Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has quite an interesting list of fun facts!
As you might already know, the entire Disney World property is packed full of magical details. From its history to designs to theming, each spot in Disney was thoughtfully created and has its own set of fun facts, including the Polynesian Resort.
Before and during our stays on Disney property, we enjoy learning about our resort. It enables us to appreciate all the little details when we’re there even more!
The Polynesian Resort has a bunch of interesting facts to discover.
Below, you will learn about them, along with some fun activities and things to enjoy around the resort.
24 Facts About Polynesian Resort:
Fact #1: The Polynesian opened in 1971 as one of Disney World’s first on-site hotels.
Walt Disney World Resort opened on October 1, 1971. The official opening included Magic Kingdom Park, the Contemporary Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and the Polynesian Village Resort.
Fact #2: Polynesian Resort is themed after the Oceania subregion of Polynesia.
The resort embraces its South Pacific theme with tropical plants, themed restaurants, and other cool features that make your visit to this property feel like a trip to another part of the world.
Fact #3: Maui is the the Polynesian Resort’s mascot.
The mischievous demigod Maui is the Polynesian Village Resort’s mascot. A Maui tiki is situated at the front and center of the Great Ceremonial House, ready to greet guests as they enter the resort.
Fact #4: The Polynesian is one of eight Deluxe Resorts on Walt Disney World property.
Disney has four categories for its resorts: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas. Polynesian Village Resort has both Deluxe and Deluxe Villa options. Disney DELUXE Resorts are considered the BEST that Disney World has to offer.
Fact #5: The Great Ceremonial House is the central hub of the Polynesian Resort
When guests walk into the main entrance of the Polynesian Resort, they enter the Great Ceremonial House, the resort’s lobby. The Great Ceremonial House is full of tropical plants and South Pacific décor.
It is home to a variety of shops and dining options, such as Moana Mercantile and Kona Café, making it the property’s central hub.
Fact #6: The resort’s longhouses are named after actual Polynesian islands.
The Polynesian Resort consists of a collection of longhouses that house guest rooms and suites. Each longhouse is named after a Polynesian island, such as Hawaii, Samoa, or Fiji.
Fact #7: The Polynesian is one of three resorts that offer monorail transportation.
The Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Polynesian Resort are all located on the Walt Disney World Monorail System. The monorail takes guests between the resorts, Magic Kingdom Park, and Epcot quickly and conveniently, with monorail cars arriving at stations every few minutes.
Fact #8: You can travel by boat from the Polynesian to Magic Kingdom.
You can travel across the Seven Seas Lagoon to Magic Kingdom Park via water taxi from the Polynesian. The water taxis typically run at 15 to 30-minute intervals.
Fact #9: Guests can walk to Magic Kingdom from the Polynesian Resort.
*Currently, this option is not available. Disney is constructing the new Polynesian Towers, so they have closed the walkway temporarily.*
The Polynesian Resort is one of three resorts where guests can walk directly to the Magic Kingdom Park. The distance is approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km), following mostly along the Seven Seas Lagoon and through the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This is a relaxing option if you are looking to escape the long lines after fireworks on your way back to the Polynesian from Magic Kingdom Park.
Fact #10: Polynesian Resort has a jogging trail with great views.
The 1-mile jogging trail is situated along the Seven Seas Lagoon and provides views of Magic Kingdom Park. The path also connects to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Fact #11: There are at least 9 hidden Mickeys scattered around the Polynesian
From the main entrance to the Great Ceremonial House to Kona Café, this resort has some neat hidden Mickeys to find. Make sure to stop by the front desk for a Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt sheet. If you find all the ones listed, you can take home a little prize!
Fact #12: Pineapple Lanai serves one of Disney World’s favorite tropical treats.
DOLE Whip is a classic Disney treat, often available in pineapple, vanilla, and swirl flavors. Pineapple Lanai is a Polynesian Village Resort dining option that serves this sweet snack outside of the parks.
- This snack spot exclusively serves DOLE Whip-infused treats like floats and soft-serve.
Fact #13: The Polynesian has two themed pools.
Polynesian Resort guests can enjoy two tropical-themed pools during their stays, the Lava Pool and the Oasis Pool. The Lava Pool features a waterslide, a hot tub, and a kids’ splash area. The Oasis Pool also features a hot tub as well as shaded patio spaces.
Fact #14: The Lava Pool has an exhilarating 142-foot-long waterslide.
The slide is built into the pool area’s stunning volcano, which fits right in with its South Pacific theming.
Fact #15: Polynesian Resort offers a lovely view of the Electrical Water Pageant.
From the shoreline along the Polynesian Village Resort property, you can treat yourself to a fantastic view of the Electrical Water Pageant, a 15-minute-long floating nighttime parade that cruises the Seven Seas Lagoon playing classic medleys.
Fact #16: The Polynesian is the place to go for Tonga Toast.
When it comes to breakfast, Tonga Toast is a Disney World favorite. It is a banana-stuffed French Toast dish that is only available at Polynesian Village Resort. Dine at Kona Café or Capt. Cook’s to try this delicious breakfast option.
Fact #17: Polynesian Resort hosts complimentary campfire activities.
Several times a week, after the sun goes down, you can participate in the resort’s free campfire activities. Roast marshmallows and swap stories at this fun outdoor experience. Afterward, you can enjoy Movies Under the Stars, a nightly program of outdoor Disney movie screenings.
Fact #18: Fishing excursions are available from the Polynesian Resort’s marina.
Guided fishing excursions are a fun option you can book during a stay at the Resort. These catch-and-release outings take up to five guests on a pontoon boat across Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, and more.
Fact #19: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is themed after Trader Sam from Jungle Cruise.
Trader Sam is a character associated with a popular attraction at Magic Kingdom, Jungle Cruise. Over at the Polynesian, Sam has a pretty cool tropical tiki bar that you can visit during your stay.
- Guests are accepted on a walk-up basis and are encouraged to arrive early to avoid longer wait times.
- After 8 pm, the Trader Sam’s is restricted to guests ages 21 and older.
- View the menu HERE.
Fact #20: The resort’s beach area provides a great spot to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks show.
Along the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Polynesian Resort’s marina, there is a beach area. The beach faces Magic Kingdom Park, making it a fantastic option for catching the fireworks show outside of the park. You can also get a great view of fireworks from most of the lagoon-facing guest rooms at this resort.
Fact #21: The resort offers a Lilo & Stitch character dining experience.
One of the Polynesian restaurants, ‘Ohana, offers a “Best Friends Breakfast” with Lilo & Stitch. Guests can get their autographs and pose for pictures with the beloved characters from the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch.
- This character dining experience is only available during breakfast hours.
- The breakfast menu includes an all-you-care-to-enjoy selection of skillets, baked goods, and fresh fruits. Plant-based options are available.
- It is highly recommended that you make advanced reservations for this experience.
Fact 22: The Bora Bora Bungalows are some of the most luxurious accommodations on Disney World property.
The Bora Bora Bungalows are located over the water, just offshore on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The large and luxurious accommodations sleep up to 8 adults and are favored for their lavish amenities like full kitchens and private decks with plunge pools. The private decks face the Magic Kingdom Park, allowing for intimate, one-of-a-kind firework viewing experiences.
Fact 23: The Beatles technically broke up at the Polynesian!
If you are a history or music fan, you will appreciate this interesting tidbit. John Lennon was staying at the Polynesian in 1974 when he signed the papers that officially broke up the Beatles. Supposedly, he was staring out at the Seven Seas Lagoon right before he signed the final letters.
The other members, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney, had already signed the paperwork. Lennon was tracked down at the Polynesian, where he was staying with his girlfriend, May Pang.
Fact 24: The Polynesian is arguably the most popular resort on Disney World property.
At this point, it’s probably no surprise that the tropical-themed Disney Deluxe Resort is so popular with its guests. Thanks to its relaxing South Pacific décor, proximity to Magic Kingdom Park, convenient transportation options, large pool areas, fantastic dining choices, and luxurious accommodations, the Polynesian is the #1 place to stay for many people booking their Disney World vacations.
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