Say “Aloha” to Disney Deluxe Savings

photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/disneyworldsecets/2789030079/

Aloha!!! Just in case you missed my post last month, I talked about staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts on a Budget. I also expressed all of the things that needed to change for my family in order to be able to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

My Disney Travel Philosophy

First and foremost I believe that every family in the world has the right to take their family on a Disney vacation. Each person deserves to have a little bit of pixie dust spread their way at least once in their life. Disney has made it very attainable for all families to travel to Disney World because they have created resort categories. I know that with time and the proper planning, every family can plan Disney on their budget.  For those of us that make Disney World our regular vacation destination staying at a Disney Deluxe resort may not be as attainable as for someone that travels once in a lifetime.  Whether you are a frequent Disney traveler, or someone that goes once in a lifetime, I believe that staying at a Disney Deluxe resort at least once should be something that you try.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort

This resort is truly two vacations in one. Not only do you get the magic of being at Walt Disney World and on the monorail but you are also fully immersed in the ambiance of Hawaii. What could be better than that? As soon as you walk into the lobby of the Polynesian you are greeted with a friendly Aloha and have a splendid view of a 2-story lobby and waterfall.  The lobby area in the Polynesian is very lively with sounds and smells of Hawaii.  The hospitality is amazing at this resort location. Immediately after checking in you are able to go and receive your lei with a more formal Aloha!! From there your Island Guide and cart is waiting to take you and your luggage on a tour of the grounds.  Do not fret though, this ride is a two in one, your Island Guide is actually taking you to your longhouse.

photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/26779052@N05/4470488474/sizes/l/

The grounds are meticulously kept, they are truly stunning. One thing I enjoyed was the fact that it was so quiet and peaceful yet I felt like I was not alone.  The walkways are adorned with tiki torches that fire up in the evening.

The rooms at Polynesian Resort are the largest deluxe rooms on Disney property.  The rooms range in size from 415 to 475 square feet.  A great feature that we absolutely loved in the resort room were the two queen sized beds and a daybed. There is plenty of space for a family of five to sleep.

The following is a list of the amenities that can be found in your resort room:

• Two queen beds
• A daybed
• A flat screen cable TV (the available channels favor Disney owned channels)
• One table and 2 chairs.
• 2 telephones with data ports for internet access (there is an extra charge for internet access and phone calls)
• An alarm clock
• Iron and ironing board
• A large electronic safe (you set the combination)
• A hair dryer
• Bathroom with a shower tub, or a roll in shower in the handicapped rooms
• Refrigerator and coffee maker
• Most first floor rooms have a patio
• Most third floor rooms have a balcony

Nanea Pool at Disney’s Polynesian resort is a smoking volcano that houses the waterslide. We had a blast sitting under the cascading waterfall and listening to music under the water. Another great feature of the Nanea pool is that it is zero depth entry. This makes is very easy for families with small children to have some fun in a place where their children can reach too. I have to admit that the most magical part of Nanea pool is being with your family in the pool in the evening and watching the fireworks…just magical.  Very close to the pool is the beach, feel free to relax by the beach and get that great Florida tan!! There is an additional pool on property, a quiet pool.

In addition….

In addition to all of the wonderful features that I listed above, the Polynesian also has some other great amenities:

• Marina
• Captain Cook’s (their counter service restaurant, see Disney Guru for information about getting Tonga Toast there for 50% off)
• ‘Ohana (one of my favorite restaurants on Disney property)
• Kona Café….home of the Tonga Toast and some other wonderful dining options.
• Kona Café Coffee and Sushi Bar, if you are looking for some good coffee on Disney property, this is where it is at!!
• Tambu Lounge
• Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
• A great array of shopping!!!

Here is the bottom line for me….

I truly fell in love with the Polynesian Resort from the moment I stepped foot in this resort. Words cannot describe how much I love it there!!  Everyone has a Disney home…Polynesian is my Disney home and it always will be. On the other hand, I LOVE Disney World trips even more than I love the Polynesian. I am not willing to forego time spent at Disney World in order to stay at a nicer resort. As I stated in part one of this article, we went from having a 10 day stay at Disney to a five day stay. I will always dream of the day that my family and I can be warmly welcomed home at Disney’s Polynesian Resort once again, but for now Aloha to Disney’s Polynesian Resort…which can also mean good-bye.

I would love to hear about what you have sacrificed in order to stay at a deluxe Disney Resort.

Kelly, her husband, and three children live in the Chicagoland area. Kelly has been traveling to Walt Disney World since the age of two. She considers Walt Disney World to be her primary vacation destination.  With 20 plus trips under her belt she still enjoys researching and learning new things about the most magical place on earth! Kelly began Disney Guru in August of 2010 with the vision of sharing fun vacation tips and magic with all fans of Disney World.