I’d never seen anything like it. Guests of all ages were waiting–patiently, single file–to put their name down, the trail of people snaking around the corridor and inching toward the lobby.
It wasn’t an intimate speakeasy hidden in a Tokyo back alley, nor was it a jazz club. It was Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: a tiki-themed watering hole with kālua pork tacos, excellent cocktails, and amped-up theatrics at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We were all vying for the best seats in the bar.
After a few days of Walt Disney World, we were drained and wanted to spend the afternoon by the Polynesian’s Lava Pool. We were unable to resist the appeal of Trader Sam’s. This restaurant has become a Disney fan favorite and we placed our names on the list around 1:00 p.m., hoping for the best. As soon as we got the message that our table was available, we hurriedly put on our coverups and checked-in at the host desk.
With nautical-themed treasures decorating the walls (think a canoe paddle, an octopus’ tentacle hanging, and perhaps a Don Ho or two), it feels like Trader Sam’s is a cool-kid basement party where anyone is welcome. We found a spot on a communal high top, and made new friends with another family from Florida. My husband, Rob, ordered a HippopotoMai-Tai (rum, orange Curaçao, orgeat, agave nectar, and lime juice) tacking on the head-shaped mug to our order as a souvenir. When the waitress delivered it, she shouted “two shot of rum!” It all made for a bit of South Seas–inspired magic, and after an hour, we left feeling all the good island vibes.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was one of the original Walt Disney World resorts. It is a love note to the South Pacific. The guest rooms, which are arranged in 11 dark-wood longhouses named after islands like Samoa, Hawaii and Mo’orea among others, feature earthy tones, colorful art and carpets and tiles. The Great Ceremonial House or lobby has a spacious feel with a lei-clad statue of tiki and lava rock flooring. The lobby is a good place to watch people. There are benches where you can rest and take it all in. Also, there’s a balcony on the second floor, from which you can see the crowds of families arriving.
We chose the Polynesian for its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon, but also because it has a relaxed, inclusive vibe—and impressive, newly renovated rooms. The Island Tower, which will be open in December 2024 and is a part of Disney Vacation Club, can be booked by any guest. The lobby has moss clad pillars with colorful discs that depict marine life hanging from the ceiling. There is also a mural of “Moana”, which is electric blue. On the second floor, there are original concept drawings of the Polynesian—a reminder of how far the whole Disney experience has come.
“This hotel has been a part of my family’s vacation memories for many years,” I said. Elizabeth RhodesT+L senior editor and expert on theme parks, who first stayed at the “Poly”, when she was five years old. The resort is undoubtedly nostalgic. My mom went with her parents to see the luau show. Disney has made improvements to the resort over the years, including renovations and additions such as the Bora Bora bungalows overwater and the Island Tower.
A second pleasant surprise was the hotel’s efficient and fantastic service. From the cast member who clocked my son’s pin collection–and then pointed out the hotel’s own trading station—to our cheerful server at the Lava Pool, who came equipped with sandwich recommendations, everyone was consistently helpful and attentive. This is what it’s like to stay in this Walt Disney World resort.
The Rooms
Disney
The Polynesian is smaller and easier to navigate than it looks on paper. It has 847 rooms, suites, and villas, spread over 39 acres. This includes both the main hotel as well as the Vacation Club. All rooms in both sections of the hotel have different views due to its size. They include the Seven Seas lagoon, the parking area, the resort and the marina. You won’t spend much time inside. Disney has provided many useful amenities in their rooms, such as kitchenettes, coffeemakers and pull-down beds. Most of the rooms are able to accommodate five adults.
The 268-room Island Tower spans 10 stories. We chose a deluxe apartment facing the Seven Seas Lagoon. (The smallest class? (The smallest category? A duo-studio, which sleeps 2 adults.) The new Island Tower offers many more options for multi-bedroom accommodations, says Mary-Helen Law. Travel + Leisure‘s A-List The advice of travel agents. This is good news for large families that previously had limited availability and could not be guaranteed connecting rooms.
A small balcony on our studio’s ninth floor offered a prime view of the nighttime fireworks. The green couch, a floral-themed artwork, and the green couch were anchored on one wall to maximize space. Bobby’s favorite movie, “Moana,” was also featured. The mural was transformed into a queen-sized bed with a picture of Tefiti sleeping from “Moana” by pulling one lever. The roomy desk had plenty of drawer space, charging stations and a couch with a curve. There was also a bench that was stone-topped to store our luggage and there was an additional shelf underneath for shoes and more suitcases. Our bathroom was also functional with a large brown-tiled, shower. (There was no bathtub). For travelers who really want to splurge, there is a two-bedroom, theme park–view penthouse that includes three full bathrooms. The over-water Bora Bora bungalows, which have quirks like surfboard-themed headboards and spread-yourselves-out amenities such as a dining room and covered porch, are also a hot commodity.
Four open-air spaces are available to guests of the Island Tower. These lounges feature seating, vibrant art, and a chilled-out atmosphere. The Black Lava rock Lounge, located on the 4th floor, features a hanging garden and a mural depicting an erupting volcano.
Food and Drink
In my opinion, food at Walt Disney World has dramatically improved over the years, with Victoria & Albert’s, the fine-dining experience at next door’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, even earning a Michelin star. The Poly offers some memorable moments, and a variety of dining options at different price points. After Trader Sam’s, our second favorite meal was at the Wailulu Bar & Grill, part of the Island Tower complex and arguably the most formal dining choice. Indoor-outdoor, the restaurant is notable for its design, which includes fish sculptures made of reclaimed lines and an all-electric cooking area. Get there early to get a good seat at the alfresco circular bar if you want a view of Cinderella Castle fireworks. We dressed up for dinner, sat at a spacious, air-conditioned table indoors, and ordered the spiced ham musubi, ahi tuna crisps, sticky pork ribs, and adobo-marinated chicken wings. The portions are always generous on Disney grounds. You can also grab a Kona Beer and pupus in the Tambu Lounge which is open until 11:15 p.m.
Caitlin Fitzinger, a luxury advisor at Embark Beyond, who travels often to the parks, says that the Kona Cafe is a family favorite. She knows where to send her clients. I highly recommend it for lunch, dinner, and breakfast. Tonga Toasts are some of the family favorites. Another pro tip from Pfitzinger: “One of the perks that we love to take advantage of is ‘Kona to-go’ which is only available to guests of the resort. We order takeaway, carry it to the lawn and enjoy the meal while the kids play and run around with their new friends.
Ask any Poly fan if they can name their favorite dish in the hotel and they will probably say the Dole Whip. Dole Whip is a signature item at the Pineapple Lanai. This small stand is located just outside of the ceremonial home. It’s a great mid-day snack. Adults can have their Dole Whip spiked by adding a rum-floater.
Activities and Experiences
Disney
It’s great to be able to pick your favorite pool, depending on your mood, and if there are seats available (during high season, you should get to the pool as soon as possible). Bobby enjoyed our time in the Lava Pool. It is crowned with a “volcano,” which children can climb, and then shoot down a twisting 142-foot waterslide. The Island Tower Cove Pool has zero entry, while Moana’s Voyage Splash Zone includes a statue of the character on her sailing boat. The Oasis, near the Hawaiin, Niuean, and Tokelaun longhouses, offers a relaxed atmosphere without any waterslides.
Disney
We were surprised to find out that Disney pin trading is a popular hobby around the world. The pin-trading boards were located right next to the Great Ceremonial House. We checked the board obsessively before heading out to a theme park in the morning.
“Lilo & Stitch” is having a bit of a moment, with the live-action movie adding new fans in droves. O’hana is the main restaurant and offers a character-based breakfast. “What it lacks in taste, it makes up for with its atmosphere and spectacular evening fireworks views,” says Law.
Accessibility
Walt Disney World Resort caters to all types of travelers. Like all resort hotels, The Polynesian has accessible rooms and accessible pathways connecting the arrival area to the lobby and guest rooms.
The Location
The Polynesian, located in Walt Disney World Resort grounds and close to Magic Kingdom via water taxi. The monorail can be accessed from the second-floor of the Great Ceremonial House near the excellent but small gift shop. You want to visit another hotel? Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa can be accessed on foot in under 10 minutes. There is free bus transportation to all the theme parks including Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Uber was a good alternative to Disney’s complimentary transportation in an emergency.
Book Now
Walt Disney World offers information on the 25 Disney Resorts hotels as well as special packages. Dining plans, which allow you to budget in meals and snacks—and choose from the various restaurants at the hotels and theme parks—are a popular choice for families.
Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.
