Tag Archive: DVC Members

  1. Top Reasons to Love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

    Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    The Polynesian Resort was one of those bucket-list resorts for my family, and when we finally stayed there, it did not disappoint.

    Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    There are many reasons whyDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC the Polynesian Village Resort is a desirable choice. In a nutshell, this resort offers a few key real estate factors, namely, Location, Accessibility and Waterfront! This resort sits on the Monorail loop which is of great appeal to many guests. Want to relax on acres of grounds themed after the Southern Pacific region? Want access to the best kids’ aqua-play area on property? Want the convenience of the Monorail? How about ‘Ohana and Dole Whips?

    Polynesian Village Resort is the place for you!

    Top 5 Reasons I Love Polynesian Village Resort
    #5. Polynesian-Styled Grounds

    At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, be prepared for full immersion into a Polynesian dream. I truly believe that Disney even provides a Pacific breeze for guests to enjoy at this resort! You will feel as though you are in a Hawaiian ParadiseDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    The property is dense with lush greenery and spotted with the rich colours of various flowers. We identified beautiful Tahitian Gardenia and Hibiscus species to name a few. You can literally smell the floral palette of the resort as you stroll the grounds. This is all accented by burning torches along walkways, white sandy waterfront areas to lounge or engage in activities, and the beautiful Seven Seas Lagoon.

    Beach Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC Tiki Decor

    Upon arrival, you are met with your very own lei to add to the immersion. There are features all around the grounds to ensure that you are always enveloped in the theme. Also, as would be expected, the element of water is a critical piece of the Polynesian landscape. In addition, the grounds are alive with fish, turtles, lizards, and various water birds. The grounds truly relax you and invite you to be one with your natural surroundings.

     #4 ‘Ohana – Breakfast & Dinner

    Polynesian Village Resort offers an on-site Character Breakfast as well as a wonderful, Family-Style Dinner that includes skewer-served meats and seafood. Having a Character Dining experience on-site is always a great feature for any resort. ‘Ohana goes one step further and introduces guests to the star attraction characters of the Polynesian, Lilo and Stitch! ‘Ohana bread pudding with vanilla ice cream & warm, rummed, caramel sauce Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Ohana Character Breakfast Stitch Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVCBreakfast begins with fruit plates, followed by a platter of scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausages, pineappled ham, and Disney’s beloved Waffles. There are also stories and fun for the kids before the highlight of the morning….The Character meetings! Stitch is just so cute!

    Then, in the evening, ‘Ohana serves up a fire-grilled array of meats and seafood, delivered to your table by skewer. A delightful platter of wings, potstickers, noodles, and mixed vegetables to accompany the meats and oak-grilled shrimp. Food, fun and a good time for all! The kids take a break to sweep coconuts around the dining hall while there is music and clapping. And then, the famous ‘Ohana bread pudding with vanilla ice cream & warm, rummed, caramel sauce. ‘Ohana means ‘family’, and this restaurant will ensure all the kinfolk are well fed!

    #3. Great Deluxe Studios

    Deluxe Studio Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    While most of the resorts offer Deluxe Studios that are relatively similar in size, the Polynesian Village Resort stands out in this category. With the largest Deluxe Studios on property, you will surely be comfortable in these rooms. From adorable trundle beds to Tikiman lamps and a beautiful colour scheme to encourage easy relaxation after a long day of family fun and adventure. Further, you are pampered with two separate shower areas. The stand-up shower sports a rainfall shower head, built-in seat, and gorgeous tiling.

    Then there is the view of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom if you should choose a Lake View room.

    Water view at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    #2. Lava Pool & Kids’ Tiki Aqua Play Area

    The Polynesian Resort has an awesome Lava Pool or as we prefer, Volcano Pool! The pool offers a zero-entry end, a beautiful waterfall element, a slide, and a huge volcano as the main feature. My son LOVED the Lava Slide with its passage through darkness to its speedy ejection into the sparkling blue waters below! As he began his descent through the tube, I could hear, “bye for good!” The views from atop the Volcano are impressive. Every detail has been painstakingly recreated to ensure guests always remain immersed.

    Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    And for those of you who are looking for a quieter swimming experience, the resort also has the Oasis Pool.

    Oasis Pool Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Now, one of the best pool offerings has to be the kids’ Tiki Water Play Area. When I ask my son what his favourite pool is on property, he always says ‘The Poly’ in reference to the Tiki Play Area.This kiddie play area is incredible!

    Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    The kids have a large area of gurgling spouts, spraying Tiki totems, rope-bridges, waterfalls, hide-outs and slides. You can literally spend hours at the Lava Pool and adjoining Tiki Play Area each day. The pools are conveniently located near the resort Counter Service, Capt. Cook’s for your food and drink refill needs as you bask in the sun and play.

    Given that we visit Disney with a child, the Lava Pool and Tiki Play Area are near the top of our list of reasons to love this resort, and on any given day, it is our Number One reason! I reiterate – BEST KIDS’ Water Play area at Disney! If visiting Disney with kids who love spending time in the pools and aqua play areas, The Poly may be your best choice.

    Tiki Water Play Area Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    #1. Location / Transportation

    So, we made it to the Number One Reason for loving Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It was a tough decision between our Number 2 and our Number 1, but ultimately, my family feels that the best feature of the Polynesian Village Resort is the location and transportation options.

    Monorail Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando FloridaWe LOVE being able to easily walk over to the beautiful Grand Floridian Resort. It is an easy stroll for families along a manicured path with the beach and water to your side. This proximity opens the door to many more dining options, shops, and of course, another wonderful pool and kids’ aqua play area. We love being able to take in the luxury and fun offered at the Grand Floridian.

    From the Polynesian Resort, you can also walk to the nearby Transportation and Ticket Center which is where Epcot and Express Monorails both originate. This is a great option for quickly transporting to Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. You can also use buses from the resort or jump directly on the Monorail right from the Polynesian with quick transportation around the resort loop to the Grand Floridian, to the Contemporary, and back home to the Polynesian.Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Epcot Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando FloridaThere is also Water Taxi transportation from the Polynesian Resort over to the Magic Kingdom! The ways in which you can get around Disney world from this resort are numerous and this equates to CONVENIENCE.

    A typical day when staying at the Poly would include getting up in the morning for some pool time, walking next door to eat lunch at the Grand Floridian Café, taking the Monorail over to either Magic Kingdom or Epcot until zipping back to the room for a nap! Then, head over to the Contemporary for dinner and Arcade fun! Being within minutes of the parks, and the amenities of two other Deluxe Resorts is definitely a recipe for fun, dining options, and convenience.

    Lilo Trundle, Deluxe Studio at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Trundle artwork in Deluxe Studio

    Verdict:

    Polynesian Village Resort is a South Pacific escape, enveloping you in wild yet manicured greenery, exotic flowers, and an overwhelming feeling harmony with the surrounding environment. From the glistening Seven Seas Lagoon to white sands to evening torches dotting the property, this is a true haven.

    The Resort offers great pool and aqua play areas and the ultimate convenience of multiple transportation options and both nearby parks and Deluxe Resorts.

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    Previous blogs by Jason Swain:

    TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S RIVIERA RESORT

    TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT

    TOP REASON’S TO LOVE DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

    TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S BAY LAKE TOWER

  2. Top Reasons to Love Disney’s Riviera Resort

    Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    The newest of all the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts, and a completely different feeling than all the rest. From European architecture, to relaxing grounds and a view of the water, this resort is amazing. We love the Riviera Resort!

    In a nutshell, this resort is a welcome addition to the Deluxe Resort lineup. It offers luxurious rooms, common areas and grounds, with glimpses into Walt Disney’s rich history of travel and a love for Europe.

    Want to be transported to a European-inspired haven where you are surrounded by luxury, stone facades, and blue umbrella dotted landscapes? Do you like to take things slower, and sip specialty coffee while strolling luxurious grounds? Do you fancy yourself a food connoisseur who will savour a largely French and Italian themed menu of delectable dishes? Want to relax in a slightly more adult-oriented environment but still be connected to the Disney action? Riviera Resort is definitely the place for you!

    Top 4 Reasons I Love the Riviera Resort
    #4. On-Site Character Dining Experience

    Mickey Mouse at Character Breakfast at Riviera’s Topolino’s Rooftop Terrace Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    It is always a special thing to have an on-site Character Dining experience. In this case, my family feels that the Character Breakfast at Riviera’s Topolino’s Rooftop Terrace is the BEST Character Dining Experience on property! Yes, I know that those may be fighting words to some Disney fans out there but the food options at this Dining Experience are phenomenal!

    Starter's Plate Character Breakfast at Riviera’s Topolino’s Rooftop Terrace Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    My wife loves the Sour Cream Waffles with Chantilly. My Wood-Fired Butcher’s Steak breakfast was the BEST breakfast dish I have had on Disney’s property to date! Cooked and Seasoned to Perfection! The European Art Theme is fun and whimsical with a starter’s plate of baked goods resembling an Artist’s Palette. Then we have the Characters! Look at Mickey’s adorable Painter’s Apron! Minnie Mouse adorns a beautiful and fashionable dress straight out of an upscale, European, leading designer’s shop! Daisy Duck is present, and of course, so is the number one Duck, Donald Duck! The atmosphere in this Rooftop Restaurant is one of spacious comfort encircled by windows and gorgeous views. Also, the quality of meals is a reminder that you are in one of Disney’s Signature Restaurants. It is our favourite Character Breakfast!

    #3. Immediate Skyliner Access

    This resort offers guests immediate access to a dedicated Skyliner Station via a short, covered walk from your room. Disney’s newest means of mass transportation is a Game Changer in my opinion. The Gondola or Skyliner system of transportation is a huge perk to guests at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Not only is it super fun to ride, but it is the most efficient transit service available. We literally walked into the boarding line at the Riviera Skyliner Station and were exiting a Gondola at Epcot 9 minutes later!Skyliner Transportation Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    The Skyliner currently connects Riviera Guests to Epcot via a Direct Route. It also connects you to Pop Century as well as Art of Animation. Kids love visiting Art of Animation for some fun Arcade action or just taking in the life-sized Lion King, Cars, Little Mermaid, and Nemo environments. Even the walk to the Skyliner Station is lovely as you stroll through water feature enhanced gardens and through a tunnel adorned with beautiful Mosaics. The Gondola System also quickly connects you to Hollywood Studios and all the park has to offer including Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge.

    Galaxy's Edge, Hollywood Studios Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios

    Upon arrival at the Resort, we decided to zip over to Hollywood Studios for a tour of Galaxy’s Edge. On returning back to the Riviera at Park Closing time, we saw that the lineup waiting for a Gondola was huge! We were discouraged but asked a Cast Member an approximate wait time for a lineup so large. When we were told “maybe 10 minutes”, we had our doubts. However, within 7-minutes, we were sitting in a Gondola and 10-minutes later (after one transfer at Caribbean Beach Resort), we were exiting at Riviera. Amazing!

    So, whether you want to lounge at the resort, zip over to Morocco for a meal at Restaurant Marrakesh, or take in some sites in France, or even Build a Droid, The Riviera has you conveniently covered!

    #2. Relaxed, Elegant European Vibe and Theming

    Gelato Disney's Riviera Resort Pool Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    It is hard to describe the atmosphere and ambiance of the Riviera other than to say it was elegant, luxurious and had a familiar European comfort to it that encouraged lounging, strolling, exploring, and appreciating the small indulgences in life, like food, beverages, and architecture. You are greeted by amazing Cast members and gorgeous grounds. Would you believe there is even a Gelato Cart by the pool?

    If you enjoy the clean lines of rectangular pools, you will love Riviera’s feature pool. I think the Tower Slide is just stunning! Even the kids’ water play area, S’il Vous Play, is architecturally attractive. A whimsical play on Fantasia.

    Pool Tower Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Everything just felt so upscale, from the stonework to the colour palettes. The impressive Resort stands as the backdrop while creating a wonderful skyline. Inside, you can sit and sip a drink in the Voyageur’s Lounge while exploring the books and paraphernalia that marked Walt Disney’s past intrigues. And of course, how European would the place be without Le Petit Café, a coffee bar turned wine bar by evening?

    The Games Lawn offered Blocks, Bocce, Giant Chess, and Lawn Billiards. While still offering Movies Under the Stars and a fire pit for S’mores, the Eventi room also has wine tasting and painting sessions for older crowds. In addition, they offer two very European-inspired activities: The Morning Regatta – racing remote control speedboats in the feature pool; and Monaco Car Racing in the Eventi Room – build cars and then race them!

    And then there was the room. Absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful woodwork, and very space conscious. My wife’s favourite Deluxe Studio on property!

    Deluxe Studio Room Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    #1. Dining and Food Quality!

    So, we made it to the Number One Reason for loving Disney’s Riviera Resort. In my family’s opinion, the food here was just awesome! There is no better Resort Counter Service than here at the Riviera Resort, and the on-site Signature Restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace, was extravagant!Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

    Primo Piatto and Bar Riva offered an elevated quick service dining experience from the menu options to the quality of the food, to the real dishes & silverware. We enjoyed eating lakeside. The Burgers, Fries, pizzas, and Side Soups here were incredible! But even the kids’ meals were higher level! We could not get over how nice the counter service breakfast dishes were! Beautiful Italian Sausages, Polenta, Croque Madame and Blueberry-Lemon Pancakes. Regional, fresh, and satisfying.

    Disney's Riviera Resort Orlando Florida Resales DVC

     

    To top it off, diner on the Rooftop at Topolino’s is a must-do. Top notch service and food with a view that most resorts will just have to envy. Fresh pastas, sea foods, meats… we loved it! My favourite dish was the Braised Chicken Rigatoni, while my wife preferred the Pesto Seafood Dish. The view from this Terrace is so breathtaking in the evening.

    The location of the Riviera Resort also opens up all of the wonderful dining options in nearby Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and it’s an easy walk over to Sebastian’s at Caribbean Beach Resort.

    Verdict:

    This, the newest of all the Disney World DVC Resorts, is a welcome option to the collection. It offers just the right amount of theming, luxury, and adult-oriented indulgences. It then goes over the top with mouth-watering meals, a connected location, and the best mode of transportation on property.
    We love calling Riviera one of our homes away from home!

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    Previous blogs by Jason Swain:

    TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S BEACH CLUB RESORT

    TOP REASON’S TO LOVE DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

    TOP REASONS TO LOVE DISNEY’S BAY LAKE TOWER