We stayed at Disney's Polynesian Resort for our first trip to Disneyworld. We live out west and usually go to Disneyland. We paid for the full package. Transportation from the airport, dining, hotel, and park tickets. We (my husband and I) were
more +sure we'd go crazy staying at the park for 6 nights but, boy were we wrong. Disney has what they do, down to an art.
The only thing that was hard for us was having to arrange dining in advance. Food was good to so-so but it was hard to get in everywhere.
Rooms were nice. Basic but nice. For sure, request a 1st or 3rd floor. Not all second floors have working balcony's or Lanai's. We enjoyed the entertainment, pool, and most of all location.
Travelled with 3 kids. 9,5, & 2 it's usually hard to please everyone but this trip did it!
Date of Stay: 04/06/2010
Children in Party: 3
Tots (0-2) Kids (3-6) Kids (7-9) 
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
I grew up going to Disney World with my 4 brothers and sister, and have taken my own family now about 7 times. I've stayed on property, off property, in value resorts, in midrange resorts and in all of the deluxe resorts. And the Polynesian is my
more +favorite. Here's why!
1. Transportation Choices
The Polynesian is situated on one of the best pieces of Disney real estate! Anything on the Raretonga/Tahiti side of the resort is within an easy walk (and we have babies in strollers) to the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center), and to the main building, where you cane take the Magic Kingdom Monorail. That means you can get to the Magic Kingdom OR Epcot without transferring! What does that mean? Plus, you can take the boat or (ugh) the bus. All of those options means that you'll have more choices than most when a big parade lets out or your trying to get to a resort/destination not located on the monorail. Don't overlook the value of being near the TTC! The buses to downtown disney, waterparks, etc come much more frequently to the TTC to accommodate all of those folks not staying on property, than they do to individual resorts.
2. Food
I have to say, I'm a big big fan of the food at the value resorts. Where the deluxe resorts miss the boat (in my opinion) is in the quick service restaurants. Disney seems to assume that just because we want to splurge on a room, we want to sit down at a restaurant. Not so! We love to grab something quick and get into the park. Of all the deluxe resorts QS restaurants, I like Captain Cook's the best. The BBQ sandwich is great, the Polynesian salad is good, the Dole whips are yummy, and they do a pretty good job of getting people in and out of there. It's light years ahead of the QS at the Wilderness (feels like a basement) and the Grand Floridian (is in an arcade).
3. Pools
If you do decide to take a break from the parks and relax, the Polynesian has two pools to choose from. The first, is lots of fun, boisterous and noisy. It has an adorable valcano slide (good for bold 4-5 year olds and up) and fun little squirt pad for toddlers. But just a stones throw away is where my family often hangs out. It's a quieter, simple swimming pool, but it gives you another option when you want to be away from all the bustle. Plus, there are hammocks on the "beach" which isn't swimmable, but it's fun for sand castle building and a touch of wading.
A couple of notes. The food at Ohanas is fantastic for dinner. It has a Hawaiian theme, but they bring meat like a Brazilian steakhouse. Without a doubt, this is my husband's favorite meal at Disney. And he loves a good meal! (Mine, BTW, is California Grill, but that's usually our kidless night).
We are huge pina colada fans. In fact, our first pina colada marks the start of any vacation. The pina coladas made inside at Ohana bar are fantastic. Get them. Drink them. Take them outside. Because the ones made outside at the pool bar are....ahem....less good.
My other favorite tips from my last trip....Tusker House/Nemo package at animal kingdom. I'm not a wait in line kind of girl, so anything I can do to skip a line is great in my book. So, we booked a dining package that included a buffet meal a Tusker house and a reserved seat (in the front) at the Nemo show. We are adventurous eaters and Tusker house fit the bill for us. We love curry (there were a couple options) but there were also burgers and fries for the kids. The kids loved the huge choices of desserts, complete with Krispe Kreme doughnuts. The best part, we were ushered into a special line at the Nemo show that put us in the very front row, all without waiting!!!! It was the first time my kids really enjoyed Nemo.
Good luck! Disney is always fun. But I hope you take some of my tips and share yours with me!!!!
Best,
Corey
Date of Stay: 06/03/2009
Children in Party: 3
Accommodations Dining Kids Play Area Money Value Pool & Water Fun Staff
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