You’re at the Polynesian. What Should You Do?

Everyone has a favorite Disney Vacation Club resort.

While I respect everyone else’s opinion on the subject, anyone who says anything other than Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now my sworn enemy. This is my favorite place to be at Walt Disney World except maybe riding the Monorail. So, let’s say you’re smart enough to be visiting the Polynesian. What should you do?

Explore the Great Ceremonial House 

We’ll start with the thing everyone should do, even the people who aren’t staying at the Polynesian. The Great Ceremonial House is a destination location for Disney fans. You’ll never run out of things to do here.

This hotel lobby houses two stores, including my beloved BouTiki. DVC members will appreciate Moana Mercantile, which had that name long before the movie’s release. While Moana Mercantile is also a general store, it was selling Lilo & Stitch merchandise many years before the franchise exploded in popularity.

Then, we have the restaurants, including the DVC favorite Kona Cafe. This is one of the best people watching spots at Walt Disney World, and the Kona Island Coffee is iconic. Kona Cafe also sells a breakfast item that it shares with one of my favorite Quick Service locations, Capt. Cook’s. The Tonga Toast is a must-try breakfast menu item, although it is a LOT of food at the beginning of the day.

That’s the thing about the Great Ceremonial House. Every nook and cranny offers a distinctive personality. In fact, I’m saving a couple of locations for different sections of this article.

There are two other things you should know about the Great Ceremonial House. The first is that you can get a lei at check-in, which adds to the thematic experience. The other is that if you can get a reservation at ‘Ohana, you eat there. I prefer it for breakfast since it’s a Lilo & Stitch character meal, but that’s the minority opinion.

Order a Dole Whip and Hang Out at the Pool

Just beyond the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll find an adjoining shack. Pineapple Lanai serves one purpose. You’ll order a Dole Whip here. Until quite recently, this was the only place beyond the Disney theme parks where guests could grab a Dole Whip. Despite this fact, the lines are rarely long, which makes it an ideal grab and go opportunity. 

You order Disney’s most famous dessert, and then you walk a few steps to the unforgettable Lava Pool. This pool and play area is a perfect hangout spot even when you’re not in the mood to swim. I’m ALWAYS in the mood to swim, especially here.

Order a Spooky Drink

If you don’t know what Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is, you must have joined the DVC program about five minutes ago. This is Disney’s best lounge by far and the most entertaining one to boot.

Mystical glow drinks are on the menu here, in what is sometimes a stunningly dark area. Disney keeps the lights down low so that the Imagineering tricks appear that much more impressive.

Those of you who’ve never been here may not know what I mean, so just head to Trader Sam’s and order the Uh-Oa! You’re basically summoning an island deity when you do, and not the kindly version! I will warn you that this drink costs about $30, and it’s not even the most expensive one here. A couple or a group who’s not afraid of each other’s germs can order the Nautilus. It’s a comically oversized drink that costs $65. You do get to keep the souvenir mug, though.

Disney recently added Trader Sam’s to My Disney Experience, so you can now get on the digital waitlist. 

Photo Credit: WDW News Today

Visit the Island Tower

The Island Tower at the Polynesian is a little over a year old now, which means fans have had plenty of time to admire how cool it is. This is another spot where you should roam around and discover all the pleasant surprises.

Obviously, you can also book here if that’s your preference. Even if you don’t, make time for the Island Tower, specifically try to dine at Wailulu Bar & Grill. The delectable cuisine here is probably the best at any Monorail resort, which is probably the highest compliment I can give. You don’t need to eat at Victoria & Albert’s for $600 when Wailulu Bar & Grill costs a fraction of that for similarly mind-blowing entrees.

Walk the Beach

The Polynesian wouldn’t honor its South Seas theme without an authentic beachfront experience. You don’t need to book a mega-expensive Bungalow to savor some sand in your toes. You can happily roam the beach here, which includes several chairs and even a few hammocks.

Walking the beach throughout the day is phenomenal, but it’s that much more magical at night. I’d strongly encourage you to spend at least one evening watching Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the Polynesian’s beach. I’ve done this many times, and it’s always a source of tremendous serenity.

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