How to Spend the Perfect Polynesian Night

Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the perfect tiki escape right in the heart of Walt Disney World. This stunning Deluxe Resort, located in the Magic Kingdom Resort area, celebrates the spirit of the South Pacific.

Grand buildings surrounded by tropical palms and lush vegetation provide Guests with the feeling of being in a beautiful oasis. It’s no surprise that you forget that you are in Lake Buena Vista when visiting this idyllic Resort.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is extra-special as it was one of the two Disney World Resort hotels that opened with Magic Kingdom Park on October 1, 1971. The Resort is located on the Disney Monorail loop, just two stops away from Magic Kingdom. For Guests using the Resort Monorail, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is the first stop after the Ticket & Transportation Center.

Here at Disney Tips, we have very much fallen in love with this Walt Disney World Resort. It’s safe to say, that a Disney vacation is not complete without an evening spent at this incredible Disney Resort. So, let us inspire you to enjoy the perfect evening at this island retreat, after a day in a Disney Park. We think you’ll love it as much as we do!

Visit the Great Ceremonial House

Begin your evening in the picturesque lobby of this Disney Resort hotel. Not only does the Great Ceremonial House provide access to all areas of the Resort, but it is also the perfect backdrop for a photo. We love to pause in front of Maui, the Resort’s mascot. Alternatively, stop just outside of the lobby, in front of the crystal clear pools and oasis of lush vegetation. 

You’ll also want to stop by the Great Ceremonial House to collect a complimentary lei. It’s the perfect accessory to make you feel a part of the Resort and adds to the true Disney experience. 

Browse You Tiki

If you’re visiting a Walt Disney World Resort, then it’s only right that you pay a visit to the gift shop. You Tiki offers special Resort merchandise, and other favorite pieces of Disney merchandise, such as Disney Pandora jewelry and Tommy Bahamas apparel. Don’t be surprised if you spend a little longer than planned browsing here!

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

This is a themed bar that is likely to be on every Disney fan’s bucket list. It really is a unique hideaway that makes for an enchanting visit for all. Get ready to have fantastic fun and experience delightful surprises provided by the one-of-a-kind Cast Members inside. 

Open daily from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the place to enjoy refreshing, handcrafted cocktails. Our recommendation is the HippopotoMai-Tai! Guests of all ages are welcome in the Grog Grotto until 8:00 p.m. From 8:00 p.m. onwards, the grotto is open to Guests 21 years of age or older. Whatever time you decide to experience the Grog Grotto, prepare for a whimsical and awe-inspiring time!

We recommend visiting the Grog Grotto as soon as you arrive at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Due to its popularity, you can expect at least a 45-minute wait in the early afternoon. Once you have added your name to the list for a table, feel free to browse the Great Ceremonial House and You Tiki. Return once the Grog Grotto is ready to welcome you in; you’ll get a text alert to let you know when your table is ready.

If you have younger Guests in your party, you can grab a seat on Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace from 8:00 p.m. onwards. This is a great spot to enjoy live music, whilst sipping on the exquisite cocktails available inside of the Grog Grotto.

If you would rather pass on the wait to get into the Grog Grotto, Tambu Lounge is located upstairs inside the Great Ceremonial House. Take a seat on lounge chairs whilst sipping on tropical drinks. Alternatively, visit the Oasis Bar & Grill, overlooking the Oasis Pool, or stop by the Pineapple Lanai for a helping of DOLE Whip as a pre-dinner treat.

‘Ohana Dinner

Located on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House, ‘Ohana is a grand dining room that serves up Hawaiian-flavored specialties in giant skillets, offering a family-style dining experience. Fill up on delicious dishes, surrounded by tikis and tropical greenery. You’ll have a view of Cinderella Castle across Seven Seas Lagoon whilst listening to live Polynesian music. Believe us, it’s as perfect as it sounds!

Whilst it can be tempting to fill up on the incredible food you will enjoy in ‘Ohana, make sure you save room for dessert. Prepare to devour a large helping of the famous pineapple-coconut bread pudding, served up with vanilla ice cream, and topped with homemade caramel sauce. You are definitely allowed seconds too!

‘Ohana can be a tricky restaurant to secure a reservation at. Another great restaurant at the Polynesian Resort is Kona Cafe. Next door to ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe serves up sushi, poke’ bowls, and delicious desserts inspired by the South Pacific.

Sunset on the Beach

After dinner, the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a perfect spot to rest and digest. Leave the Great Ceremonial House and follow the path down to the beach, alongside the Lava Pool. If you time it right, you will get the chance to watch the sunset behind Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, across Seven Seas Lagoon. Watching the sunset from the beach area should mean that you secure a chair, so you don’t have to sit on the sand. Once the sun has set, keep a lookout for the Electrical Water Pageant that crosses Seven Seas Lagoon. Enjoy watching the floats pass by with Cinderella Castle visible in the distance.

If you’ve managed to secure an earlier dinner reservation at ‘Ohana, you may be finished eating a little while before the sunset. This is an ideal time to explore the grounds of the Polynesian Village. Take a stroll around the Seven Seas Marina, and pass by the Lava Pool and Oasis Pool areas.

Follow the paths between the buildings of the Disney Resort, including the Bora Bora Bungalows, which have a theme park view, as well as a lagoon view. The Bungalows are part of the Disney Vacation Club, Disney’s Polynesian Villas; a Resort that opened in 2015.

Disney Enchantment from the Beach

A perfect way to end your evening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is watching Disney Enchantment. The music is played over the speakers that line the path along the end of the beach, so you get the full experience of watching Disney fireworks, to end your Disney evening.

Not only does the beach area at the Disney Resort provide you with a great view of Cinderella Castle, but you’ll also get to enjoy reflections of the fireworks in the water of Seven Seas Lagoon. Enjoy the view without the crowds of Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom.

Continue your evening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or head back to your own Resort hotel, feeling content from the perfect evening you’ve had. Not only will you want to return, but we’re sure that you’ll be inspired to stay a night or two next time you visit this stunning Disney Resort.