We have stayed at a few Disney resorts, but prefer the Polynesian hands down. From the moment you enter, you are greeted instantly by a crew member and given a lei. If you are lucky enough, you will get to see and meet Kau’i Brandt, better known as Auntie Kau’i, in the first-floor lobby of the Great Ceremonial House each day. At age 81, Auntie Kau’i is a Disney Legend, having been with the Polynesian resort almost since it opened. She truly is a sweet, sweet lady, please make a point to visit her for even just a moment. The hotel lobby is exactly as you would expect it to be, perhaps more. I highly recommend magic bands by the way... this a whole other review.. lol.

Rooms: The first time we went, we had a standard room facing parking lot. Honestly was still a magical experience. it's disney... it is going to be what you make it. The second time we stayed here, we asked for a theme park view. it costs a little more, but wow... it was so worth it! We watched the fireworks from the magic kingdom over the castle and could watch the lighted parade.. all from our balcony!! Magical!! The rooms are decent sized and the bathrooms are big enough. We had three adults in our room and never felt cramped.

Restaurants: We spent much time at the parks, but did go to Captain cooks for breakfast each morning before park days. Food was pretty decent and priced as you would expect, but not too bad. You are at the Polynesian. Also, we did try the famous Pineapple Dole Whip.. yes, it's good and the only resort that has them. but I hear the new dreamsicle shake might have it beat. :-)

Pool: My husband and I brought our son and his family and my daughter. The grandbabies Loved the kiddie area and the older one loved, loved the volcano slide. Oh, who am I kidding, my husband was up there with all them too. We spent a whole day at the pool. They come around taking food and drink orders, so you truly can relax the entire time!

Transportation to parks: Disney’s monorail service is available to the Magic Kingdom and via transfer to Epcot. The monorail station is on the 2nd floor of the resort. There is Disney bus transportation to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom as well as the water parks and Disney Springs. The bus locations are across from the valet stand just outside of the lobby. A walking path to the Ticket and Transportation Center is also available. Really, one of the reasons why we love it here... just so easy to use!!

Gift shops: So cool!! I am a Disney fanatic with a super supportive husband, so needless to say, I found some fun items to decorate a Disney Christmas theme.. ;-)

Oh, did I mention the beach???

I don’t know what it is about the Poly, but it always smells amazing! The lobby smells ocean-y... the outside smells fresh ... and the rooms smell like a mix of mint and ocean. I know it’s weird but it’s the best smelling hotel I’ve ever been to! Lol. And the rest of the joint ain’t bad either. Like many Disney properties it’s completely spotless. The room was absolutely sparkling. It’s also well appointed. We stayed in a DVC studio and the two separate bathroom areas were perfect. My daughter loved the pull down bed with the Lilo mural. It’s was like her own hideaway and she loved it. The resort amenities were excellent. The pool area was a solid hit. And again spotlessly clean with plenty of lifeguards. I also loved that there is poolside drink service. A waitress came around to all of the chaise lounges and took orders from the bar. You can’t beat the location either-right on the monorail. I seriously have not one way for Disney to male this place better. Just keep it up! We’ll definitely be back! Oh... one more thing... all of the cast members from front desk to maintenance were always so kind and helpful. We loved being greeted with Aloha or Welcome Home. Just makes us feel like a bit more a part of the Magic!

My husband is wheelchair bound and I use a lift to move him. It was very hard to maneuver from the carpet into the bathroom because of the tight space and also the threshold. We had a room with a roll in shower but there was a very inconvenient berrier that was almost impossible to get over with the lift. Also, there were towel racks in front of both sinks so that my husband could barely reach the sink from his wheelchair. Hopefully this review will help the hotel make a few changes. I would not stay here again.