Staying Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Surroundings that make you feel like you are in Hawaii, a view of Cinderella’s castle and a lounge with drinks and snack. If this sounds like your kind of place you should check out the Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
The Polynesian Resort, also affectionately known as The Poly, is one of my absolute favorites. I love the atmosphere and the theming of the resort. The first time we ever stayed club level was here and it is still my favorite.
What is Club Level?
These rooms are special room designations at a Disney Deluxe Resort (as well as one moderate resort) that includes additional perks. The perks include access to a lounge with small food services throughout the day. They also offer a more personalized stay and concierge assistance. If your room is booked in advance, you’ll often get an email from the concierge asking if there is anything that they can assist you with before your visit. Club Level rooms also offer “turn down” service where you’ll find chocolate on your pillow in the evening. I always tell the kids Tinkerbell or Mickey left it for them which causes them to light up with excitement.
King Kamehema Lounge
When you arrive, you will either be met at the door by a Club Level Guest Concierge Cast Member or if you go to the front desk they will call one up who will then walk you back to the Hawaii Longhouse which is home to the King Kamehema Lounge. The check-in experience is much more personalized. The Concierge will ask if there are any dining reservations you need set up or if you have any request. They also walk you over to the club lounge to show you around and give you the schedule. Typically, during your stay the concierge located at the desk become familiar with guest and again, there is just a very personalized feel to your stay. They are able to assist you with tickets, dining, recreation, transportation, childcare and even daily itinerary planning. They are also a great source of information and advice as well. Club Level guest have access to concierge Cast Members from 7 am to 10 pm.
The King Kamehema Club Lounge is two levels, both offer the same type of things the only real difference is the view. Between the two levels, it is floor to ceiling view of the beach and Magic Kingdom. That is a big part of why I love this particular club level lounge so much. It offers the perfect view of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display music and all. You can sit back with some desserts and a beverage to watch it from the comfort of the lounge as opposed to being crammed onto Main Street with the crowds. You also have the perfect view for the Electric Light Parade, which is another favorite thing to see.
Inside the Lounge
There is 24/7 access to the lounge where you can go in and hang out or get something to drink (soda or water). They also offer some food/treats throughout the day.
7am-10:30am is Kakahiaka (continental breakfast)
12pm-4pm is Auinala (afternoon refreshments)
5pm-7pm is Ahiahi (appetizers, drinks, cheese selections). Chefs from Disney’s Signature Restaurants (fine dining) typically prepare these appetizers, which are essentially small plates.
8pm-10pm is Aumoe (desserts and cordials)
Ahiahi offers basically appetizers and can be used as a light dinner.
The breakfast is pretty much your average selection. They do however offer Stitch Juice (also known as POG or Passion Fruit, Orange, Guava) which is some of the most amazing stuff ever. As a parent with small kids, I found that if we went back by the hotel in the afternoon (the 12pm to 4pm timeframe) it was so nice to be able to grab the kids some goldfish snacks, or a cookie as a treat. It’s also a nice way to take a break and hang out in the lounge during summer storms or hot afternoons. The desserts were our other favorite part. They are little so you can try a few different ones and it’s such a great way to unwind from a long day. The Cast Members who are in the lounge are also great about getting you something if it’s out when you ask.
The only thing tricky about Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian Resort (or any Club Level Resort) is if you want to also do the Disney Dining Plan. One of the primary benefits of Club Level is the food and snacks, which defeats the purpose of the dining plan. That being said, if you want to do a character meal or if you want to do the Luau, it can be worth getting the dining plan and using your quick service meals to buy snacks that you can take home. If you are staying more than a night or two though I would definitely say, it is NOT worth doing the dining plan (or else you may want to reconsider the Club Level).
Staying Club Level gives you that all-inclusive feel to your stay and the tropical theme of the resort takes it to whole new levels in making you feel as though you are in a tropical village. Pricing can vary greatly based on the time of year and offers that are going on so while it can be expensive, trust me when I say you can also find a reasonable deal on a club level stay if you keep an eye out and can be flexible.
