added to the village since our last visit: huge buildings on the edge of the resort. But I was really shocked by the trash on the beach and the cigarette butts on the sidewalks and walkways! HOW CAN THIS BE???! I saw staff trundling around in their little carts everywhere but no one picked up the butts? They do have a designated smoking area: 2 benches tucked away under some trees in a rather remote location, very inconspicuous but clearly marked on the resort map. I see no reason for cigarette butts to be lying around in a non-smoking area. It's probably no coincidence that these things appeared after the accommodation space effective tripled without a commensurate increase in staff. Additional tables have been squeezed into every on-site restaurant so that it's now a very "urban squeeze" vibe there instead of a relaxing resort. We really like the Polynesian for the opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom via low-stress small boat so we will probably continue to visit there. But the calm, relaxed sanctuary of happiness of the Polynesian seems to have been overwhelmed by unsupported growth. But maybe the "growing pains" will resolve with time. I really hope so!