Who Would Love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

Hey all you tropical paradise fans!  This one’s for you.  Let’s say you know you want to be close to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.  You have options!  Those monorail resorts have vastly different personalities, different atmospheres, different dining options!  Today, let’s throw some love across the Seven Seas Lagoon…

Who Would Love Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?

You’re a South Seas vacation kind of family – Do you love all things Tiki?  This is the place for you!  White sand, excellent pool areas, fancy drinks in pineapples, you get the idea.  From the lush tropical landscaping to the prominent Tiki statue in the expansive lobby, even the Cast Members’ costumes – this place is, as one expects from Disney, well-themed.  The resort’s layout around the Great Ceremonial House invites guest to stroll and explore, relax on the beach with a snack from one of the pool-side snack stands.

Laid Back is your style – The vibe at the Poly is calm, relaxing, and a bit playful.  It’s got two of the coolest lounges on property, if you care to indulge in an adult beverage while on vacation.  The Tambu Lounge, connected to ‘Ohana, offers a great drink menu and comfy seating.  Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, while teeny tiny and a bit pricy, is completely immersive and tons of fun.  Get there early for the best chance of a seat!

Seafood and American cuisine with a Polynesian flair sound yummy to you.  ‘Ohana is always popular with our family – all-you-care-to-eat, family style dining in a great setting.  Kona Café is also a solid table service eatery with plentiful menu options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For a quick meal, Capt. Cook’s offer up more than a typical burger or hot dog and fries (although you can get those, too).  Pulled pork nachos?  Pan Asian Noodles? Thai Coconut Meatballs over rice?  Step right up!   

You’re a Nostalgic Disney Fan.  Like the Contemporary, the Polynesian has been there since Disney World’s opening day in 1971.  For many Disney geeks like us, that makes this resort a classic!  With great views of both Magic Kingdom’s evening fireworks and the whimsical Electrical Water Pageant, the beach area after dark is a relaxing place to soak up the atmosphere at the end of a busy park day.Disney World's Electrical Water Pageant

Are you a Polynesian Village Resort fan?  Is it still on your to-try list?  What’s the draw for you and your family?

Disney Date Night – Resortloop Pub Crawl

Yellow Monorail / Walt Disney WorldRaymond and I are big fans of the Resortloop Pub Crawl!  A great grown-up activity that gives us the opportunity to see what’s going on at our favorite resorts along the monorail loop while enjoying an adult beverage here and there.  We can visit one lounge or more, as a pre-dinner way to relax or a dinner substitute altogether.  The pub crawl is a great way to take in the unique settings of each pub within the very differently themed resorts – we love this!

Disney Date Night – Resortloop Pub CrawlRM-The-Wave

We like the Wave at the Contemporary, but have also spend quite a few happy early evenings at the tiny and casual Outer Rim (right next to Chef Mickey’s).  The Wave’s bar is pretty traditional with a great wine selection and tasty menu.  Choose a dish to share and save room for the next stop on the loop!RM-Mizner's-Lounge

We think the atmosphere and ambiance at Mizner’s in the gorgeous Grand Floridian makes it a great place to relax and soak up the fantastic sounds of The Lobby Society Orchestra.  If you know us, you know we’re going after the artisanal cheese platter!  Wine and cheese and fantastic live tunes.  This place has all our favorite things!  If you decided to wait on this stop, there’s also a nifty dessert menu.RM-Tambu-Lounge

And we’re off to the Polynesian Village Resort.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – new-ish, small, heavily themed, and impossible to get into!  We’ll give it our best shot in late December and if we succeed, I’ll give you the full scoop.  Let’s talk instead about the Tambu Lounge – home of the popular Lapu Lapu and Backscratcher cocktails.  If you’re waiting to get into ‘Ohana, this is the place to be!  RM-Tambu-MenuThis pub is open, lively, noisy and fun!  If you’re NOT headed to ‘Ohana for dinner, belly up to the bar and order some of those fantastic honey-coriander chicken wings then top those off with a serving of the ‘Ohana bread pudding.  YUM!RM-Tambu-Wine

Three stops, three amazing lounges!  That’s what makes the Resortloop Pub Crawl so unique and special – each stop along the way is completely different from the others.

Have you tried any of the Resortloop pubs?  What’s your favorite stop?