Welcome to the Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. After you have made your long journey to Walt Disney World and driven onto Disney property, you are overwhelmed by all that surrounds you. As you pass through the main entrance of the Magic Kingdom and work your way past the Transportation and Ticket Center, you turn into the driveway for Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
As.you approach the Great Ceremonial House (GCH) you feel like you are entering the Polynesian Cultural Center on the north shore of Oahu until you notice the famous Disney Monorail gliding overhead and making a stop in the lobby. If checking into a Club Level room, let the valet know when you arrive. You will be checking in at the Hawaii Longhouse.
If you staying in a Standard Level room than you can have your car taken by Valet or park yourself. THe parking lot is very close and even the farthest spot is not a long walk. If you are staying over in Tahiti or Rapa Nui than there is another parking lot that is next to Rapa Nui that will put you closer to your room.
If you are a Club Level (concierge) guests, tell the valet staff when you arrive at the entrance the you are staying Club Level and they will load your luggage onto a cart to be taken to the Hawaii longhouse to check in. All other guests will enter the lobby to check in at the front desk. Then they will go to the Island guide desk to pick up their lei and be directed to their cart to take them to their longhouse.
You have now entered the Great Ceremonial House (GCH). Designed after the royal assembly lodges in Tahiti, this building houses many wonderful things. 
As you approach the check-in desk you will notice the 2 1/2 story atrium that contains a lava rock waterfall surrounded by more than 70 different tropical plants. You are welcome to sit and enjoy the lush and tropical feel in one of the many lounge areas that border the atrium. The atmosphere of the lobby is sure to hold guests spellbound.
Check in will be your first exposure to the Aloha Spirit and Polynesian Staff are known for being some of the best out of all the WDW resorts. I have even been told that you have to work your way up to work at the Polynesian. Maybe if you are nice something magical will happen and you will end up in the location that is best for you but no need to worry because I don’t see the Polynesian as having a lot of bad rooms and views.
At the Polynesian you will check in to get your room and than head over to the Lobby Concierge to get your tickets and make any arrangments you might want. I realize it is now two lines to wait in but the idea is to speed up the check in process and you can head over to the Lobby Concierge at any time after checking in. The Lobby Concierge is for guests not staying in a Club Level (concierge). If you did online check in you will go to a different area at the front desk (just look for the sign)
On line check in was actually tested at the Polynesian in February of 2009 and was officially used in June of that year. You can check in online up to 10 days before and check in faster when you arrive. the service allows the guests to provide check-in information, register the names of everyone in their party, advise the hotel of their arrival times and request room preferences (limited and not guaranteed) and provide a credit card for room charges. You can check in online for club level also but there is no benefit to it. You will still check in over at Hawaii longhouse if you are a club level guest.
There will be a special location at the front desk for on line check in guests and your keys and welcome packets should be ready for you when you get there.
While you are checking in your kids and other family members can enjoy the seating area next to the front doors. They play kids movies and have kids activities throughout the day.
After you check in you will be given your lei at the Island Guide desk and directed back outside to the valet station and then on to your awaiting cart and island guide. They will load up your luggage and show you around the Polynesian grounds on your way to your longhouse. Concierge guests will get their leis from the concierge desk.
When you have settled in, you may want to head back to the GCH to take a look around at all the shops. We always find that a stroll around the GCH is a nice way to get reacquainted with the Polynesian, or familiar with it if it is your first visit.
There are many seating areas to relax, read a book, enjoy a snack or just watch people and take in the atmosphere.
Tikiman Tip
After you are settled in your room, or if you are waiting for your room to be ready, grab your park maps and Polynesian info packet and have a relaxing snack at Kona Cafe as you plan out the rest of your day. This is a good way to see the menu and get an idea of what other meals you may want to eat here. Kona also has a great view of the Monorail and the indoor atrium.
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