A vote for Disney’s Polynesian Resort
I have not yet stayed at every resort in the “World” so I am not the best judge of this. But for me, my favorite place to stay (at least until my January trip to the Animal Kingdom Lodge) is the Polynesian Resort, the old timer of the group. I know Dave loves the Beach Club, but I must respectfully disagree. I think the Poly has it all. Why you ask, well here are three reasons why I think it’s the best:
1. Food. It has two of the best places to eat in ‘Ohana and the Kona Cafe. For breakfast, both places are the tops in the World. Just try to eat the macadamia pineapple pancakes and not agree with me. Or the Tonga Toast. And ‘Ohana has the best character breakfast in the World. The food is great as is the character interaction. Lunch and dinner are superb, as well. The quick service Captain Cook’s maybe the best place of this type in any resort. You can get Tonga Toast there, as well. But most importantly, it is the only place outside of Adventureland that has dole whips. That’s right, you heard correctly, it has dole whips. And unlike about everywhere else in Disney, you can have decent coffee. Kona coffee.
2. Theme. Another plus for this resort is the overall theme. The lobby with its rainforest and waterfall really strike the mood. The houses are well maintained and well themed. The rooms are nicely done. Plus, the shops sell Polynesian and Hawaiian styles. We bought my son a cool Mickey Mouse Hawaiian shirt that you could only find at this resort. The pool with its volcano adds to the other overall experience.
3. Location. Perhaps the best part of the Polynesian resort is its location. Yes, its on the monorail and you can easily get to the Magic Kingdom. If you have young kids and plan to spend a lot of time at the Kingdom, this place is ideal for a break and dip in the pool. But it is also within walking distance of the Ticket and Transportation Center, making it the only resort wherein you can get to both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot by one monorail ride. Plus, the resort itself is not overall large. You are never real far from the main house like you are in some other resorts such as the Boardwalk.
So Dave can have his Beach Club. I will take the Polynesian. Although, I suspect the Animal Kingdom Lodge may give it a run for its money.
Today’s Resort Review is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra.
WeatherbySwann said,
August 20, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
I agree completely! We’ve never stayed here, but it’s still one of our favorite resorts. Ohana is great and the overall atmosphere is wonderful. We stopped by Captain Cook’s for some lunch after a morning in MK and tried the flatbread, it was teriffic.
Brett said,
August 27, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
I also agree. While all of the WDW resorts are great in their own way, The Polynesian does have it all. It truly gives the submersed feeling of being on an island in all aspects. The views from the beach (day or night), the monorail running through, and the close loacation to The Magic Kingdom and other deluxe resorts and their ammenities. While I’ve never reserved a room, I have spent enough time there to truly enjoy it’s many benefits.
Brad said,
November 3, 2009 @ 1:25 am
I’ll third that emotion! I stayed at the Poly when I was 12 years old for Disney’s 10th anniversary. Epcot was about to open and at the time (I believe) there were really only TWO resorts: Polynesian and the Contemporary. It was by far my most memorable experience at Disney. I’ve stayed twice since that time as an adult at the Grand Floridian and honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong here either… the lobby is breathtaking and the rooms and two pools are impeccable. It is also on the monorail line. My wife and I are staying at the Poly in January 2010 for a week and also doing the Disney Marathon. We’re anxious to get going because it’s going to be hour belated honeymoon and I haven’t stayed there since I was much younger. I was a little upset that they’d renovated the pool but when I saw it’s replacement… WOW! Very cool! :thumbsup: for the Polynesian!