Disney’s Palm Golf Course – Lake Buena Vista, FL (Review)
It’s not every round where the company outshines the course, but on one fall morning at Disney’s Palm Golf Course, everything aligned just right. As a single golfer, I was paired up early in one of the first tee groups with a friendly father‑son duo from South Carolina plus a golfer visiting from Philly. By the time we reached the first tee, playing toward the Polynesian resort, we were already laughing about our early drives and stealing glances at the monorail gliding past the lush palms. That’s how a round becomes something you still talk about long after the 18th.
Pulling into the clubhouse just outside Disney’s Polynesian Resort, I immediately noticed the manicured lawns, towering palms, and friendly energy that suggests Disney quality even before saying a word. Check‑in was seamless, efficient, and filled with genuine warmth: staff members greeted me by name, tapped in tee times quickly, and made sure I had everything I needed including some signature Mickey golf balls and tees in the cart. Not the usual shuffle at a public course; this was full Disney service.
Teeing off first thing gave us perfect morning light. I watched the monorail hum across the horizon as I stood on the first tee framed by palms an unforgettable sight that felt both majestic and playful. Right then, I realized why this course, opened in 1971 and updated under Arnold Palmer’s design stamp in 2013, brings together serious golf and Disney magic.
Disney’s Palm is an 18‑hole Par 72, stretching about 6,870 yards from the blue tees (white plays ~6,339 yards) with a slope rating near 131/Rating ~73.7 a solid test without beating you up. Tropical palms frame the fairways; shimmering lakes and nearly 60 bunkers (59 to be exact!) are sprinkled throughout
Front Nine
We opened on the par‑5 first, reachable in two for the bold which got us chatting about strategy before the round even warmed up. That view toward the Polynesian and occasional monorail sighting set an amazing tone.
The second hole bends around water to the left, demanding focus off the tee. Mixed palm corridors and water make for a charming tactical feel. No. 4 (a 422‑yard par 4) has water lurking on one side and really tight driving corridors first handicap hole, and tricky for sure. At No. 6, water lurks off the tee and again guarding the approach this demanding par 4 felt like the centrepiece of the front nine, keeping us honest.
Back Nine
We reached the scenic par‑3 16th, teeing from an elevated box over water, framed by palms and bunker islands. The regular day‑tripper might gasp at the view, but stick a good swing on it, and the payoff is sweet. No. 17 and No. 18 are where Palm closes strong. The dogleg par‑4 17th invites big hitters, but the finishing par‑4 18th packs a punch: water fronting the green, bunkers hugging it, and even tour players have flagged it as one of the toughest finishers in the rotation over past PGA years.
Throughout, we traded stories, short games cost us more than we’d like to admit, and losing a ball once or twice bonded us into a foursome fast.
Everything was in fantastic shape greens rolled true and firm, and fairways felt lush thanks to the Bermuda grass. Bunkers were well maintained; sand felt soft and playable. The pacing was excellent friendly marshals kept us moving and helped ensure we finished in around 4 hours despite being a full group of singles paired together.
Even with early morning humidity, everything felt crisp. There were no ugly bare patches or slow green roll reported, unlike some past reviews. Disney definitely invested in maintenance, and it showed in every chip, putt, and tee shot.
The mix of mature palms, live oak draped in Spanish moss, and sparkling water features made for a course that’s both tropical and tranquil. Most memorable? The 9th green framed against the Polynesian, with the monorail quietly gliding overhead. We also spotted herons by the water, and I found myself pausing to soak in the Florida sunshine instead of rushing to the next shot.
The vibe throughout: upbeat, social, and fun without feeling crowded or rushed. It’s a resort course that doesn’t compromise on golf.
From check-in onward, the service was top-tier. Our cart came loaded with GPS, Mickey-branded balls and tees, club covers, mini cooler—and even ice. Marshals pointed out the many cold water/ice station and food options to refuel in the Florida heat. Between nines, the halfway house offered snacks and drinks. The pro shop was stocked with Disney‑themed gear, top brands, and rental clubs—premium sets (TaylorMade or Titleist/Callaway) available, and rental prices were reasonable ($40‑65 depending on guest status) .
Practice facilities included full driving range, chipping/pitching area, and putting greens perfect for warming up or brushing off a rough hole beforehand.
At around $99–$150 per round, depending on time of day and season—and with carts, GPS, and great condition included this course delivers excellent value for the price, especially compared to similar resort venues. For me, the combination of fun company, thoughtful layout, pristine condition, and Disney‑level service made it feel worth far more.
This is a course made for everyday golfers who want a good game, some laughs, and memorable scenery. It’s not just about bogeys or pars—it’s about those moments—like rolling in a long par putt, or witnessing someone nearly clear water on a reachable par‑5 that stick with you.
Would I come back? Absolutely. Especially as a solo player the course paired me expertly, the staff made me feel special, and each hole offered enough variety to hold interest.
