Disney Resort Snapshots: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Are you ready to experience the tropical serenity of the South Pacific?
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort invites you to celebrate the spirit of the South Pacific at this tropical oasis, featuring the lush vegetation and the balmy breezes of the south seas. From evenings immersed in the outdoor island ambiance to the unique flavors of world-class restaurants, you’re sure to enjoy your stay at this resort.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is located just across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Magic Kingdom. Each of the buildings in this resort is named for a different island in the South Pacific. The island ambiance is complete with tiki torches, waterfalls, a beach with castle views, and plenty of lush tropical landscaping. You even have the option to attend a luau and wrap up the evening with fireworks visible from the beach or while enjoying a dip in the volcano-themed pool.
DINING
With a tantalizing variety of dining options available, you’re sure to find something to satisfy any craving. (use code BLOG10 for 10% off this Dining Reservations Guide!) Here, you’ll find everything from quick service to sensational sit-down style restaurants, as well as snack bars for a little pick-me-up and a lounge where you can relax and unwind after a long day at the parks.
Kona Cafe (Table Service)
This quaint cafe infuses a bit of Asian flare into traditional American meals and features an onstage sushi kitchen. Kona café serves breakfast dishes such as cinnamon and banana-stuffed Tonga Toast, a variety of tasty egg dishes, and my favorite, macadamia-pineapple pancakes. Satisfy big lunchtime appetites with a delish Dashi noodle bowl or crispy baked cheddar cheeseburger. For dinner, feast on a dazzling selection of delicacies, including sushi rolls, poke bowls, and chef specialties like the Kona-braised short rib—all served amid the relaxed atmosphere of this Polynesian restaurant.
Ohana (Table Service)
Try the Best Friends Breakfast at Ohana featuring Lilo and Stitch. Delight in breakfast served “Family-Style” while visiting with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, Stitch, and other Disney characters. In the evening, relax with a glowing sunset and the aroma of oak from the grill. The collection of conch shells welcomes you to this family-style all-you-care-to-eat Hawaiian buffet, fun, laughter, and Polynesian hospitality. Dine on skewers of meats and vegetables and other uniquely flavored specialties of the south seas grilled over the gigantic 18-foot wood-burning fire pit. You’ll be instantly transported to a faraway paradise.
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Table Service)
Get swept away by the spirit of the Pacific in this incredible live celebration of Polynesian culture. From hula dancers to fire twirlers, the exhilaration only increases as you feast on an all-you-care-to-eat banquet featuring the flavors of the South Seas. You may be inspired to join in on the fun, so brush up on your hula. Aloha!
Captain Cook’s (Quick Service)
Enjoy the American cuisine available at this convenient quick-service restaurant. Start the day with a Mickey Waffle or banana-stuffed Tonga Toast. For lunch or dinner, choose from an adventurous assortment of sandwiches, salads, and more. Beer and wine are also available.
Pineapple Lanai (Quick Service)
Discover a taste of island sunshine with the famous frozen treat known as DOLE Whip®. Enjoy traditional soft-serve swirls and floats, which are also available in souvenir Tiki Sippers or Bowls.
Barefoot Pool Bar
Kick back and relax on the white sandy beach as you sip on Tiki drinks and take in views of Magic Kingdom park. Try a specialty cocktail, refreshing beer, delicious wine, or a smoothie!
Kona Island (Coffee Bar /Lounge)
Kona Island at Disney’s Polynesian Resort serves the perfect “morning” cup along with assorted pastries daily. Coffee grown in Kona, Hawaii, and roasted in Orlando, Florida – provides a magnificent brew to enjoy any time of day. In the evenings, sample made-to-order sushi and sashimi at this quick-service bar.
Oasis Bar & Grill
Take a break from the sun and sip something fun at this poolside retreat—featuring delicious favorites such as fish tacos and Polynesian-themed burgers, along with amazing cocktails, wine, Hawaiian beer, and assorted beverages.
Tambu Lounge
Visit this enchanting watering hole where you’ll find tropical drinks and Hawaiian-style appetizers to Tiki your fancy—from fantastic flatbreads and tantalizing barbecue pork ribs to island-themed specialty cocktails and a full bar menu. I recommend the Lapu Lapu (served in a pineapple) pulled pork nachos and round it out with some of Ohana’s famous bananas foster bread pudding which you can order here without a reservation.
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (Lounge)
Duck into this tranquil hideaway for an enchanting evening packed with fun and full of surprises. Explore the whimsical lounge—decked out with ancient artifacts and exotic treasures. Refreshing cocktails unique to Walt Disney World Resorts include the Polynesian Pearl, Nautilus, Castaway Crush, Tahitian Torch, and the Dark & Tropical Stormy.
Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace (Lounge)
Enjoy the live music and the exotic island vibe of this outdoor lounge while sipping an amazing cocktail like the Polynesian Pearl or Tahitian Torch—and some delicious food from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto!
In-Room Dining
Whether you’re interested in a late dinner or a scrumptious breakfast delivered when you wake, private dining is the ticket. With Disney Resorts Private Dining, you can choose from a full menu of American favorites—along with some specialty items specific to your Disney Resort hotel!
ACTIVITIES
Pools: The feature Lava Pool includes zero-depth entry with a sand bottom, a massive volcano, and a 142-foot water slide. The Lava Pool area also features a play/splash zone for the kids, and The Oasis Bar and Grill delivers orders poolside. The Oasis Pool is just as it sounds. This pool is here for tranquility and relaxation and has cabanas available to rent.
Other favorites: Children will enjoy the playground, arcade, and campfire activities. The Marina offers Kayaks, Canoes, & Motor Boat rentals, and fishing excursions. Check out the recreation calendar for some great cultural activities like hula or ukulele lessons, traditional stamp crafts, and the Cultural Festival.
Movies: Nightly Disney Movies Under The Stars on the beach
Although the activities vary by day, here is an example of some of the trivia, arts and crafts, dance parties, games, and bingo you might find.
Look for an activities board near the pool or food court, or check your tv for the schedule during your stay.
SERVICES
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers just one large laundry room, which is located on the walkway between the Great Ceremonial House and the bus stop.
Each cycle at the self-service laundry facilities costs $3 per wash; the dryers are also $3 for 30 minutes. Credit and debit cards are now accepted at all laundry locations for washers, dryers, and soap vending at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels. In addition, all laundry rooms have the ability to request a text message when a laundry cycle is complete!
Please note: While some locations still contain a limited number of coin-operated washers (with a change machine made available), other locations accept credit and debit cards only.
Walt Disney World Resort hotels also offer dry cleaning and valet laundry services. Select “Housekeeping” on your in-room phone to schedule a pick-up.
SHOPPING
BouTiki
Step into the island vibe with tropical trinkets, Hawaiian shirts, hotel logo and surf wear, ukuleles, and signature Disney character merchandise.
This resort shop offers Polynesian Village Resort logo merchandise and other tropical surf-themed items and souvenirs. You’ll also find tasty snack foods, a selection of beverages (including adult beverages), magazines and books, gifts, and other general sundries.
Moana Mercantile
Located on the second floor of The Great Ceremonial House, Moana Mercantile is an oceanic-style gift shop featuring children’s toys, clothing, and other great Disney Character merchandise. A selection of snacks and beverages (including spirits) are also available for purchase.
Disney’s Magnolia, Palm, and Oak Trail Pro Shop
Featuring a wide selection of golf merchandise and rentals to enhance your golf game, Disney’s Magnolia, Palm, and Oak Trail Pro Shop also provides you with the opportunity to take home unique souvenirs such as logo-emblazoned caps, shirts, clubs, and towels.
TRANSPORTATION
You have three Disney transportation options at Polynesian
- Motorcoach Bus
- Ferryboat (to Magic Kingdom only)
- Monorail (to Magic Kingdom, transfer at TTC for EPCOT)
These travel times are approximate and provided to give you an idea of the average travel time from the resort to the park.
Please plan on up to a 20-minute wait for Disney transportation in addition to walking time to resort, or theme park transportation stops.
- Magic Kingdom – 12 minutes by monorail, 9 minutes by boat
- Epcot – 19 minutes by bus, 15 minutes by monorail from the Ticket and Transportation Center, 35 minutes by monorail from the Poly station
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios – 18 minutes by bus, 19 minutes by car
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom – 21 minutes by bus, 17 minutes by car
- Disney Springs – 26 minutes by bus, 20 minutes by car
- Blizzard Beach Water Park – 22 minutes by bus, 12 minutes by car
- Typhoon Lagoon Water Park – 24 minutes by bus, 15 minutes by car
PRO TIPS
- Watch the fireworks from the beach, and snag a hammock if possible. It’s a nice way to get a different view of the fireworks.
- Try to catch the torch-lighting ceremony performed in front of the Polynesian Village Resort. Check with Guest Services for times and dates.
- If you are heading to Epcot via monorail, consider walking over to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Depending on which longhouse you are in, it may be quicker than taking the Magic Kingdom monorail and switching monorail lines at the Transportation and Ticket Center.
- Visit the Pineapple Lanai just outside the back entrance for a Dole Whip!
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A Review of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort