Disney's Polynesian Village Resort vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Photo: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Photo: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
At a Glance
| Polynesian Village | Walt Disney World Swan Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Deluxe | Deluxe |
| Area | Magic Kingdom Resort Area | Epcot Resort Area |
| Transportation | Monorail, Boat, Bus | Walk, Boat, Bus |
| Table-Service Dining | 5 restaurants | 4 restaurants |
| Quick-Service Dining | 11 locations | None |
| Pool Amenities | Pool, Quiet Pool, Tubular slide at 40-foot high volcano, Hot Tub, Kiki Tikis Splash Area (children's interactive water play area) | Pool |
| Extended Evening Hours | Yes | Yes |
| Top Highlight | Monorail access directly to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT | Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex |
Tier
Polynesian Village
DeluxeWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
DeluxeArea
Polynesian Village
Magic Kingdom Resort AreaWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
Epcot Resort AreaTransportation
Polynesian Village
Monorail, Boat, BusWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
Walk, Boat, BusTable-Service Dining
Polynesian Village
5 restaurantsWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
4 restaurantsQuick-Service Dining
Polynesian Village
11 locationsWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
NonePool Amenities
Polynesian Village
Pool, Quiet Pool, Tubular slide at 40-foot high volcano, Hot Tub, Kiki Tikis Splash Area (children's interactive water play area)Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
PoolExtended Evening Hours
Polynesian Village
YesWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
YesTop Highlight
Polynesian Village
Monorail access directly to Magic Kingdom and EPCOTWalt Disney World Swan Reserve
Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complexOverview
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
A deluxe South Seas resort on Seven Seas Lagoon with monorail access, beach views, and a mix of standard rooms, villas, and bungalows.
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
The newer tower within the Swan and Dolphin complex, positioned near Crescent Lake and marketed as a more boutique-style Marriott option.
Amenities
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Recreation
- Pool
- Marina
- Jogging Trail
- Quiet Pool
- Tubular slide at 40-foot high volcano
- Hot Tub
- Kiki Tikis Splash Area (children's interactive water play area)
- Arcade
Wellness
- Fitness Center
Rooms
- Club Level
Other
- Laundry Facilities
- Gift Shop
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
Recreation
- Pool
- Tennis Courts
- Arcade
- Playground
- Boat Rental listed in Activities & Recreation; water taxi access to parks
Wellness
- Fitness Center
- Spa
Other
- Water taxi dock for park access
- Resort shops available
Transportation
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
-
Monorail
Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT
-
Boat
Magic Kingdom Park
-
Bus
Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
-
Walk
EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios
-
Boat
EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios
-
Bus
Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney Springs
Pros
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
- Monorail access directly to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT
- Stunning South Pacific tropical theming throughout
- Iconic Trader Sam's Grog Grotto tiki bar on property
- Beach and marina on the Seven Seas Lagoon
- Great Ceremonial House with Captain Cook's quick service dining
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex
- Spacious tower rooms with contemporary design and updated amenities
- Same Crescent Lake location with walking access to EPCOT
- Marriott Bonvoy points redemption available
- Quieter and more upscale feel than the larger Swan and Dolphin hotels
Cons
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
- Among the most expensive Deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World
- Island Tower DVC addition is polarizing and breaks original theming
- Long Great Ceremonial House corridors can make navigation confusing
- Far from EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom by bus
- Lava Pool waterslide removed in recent renovation, not replaced
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- No Disney on-site perks such as Early Entry or booking advantages
- High resort fees on top of nightly rate increase true cost
- Smaller pool exclusive to Swan Reserve guests, main pools are at Swan/Dolphin
- Limited dining within the Swan Reserve itself
- No direct transportation to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom
On-Site Dining
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
-
'Ohana
Table ServiceAmerican, Polynesian
breakfast · dinner
View menu -
Barefoot Pool Bar
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Breakfast at Wailulu Bar & Grill
Quick ServicePolynesian
breakfast
View menu -
Capt. Cook's
Quick ServiceAmerican, Seafood
breakfast
View menu -
Chip 'n' Dale's Deli
Quick ServiceAmerican, Quick Service Kiosk
lunch
View menu -
Chip 'n' Dale’s Deli at Disney's Palm, Magnolia, and Oak Trail Golf Courses
Quick ServiceAmerican
lunch
View menu -
Kona Cafe
Table ServiceAmerican, Seafood
breakfast · lunch · dinner
View menu -
Kona Café To Go
Quick ServiceAmerican, Seafood
lunch · dinner
View menu -
Kona Island
Table ServiceAmerican, Sushi, Quick Service - Coffee
breakfast · lunch · dinner
View menu -
Oasis Bar & Grill
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Pineapple Lanai
Quick ServiceAmerican
snack
View menu -
Tambu Lounge
Quick ServiceAmerican, Polynesian
snack
View menu -
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Quick ServicePolynesian
snack
View menu -
Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace
Table ServiceAmerican, Polynesian
dinner
View menu -
Wailulu Bar & Grill
Table ServicePolynesian
lunch · dinner
View menu -
Wailulu Bar & Grill To Go
Quick ServicePolynesian
lunch · dinner
View menu
Community Discussions
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
- First time stay at the Polynesian! Tips? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Late Night Vibes at The Polynesian Resort - Reddit r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Looking for crowd opinions on the Polynesian r/WaltDisneyWorld
- New Polynesian Resort : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Polynesian vs WL? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
- Swan & Dolphin appreciation : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Swan or Swan Reserve? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Swan Reserve pros and cons : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Thoughts on the Swan Reserve? : r/WaltDisneyWorld r/WaltDisneyWorld
- Walt Disney World Swan Reserve and ADR/LL r/WaltDisneyWorld
Videos
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
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