Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

We had the privilege to be able to stay in the Bungalows at the Polynesian resort! It was an unforgettable experience! You have the ability to watch the fireworks in Magic Kingdom from your private deck/patio. You can turn the music for the show on and off so you can fully immerse ourselves into the magic. This space includes a private small pool/soaking tub with an outdoor shower. The Bungalow included a Master Suite, Bedroom with a Queen bed and closet, kitchen, living room, two full bathrooms, one indoor tub, outdoor soaking pool, outdoor shower, full washer and dryer, dish washer, full living room with additional sleeping area. The mirror in the Master Bathroom had a tv in the mirror. This was unable to get off of Disney cartoons but it was still wicked cool to watch and use! The outdoor porch swings are attached to the covered roof of the house and are some of the most relaxing seats I have ever been in. My only critique would be that the fireworks are loud in the suite. There is nothing catching the noise so you will hear each and every firework. Also when you flush the toilet it is quite loud since the pipes are suspended above the water. If you have the ability to do so I highly recommend staying in the Bungalows! I would encourage you to be able to stay in the room since it is such a unique and limited offering at WDW. This was great for some time to debrief from running around the parks before going home.

I regret staying here. I especially disliked: 1. The mandatory “safety check” that felt invasive and creepy. No this isn’t common at other hotels even though Disney fans will swear it is. I’ve traveled around the world and stayed at a wide range of hotels and never had someone barge into my room to inspect it. 2. I was not once able to find pool chairs for my family of four. 3. The food isn’t very good and is low quality. Ohana breakfast was gross. 4. It’s not a true luxury hotel so it’s missing things like bottled water, robes, nice toiletries etc. But bottom line the mandatory safety checks really keep me from Disney properties and I’m glad that more and more people are becoming aware. I’ve done some research and you need to stay at the FS to avoid the inspections.

I stayed here for 2 nights for my birthday weekend. While I love the hotel itself, the rooms are a little dated --- especially for the price you are paying. That said, I do love the hotel grounds, the overall vibe of the hotel, and the location. Also the lounges are awesome (although you don't have to stay at hotel to go to those). I would stay here again, but only if the price is reasonable (which is rare).

This review is for the over the water bungalows, and it's a no for us. We had zero help with checking in and getting acquainted with our bungalow, and there are quirks for sure that ned to be explained, such as how to use the light switches that are overly complex. Or explaining the kitchen which has no sharp knives or even salt and pepper. Our unit felt very unprepared for guests. If you have young children, they will not go to sleep before about 9:30 bc there are fireworks to music, electric parade, and more fireworks with music. All of this is VERY loud on your back lana'i and you can't turn it off or tune it out. Our bedroom was warm. We slept so poorly here and it is so expensive that it felt like a trick. The location is great. And it is beautiful! Just need a lot more care for taking care of your guests.

Stayed in DVC studio in April, family of 5. Tokelau room, 3rd floor, west facing. Rooms were nice, beds were comfortable, patio was good. Tokelau is a good location on property - close to main building and closer to TTC for transit to Epcot. This was 4th visit to Disney. Would definitely stay at Poly again, though would consider if it is a prime 'busy' week whether the extra $ for Poly is worth is vs another option. Things we liked: -Staying at Poly is very convenient to MK and Epcot - quick and easy to get to both. -Views of MK fireworks and music from beach is great (no real need to get a 'fireworks view' room in my opinion) -Theming is good throughout the property -Quick service captain cooks is good food and very convenient (though be prepared for wait -- mobile order is way to go) -Movies on lawn is a nice touch -DVC pool has a very nice laid-back vibe especially compared to main pool - felt like you were in the Pacific islands -The bar at the new tower is gorgeous - great place to grab a drink and watch sunset or the fireworks -Room was spacious for a studio and had a great 5th trundle bed which was comfortable for a trundle for a kid. Helpful to have 2 showers. Bathroom with toilet could easily have fit a full pack and play. Mini fridge (which had a fridge and freezer compartment, though small freezer) fit plenty of leftovers and milk, and room also came with a toaster, microwave, coffee maker Things we did not like/things to know: -Granted it was a spring break week, but the hotel was very busy and felt like it. The main lobby was jam packed nearly always. There were definitely not enough pool chairs - these were filled by early AM (this is a major drawback and cannot be emphasized enough). Lines for dole whip were maybe 25 minutes at prime time. Wait list for Trader Sams bar filled up by 5pm (though you could try later in night for opening). Capt Cooks wait time for simple mac & cheese or pool lunch at 2pm was ~30-40 mins. This created a jarring experience of peaceful polynesian music in the background not matching a shoulder to shoulder experience in common areas. -Some disruptive repair/painting work randomly occurred outside of our windows in mid afternoon nap time. Hotel claimed that the website stated the resort is under renovation (which obviously applies to the new DVC tower area, but did not obviously reference existing longhouse rooms clear across the property) and the hotel tried to make it up to us. However, the work was not advertised or predicted, and guest services could not even give us an estimate of how many more days it would last (work did continue for additional days). So be aware that extended disruptions may occur not just around the DVC tower and the land behind it, but at original rooms, too. -The main pool (your only access if staying in the hotel and not DVC) was very busy with upbeat music and very crowded. Our kids/us did not like, though clearly many did. -Kona cafe food was overall good, but

We stayed here for three nights in a studio. The room was large and well maintained with two bathrooms, both with sinks, one with a shower and the other with a bath and toilet. There was also a fridge, coffee maker and microwave and some disposable utensils. The resort itself is very appealing, the pools were great and at night there are lit tiki torches to add to the ambience. It was easy to get to the parks too, our building (Pago Pago) was a short walk to the bus stop and also the Ticket and Transportation Centre which made getting to Epcot easy too. Trader Sam's is definitely worth a visit if you can get in. Would happily stay here again.