Thrifty Thursday: Polynesian Freebies

My family & I stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Resort on our last vacation to the World in December. This was our first time staying here and WOW did we love it!!

Staying at a Deluxe Resort comes with some amazing perks. Poly didn’t disappoint us. There are a handful of fun things to do at this resort that do not cost anything extra, except for maybe a smile. 😉

Here are a few of the Freebies that come with staying at this awesome resort:

Lei and Hula Dance

When you arrive at the Poly, you will be greeted at check in with a lei, everyone in your party will get one! We brought ours home to have a little souvenir of how awesome the resort was.  If you have children, sometimes there is a cast member around to entertain them as you check your family in. We arrived late and didn’t see this, but as we explored the next few days, we saw children being shown around and entertained while mom and dad were getting the Disney run down.

Hula dance lessons take place most days, usually in the afternoon, in the Great Ceremonial House. When checking in, ask about the lessons and they can give you the times. I think it was right around 4pm.

Pool Fun

Not all pools are created equal! The main pool at the Poly is pretty awesome. There is a slide that is designed like a volcano, and beautiful scenery all around with a nice view of the Castle in MK and even Space Mountain!  If you prefer a quieter setting with less crowds, there is another pool on the property for your relaxation and enjoyment.

Even though there is not a hot tub at this resort, the main pool has a “jacuzzi” type area in the deep end with a bench and warm water jets.

At the main pool every afternoon there is always a small party with cast members who do games and contests with music.  The kids are always bouncing with excitement during this little party. 

Hidden Mickeys

Our family hasn’t joined in the Hidden Mickey fun, but we really want to.  As we walked around our resort, we found quite a few popping up in the lobby, walkways, etc.  If your family is on the Hidden Mickey train, they will have a good time tracking them down at the Poly.

Torch Lighting 

Most evenings around 6pm there is a torch lighting ceremony.  This will start out int he lobby and then proceeds outside with a “fire dancer”.  The kids will get a kick out of this!  There are drums and chants and it really makes you feel as though you are immersed in the Polynesian culture.  Who says vacation can’t be educational as well?!?!

Free Movies on Beach

A lot of the Disney resorts do Free Movies some where on the grounds.  At the Poly you can watch free movies down by the beach.  Check with your concierge for the schedule!  This is a great way to unwind from a busy day and relax together from some quiet family time.

Beach fun – Volleyball, Hammocks, Relaxation

We loved the beach at the Poly.  Ashley was obsessed with lounging in the hammocks with her IPhone.  There are rows of beach chairs to lay in and face the lake, or the pool, whichever suits you.  I enjoyed going there with a book on our quiet morning before checking out.  They even have a designated beach volleyball area where you can start up a game!  Finally, take a stroll along the beach and feel that sand in your toes.  It is really the best of 2 wonderful worlds, Disney and a beach!!

Fireworks and Electrical Parade

The Poly is an AWESOME spot to view the Electrical Parade on the lake and the fireworks in Magic Kingdom.  If you don’t want to fight the crowds, even if you are not staying at the Poly, you can pull up a spot of sand and have a relaxing time watching the Magic happen.  You can even visit the little cafe to grab a snack before the show.  What a sweet way to end the night!

We thoroughly enjoyed staying at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  I know that it seems like a lot of money to spend on a hotel, but we thought it was definitely worth it!  Especially because our last trip was shorter than our usual trips…we spent less time traveling and fighting crowds, and more time enjoying ourselves and the extra perks that came with staying at this deluxe resort!  We love perks!

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Tina works full time as a school counselor in an elementary school. She lives close to Baltimore, MD with her husband Dave and her 13 year old stepdaughter, Ashley. They also have a furry family member, a cat name Frodo, that keeps life interesting in their house! Tina began visiting Disney World as a child with her family, and now her, Dave & Ashley take a trip to the World every year. She considers herself a Disney “fanatic” and once her family is finished one trip, she is already planning their next one. Tina loves to find the best deals, even in the busy seasons (she can only go when schools are off!) and loves sharing those deals & tips with anyone and everyone! What Tina loves most is the magic of WDW, it makes her feel like a kid again. She hopes that every family has the opportunity go to the World and experience the magic for themselves because it has a way of reminding its visitors that dreams do indeed come true! Read more of Tina’s work on her blog A Not So Bland Life, where she writes about home decor, cooking, couponing, traveling, and and of course, Disney!