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Disney's Polynesian Resort FAQ

 

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How can I book a room at the Polynesian?
To book a room, click here.

Where is the Polynesian Resort?
The resort is in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, next to the Ticket and Transportation Center.

What is the Polynesian Luau?
The exciting sights and sounds of the South Seas come alive through music and dance during a full-course Polynesian dinner show in the Luau Cove. The Disney Polynesian Luau features an island feast, unlimited beverages and a Polynesian themed dessert, served family style. Dancing and music are also important elements in any luau. More information here.

What is the Great Ceremonial House?
The Great Ceremonial House is the main building which houses Front Desk, Guest Services, the shops, restaurants and snack bar.

Are the guest rooms in the Great Ceremonial House?
No, all guest rooms are located in one of 11 different buildings called longhouses. Each one is either 2- or 3-stories high.

A few years ago I stayed at the Polynesian, but the building names were different.
Building names were changed in October '99, here are the new names, with old building names in brackets:
Tonga (Bali Hai), Niue (Bora Bora), Samoa (Hawaii), Tahiti (Moorea), Rapa Nui (Pago Pago), Tokelau (Oahu), Hawaii (Tonga), Rarotonga (Maori), Aotearoa (Tahiti), Fiji (Fiji), and Tuvalu (Samoa).

How many people do the rooms accommodate?
The rooms have a maximum five person occupancy.

What will I find in my guest room?
Guest rooms have two queen-sized beds and a daybed, TV, armoire, small safe, nightstand, table & chairs. Many rooms have a balcony or patio. Coffee makers and refrigerators available on request.

Do the rooms have balconies?
First floor guest rooms have patios with a table and chairs, second floor rooms in Rapa Nui, Tahiti, Tokelau and Tonga have balconies (in the other buildings, second floor rooms don't), and third floor rooms have balconies.

Where are the best room locations?
Rooms in Tonga, Niue & Rarotonga are nearest to the Great Ceremonial House.
Rooms in Tahiti & Rapa Nui are farthest away from the Great Ceremonial House.
Rooms in Tuvalu, Hawaii & Tahiti offer the best water view rooms.
Rooms in Hawaii and Tahiti have great views of the Magic Kingdom.
Rooms in the Tokelau, Tahiti & Rapa Nui buildings are the largest.

What room views are available?
There are two views available. Lagoon view rooms overlook Seven Seas Lagoon, or one of the Polynesian waterways. Garden view rooms overlook the tropical landscaping and walkways.

Tell me about each longhouse, and what views are available from each longhouse?
Tonga - where the concierge suites are located. The suites are more expensive that standard concierge rooms. All garden view, but with rooms on the north side facing out onto the marina. Rooms on the south side of the building look out onto the monorail line. Right next to the Great Ceremonial House, also convenient for the marina and main pool. Smoking optional.
Niue - garden views on both sides. Great location, right next to Great Ceremonial House and between the Nanea Volcano Pool and quiet pool. May get a bit noisy with people walking past. Only two-storey building, with no elevator and no balconies in second floor rooms. Non-smoking.
Samoa - garden views both sides. Near to Great Ceremonial House, and between Nanea Volcano Pool and quiet pool. Handy for the beach and boat dock. May get a fair bit of foot-traffic going by. No second floor balconies. A smoking-optional building.s
Tahiti - lagoon view rooms on north side, and garden view on south side. Close to the beach and pathway to TTC. Long way from the Great Ceremonial House. Non-smoking building.
Rapa Nui - garden view rooms, with one side of the building facing the parking lot. Close to the TTC walkway, but far from the Great Ceremonial House. Right next to the parking lot, which is good for disabled access. Quiet area, non-smoking rooms.
Tokelau - Mostly garden view rooms, with a couple of lagoon view rooms. North end is close to the beach, south end is close to Moana Mickey's Arcade, the laundry and Neverland Club. Next to quiet pool.
Hawaii - the conierge building, with garden and lagoon view rooms. Lagoon view rooms on the north side are right next to the beach, while rooms on the south side look out onto the quiet pool area. Second floor rooms don't have balconies. The third floor is smoking optional.
Rarotonga - garden view rooms only. The south side rooms face the monorail line and parking lot, although this is mostly hidden by foliage. North side rooms face a lovely landscaped area and the quiet pool. Right next door to the Great Ceremonial House. Rooms at the east end are near to Moana Mickey's Arcade, the laundry and the Neverland Club. Second floor rooms don't have balconies. A non-smoking building.
Aotearoa - the north side offers both lagoon and garden views, whilst the south side is only garden view rooms, looking out to the monorail line. It is the closest longhouse to Luau Cove, so could be noisy in the evening. Close to a beach and not that far from the Great Ceremonial House. A non-smoking building.
Fiji - only garden view rooms. East side of longhouse is right next to marina, west side is across from the beach. Not far from Great Ceremonial House, but close enough to Luau Cove to be noisy at night. Second floor rooms don't have balconies. A non-smoking building.
Tuvalu - north side rooms look out onto the lagoon, while south side rooms are all garden view. Located between the marina and beach. Close enough to Luau Cove to be noisy at night. Second floor rooms don't have balconies. Smoking-optional on third floor, non-smoking on floors one and two.

Which buildings are smoking?
Samoa & Tonga is smoking optional. Hawaii third floor and Tuvalu third floor are smoking optional.

Which buildings house the concierge rooms?
Hawaii, with Tonga being concierge suites.

What extra benefits do the concierge rooms bring?
Royal Polynesian Service includes a separate lounge area in the Hawaii Building for check-in and refreshments upon arrival. . A concierge is available to assist you with ticket purchases or dining reservations. Concierge services include, in addition to the standard room amenities, triple-sheeting, speaker phone with second line, hair dryer, robes, turndown service, refrigerator, coffee, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks. Concierge guests have access to a private concierge lounge, where snacks and beverages are served throughout the day. The lounge offers a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and the accompanying music is piped into the lounge. Newspapers, books and games are also available in the lounge. Click here for more details.

Which buildings house disabled-access rooms?
Rapa Nui and Tokelau.

Is turndown service available?
Yes, but only on request.

What happens at check-in?
You'll receive your room key (plastic card), a small 'guidebook', park maps, and a copy of 'Island Palm Press' the resort's newsletter. You'll also have the option of leaving credit card details so that you can charge anything you purchase during your stay to your room card. You will then be directed across to the Island Guide desk where you'll be presented with a lei (flower garland), and given directions to your guest room building.

Why do the Cast Members keep saying 'Aloha'?
Aloha (ah-lo-hah) is a Polynesian word meaning a show of affection with love and hospitality. Also used as a greeting and farewell.

Can I walk to the Ticket & Transportation Center?
Yes, there is a walkway just beyond the Tahiti & Rapa Nui buildings.

What is the Torch Lighting Ceremony?
A short, but not-to-be-missed 'ceremony' perfomed each night at 6pm from Tuesday to Saturday, at the entrance to the Great Ceremonial House. A Polynesian fire dancer in authentic costume performs a flame-throwing dance before lighting the torches leading to the entrance.

What's with the jungle in the lobby?
In the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House is a mini tropical rainforest which features over 75 species of plant life. The foliage, flowers and waterfalls make for a great photo backdrop.

Are there any activities for children?
Lots! Activities may vary, but can include arts & crafts, pool games, hula dancing, Polynesian storytelling, and treasure hunts.

Where can I get refillable mugs?
From Captain Cook's Snack Bar.

Can I watch the fireworks from the Polynesian?
The Magic Kingdom fireworks can be viewed from the beach, and also from certain guest rooms with lagoon views. If the fireworks are at 9pm, grab a spot on the beach, maybe in a hammock, and watch the fireworks followed by the Electrical Water Pageant!

Where can I watch the Electrical Water Pageant?
This dazzling, lighted, musical procession can be seen nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon at 9:00pm, from the Polynesian Resort beaches.

Where can I find Disney transportation?
The monorail is located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House and makes stops at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, the Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Contemporary Resort and the Ticket & Transportation Center before returning to Disney's Polynesian Resort. The express monorail to Epcot loads at the nearby Ticket & Transportation Center.
Buses to the Downtown Disney area & Typhoon Lagoon (after 4pm), Blizzard Beach, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park are located in front of the Great Ceremonial House at the bus stop. Buses first stop at the Contemporary, then Polynesian, then Grand Floridian Resort.
Before 4pm, go to the TTC to get the bus to Downtown Disney.
Motor launch transportation to the Magic Kingdom via Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is located at the end of the marina dock.

Is it possible to walk to the Grand Floridian Resort?
Yes, if you follow the path past Luau Cove, along the beach, you'll have a lovely walk to the Grand Floridian Resort, passing Disney's Wedding Pavilion on your way.

Where is the Luau Cove?
Luau Cove is located on the west beach of the Polynesian Resort past the marina. From the Great Ceremonial House, walk through the merchandise shops on the first floor, and follow the signs to Luau Cove.

Are there church services at the Polynesian Resort?
Church services used to be held at Luau Cove, but have now been discontinued.

Is there a character breakfast?
Yes, you can have breakfast with Mickey and friends each morning at 'Ohana, located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House from 7:30am to 11:00am.

Where are the nearest ATM locations?
There is an ATM in the Great Ceremonial House on the first floor adjacent to the Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line desks. Additional ATMs are located at each theme park, the Downtown Disney Area, as well as all Resorts (lobby area).

Where can I purchase stamps and where is the mailbox?
Stamps may be purchased in the Great Ceremonail House at the News from Polynesia gift shop. Mailboxes are located near the entrance of the gift shop and near the Guest Services desk. Federal Express shipping is available.

Where is Lost and Found and what are the hours?
Lost and Found is located in the Great Ceremonial House at the Guest Services desk and is open daily from 8:00am to 4:00pm. After-hours assistance is provided at the front desk.

Where can I make dining priority seating arrangements or purchase tickets?
Priority seating for most Walt Disney World restaurants can be made by touching the WDW DINE button on your in-room phone or by visiting Guest Services. Theme Park tickets are available at either the front desk or Guest Services.

Where can I rent boats?
Visit the marina to hire Mercury WaterMouse boats, the SunTracker pontoon boats, Seven Seas Lagoon cruises and surrey bikes. Boats can be taken out on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Are there childcare facilities?
The Never Land Club offers a supervised Peter Pan-themed dinner buffet for children aged 4-12. Activities include free arcade games, Disney classic movies and arts & crafts. Hours of operation are 4:00pm to 12:00 midnight.
Kindercare offers in-room babysitting. Reservations should be made 24 hours in advance. Call 407-827-5444.

Is there a games arcade?
Yes, Moana Mickey's Fun Hut is a family game room, located next to the Never Land Club, and featuring the latest in arcade entertainment. Open 24 hours daily, but Resort ID card is required for entrance between 11:00pm and 7:00am.

Where can I buy groceries?
Basic groceries, wine, beer, snacks and sundries are on sale at Samoa Snacks, located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonal House.

Are there any shops?
Robin Crusoe's offers a fashionable selection of mens' resort wear. Located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 9am - 10:30pm.
Polynesian Princess features ladies' fashions and sportswear including swimwear and accessories. Located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 9am - 10:30pm.
Maui Mickey's has adult apparel and Disney character merchandise. Located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 9am - 10:30pm.
News from Polynesia features Polynesian logo merchandise, film processing, newspapers, magazines, stamps, paperbacks, suntan lotion, beach towels and gifts with a tropical island flavor. Located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 8am - 11pm.
Trader Jack's sells Disney character merchandise, gifts, children's fashions and toys. Located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 8:30am - 11pm.
Samoa Snacks offers liquors, wine, beer, snacks and sundries, located on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 8am - 11pm.
Wyland Galleries features artwork and sculptures depicting marine life. Located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House. Open 9:30am - 10:30pm.

Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, the Nanea Volcano pool is the main feature pool, and features a water slide, underwater music, underwater jets and a warm water area. The pool also has zero-entry and a special wheelchair is available, which allows disabled access to the pool.
There is also a quiet pool.

What time is the pool open?
Lifeguards are on duty at the Nanea Volcano Pool from 10:00am to 10:00pm (subject to change).

Are towels available at the pool?
Yes, guests can get towels at the Nanea Volcano pool, but must show their Resort ID card.

What time is check-in?
Normal check-in time is after 3:00pm. For early travellers, every effort will be made to get you settled in as soon as possible.

What time is check-out?
Check-out time is before 11:00am. Later check out may be requested. Express check-out is available to guests with American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Disney Credit Card, Discover, Diners Club or JCB.

Where do I get...?
Extra pillows, & blankets, bed rails, baby cribs, handicap aids, extra hangers, towels, refrigerators, coffeemakers, or any other sundry items are available from Housekeeping.

Where do I find the ice machines?
Ice and vending machines are located on every floor in each building.

Is there a dry-cleaning service?
Yes, laundry bags and lists are located in the closet in your room. One day service is available if received by 8:30am, and will be returned by 7:00pm.

Is there a guest laundry?
Yes, a coin-operated, self-service laundry is located next to the Never Land Club. Vending machines offer laundry detergent.

Is luggage assistance available?
Yes, through Bell Services. When you arrive at the resort, someone from Bell Services will assist you to your room with your luggage. When you are ready to leave, just touch the LUGGAGE/VALET SERVICE button on the in-room phone. Gratuity not included.

Is Valet Service available?
Yes, for $7 a day, a valet will park and deliver your car whenever you leave or return to the Resort.

If I use the package delivery service in the parks, where do I pick them up?
If you shop at any merchandise location at the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or the Downtown Disney area, and choose to have your packages delivered back to your resort, they can be picked up the following day at Maui Mickey's Gift Shop located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonal House, across from Captain Cook's Snack Company.

Does the Resort have wheelchairs available for guest use?
Yes, a limited number of wheelchairs are available at Guest Services. There is no charge, but a credit card guarantee may be required. A limited number or wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are available to rent at the theme parks.

 

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