This was our 6th time staying at the POLY and we were a little let-down. A lot of it I think was the building we were assigned, NIUE. I always ask for a balcony, since a lot of the rooms at the POLY don't have them, but since we arrived early to check-in and wanted 2 rooms together they gave us the 1st floor of NIUE, no balcony.

I REALLY MISSED not having a balcony. We enjoy drinking our coffee on it before we start our day and you just CAN'T do that in a 1st floor room PATIO with everyone walking by to get breakfast.
NIUE was very convenient to the monorail and restaurants but it's really not to far from any of the buildings. Also, upon entering the room it didn't smell fresh and continued that way all 3 days. I really think maybe the carpet needs to be replaced in the rooms of that building, could smell it in the hallway too. Our other room was the same. Didn't want to ask to be moved since it was 2 rooms, and with little ones, so we lived with it for the 3 nights.

I got a good price for our rooms (passholder) but I would have been really disappointed if I had paid the regular price and it was my first visit. Next visit I think we'll hold-out for a balcony.

After attending the Disney DVC info session last trip, along with a wonderful stay at Disney Polynesian Resort in Sept - I wanted to stay in a DVC room to know if this was a right fit for me. Wow - this was wonderful from start to finish. The Polynesian room assigner was able to accomodate my request to stay in a room closest to the sandy beach and water- thank you so very much! I love the water and seeing/hearing the boats! Front desk staff are the best - always friendly and easily approachable with requests. They make you feel like a dear cousin they have always known and have long been looking forward to your visit. My room was incredible - I couldn't believe all the amenities that are in the room! The rainhead shower with what looks like volcanic stones, floor to ceiling adult shower room was glorious for me and the separate bathtub room was perfect for my little princess travelling with me. The beds were so comfortable - I even tried out the pull out couch to ensure it's mattress was enjoyable to sleep on and it was great too, though the bed itself was best! The large Murphy bed, which can fit an adult, was also a delight to my princess who quickly found the hidden Mickey on the picture inside the bed - look at the rocks...
I can't say enough good things about our stay - Ohana for both breakfast and dinner are wonderful with so much delicious food including tasty veggies and fruit for those of us who don't love copious amounts of meat. Kona is our fav spot for the new menu of meals - the Sushi and Mahi are outstanding. My only constructive feedback is the new desserts. Their size and variations are enjoyable however they are all the consistency of thin, very sweet yogurt throughout - no crunch layer or cake layer to add variety - Chefs might want to add one or two different versions into the new 6 for those of us who wish to have our cake and eat it too - lol.
The line up of cocktails and specialty drinks added a new treat every night to try out and each was a super concoction! Staff are well trained in Smart Serving of Alcohol and deserve praise for their responsible checking ID's to ensure safety for all. My two princess in their 20's staying AOA but joining us for dinners, were consistently carded, as it should be.
Disney is actively decreasing their carbon footprint - paper instead of plastic, large solar alternative energy station being constructed near Epcot, recycling bins in each guest room etc. There is still a ways to go to keep reducing garbage - but nice to see the effort being taken. I hear plastic straws will be replaced soon and that is great news. Very nice to see the investment to show greater love of our planet
Staying in the DVC side was like staying in a welcoming community where everyone is full of great advise, taught basic Hawaiian phrases, were open for lively chats while enjoying the hot tub during the colder nights and all greet each other as they get a morning coffee at the Oasis pool location. During what seemed like a washed out day of 18 hours of constant rain and using the complimentary DVC laundry facilities, we were advised to go on the Safari since the animals would be out and I have never seen so many animals as during that storm. Hippos running about on land since there was more than enough rain to keep them content. Elephants dancing and swaying in the rain and savannah animals like 4 giraffes coming so close to jeeps and watching us calming as we drive by. It became not just a vacation but a vacation with friends.
When I checked out, staff all were again so kind and wished us well for the long drive home and staff at Kona sent us off after breakfast with a coffee to go - very thoughtful after we dined on divine Tonga toast and macadamia nut pancakes with excellent eggs and bacon which kept us thinking thoughts of our Polynesian Island paradise stay even when we reached the cold and snow at home. We can't wait to return soon!

I booked one night, a garden view with concierge service, at Disney's Polynesian Resort 6 months prior. This was my dream - to stay one night at Disney's Polynesian Report for my 40th birthday. But plans changed and we needed to add another night on to our reservation. I called to add the room, but they did not have any availability that night. Oddly enough, I was able to book the night I wanted online but under a separate booking number, and it was a room overlooking the pool with no concierge service. When we went to check in, the front desk went above and beyond to offer us a magical stay. They upgraded us, free of charge, to a theme park view and for only an extra small fee, we were able to have the same theme park view room for the second night, including their remarkable concierge service. An incredible way to celebrate my 40th birthday!! Truly a dream come true.
Brunch at O'Hana was sensational! Food was delicious and my daughter loved seeing Stitch, Lilo, and Mickey! Be sure to enjoy a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai!
Furthermore, we had a few chats with Gene, a cast leader, who went above and beyond for us. As a surprise, he gave our daughter a free Walt Disney limited edition magic band and a special photo of Walt Disney himself. She was thrilled.
I can't say enough about Disney's Polynesian Resort. Yes, it may be pricey, but it's worth every penny!! Thank you Disney!