By Julie Boehlke
Egret roaming the grounds at the Polynesian Resort
One of Disney World's crown gems is the Polynesian
resort. This upscale tropical themed resort in Lake Buena Vista pampers guests and allows them to enjoy their Disney vacation in the lap of luxury. The resort celebrates and embraces all things "South Pacific" and highlights the resort with koi ponds, manicured gardens, bright colored Hibiscus plants, and an assortment of tiki statues and furniture. White sand and tropical trees also lend to the atmosphere of this resort.
The man-made Seven Seas Lagoon separates the resort from the Magic Kingdom Theme Park. The hotel boasts two and three story village houses. The buildings are Tahitian inspired and hold 847 luxury rooms for guests. Rooms boast tropical decor, and the wall colors accent bamboo and rattan furniture throughout.
Insider Tips
This hotel has a centerpiece called the Great Ceremonial House. This structure has volcanic rocks with waterfalls surrounded by colorful plants and palms. There is a shopping center and dining accommodations inside of the House.
A Polynesian tradition occurs nightly where dancers participate in a fire knife dance and a chanting drum ceremony. There is a luxurious themed pool at this resort called the Nanea Volcano Pool. It features a 40 foot tall volcano with a water slide and waterfalls. This pool is like a tropical oasis as everything is replicated beautifully to look and feel like an island in the South Pacific. There are plenty of outside activities such as water skiing, para sailing and fishing. One thing not to miss at this resort is the nightly water musical called the Electrical Water Pageant.
Pros and Cons
There is plenty of fine dining at the Polynesian Resort. One of the finest examples of what the resort has to offer is the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. This is an outdoor experience at the dining theater near Luau Cove. A traditional Polynesian Luau is conducted with a pig roast. There is a hint of Polynesian music and entertainment. There are also professional dancers who conduct authentic luau dancing and role playing activities. Scattered about the resort---three beaches and two pools allow for plenty of rest and relaxation for guests and their families.
While this is one of the more upscale resorts in the Disney clan---it is by far one of the more pricier of the resorts. Starting in the mid-three hundreds per night, this deluxe resort doesn't come cheap. Most of the activities in and around the resort are not free such as the dinner show, boat rentals and para sailing. These things need to be considered when determining the cost of the Disney Vacation.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is this is one of the most beautiful of all of Disney's resorts. It maintains its vision for a themed atmosphere like the other resorts but ranks in the high percentile for price. Obtaining reservations in the off season months such as January, the first week in February, the end of July and the first of October will assure that rates are at their lowest. Holidays and spring break tend to be the highest prices, but Disney's lodging costs can change at any time. This resort is close to Magic Kingdom and offers free transportation to all of the Disney Resorts.
Resources
About the Author:
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
Photo Credits:
http://www.sxc.hu