Why is This Disney World's MOST POPULAR Hotel? Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Welcome to a tropical hideaway. Nope, we’re not going to the Enchanted Tiki Room. We’re going to a place with breathtaking castle views across the water, iconic restaurants to grab some grub and fruity cocktails, and island vibes that make you feel like you’re at a beachy oasis rather than a resort only minutes away from Magic Kingdom. But is all the sand, sun, and palm trees worth the money? Grab your leis and flip-flops and let’s find out together!
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[@staceyk2274]

I think it's worth mentioning for those who haven't been before, but the beach is just a sandy area next to the lagoon. You can't and shouldn't enter the water because of the alligators that call Florida home.

[@moanachase1277]

Thats definitely Worth mentioning thankyou

[@JacobFitzgerald-en4jz]

@staceyk2274 they had nets for a long time since that boy died in 2016 from a aligator

[@blakepace]

By the way, AJ, you have, by far, the Very Best Voice Over Delivery! I am a former Radio and TV Station General Manager with decades of experience suffering through, er, I mean Auditioning and Listening to scads of 'Talent'. Your pitches, inflections, sounds and silences are terrific, and the Engineering is fine-tuned perfectly to your pipes. Kudos to you and your Production Team!

[@kcar8974]

I have a toddler and if I turn in anyone else for the Disney videos she says “I want the girl” 😂

[@gingerdavis8071]

I just stayed at the Polynesian Village over Memorial day weekend with my daughter and 3 grandchildren. It was beautiful and the least stressful part of the trip. Word of advice for those of you with pool loving children, DO NOT let them see that Lava pool first unless you intend to let them in it right then. No matter what cool ride we had just been on, the question after was" when are we going in the pool?" They spent hours in that pool and loved every minute of it. My daughter took me along to show her appreciation for my years of providing childcare and lawn care. She did tell me she got some major discounts for the room and park admissions. I certainly hope so.

[@samm2751]

Staying here after our park days (wanted the cost to be worth it by actually BEING at the resort) for the first time just before Christmas. Can’t wait!

[@samm2751]

Also rented points and the cost for 2 nights, was Disney’s cost for 1 night

[@veronicajude]

That’s great! Too many people don’t take advantage of the resort they are staying at and the older I get I prefer resort days over park days anyway!

[@lilbatz]

@@veronicajude this really looks like a resort you could enjoy for a week, and not really miss the park.

[@RedUnited30]

This is a great idea!

[@remyd8767]

@@samm2751 which rental site

[@davidroberts4769]

The first time we stayed at the Polynesian Village was in 1974, the rates then were $18, $24 & $32 per night, we chose $24. (that seemed like a lot at the time) It's still my favorite Disney Resort but I can't afford it anymore. Our last four visits we've stayed at Port Orleans/French Quarter

[@danielvandersall6756]

Good choice.

[@RLucas3000]

If only we could go back in time. Disney has gone up WAY more than inflation. Disneyland cost $1 to enter when it opened. That would be around $11 today, inflation wise. Guess what? You are not gonna get into any Disney Park for $11 lol. I think Walt would HATE what Disney has become. Universal is a much better deal, though Disney’s good neighbor hotels are also nice, and reasonable.

[@fullenw]

It's a beautiful hotel, loved looking around and eating there but i doubt i'd ever drop $600+ a night for it.

[@kristenorozco8289]

I was lucky growing up and got to stay here once. Normally my family never would be able to afford it, but my mom had booked at the Caribbean hotel and for some reason it was closed and we couldn’t stay there. They ended up offering us a huge discount so we could stay at a hotel with a beach. It is my favorite hotel.

[@IH-yi8ho]

I love the Polynesian! I visit the hotel every time I go to WDW and find myself in the Poly lobby soaking up the fragrance of the hotel. Nothing like it!

[@fifthfloorasmr650]

We loooved the tropical vibes!! For sure it recharges the energy after a long day in the parks!

[@DFBGuide]

🌴⛱☀️

[@itstallgirl]

Visit Aulani!!

[@barbwirewebworks]

The Poly has been my go to hotel since my first visit in 1980. A park view room and watching the water pagent are still worth it for us. Tonga toast and Trader Sams keep us coming back.

[@doomguy676]

my grandfather used to work here at ohana I have so many memories of visiting over there and the time we stayed there. I miss my grandfather but every time I'm there I like to think he is smiling at me.

[@mimi0424]

This brought back so many memories for me. I'm 46 now, but my family & I stayed here when I was 16. I remember at 1st being so disappointed bc I wanted to stay at the Grand Floridian aka The GORGEOUS Red Roof Palace as we called it. The monorail was our favorite mode of transportation..I am now a Grandmom of 1 Grandson and wanna take him to Disney maybe next year bc he's 4 now. Love your channel ❤️ but this was great!!!

[@veronicajude]

Happy Tuesday, y’all! 🎩🖤🥂 The comfy egg chairs, only slide that scares me a little, and Tonga toast are my top three Poly faves.

[@RedUnited30]

This is a bucketlist resort. One day my family will stay here and I really want to stay in the overwater bungalow but wow the price for those. May just settle for a Moana theme which my daughter will love anyways. But I have been to Ohana and that is amazing. We try to do breakfast on a MK day or we go there on arrival day to start our vacation. Gets us excited because we can see MK across the way and know we are in Disney.

[@scottbarnett3566]

Go to the Maldives for less!

[@veronicajude]

Oh and I hope they preserve my favorite tree when they do their fancy expansion where the live show used to be. It’s tucked away in a beautiful, quiet corner with a stone mickey head sitting within the trunk and it’s my favorite spot at the resort.

[@NinthShinigami]

My favorite spot is always secured: the lobby

[@veronicajude]

@@NinthShinigami you can’t go wrong there either!

[@jacquelynrybak9346]

Would love to see a head to head comparison of Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge!!

[@lyndabyers]

I just stayed at both. Both were awesome

[@xmoomoo9158]

Polynesian 👍🏻

[@HighTide_808]

Because of the vibes AJ 😎

[@DFBGuide]

🌴🌴

[@michecarter]

I'm not a DVC member but, I am staying in a DVC room over the Memorial Day week. *Along with another DVC resort* I've never stayed at a DVC resort before. I got a really good deal using a DVC rental site. We made sure coordinate our stay for the extra magic hours at MK. It's going to be amazing to be able to leave MK in the middle of the day to go to our room. Having a little makes this resort worth the effort to find this deal and the price!

[@mikebranigan7695]

Just a budget tip, going to a DVC rental site can save you big on the villa rates. I saved over 1000 by renting the points for our summer trip.

[@nicolehutto4906]

Got to spend some time here only due to having reservations at Ohana. The lobby was GORGEOUS as was the vegetation around the hotel. It was cute to see people doing the hula in lobby. And the food is amazing. Unfortunately due to the price we would never be able to stay there but it was nice visiting.

[@DFBGuide]

But you got the noodles, right? 😅

[@nicolehutto4906]

@@DFBGuide sadly no...but I did get dole whip as a consolation prize :-)

[@Showtunediva]

I LOVE the way the Moana rooms look!!

[@coraimaechevarria]

My favorite Disney resort, I love staying in the Poly, it’s the full Disney experience for me. Staying here again for my birthday in Sept. can’t wait! 🌴🤩🤎

[@jaredkinney9239]

Just starting my 10-night stay at Polynesian, it’s definitely worth it

[@chericrabbypelley9009]

This is a bucket list place for me, and I'm finally going thus December!

[@kshwick17]

Loved this resort breakdown !

[@melodyarcher5811]

Because it’s awesome!! Looooove the Polynesian 🏝🏝

[@lindajmaglionico]

Super timely & helpful video since I will be there in August! I haven't been to the Poly since I was 12. :)

[@ellenmurphy2150]

I stayed here in the early 80s with my family. I will never forget the Polynesian. Is it expensive? Yes! Is it worth it? I think so.

[@salemsloane5820]

If you’re using DVC rental points to get a discount room, it’s TOTALLY worth it. our four night stay in a Moorea studio came to around $1400. Excellent stay!

[@carlyjo467]

Doing a one stay here on our last night in a couple of weeks! Cannot wait!

[@AngiBelle1]

This is a bucklist resort for sure! I used to love to visit it and wander around as a CM, but back then, it was out of my price range. We'll have to stay there one of these days though!

[@chewie1644]

God bless people that can afford the stay at this place, me and my wife do well above average and I could never justify spending that type of money for a room I will barely be in.

[@jordanashley7434]

It would cost my family of four around $10,000 for the week 😭

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Those prices are just too high, and yet they sell out. Wow. The good news is that you can just visit the resorts by getting a reservation at one of the resturants. That's what we do.

[@KaitlynnDiBerardino]

i stayed at the polynesian every year since i was 2 and stopped going for a while in 2015. summer 2022 i finally went back but stayed at the beach resort. now im going in a week and finally staying at the polynesian again. soooo excited

[@hungerheroes1]

AJ..excellent , balanced review of the Poly...when we lived in Orlando ( yerars ago) my wife was a supervisor there & we loved the ambience;but must say the cost is now rather prohibitve and frankly as primarily EPCOT afficiandos prefer other Resorts. Of late we find that the Moderate Rseort, Port Orleans French Quarter has become our go to favorite for speedy one stop bus service & a relaxing vibe...

[@kellyerinhannon8288]

I went there 2 times and next summer I’m going again! It’s my favorite hotel everything abt it is incredible and if u love Disney and tropical stuff it’s THE BEST. The food is amazing, the pool, the rooms, etc. I promise you’ll love it if u go I have no complaints!

[@jb7692]

My absolute dream resort. May never get to stay there, but I did get to go to Ohana (in full luau outfit of course) last year, and even that taste of the resort was magical. We sat on the (crowded) beach after dinner and cried while watching fireworks…because adults cry watching fireworks across a lake…right?!?!

[@LoriKrazy61]

Hello! AJ, I was like wow sooo tempted to staying there…. I visited look around back in 2000 it has been long time ago not stayed at that hotel I stayed from outside from Disney…. More cheaper to stay outside from the resorts. Thank him for all those tips! 👍🏽🥰

[@brian_serowinski7532]

Watching this (sadly} waiting in the Polynesian lobby to go home after 8 days at WDW. The relaxed vibe is right, hardly a care in the world when we stay here. Our family has DVC & the Poly is our home resort.

[@mikefischer9327]

My favourite resort. What I would give to stay here. Stuff of dreams

[@Somenite]

I love visiting the Poly for the restaurants or whatever but when I stayed there it was a bit of a letdown. Felt it was a bit too spread out and too much money when compared to some other hotels in the deluxe category. I did love sitting on the beach watching the MK fireworks at night but for MK area hotels I would take the Wilderness Lodge any day.

[@christopherwalters3395]

The Spirit Of Aloha Dinner Show IS Something I Never Got To Do, I'm Sad It's Gonna Be Gone.

[@summermazur3064]

I love these in-depth hotel videos. Always been interested in the deluxe Disney hotels, but I could never afford to stay in them! Still would love to see a Blizzard Beach food video!

[@Stella2cool4u]

I stay here every time, always at Tokelau!

[@edvaira6891]

I just spent a week staying in a Disney Resort in an ACTUAL Tropical Paradise..in a 2 Bedroom 1100 sq ft villa with kitchen and laundry…and a wonderful view overlooking the gardens where they host a luxury Luau three times a week…with an Insane level of activities and Six pools and water slides…And it was…$1100 a night…Oh yeah, and it comes with its OWN HAWAIIAN ISLAND…This can’t compare to AULANI…and is Twice the price!

[@markthomas6236]

I love what you do

[@gracenmercy579]

Our family would love to Visit here someday!

[@alyssamartin3748]

I love your hotel videos, anyway to get a animal kingdom Lodge video?

[@JEdgar1019]

It’s hard to justify the price but those late night milk and cookies from club level watching the fireworks on your balcony really helps

[@KingBobaFett434]

DFBGuide, the Polynesian resort needs to add a new pizza at captain cooks.

[@erinerin670]

Favorite hotel!

[@koltondeins1381]

You should talk about the fort wilderness camp ground

[@kylogreen7889]

Hoping for my next trip to rent some vacation club points to stay here. Really the most affordable way to stay here.

[@andrews6211]

OMG, AJ the Polynesian is my DREAM hotel, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford it.

[@idgaf8389]

Looks good I’m going in JUNE 🤩🥰😍

[@frodoringo2381]

Hi: We are CA Natives (yep, Grewsom Newsom who closed Disneyland for 2 years) and are wondering if there is another group (blog) that is keeping up with all that is for Disneyland/CA Adventure. My Dad worked for Garrett Airesearch in the 1950s until the 1980s when he retired. Garrett had employees/family night once a year. The whole park was closed 6pm until 12pm to the public. Was such a great way of growing up with Disney. We were introduced once to Walt Disney which still is one of the highlife of my life. My girlfriend and I were part of the Passholders in the mid 1990s after I received a preowned kidney 25 years ago. Was still cheap and so much fun.

[@blakepace]

Slight correction, AJ: in 1971, in addition to the Contemporary Resort and Polynesian Village, there was A THIRD hotel/resort, the GOLF RESORT. I know, since I stayed there while substituting for the no-show musician in the Polynesian Resort Lounge. Not a big deal, I know, but Historical Accuracy is important to those of us who remember when Disney was Disney, and not so much what it is now. Thank you for persevering (Mahalo)

[@neK6299]

The Golf Resort is now Shades of Green

[@chrisscarfo1149]

I’d rather stay here then other places, thank God for dvc! 1) transportation options 2) food options…..!!!fireworks!!!

[@awlabrador]

Around 0:50, you ask whether we’d be better off planning an actual Polynesian vacation instead, but as far as I can see, there’s no comparison in this video between the Polynesian resort and, say, a typical Hawaiian resort stay or even a premium Hawaiian resort. Yes, a Hawaiian resort doesn’t have Disney (unless it’s Aulani), but it has actual frickin’ Hawaii.

[@NinthShinigami]

AJ’s bias has to kick in every now and then lol

[@notsowickedstepmom]

So I’m not going to Hawaii so I can’t compare to that, but I’m going to Bora Bora for my honeymoon in November for 9 days and staying in overwater bungalows with mountain views at two top hotels for just under $20K for 2 of us. That price includes our airfare, boat transfers, breakfast at the Four Seasons and breakfast and lunch (or maybe it’s breakfast and supper I can’t remember) at the Conrad Nui. So if you’re in a standard room for 9 nights during early November you’re looking at $6700-6800 ish for the standard hotel. If you were planning to stay in the bungalows for 9 nights it would legit be cheaper to go to Bora Bora, by a significant amount, like $12K+ difference.

[@awlabrador]

@@notsowickedstepmom Congratulations (or congrats in advance) on your wedding! And thanks for the price comparison; that's the kind of thing I was hoping the video would provide. Right now, I'm trying to decide on a family vacation either in Hawaii or in Mexico. WDW hasn't been a consideration this year.

[@notsowickedstepmom]

@@awlabrador fantastic options! I haven’t been to Hawaii, but have been to Mexico a handful of times. I like the Mexico all-inclusive vacations (we call them hot trip vacations as there’s also DR, Cuba, etc as options). It makes things so much easier with kids/teens and not having to worry about meals/alcohol. Plus you can book quite nice 4 and 5 stars for relatively cheap (compared to WDW). Not sure how it compares to Hawaii in pricing though. Anyways best of luck in your trip planning!!

[@amydoran9987]

This resort looks beautiful, but the price is a little too high. When we go to Disney my family and I stay at the wilderness lodge.Given the choice,I would love to try this resort at least once.

[@RedUnited30]

The wilderness lodge is our next resort to stay at. We are planning on doing a split stay between there and AoA.

[@DeborahPeyron]

We have done both. Save the extra bucks up and stay at Poly's for one vacation. It was our bucket list and my husband was terribly I'll while there. He still had a good time.

[@thomasjeske9766]

I love you AJ!

[@TheBruceGday]

Isn’t there a dining spot you can get the O’Hana Bread Pudding outside O’Hana? I thought I had seen that on a previous video.

[@childofhermes]

I’m staying here in 15 days for about 10 days 😮‍💨👌

[@NinthShinigami]

I love the resort‘s theming, vibes, style, and aesthetic! The smell too was so inviting and delightful! IMO only bad thing is the Moana integration

[@courtneyrogers5268]

Hey AJ, I fear that you have an outdated photo of the DVC rooms since these have been refurbished and now include a pull down queen bed instead of the pullout couch.

[@emilykozak7249]

Going to the Disney Polynesian in September 2023

[@TheBruceGday]

Now if they would only bring back the O’Hana Character Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch, or better yet, add Moana and Maui as well!

[@daa589]

I think AJ may have a slight problem with the boats 😉

[@jenniferrundle6870]

It's crazy that it's often more expensive here than the Contemporary, which is way closer to MK!

[@rebeccavaughn8897]

Contemporary is loud, so you might be paying for peace and quiet

[@richardmercer2337]

There aren't many other resorts where you have a direct view of Magic Kingdom fireworks AND Electrical Water Pageant from your room! No other resort has so many transportation options. I once wrote an article on "Seven Ways (and more!) to get from Polynesian Resort to Magic Kingdom"! And the rooms are nice. What's not to like?

[@NinthShinigami]

Well, now the Moana theming, but before absolutely nothing.

[@halfassfashion]

It’s cringily dated from a cultural appropriation standpoint

[@halfassfashion]

It’s cringily dated from a cultural appropriation standpoint

[@halfassfashion]

It’s cringily dated from a cultural appropriation standpoint

[@halfassfashion]

It’s cringily dated from a cultural appropriation standpoint

[@andrewdarden8210]

A. J. What does the WIN stand for or mean in Lets WIN Disney?

[@ethanol1586]

If I wanted to tropical vibes I would just book a flight to the Caribbean

[@sbk123411]

If only I could ever afford it.

[@benspellman1118]

it's the best because Ohana and Trader Sams is there! DUH!

[@josephsherman6129]

How many elevators will the newest construction building of Disney’s Polynesian have? How many floors will it have?

[@ellenkammer6098]

Staying in a Poly theme park view room for a week in December. We’re hoping the construction doesn’t ruin our time there.

[@TMRN2020]

How was it??

[@MmeSmite]

Pretty simple answer: it's close to MK, the Grand Floridian is too expensive, and the Contemporary is ugly as sin.

[@itstallgirl]

My beef as Kanāka with PV, they need to get rid of Capt. Cook's. He's the Conquistador of Hawai'i, like celebrating plantation life in the South. That and no haole Moanas. I know it's confusing because Emma Stone played a Native Hawaiian. But it's no different than a haole CM playing Tiana or Mulan. :-) :-)

[@itstallgirl]

Also not a Hawaiian breakfast without spam and rice!!

[@sinistralwing]

@@itstallgirl They have loco mocos at Kona Cafe for breakfast! No spam though

[@durden2480]

For $3200 a night, I better get a personal chef and masseuse

[@halfassfashion]

Just go to Fiji.

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Trader Sam's!!!!

[@HandleHandle233]

Nooo!!! Now next time we go back it Will be even more horrible and crowded😭😭😭

[@mysticalfairy32]

Sad that there is no more luau

[@mermaid3502]

Oh AJ, how I love thee….but you did not do the Spirit of Aloha any justice with the paltry mention in this video! I literally am in mourning over the permanent closure of that…so many memories of it over the past 20+ years. 😔

[@michaelvaldes2092]

I NEED some advice. I am planning to take my kid to Disney for a 5 night vacation. My main focus is 2 days at MK and one day at AK. I am paying for this and I have theme park view. I am thinking maybe I should modify and do 4 nights instead and save about 1, 500. My kid will be 6 at that time. I think 4 nights will be pretty amazing as is....what do you guys think?

[@Tinyshellproduction]

For 6 years olds, for sure 4 nights is plenty. :)

[@newgrange752]

One reason why we got DVC!!!

[@olive1246]

DFB Polynesian Village v. Aulani?

[@Mouseblouse22]

Too bad it’s been booked up basically for the rest of the year 😭

[@lauracrawford6763]

How is this hotel for wheelchair accessibility?

[@itsjackybova365]

Bruh the food is not as good and is overpriced. Was just there this past week but the dole whips were amazing as always! My favorite hotel!

[@lyndabyers]

My dvc home resort

[@RudyJP]

Do you have any confirmed reservations available for rent?

[@Nuggtendo]

Is that Molly as Moana? Moally?

[@Hubgrass]

I like to visit, not to stay. I go there to eat and shop every trip. Best Monorail resort.

[@bethcoddington4721]

In the 80s, we stayed here because it was the MOST affordable! How times have changed.

[@michaelhband]

👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@stevenkosoy4772]

If only I could afford it…

[@ashleycrittenden2417]

I heard the Beatles broke up here

[@jimsstaggs]

It’s a hotel room…..Absolutely ridiculous prices. Glad it’s your money not mine.

[@mr.horseshoe2301]

$600/night minimum on the off season? No idea it was this expensive.

[@kristysmith3537]

We just stayed here for a week. Nice, clean rooms, and nice pool. However, no chairs to watch fireworks? Why am I sitting on concrete or sand for this? Staff got us lost giving bad directions causing us to miss dining reservation. Most importantly, did not get room type I paid extra for and staff was disinterested in moving us and made it so challenging we could not do it. For what I paid, over $7k for the week, they should have given us the right room or at least fixed it when I spoke with them. $7,000 to look at garbage cans? Nope.