Disney’s Polynesian Village Bungalow FULL Review
Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to stay in the iconic overwater bungalows at Walt Disney World? The Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are easily one of the most exclusive Disney Vacation Club accommodations on property. After spending the night in Bungalow 7001, I can finally say… this stay is something incredibly special.
If you’re considering booking one, here’s exactly what you need to know before you commit those points or that cash.
What Are the Bora Bora Bungalows?
The Polynesian features just 20 Bora Bora Bungalows located on Seven Seas Lagoon. They opened in 2015 as part of the resort’s Disney Vacation Club expansion and were designed to sleep up to eight guests comfortably.
While these are technically DVC villas, you can book them with cash when availability allows. That flexibility makes them a popular bucket-list splurge for many Walt Disney World visitors.
Where Bungalow 7001 Is Located
During this stay, we were in Bungalow 7001, which is the closest bungalow to the main Polynesian resort area. That location turned out to be a real advantage.
Being near the Great Ceremonial House and Lava Pool made it much easier to grab food, head to transportation, or pop back to the room midday. At a resort as spread out as the Polynesian, that convenience adds up quickly.
The tradeoff is worth noting. Because of the bungalow’s proximity to the water route, you will hear some boat activity. In our experience, the last watercraft horn the night before sounded just after 11:30 pm, and the first one in the morning was at 7:29 am. It didn’t ruin the stay, but light sleepers should absolutely factor this in.
First Impressions Inside the Bungalow
Walking through the front door, the design immediately leans into a calm, tropical Polynesian vibe. The color palette mixes sandy neutrals with teal and warm wood accents. It feels upscale but still very Disney.
The vaulted ceilings make the space feel larger than it already is, and the Lutron lighting system lets you customize the mood throughout the villa. One thoughtful touch I genuinely appreciated was the inclusion of large Polynesian-branded umbrellas by the entry. It’s a small detail, but it shows Disney understands how often you’ll be walking outside when staying in the bungalow.
The Secondary Bedroom
Just off the entry hallway, you’ll find the secondary bedroom with a queen bed. If you’ve followed along on my room review articles before, you know that I always notice storage, and Disney did a solid job here.
The room features a large window with dual-layer blinds, a cozy window seat, and built-in drawers underneath. Those drawers are not especially deep, but when you’re traveling with up to eight people, every bit of storage helps.
There is also a pull-down Murphy bed in this room featuring adorable Lilo and Stitch artwork. I tested it (for science, obviously), and at 5’2½”, I fit comfortably. Kids or shorter adults should have no issues here.
The Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is where the bungalow really starts to feel luxurious. The king bed anchors the room, and the tall windows overlooking the lagoon add that unmistakable Polynesian atmosphere.
You get generous storage, a dresser, a flat-screen TV, and direct access to the outdoor deck. There are also two bathrobes in the closet, which always makes a stay feel a little more elevated.
One design element I loved was the lighting control panel by the bed. You can adjust multiple lighting zones without getting up, which is one of those small conveniences that feels very high end.
Primary Bathroom Features
The main bathroom is beautifully appointed and includes:
- A large jetted tub
- In-mirror TV
- Separate rain shower with handheld wand
- Double vanity
- Water closet
The tilework and wood accents continue the island theming without feeling over the top. The shower, in particular, feels spacious and spa-like.
There’s also a second split bathroom in the hallway, which is incredibly helpful when multiple people are getting ready at once. If you’ve ever sailed with Disney Cruise Line, you’ll recognize how valuable this layout can be for families.
Washer, Dryer, and Storage
Because this is a Disney Vacation Club villa, you do get a stacked washer and dryer inside the bungalow. For longer stays, this is a huge perk. Even for a short visit, it’s nice knowing you have the option.
The main closet is well stocked with practical extras like:
- Laundry basket
- Iron and ironing board
- Vacuum
- In-room safe
Disney clearly designed these bungalows with extended family stays in mind.
The Living Area and Murphy Beds
The main living space continues the mid-century Polynesian aesthetic and includes a sofa, two lounge chairs, and a dining table large enough for the whole group.
There are two additional Murphy beds here, and they are surprisingly easy to operate. Both feature themed artwork, and each includes a built-in reading light.
If you’re traveling with kids or a larger party, the sleeping flexibility in this bungalow is one of its biggest strengths.
Full Kitchen Setup
The bungalow includes a full kitchen, which is another major DVC advantage. You get a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, cooktop, and a combination convection oven.
Cookware, dishes, utensils, and even a corkscrew are provided. There is also both a Keurig and a standard coffee maker. If I am being just a tiny bit picky in my usual review fashion, an espresso machine would have really taken this kitchen over the top. But truly, the setup is very functional.
The Private Deck and Plunge Pool
Let’s be honest. The real star of the Bora Bora Bungalows is outside.
Each bungalow features a private deck overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, complete with:
- Two padded lounge chairs
- Outdoor dining table
- Private plunge pool
- Outdoor shower
- Hammock-style seating for two
The plunge pool was somewhat warm, and having your own outdoor space to relax is what truly separates this stay from standard Disney accommodations.
At night, the real magic happens.
Fireworks Views From the Bungalow
Watching Happily Ever After from the private deck was unforgettable. The music pipes directly into the bungalow’s outdoor speaker, which makes the experience feel incredibly immersive.
The beach nearby does get crowded during fireworks, but from the bungalow deck, you have a much more private viewing experience. If fireworks are high on your priority list, this alone adds serious value to the stay.
Morning After: Noise and Comfort
One of my biggest questions going in was whether boat noise would be an issue overnight. In our experience, the watercraft activity did stop late enough to allow for solid sleep, though very light sleepers may still notice it.
Overnight rain/dew did leave the outdoor cushions quite wet, which is something to expect given the overwater location. It wasn’t a major problem, but it is worth knowing.
Are the Bora Bora Bungalows Worth It?
This is the big question.
The Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are absolutely a splurge. They’re not meant to be the most economical way to stay at Walt Disney World. What they offer instead is a uniquely immersive, spacious, and memorable experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else on property.
If you’re celebrating something big, traveling with a larger group, or finally checking off a Disney bucket-list stay, this villa delivers in a very big way.
If your priority is simply being in the parks as much as possible, you’ll find better value elsewhere.
But for a one-night dream stay? I can honestly say this is one I will never forget.
You don’t have to spend Disney’s full price to experience a stay like this — you can rent Disney Vacation Club points through DVC Rental Store and save up to 65% compared to booking directly with Disney. Browse confirmed reservations or request a Free Quote, and save on your Disney vacation today!
