I finally did it.

I stayed Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

It was just one night—but wow. It was a big first for me, and I am here to tell you: it was so worth it.

First Impressions

From the second you step into the Polynesian, the vibes are immaculate. This resort is a fan favorite, and I immediately understood why. The theming? Spot-on. The atmosphere? Instantly relaxing.

You walk into the Great Ceremonial House and someone greets you with a smile and places a flower lei around your neck. It’s such a small thing, but it sets the tone—you’re not just checking in; you’re being welcomed. The Polynesian way.

This main building is home to the lobby, a few shops, restaurants, and the monorail station (which connects you directly to Magic Kingdom, the TTC, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary). There are tropical plants everywhere, and it smells like vacation in the best way.

Layout + Location

As one of Disney’s original hotels, the Poly has a special place in Disney history. It’s called a “village” because the rooms are spread out across 11 longhouses, plus those dreamy Bora Bora Bungalows that sit over the water.

The layout is walkable, even with kids in tow. Not as spread out as Caribbean Beach, but still gives you that sprawling, resort feel. I love that balance—and I think the Polynesian does a wonderful job.

Resort Activities

There’s always something happening. Just outside the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll find a board listing weekly activities. When I was there, options included:

Disney Fit Tai Chi
Make Your Own Kukui Nut Lei
Paint a Ceramic
Video Game Dance Party
Lava Pool Party
Movies Under the Stars
Mickey Tie-Dye (classic)
Aloha After Dark Night Party

So yeah… you won’t feel like you have to go to the parks to have fun. This place gives you plenty of reasons to hang out and just enjoy.

The Room

We stayed in the Hawaii building, first floor. It had a large patio and a view of the bungalows—and we could see fireworks from our room. Incredible.

The Moana theming was adorable without being too much. My favorite touch? Hei Hei hiding behind the coffee maker.

Functionally, the room was great. Outlets and reading lights by the beds, under-bed storage for suitcases, uplighting on the headboard (perfect for winding down), and a comfy couch and chair for sprawling out after long park days.

The only thing I missed was a desk. It’s a huge room and there’s so much storage space—removing the desk felt unnecessary, especially if you’re someone who works while you travel.

The bathroom had great lighting, storage cubbies, a backlit mirror, and a separate toilet area with a door (essential if you’re sharing the space).

In short: these rooms are made for staying. You could easily plan a chill, resort-focused trip and never step foot in a park.

Club Level Experience

Now, let’s talk about the real star: the King Kamehameha Club.

This was my first Club Level stay, and I get the hype. The lounge is gorgeous—two floors with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the beach and Magic Kingdom.

If you time it right, the food in the lounge could honestly cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I wasn’t there to eat all day, but I was there to snack… a lot.

Favorite Things I Ate:

Coconut pineapple muffins
Roasted pineapple, chicken, bacon in a tomato cone
Beef short rib

Starting the day with a peaceful breakfast here, coming back for a mid-day break… it really added something special to the trip.

Oh, and the fireworks view was absolutely incredible. You get a direct view of Happily Ever After with the music piped in. Sitting in the air conditioning with dessert, avoiding the crowds and humidity—it felt like such a treat. Yes, you can watch the fireworks from the beach right below the lounge. But there’s something next-level about doing it with a chilled drink in hand, no shoes on, from a cozy chair.

If you’re considering Club Level, here’s a tip: Split stay.

Book a few nights in a regular room somewhere else, and then end your trip with a night or two at Club Level. That way you can soak it in, enjoy the food, and have your relaxing days at the end of your trip—not the beginning.

Exploring the Resort

After loading up on snacks, I took some time to explore.

While I didn’t get a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai this time (blame the Club snacks), I’ve had it before and it’s wonderful for a non-park day treat.

I also walked over to the new Polynesian tower. The lobby is stunning, but what really stole the show was the Cove Pool splash area with the Moana water feature. So cute for little ones. The main Lava Pool has been redone —it feels more natural now and has some relaxing areas tucked in around the edges.

Dinner at ‘Ohana

That night we had dinner at ‘Ohana.

And I’ll just say it: it was fine.

This restaurant is iconic, and the Lilo & Stitch character breakfast is one I book all the time for clients with little Stitch fans. But dinner? No characters, and honestly… the food is hit or miss. This time, it just didn’t live up to the price. I hadn’t been in years and wanted to give it another shot, but I think I’m good for a while. I would come back for breakfast though—especially with kids.

Checking Out (Cue the Disney Blues)

Leaving the Polynesian is always hard. But leaving after staying Club Level? Even harder.

Here’s my biggest lesson: Never start your split stay at the deluxe resort.

I knew this already… but this time, the contrast was brutal. Going from that plush Poly mattress and peaceful view to a parking lot view at a moderate resort was a downer.

Next time, I’m saving the best for last.

If you’re thinking about staying at the Polynesian—or going Club Level—I hope this gives you a helpful look at what to expect. I’m already dreaming about my next stay. Start Planning Your Trip with us.

If you want to read more details about this resort, please check out our Resort Overview Here.

One Magical Night at the Polynesian (Club Level!)