This Walt Disney International showdown compares the most efficient of the most efficient: Seaside Membership and Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge. Without equal resort close to Magic Kingdom as opposed to the highest Crescent Lake belongings. Arguably two very other motels that may enchantment to other demographics…however we’re going to have them struggle anyway!
The similarities and variations, at the side of the robust efficiency of every, are all mirrored in our Ratings of ALL Walt Disney International Accommodations from Worst to Best possible. That record takes value, rooms, theme, and various different variables under consideration. For those who’d wish to learn that for a rundown of ways all hotels rank, have at it. However, spoiler alert, each Disney’s Polynesian Village and Seaside Membership Accommodations are within the best 10!
Amongst Walt Disney International lovers, the Poly and Seaside Membership are two best choices, with one being the preferred possibility alongside the monorail loop and the opposite inside of strolling distance of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Necessarily, this head-to-head smackdown addresses which of the 2 is healthier, assuming you haven’t already made up your thoughts in keeping with location.
Bring to mind this as a follow-up to our Seaside Membership vs. BoardWalk Inn and Polynesian vs. Grand Floridian match-ups. Seaside Membership received the previous whilst Polynesian received the latter (a verdict this is most probably value revisiting now that Grand Floridian’s reimagining is completed and Island Tower has ramped up).
If this had been March Insanity, the ones earlier posts would’ve been the Elite 8 with the present match-up being a Ultimate 4 sport. The opposite aspect of the bracket would have our Wasteland Hotel vs. Animal Kingdom Hotel face-off within the Ultimate 4 after each routed the contest so badly within the Elite 8 that the ones match-ups don’t even benefit weblog posts.
This one is hard and, like lots of the comparisons, will in the long run hinge largely on private desire. Nonetheless, we’re hoping to lend a hand the not sure to come to a decision, with a comparability that strives for a point of objectivity. Each constitute probably the most final in theme and comfort at Walt Disney International. In point of fact, you can not cross improper both approach right here.
As with every posts on this ‘as opposed to’ sequence of Walt Disney International resort comparisons, we use 6 parts of 2 other hotels to decide which is “the most efficient.” It’s time to match and distinction…
Theme: Polynesian – Seaside Membership misplaced its thematic showdown with BoardWalk Inn essentially since the latter conveyed a extra distinct theme within the an identical thought each encapsulated. Whilst we additionally give the Poly an edge over Seaside Membership, it’s no longer a decisive victory. Seaside Membership’s presentation of an idealized model of Newport (New England, no longer California) is beautiful efficient when no longer judged towards different Crescent Lake hotels.
Alternatively, Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge does a greater task of charming the creativeness and postponing disbelief, making you’re feeling such as you’re at a tropical hotel. From the luxurious grounds to the South Seas styling all through the hotel, it’s the easiest confluence of twentieth century tiki tradition and original island paradise. The result’s one thing that doesn’t exist in the true global, however (like such a lot of of Disney’s greatest creations) will get you to droop disbelief. If truth be told, that might most probably be stated about each of those effects.
Because of this, and as we’ve stated prior to, that is going to come back all the way down to how visitors digest every theme–how a selected theme makes them really feel. We had been in reality stunned by way of the quantity of people that indicated that they didn’t just like the Polynesian’s theme. When it comes all the way down to the sensation we get from a theme, Disney’s Seaside Membership Lodge charges extremely–for us, no less than. Once more, you in reality can’t cross improper both approach right here.
Surroundings: Seaside Membership – It will look like splitting hairs to tell apart environment from theme, but it surely feels love it’s value bringing up the vibe of every hotel. The Poly will also be non violent and serene, precisely what you’d be expecting of a tropical get away. The similar is going for Seaside Membership, which will also be calm and decompressing.
Or each will also be the complete opposite. Right through height season (or on every occasion it’s scorching), Stormalong Bay will also be full of folks. If there’s a tradition at Yacht Membership, the pool and lazy river could be much less busy, however the scorching tubs will probably be chaotic. Eating places will probably be booked up, and the waterfront will also be busy with cocktail hours and different non-public occasions.
The issue with the Poly is that the hotel infrastructure is overburdened, together with the pool, seaside, eating places, seating spaces, or even line for the monorail within the Nice Ceremonial Space. Because of the added room stock and its standing as a ‘vacation spot’ hotel, the foyer will also be packed and the grounds are frequently bustling, particularly in evenings round fireworks.
This has been exacerbated by way of the Island Tower, which was once thoughtlessly plopped at the outer edge to feed the DVC beast. It is a internet adverse for the hotel as a complete, despite the fact that we do love Wailulu Bar & Grill and now want staying on the Island Tower. Can’t see the hideous external should you’re inside it!
Whilst the theme ‘is what it’s’ at each hotels, environment is indisputably extra circumstantial. For those who keep when both hotel is particularly busy, you’re more likely to have a worse impact than anyone who books a keep when occupancy is beneath 80%, or in terms of the Seaside Membership, no occasions are being hosted round Crescent Lake.
Rooms: Polynesian – Of the Deluxe Accommodations, Seaside Membership has probably the most weakest rooms at Walt Disney International, and that’s even after the newest comfortable items refresh a few years in the past. Sadly, it’s tough to tell apart Seaside Membership’s rooms from a stylish, modern-day resort on the seaside.
Those rooms don’t steadiness theme and comfort effectively, and really feel like they may well be discovered at any ole upscale resort (minus the Donald Duck artwork). Don’t get us improper: they’re great, however they’re not anything particular. And for the costs Walt Disney International fees, we’re in search of one thing particular. One thing distinctly Disney, whether or not that contain characters or immersive theme.
The Poly rooms thread the needle on each. The “Moana Makeover” rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge do a a lot better task. The room is full of customized fixtures, furniture, and Moana decor. The furnishings is heavy and really extensive, feeling top of the range and sturdy.
Those little upgrades imbue the room with a better sense of luxurious, and the Moana styling supplies amusing Disney touches. Poly’s rooms also are higher than the ones at Seaside Membership, giving events more room to unfold out.
Eating: Polynesian – It will have to come as no wonder that the eating scene is forged on the Poly. Captain Prepare dinner’s is one among Walt Disney International’s higher counter carrier eating places, and the tandem of Kona Cafe and ‘Ohana are nice informal desk carrier choices. With Dealer Sam’s Grog Grotto and the brand new Wailulu Bar & Grill, the Poly has two of the most efficient lounges at Walt Disney International–one themed and one with unbelievable meals and environment.
In the case of desk carrier eating places, Seaside Membership technically simplest has Seashores & Cream and Cape Might Cafe. Counter carrier choices are extremely susceptible at Seaside Membership–and in reality, throughout Crescent Lake. Typhoon Hanna’s is a tight possibility, however you must cross out to the pool–and that’s a bother. Seaside Membership Market is ok.
If we increase this comparability to Yacht Membership, there are a couple of extra choices for visitors of Seaside Membership beneath the similar roof, together with Yachtsman Steakhouse and Group’s Cup Living room, either one of which we adore. But when we come with Yacht Membership, it’s arguably honest to additionally come with Grand Floridian, which is likewise a 5-10 minute stroll from the Poly.
For my part, I’d take the Polynesian for the broader selection and high quality even over each Yacht & Seaside Membership Accommodations. It’s no contest when it’s simply the Poly vs. Seaside Membership, however shut name when bearing in mind the sister hotels or different monorail loop motels.
Transportation/Location: Tie – Each have in reality top places and you’ll be able to get to 2 parks from every with out taking a bus. I do know some individuals who choose Magic Kingdom space hotels, and those who choose EPCOT space hotels. Our desire varies from commute to commute, actually.
It in reality comes down as to if you’d have simple get admission to to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. For almost all of folks, being a ship or monorail experience to Magic Kingdom goes to win out, which might make the Poly the winner. It’s additionally inside of strolling distance of Magic Kingdom now, which is massive for us for my part–it’s a pleasant stroll with the stroller and a napping infant on the finish of a protracted night time.
With that stated, Seaside Membership additionally provides get admission to by means of the Skyliner gondolas to Caribbean Seaside and Riviera Lodge, which will also be treasured to open up extra eating–or simply taking leisurely transportation to DHS versus the boats or strolling. That’s sufficient for us to name this a tie.
Swimming pools: Seaside Membership – Not anything has modified for the reason that remaining time we wrote about Stormalong Bay. It’s nonetheless the number one hotel pool at Walt Disney International, and nonetheless the gold same old. This isn’t “only a pool,” it’s extra like a “water park lite” (very gentle–it’s indisputably no Snowfall Seaside or Storm Lagoon) this is 3 acres in measurement with sand on the backside, slides, overlooks, and a lazy river.
The format of the pool could also be very cool, with considerable lounging area and an attractive setting that makes it amusing to discover. This may occasionally keep on with many children because the spotlight in their commute to Walt Disney International (severely, we listen from such a lot of individuals who say their children care extra concerning the swimming pools than the rest). Additionally, Stormalong Bay opponents Animal Kingdom Hotel’s savanna as the only maximum compelling amenity in all of Walt Disney International.
The Lava Pool is imaginative and immersive, with coves to discover (and conceal from the solar) and a amusing position for youngsters to discover, but it surely nonetheless doesn’t hang a candle to Stormalong Bay. Nor do the quiet or secondary swimming pools. The unfashionable taste of Polynesian’s Oasis Pool (entire with colour constructions that act as quasi-cabanas) is good, but it surely additionally isn’t sufficient to conquer the powerhouse this is Stormalong Bay.
Price: Seaside Membership – Those each have rack charges which might be $700+ according to night time many of the 12 months. The variation, even though, is that more often than not, Seaside Membership remains in that $700 to $800 vary (now and again within the $600 vary) for the standard room. And that’s pre-discount. There were occasions not too long ago once we’ve noticed Seaside Membership between $400 and $500 according to night time after reduction.
Against this, the Poly hits $800 or even eclipses $1,000/night time all the way through some seasons. It additionally provides reductions, however they frequently aren’t as excellent, or are just for sure top class view classes. The outcome is that the Polynesian is sort of all the time costlier. I will be able to’t recall to mind the remaining time after I noticed the Poly with decrease charges post-discount than Seaside Membership.
Whilst they’re each a few of the costliest hotels in all of Walt Disney International, there’s in most cases no less than a $100/night time unfold between the 2, and it’s now and again extra like a $200 distinction. Additionally, the space simplest grows if you need a nicer view. If you need a view of Cinderella Fort on the Poly, be expecting to pay just about double the usual room fee at Seaside Membership.
Verdict: Polynesian – For us, this verdict in the long run comes all the way down to the Poly’s well-rounded, high-level of high quality around the board. We will’t recall to mind a unmarried, obvious weak point it has; in contrast, Seaside Membership has a pair. Those weaknesses would possibly or would possibly not subject to you, simply because the strengths of every would possibly or would possibly not subject, however they’re the root for the Poly’s victory.
Lengthy-time Walt Disney International lovers most probably have already got a favourite, with many already being on Staff Crescent Lake Lodge or Staff Monorail Lodge. For us on a private point, it’s an in depth name that most probably relies on the elements and nature of the commute.
For function recommendation to first-timers, it’s slightly clearer. Although you grade on a slight curve because of the fee distinction, the Poly nonetheless has a location that’s going to be extra handy for many Walt Disney International households who’re curious about Magic Kingdom, eating choices that make extra sense, and nicer rooms.
We point out first-timers, particularly, as it’s most probably many different Walt Disney International lovers have already shaped their “alliances.” Even first-timers will have to use a point of discretion, bearing in mind how a lot components like being at the monorail and having excellent counter carrier eating on the Poly, or the–doubtlessly final–issue of get admission to to Typhoon-Alongside Bay pool at Seaside Membership.
Once more, we wish to reiterate that either one of those hotels rank extremely extremely. In the newest version of our Ratings of ALL Walt Disney International Accommodations from Worst to Best possible, the Poly is #3 and Seaside Membership is #7.
That’s a in reality robust efficiency for each bearing in mind that there are over two-dozen motels at Walt Disney International. No different Crescent Lake or Skyliner Lodge ranked upper than Seaside Membership, and simplest Grand Floridian beats the Polynesian of the Magic Kingdom space motels. (And that’s a brand new construction as of 2026 because of the GF’s reimagining!)
In any case, Poly wins on steadiness, while Seaside Membership wins on swimming pools and worth. The most important possible weak point of each is the ambience brought about by way of crowding, however that’s inconsistent. We are hoping this publish is beneficial in providing a head-to-head comparability of probably the most an important parts of every Walt Disney International hotel enjoy. Along with studying the feedback prior to making your individual choice, we recommend supplementing this with our complete evaluation of Disney’s Polynesian Village Lodge and our Disney’s Seaside Membership Lodge Evaluate.
Making plans a Walt Disney International commute? Find out about motels on our Walt Disney International Accommodations Critiques web page. For the place to devour, learn our Walt Disney International Eating place Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to shop for, learn our Guidelines for Saving Cash on Walt Disney International Tickets publish. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys publish takes a singular have a look at artful pieces to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney International Trip Guides will lend a hand. For complete recommendation, the most efficient position to start out is our Walt Disney International Commute Making plans Information for the whole thing you wish to have to understand!
Your Ideas
Now that we’ve shared our take, we wish to know your desire. Is Stormalong Bay the deciding issue for you? Is being at the monorail loop a greater location for you, or would you slightly be at Crescent Lake? Are we lacking a key variable that might, doubtlessly give one the threshold? Please give your comments by means of the feedback under!
