One of the first resort hotels at WDW , Disney ’ s Polynesian Village Resort has a layout that mimics a small South Pacific village . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER
Disney ’ s Polynesian Village Resort has been a part of the Walt Disney World experience since opening day , and while it ’ s undergone a number of changes since 1971 , it still retains a lot of vintage island charm . That ’ s due , in no small part , to its gorgeous location along the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon , where guest rooms housed in longhouses named for islands such as Hawaii and Tuvalu stretch out along sandy beaches .
In 2021 , as part of a resort-wide refurbishment , Disney gave guest rooms a fresh look with a fitting Moana motif .
THE GIRL WHO LOVES THE SEA On a recent trip to the Polynesian , I stayed in a room in the Rarotonga building , the perfect location for those who want to be close to the Great Ceremonial House , transportation , and the pools . Our room looked out toward the Oasis Pool , and we were only a couple of minutes from the Volcano Pool .
The new Moana theme is evident — yet still subtle — as soon as you step inside each longhouse , with water-block prints on the carpet , patterned lighting sconces , and vibrant artwork on the walls . I first noticed the intricate feature wall designed to look like Maui ’ s tattoos with waves , sea turtles , hibiscus , and little
Maui and Moana figures . It ’ s a storytelling centerpiece that ties the whole room together .
Texture is at play everywhere in the room , along with natural fiber and sandy earth tones : herringbone wood floors , a soft white stone backsplash in the washroom , a “ woven ” headboard , a dresser with a hand-carved look , and a lamp shade that hides a secret ( Moana character outlines appear when you turn the light on ). The closet doors have a Polynesian print , and the patterned curtains pull your attention to the balcony , where you can look out on lush tropical foliage .
A fuschia hibiscus throw pillow and teal accents on a bench at the foot of the bed offset the crisp white linens . A print of Heihei peeks at you near the coffee station , and a comfy bluegreen sleeper sofa is nestled in the corner . Next to it , nested sculptural tables and a teal leather armchair and ottoman set allow for lots of lounging . It ’ s easy to make yourself at home in this room .
Somehow , the dozens of colors , textures , and patterns manage to avoid chaos and instead strike a beautiful harmony in the room . It has a richly layered design aesthetic adults will adore , and kids will enjoy the not-so-hidden nods to a favorite film .