Disney's Polynesian Village Resort vs Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Photo: Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Deluxe Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Photo: Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Deluxe Epcot Resort Area
Alex Young
Alex Young
· Updated · 5 min read

At a Glance

Tier

Polynesian Village

Deluxe

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Deluxe

Area

Polynesian Village

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Epcot Resort Area

Transportation

Polynesian Village

Monorail, Boat, Bus

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Walk, Boat, Bus

Table-Service Dining

Polynesian Village

5 restaurants

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

4 restaurants

Quick-Service Dining

Polynesian Village

11 locations

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

None

Pool 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

Pool

Extended Evening Hours

Polynesian Village

Yes

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Yes

Top Highlight

Polynesian Village

Monorail access directly to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

Newest and most modern of the Swan and Dolphin complex

Overview

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 Service

    American, Polynesian

    breakfast · dinner

    View menu
  • Barefoot Pool Bar

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Breakfast at Wailulu Bar & Grill

    Quick Service

    Polynesian

    breakfast

    View menu
  • Capt. Cook's

    Quick Service

    American, Seafood

    breakfast

    View menu
  • Chip 'n' Dale's Deli

    Quick Service

    American, Quick Service Kiosk

    lunch

    View menu
  • Chip 'n' Dale’s Deli at Disney's Palm, Magnolia, and Oak Trail Golf Courses

    Quick Service

    American

    lunch

    View menu
  • Kona Cafe

    Table Service

    American, Seafood

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Kona Café To Go

    Quick Service

    American, Seafood

    lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Kona Island

    Table Service

    American, Sushi, Quick Service - Coffee

    breakfast · lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Oasis Bar & Grill

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Pineapple Lanai

    Quick Service

    American

    snack

    View menu
  • Tambu Lounge

    Quick Service

    American, Polynesian

    snack

    View menu
  • Trader Sam's Grog Grotto

    Quick Service

    Polynesian

    snack

    View menu
  • Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace

    Table Service

    American, Polynesian

    dinner

    View menu
  • Wailulu Bar & Grill

    Table Service

    Polynesian

    lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Wailulu Bar & Grill To Go

    Quick Service

    Polynesian

    lunch · dinner

    View menu

Walt Disney World Swan Reserve

  • Amare

    Table Service

    Mediterranean

    lunch · dinner

    View menu
  • Grounds

    Table Service

    Bakery, American, Quick Service - Coffee

    snack

    View menu
  • Stir

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu
  • Tangerine

    Table Service

    American

    dinner

    View menu

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