If you’ve ever dreamed of staying somewhere that feels like a tropical vacation and Disney magic wrapped into one—Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort absolutely delivers.
We stayed in the new tower building last November during the holiday season, and I can honestly say—it was one of the most magical resort experiences we’ve had at Disney.
From Christmas music playing by the splash pad to watching fireworks in pajamas on the beach, this resort quickly became one of our all-time favorites.
Why We Love Deluxe Resorts (Especially with Toddlers)
As a family with two toddlers, we don’t just “sleep” at our resort—we experience it.
That’s why we love deluxe resorts like the Polynesian:
- Easy midday breaks (lifesaver with little kids)
- Better pools and splash pads
- More space in the rooms
- Convenient transportation options
The Polynesian checks every single one of those boxes.
Location & Transportation (Game Changer with a Stroller)
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Polynesian is the transportation.
- Direct access to the monorail (huge win with a double stroller)
- Walking distance to the Ticket and Transportation Center
- Easy access to EPCOT via monorail
Not having to fold up a stroller for a bus? That alone makes this resort worth it.
Our Room in the New Tower
We stayed in a Deluxe Studio, and the space was incredible—especially traveling with kids.
The room included:
- One queen bed
- One queen Murphy bed (pull-down couch)
- A large bench + table area
- A small kitchenette
- A spacious, beautiful bathroom
- A private balcony
Having that extra space makes a huge difference when traveling with toddlers (and all the stuff that comes with them).
Our balcony overlooked the monorail, which was actually really fun for the kids to watch—and perfect for relaxing during nap time with a glass of wine.
Pools & Splash Pads (Perfect for Little Kids)
The pool area here is amazing, but what really stood out were the splash pads.
- The Moana-themed splash pad was perfect for our 2- and 3-year-old—more low-key and easy to manage
- The larger splash pad was fun but more active and crowded
One honest note: the bigger splash area isn’t a “sit and relax” situation—you’ll definitely want to be up and watching your kids closely (there are some deep water areas).
But overall, it’s one of the best setups for families with little ones.
Food at the Polynesian (SO Good)
Every food option here is great!
Kona Cafe
We had multiple meals here and loved everything.
- The famous Tonga Toast for breakfast = chef’s kiss
- Sushi for lunch = unexpectedly amazing
Wailulu Bar & Grill
This was our first time trying it, and everything we ordered was incredible.
‘Ohana
We did the character breakfast (with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto), and it was such a fun experience for the kids. The food is also fabulous.
Dinner here is also great—but:
- It’s a LOT of food and reservations can be hard to get
Tambu Lounge (Pro Tip)
You can order the best ‘Ohana items here:
- Chicken Wings
- Pork Pot Stickers
- ‘Ohana Noodles (amazing)
- AND the famous bread pudding
It’s more relaxed, easier to get into, and cheaper—honestly a hidden gem.
They also have a quick-service option, Captain Cook’s, which is super convenient for quick and easy meals throughout your stay without needing a reservation. I have had it in the past and it has been great, but we didn’t get anything here this trip because of the many other food options.
Dole Whip, Drinks & Relaxing Moments
Having Dole Whip readily available is something I didn’t realize I needed—but now I do.
One of my favorite memories was grabbing a Dole Whip, sitting by the splash pad, and watching my kids play while Christmas music played in the background.
Also—don’t skip the bar:
- The frozen lime dole whip margarita was SO good
Watching Fireworks from the Beach (Underrated Magic)
You can watch Happily Ever After right from the Polynesian beach.
- Music is piped in
- Kids can wear pajamas
- No crowds, no stress
We watched with our toddlers already ready for bed—and it honestly felt more magical than being in the park.
Then we just walked back to our room. No buses. No chaos. Just bedtime.
The Grounds: A Tropical Disney Dream
The Polynesian truly feels like an island getaway.
- Sandy beach areas for kids to play
- Hammocks and lawn games
- Stunning views of the castle
- You can even see the castle from the pool
It’s relaxing in a way that most Disney resorts aren’t.
Bonus Perks
- Walking distance to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Monorail access to Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Tons of additional dining options nearby
Final Thoughts
The Polynesian had been on my husband’s bucket list, and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Between the location, food, atmosphere, and family-friendly features, it’s easily one of our top Disney resorts—and we’ll definitely be back.