Disney's POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT Information & Questions

[LeeLee'sMom]

Disney restaurants are extremely inconsistent for the most part, and I think it's helpful to remember that. 'Ohana's just the most stark example of it. After literal years of hearing how bad it sucks now and it's gone downhill, we had a fantastic dinner there just last month with excellent, non-rushed service. Same with Tambu. We didn't have a single bad meal during our stay at all, in fact, after months of hearing how the food sucks on property now, etc. Even 50s Primetime that I had zero expectations for was solid and we enjoyed it (I honestly thought their chicken was seasoned better than Art Smith's that everyone raves about). And I live in NYC for the record so it's not my palate being weak.

Re: the options at the Poly...to each their own I like the Poly precisely because it doesn't have the same basic food like at the other resorts. Tbh of the resorts I've stayed at only Coronado matches it for onsite options imo. And the Grand is a short walk away if you're not in the mood for Americanized pan-Asian stuff. But I'm not a grab and go sort to begin with, I tend to only go in those refrigerated cases for cupcakes lol.

Yes, agree with this, especially the chicken at Arts...I may give it a second chance to see if it was just an "off day" for his "famous chicken".

 

[kylenne]

Yes, agree with this, especially the chicken at Arts...I may give it a second chance to see if it was just an "off day" for his "famous chicken".

I found it very underseasoned. But my family roots are southern and I grew up on soul food all my life so it's very, very difficult to impress me on that front. We skipped it this time around and hit up WBG again, which was a great move.

I will say Tambu almost caught us out, we came back kinda late from Epcot one night and partner was jonesing for Ohana noodles. Except the NBA finals were going on and the place was packed, by the time we grabbed seats at the bar we literally got the last food order in. I didn't realize they stopped serving anything but drinks at 10p.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

What building is closest to the construction of the new DVC?

 

[Dave006]

@Disney loving Iowan it is a toss up as Fiji's west side look directly at the new DVC tower. Aotearoa and Tuvalu are just south and north of Fiji and run east to west.

So all around a dusty and noisy location to the west where the west beach a the Luau cove
(item L) in the attached picture

Dave

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

View attachment 771587

@Disney loving Iowan it is a toss up as Fiji's west side look directly at the new DVC tower. Aotearoa and Tuvalu are just south and north of Fiji and run east to west.

So all around a dusty and noisy location to the west where the west beach a the Luau cove
(item L) in the attached picture

Dave

Thank you!

 

[Dbjr01]

There is a laundry room in Moorea which is free for anyone staying in a DVC building. Every time I have tried using it, it has been very busy. I just use the main laundry room by the bus stop not far from Pago Pago. I have to pay for the machines but I can usually get multiple machines and finish up quicker.

I’ve been following this thread because I have the same question. Can you do laundry if you are staying in a DVC studio?

It sounds like the answer is yes, but it might be hard to find an open machine. So I think you are recommending an area that has pay washers/dryers as a way to get things done efficiently.

Do I have this right? I’m new to DVC so my first stay on property will be in August.

 

[Dbjr01]

Is there a work around to use an owners locker for a Universal Studios stay? Is there a way to pick it up from an alternate location or something?

 

[bcuinohio]

I’ve been following this thread because I have the same question. Can you do laundry if you are staying in a DVC studio?

It sounds like the answer is yes, but it might be hard to find an open machine. So I think you are recommending an area that has pay washers/dryers as a way to get things done efficiently.

Do I have this right? I’m new to DVC so my first stay on property will be in August.

Yes, if you’re staying in Tokelau, Moorea or Pago Pago, you will have access to DVC Laundry Room. You can also use the resort laundry room near the bus stop.

 

[Dave006]

It sounds like the answer is yes, but it might be hard to find an open machine. So I think you are recommending an area that has pay washers/dryers as a way to get things done efficiently.

The DVC laundry issue is somewhat unique at the Poly is due to the fact that there are only DVC Studios with the small number of 20 Bungalows that have their own washer / dryer setup in-unit. That makes Moorea DVC laundry very busy.

That's why @bcuinohio mentioned the resort side pay laundry room in Pago Pago as an option for more washer / dryer units.

Dave

 

[Dbjr01]

The DVC laundry issue is somewhat unique at the Poly is due to the fact that there are only DVC Studios with the small number of 20 Bungalows that have their own washer / dryer setup in-unit. That makes Moorea DVC laundry very busy.

That's why @bcuinohio mentioned the resort side pay laundry room in Pago Pago as an option for more washer / dryer units.

Dave

Thanks Dave and bcuinohio

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I’ve been following this thread because I have the same question. Can you do laundry if you are staying in a DVC studio?

It sounds like the answer is yes, but it might be hard to find an open machine. So I think you are recommending an area that has pay washers/dryers as a way to get things done efficiently.

Do I have this right? I’m new to DVC so my first stay on property will be in August.

It's very rare to find available free machines, and people always wait for the machine to open.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So are there guest rooms in the Ceremonial House or is that all restaurants and shops?

 

[PolyRob]

So are there guest rooms in the Ceremonial House or is that all restaurants and shops?

There are no guest rooms in the Great Ceremonial House. It's only 2 floors with restaurants and shops. The monorail station is also located on the 2nd floor.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

There are no guest rooms in the Great Ceremonial House. It's only 2 floors with restaurants and shops. The monorail station is also located on the 2nd floor.

Thank you!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

I hope you all don't mind me asking so many questions but I'm so excited to stay there and I wanna make sure I don't miss out on anything. So I have some more questions. 1. Where is the best place to watch the water pageant? 2. Can I mobile order bread pudding from Kona Cafe? I saw somewhere that I may be able to and we aren't planning to eat at Ohana. 3. Please let me know if there are any hidden gems I should check out. Nice places to sit and take it all in or places to sit and eat our food. Any pretty places to walk to and anything else. TIA!!!!!

 

[PolyRob]

I hope you all don't mind me asking so many questions but I'm so excited to stay there and I wanna make sure I don't miss out on anything. So I have some more questions. 1. Where is the best place to watch the water pageant? 2. Can I mobile order bread pudding from Kona Cafe? I saw somewhere that I may be able to and we aren't planning to eat at Ohana. 3. Please let me know if there are any hidden gems I should check out. Nice places to sit and take it all in or places to sit and eat our food. Any pretty places to walk to and anything else. TIA!!!!!

You can see the Water Pageant from the resort boat launch, sand 'beach' between the boat launch and bungalows, and even the Volcano Pool.

Yes, you can mobile order the 'Ohana bread pudding from Kona in the MDE app to-go. You can also order it at Tambu Lounge starting around 4pm, but it isn't to-go from Tambu Lounge. You can take the plate and eat it outside of the bar area, but it's not as simple as Kona if you wanted to bring it with you outside to do something like watch the Water Pageant.

IDK the age mix of your party, but if you have kids there are fun recreational activies like a campfire, outdoor movies, crafts (make your own lei, paint a pineapple, etc). For the older crowd Tambu Lounge (Lapu Lapu is great! I can't tell you the amount of times I have been asked where I got my 21+ pineapple drink) and Trader Sam's are some of the best bars/lounges on property IMO. Captain Cook's also has some of the most unique quick service on property. Tonga toast, pulled pork nachos, and Thai coconut meatballs are extremely popular. You also have Pineapple Lanai which serves Dole Whip and some seasonal specialty flavors/treats throughout the year. Captain Cook's has a nice outdoor patio by the pool where you can easily eat your QS, to-go food, or Pineapple Lanai treats. The second floor of the lobby gets pretty crowded between Kona, the monorail station, and 'Ohana so the first floor may be a little more "quiet" if you wanted to sit and relax inside. You can easily walk to Grand Floridian with the connected path if you want to check out the neighboring resort and what it has to offer. You can also walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center and jump right onto the Epcot monorail without having to transfer which is convenient.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

You can see the Water Pageant from the resort boat launch, sand 'beach' between the boat launch and bungalows, and even the Volcano Pool.

Yes, you can mobile order the 'Ohana bread pudding from Kona in the MDE app to-go. You can also order it at Tambu Lounge starting around 4pm, but it isn't to-go from Tambu Lounge. You can take the plate and eat it outside of the bar area, but it's not as simple as Kona if you wanted to bring it with you outside to do something like watch the Water Pageant.

IDK the age mix of your party, but if you have kids there are fun recreational activies like a campfire, outdoor movies, crafts (make your own lei, paint a pineapple, etc). For the older crowd Tambu Lounge (Lapu Lapu is great! I can't tell you the amount of times I have been asked where I got my 21+ pineapple drink) and Trader Sam's are some of the best bars/lounges on property IMO. Captain Cook's also has some of the most unique quick service on property. Tonga toast, pulled pork nachos, and Thai coconut meatballs are extremely popular. You also have Pineapple Lanai which serves Dole Whip and some seasonal specialty flavors/treats throughout the year. Captain Cook's has a nice outdoor patio by the pool where you can easily eat your QS, to-go food, or Pineapple Lanai treats. The second floor of the lobby gets pretty crowded between Kona, the monorail station, and 'Ohana so the first floor may be a little more "quiet" if you wanted to sit and relax inside. You can easily walk to Grand Floridian with the connected path if you want to check out the neighboring resort and what it has to offer. You can also walk to the Transportation and Ticket Center and jump right onto the Epcot monorail without having to transfer which is convenient.

That is some great information! Thank you. It will be me and grown DD. Neither of us drink but I know we can still get non alcoholic drinks at those places if we still want to experience them. Glad to hear I can get the bread pudding mobile ordered. I like the idea of ordering it and eating it on that patio. Sounds relaxing. I really appreciate the help!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

It's official! Got our room scheduled this morning!!!! WOOHOO!!!!

 

[Mle8308]

Is there a fee for bell services to hold grocery items? If so, how much? Thanks

There is a fee for BS to receive the package, even if you pick it up. However, it is not always charged, it can be hit or miss. The fee is $6 and if BS delivers it, a tip should be included, probably about $5 since it took them out of rotation for a check in.

 

[Mle8308]

Had dinner at O’Hana tonite. We were seated at 5:15 and sat for 20 minutes before even getting a soda and 45 min before getting any food got chicken and steak another 20 min after getting the skillet with pot stickers, noodles and broccol. Service was absolutely horrible after an hour and a half didn’t even want dessert just a check. We did see other tables getting much better service but it did seem to take a while for them to clear and set up tables. There was no apology we were basically just ignored and food was brought out at ridiculous intervals. Finally got check at 6:40.

Sadly, that is typical now. EIther they rush you out (we had them deliver the hot towels and the check before the "entree: portion of the meal even started) or you wait forever for now mediocre - at best, food. It went off our dining list.