Disney’s Polynesian Resort – An Island-Inspired Paradise Where “Ohana” Truly Means “Family”
When you want to feel the spirit of “ohana” on your trip to Disney, look no further than Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Whether you’re taking in a fiery dance performance or indulging in a specialty sushi roll at the Kona Café, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to an island paradise from the moment you arrive.
Breathe in the Spirit of the South Pacific
Every inch of the resort grounds is an oasis of tropical palms and lush vegetation. Don’t be surprised if the first thing you want to do is go exploring! The outdoor island ambiance, striking architecture, and gorgeous moonlit nights have made this a favorite Disney destination since 1971. The world-class restaurants available on-site are also a great bonus. (Yay, food!)
Accommodations
Each room is decked out in refreshing, airy, island-inspired décor. All standard rooms sleep up to 5 adults comfortably. Choose from views of the Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon, the monorail, the pools, or the marina.
Looking for a little more room? Check out the Ambassador Vice Presidential Suite, which features views of the lush gardens below and sleeps up to 8 adults. The King Kamehameha Suite also sleeps 8, while offering breathtaking views of Cinderella’s Castle and the marina.
Club Level Suites
When you want to travel in style, look for a club-level suite. Each suite comes with complimentary health club access as well as access to the club-level lounge, where refreshments and complimentary newspapers are available all day. You’ll also get access to Disney Signature Services and personalized front desk and guest services, including a concierge to help you make the most of your vacation.
Amenities & Onsite Recreation
Every Disney resort stay is about so much more than just your hotel room. Just outside your hotel room door, you’ll find everything you need to relax, unwind, and enjoy your stay.
Resort Monorail
Hop on the monorail for an easy ride to the Magic Kingdom. And you’re only one transfer from Epcot!
Electrical Water Pageant
Each evening, look to the shoreline for a nighttime water parade to dance along the marina, adding twinkling charm to every evening as you wind down from the day’s adventures. Sparkling sea creatures cruise the lagoon in sync with pumped-up Disney tunes you’ll want to sing along to, building up to a patriotic conclusion. The best part? You can enjoy it all from the comfort of your hotel!
Unwind Poolside
Lava Pool
This lively pool gets its name from the towering volcano right next to it. The waterfall, 142-foot waterslide, and newly-expanded deck provide the perfect environment to splash, play, laugh, and enjoy the sunshine and great company. The pool has a zero-depth entry point just like a beach, making for each entry and exit. And there’s a lounge and bar nearby, so your favorite snacks and poolside drinks are never out of reach.
Oasis Pool
For a more peaceful poolside retreat, head to the Oasis Pool. Nestled inside a lush garden, you’ll find a quieter atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to work on your tan, take a quick snooze, or finish a book.
Along with the Oasis Patio, private shaded areas near the pool are available for rent. The space is equipped with cushioned lounge chairs, towels, and more. You can even order from the Oasis Bar & Grill right from the patio.
Movies Under the Stars
Enjoy complimentary screenings of your favorite Disney films after sunset, available on the Great Ceremonial House Lawn. Watching your favorite Disney movies is a whole new experience when you’re surrounded by other Disney diehard fans!
Motorized Boat Rentals from Seven Seas Marina
Eager to get on the water? Rent a motorboat and cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon for the perfect day in the sunshine.
Campfire Activities
Roast marshmallows by a crackling fire for some old-fashioned family fun. It’s a great opportunity to leave the iPads and cell phones in your hotel room and enjoy being together. It’s a perfect sweet treat before Movies Under the Stars.
Outdoor Sports
The island atmosphere is sure to get you craving some outdoor adventures. The resort offers bass fishing, sandy courts for volleyball, and a jogging trail with views of the Magic Kingdom Park. It’s the perfect way to get some exercise while enjoying the gorgeous ambiance of the resort.
Dining Options
Everywhere you look at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you’ll find new opportunities to savor culinary delights inspired by the islands. From South Pacific tropical dishes to Asian-fusion American classics, you never know what you’ll find! And don’t forget to grab a Polynesian cocktail served by flickering torchlight.
The resort is full of culinary experiences you won’t want to miss. This is just a taste of what’s available to you during your stay.
Barefoot Pool Bar
No shoes are required here! You’ll find this casual South Pacific-inspired oasis at the base of the Nanea Volcano. Sip a hand-crafted cocktail, an ice-cold beer, or a smoothie while you cool off and prepare for your next poolside adventure.
Capt. Cook’s
Capt. Cook’s serves delicious meals from breakfast all the way into late nights. Catch classic and South Seas-inspired offerings like Tonga Toast (banana-stuffed deep-fried French toast), breakfast burritos, salads, burgers, and Polynesian favorites.
Pineapple Lanai
We can’t think of a better place to enjoy a refreshing Dole Whip than right in the middle of Disney’s Polynesian Resort! If you’re feeling festive, try a Dole Whip with a Parrot Bay Coconut Rum floater. Want to remember your trip? Order your Dole Whip in a souvenir tiki sipper or bowl.
Kona Café
This relaxed café infuses continental cuisine with an Asian twist, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The open kitchen in the center of the restaurant lets you watch the sushi chefs as they create their masterpieces. Offerings include classic sushi rolls, poke bowls, dashi (noodle bowls with broth), and other Asian fusion selections.
Don’t forget dessert! Each single-serving dessert glass offers a delicious taste of indulgence, with flavors like tiramisu, Key lime (with passionfruit boba), and coconut tapioca.
Tambu Lounge
For late-night bar service, head to the atmospheric Tambu Lounge. Sip tropical drinks at the tiki bar while you nibble on island-inspired snacks like Korean-style pork ribs, California rolls, and seafood flatbreads.
Don’t miss their specialty cocktails! You won’t find a better spot to sip on island flavors like their Rum Swizzle, Polynesian Mai Tai, or Hawaiian Mule (their take on the Moscow Mule featuring a lychee-citrus reduction).
‘Ohana
True to its name, ‘Ohana features family-style dining at its finest for breakfast and dinner. As you savor tropical flavors, you’ll love bonding with your family and enjoying your time together.
In the morning, enjoy their ‘Ohana Breakfast Skillet, featuring scrambled eggs, pork sausage, Hawaiian-style ham with pineapple compote, and more, alongside pineapple-coconut breakfast bread hot from the oven. Don’t forget to check out their smoothies, named after Lilo, Stitch, and Moana.
Dinner includes their signature ‘Ohana bread with honey butter, pork dumplings in chili-garlic sauce, bread pudding, honey-coriander chicken wings. The ‘Ohana Dinner Skillet is a can’t-miss, featuring spicy peel-and-eat shrimp, wood-fire grilled teriyaki beef, grilled chicken in chimichurri sauce, and more. And their selection of signature cocktails will make your meal one to remember.
Kona Island
In a rush? Stop by Kona Island for coffee and pastries in the morning or grab-and-go sushi during the rest of the day. You don’t have to slow down or miss out on time at the parks to still enjoy a delicious meal. At the Polynesian Resort, they truly appreciate how important it is that you get to The Enchanted Tiki Room ASAP!
What’s your favorite way to spend an afternoon in an island paradise? Tell us about it in the comments!
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Photo: Unsplash
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