ABOVE : The newly remodeled guest rooms featuring designs inspired by Moana . PHOTOS BY DANNY MCBRIDE
WORTH THE STAY Disney ’ s Polynesian Resort has some of the best transportation on property . A monorail or water taxi will whisk you off for a day of happily ever after at Magic Kingdom . Plus , a short path takes you to the Transportation & Ticket Center for a monorail to EPCOT .
Polynesian is also the best for resort beachfront viewing for Disney Enchantment . I remember years ago watching Wishes from the beach , with music pumped in , a Mickey Bar in hand , and no crowds — and it ’ s one of my favorite vacation memories . Plus , it is the first stop for the nighttime Electrical Water Pageant .
Amazing amenities also include access to Kona Café , ‘ Ohana , and Disney ’ s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show ( temporarily unavailable ). Capt . Cook ’ s is the only Quick-Service location with delicious Tonga Toast . In 2014 , Pineapple Lanai opened , bringing the delicious DOLE Whip across the lagoon from Adventureland .
If you really want to make it a trip to remember , choose a private bungalow positioned over the water along Seven Seas Lagoon . Large enough to sleep eight , these come with their own kitchen and front-row seats to the most magical fireworks on Earth .
However , you don ’ t need a private bungalow to stay in luxury . The newly renovated Moana-inspired rooms might be the prettiest on property . With the teal blues , ocean vibes , and subtle nods to the Disney film Moana , the rooms are elegant yet distinctly Polynesian .
FINAL THOUGHTS When I reminisce about our early visits , some of my favorite flashbacks happened during our first stay at Disney ’ s Polynesian Resort when my daughter was three . Even though it ’ s a splurge , you can ’ t put a price tag on memories . Here ’ s to another 50 years of magic along the monorail line .
PREVIOUS PAGE : make your stay truly memorable with a night in the exclusive private bungalows . PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP