A Resort-Only Day at the Polynesian
The Polynesian is one of the original resorts at Walt Disney World and one of the most popular DVC resorts to stay at. While many guests enjoy the Polynesian for its tropical theming and its location near the Magic Kingdom, there’s lots to do for a resort-only day at the Polynesian!
Enjoy Breakfast at Kona Cafe
Start the day off at Kona Cafe and have some of the classics like the macadamia nut pancakes or tonga toast (banana-stuffed sourdough French toast rolled in cinnamon-sugar). For something more savory and hearty, order the loco moco with two eggs, chorizo gravy, hamburger patty, rice, and pico de gallo. Don’t forget to have the liliko’i juice (orange, passion fruit, and guava juice) or the Joffrey’s Hawaiian Kona Maragogype press pot coffee!
Swim at the Lava or Oasis Pool
With a volcano, waterfall, 142-foot water slide, and splash pad, the Lava Pool is the resort’s feature pool. It’s also where you will find the poolside activities like games, relays, and trivia. If you want a more relaxing swim, visit the Oasis Pool, which is the Polynesian’s leisure pool. There, you can rent one of the Oasis Patios, which provide a private shaded area with lounge chairs, towels, and the ability to order food to be delivered from the Oasis Bar & Grill.
Eat Lunch at Capt. Cook’s
For lunch, try the Thai coconut meatballs or the pulled pork nachos with housemade chips, cheese, spicy mayo, pico de gallo, and pineapple salsa. To save time, you can mobile order through the My Disney Experience app. Feel like getting a little something sweet afterwards? Walk to the other side of the Great Ceremonial House to Pineapple Lanai for a Dole Whip! It offers pineapple Dole Whip, vanilla soft serve, a swirl of both flavors, or the Dole Whip float.
Rent a Boat
Did you know that you can rent a pontoon boat to cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon? Head to the Seven Seas Marina near the Lava Pool to rent a boat. It can accommodate up to 10 people and costs $49 per half hour. Note that drivers must be at least 18 years of age.
Grab a Drink at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
Named after the Adventureland explorer Trader Sam from the Jungle Cruise, this tiki bar offers handcrafted cocktails like the Polynesain Pearl, HippoptoMai-Tai, Tahitian Torch, and the Dark & Tropical Stormy. There are also lots of references to Adventureland to discover throughout the lounge and some fun special effects when you order certain drinks. Just be sure to get there early! There’s usually quite a long wait to get into Trader Sam’s. If you can’t get into the lounge, you can always order the same drinks at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace where you can also enjoy live music.
Feast at ‘Ohana for Dinner
Save plenty of room for this all-you-care-to-eat feast! Start out with the pineapple coconut bread and mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Next is the skillet with some of the favorites that ‘Ohana is best known for like the noodles, pot stickers, and honey-coriander chicken wings. Then, fresh off the wood-fire grill are the teriyaki steak, grilled chicken, and peel-n-eat shrimp. Last but not least is the famous bread pudding that is served à la mode with homemade caramel sauce!
Watch Fireworks on the Beach
Even on a resort-only day, you can still enjoy fireworks from the Magic Kingdom! Head to the beach at the Polynesian for a great view with Cinderella Castle across the Seven Seas Lagoon. During the show, you can hear the soundtrack since the music played from speakers at the beach. Watching from the Polynesian is a great way to view the nighttime spectacular without needing a park ticket or braving the crowds.
Book a stay at the Polynesian for your next vacation! Browse the confirmed reservations or check availability and pricing.
