The Polynesian is one of the deluxe resorts at Walt Disney World. The resort has been opened since 1971 and offers a lush setting to the beautiful resort rooms. The resort is located in Magic Kingdom resort area. The hotel overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon and is one stop away from the Ticket and Transportation Center off of the Walt Disney Monorail. Since this resort is a deluxe category, many of the Walt Disney Resort guests do not believe that they can afford to experience the wonders offered at the Polynesian. However, here are a few affordable ways to enjoy the Polynesian without even staying there!
As with any of the Walt Disney World resorts, area guests can visit the resorts to wander the landscape, eat dinner or visit other guests staying in the resort. Should a guest decide to visit the Polynesian , there are a variety of activities that they can take part in. As the guest enters the Great Ceremonial House, the main check-in building, from the main doors downstairs, there is a good chance that they will receive a lei welcome from one of the cast members. This makes guests feel right at home, whether there for a short visit or extended stay!
Downstairs the Great Ceremonial House includes a quick service restaurant, Captain Cook’s. This restaurant includes the fascinating touch screen ordering system. This can actually create lots of fun for a toddler or frustration for the parents trying to actually order the family’s meal! Guests can either eat in the restaurant or head out to the available seating outside of the restaurant or tables over at the Nanea Volcano Pool. The scenery is spectacular and can even include views of the Cinderella Castle if seated just right!
Upstairs are two table service restaurants. The first restaurant is the Kona Café which features American foods with Asian accents. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also sells sushi. The second restaurant is ‘Ohana. This restaurant offers a character breakfast entitled, “’Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast featuring Lilo and Stitch”. This breakfast is all-you-care-to-eat in an inviting setting with characters.
Finally, this resort offers one of the three dinner shows available at the Walt Disney World Resort area. The show is entitled, “Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show”. This show includes all you can eat family-style feast brought to your table. The show includes luau-style entertainment and beer and wine is included in the price of admission. The show only runs on Tuesdays – Saturdays. All restaurant detailed menus and costs can be found at www.allears.net.
In addition to the restaurants, the guests can enjoy some gaming fun at Moana Mickey’s Arcade. There is a rather large shop on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House, as well as a large sitting area for lounging while waiting on your table at one of the restaurants or for enjoying the drinks purchased from the ‘Ohana Bar.
After all of that food, guests can stretch their legs and stroll out past the Nanea Volcano Pool for a drink at the Barefoot Pool Bar. This bar is located right next to the sandy beaches that boarder the Seven Seas Lagoon. While the adult guests enjoy their drink at the bar, the youngsters can get their hair wrapped at the Hair Wrap Stand. Perhaps, the guests are more adventurous, the Mikala Canoe Club Marina allows guests to rent a variety of water crafts such as sea raycers, Montauks and pontoon boats. For those guests that would like to spend some extended time on the waters, guided fishing excursions can be arranged by calling 407-WDW-BASS. Should a guest find themselves at the Polynesian Resort after dark, the fireworks can be seen from the beaches with the Cinderella Castle in the distance. The music from Walt Disney’s Main Street can be heard as guests enjoy the fireworks from afar.
Please remember, if you ever have any questions, comments and suggestions, please leave them here. Your comments and questions are greatly appreciated!
(Photo credit: The lobby of the Polynesian, by NDM#118)
Contributed by: Natalie H. Natalie is the Disney Driven Life’s resident resort expert.
