5 Unspoken Rules of Staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

Aloha from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

Polynesian Village Resort

The Polynesian Village was an opening day resort at Disney World, opening in 1971. This resort has a lot of history with so much to explore!

If you are staying at the Polynesian Village (or even visiting) there is so much to see and do. I polled our team here at AllEars, and we came up with five fun “rules” we think you should follow while you’re here!

Before we get into it, Quincy made a quick video about all the things you need to know if you’re staying at Polynesian Village. You can watch it right here!

OK! Here are the things we definitely think you should do (and, well, mostly eat) at the Polynesian Village Resort. Remember, we don’t make the rules (oh wait … we DID make these rules)!

You Have to Get Tonga Toast

To start your morning, getting Tonga Toast for breakfast is a must. This breakfast item is super popular. The toast is a banana-stuffed sourdough bread that is deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar. It is huge and can be shared.

Tonga Toast at Capt. Cook’s

You can pick up this breakfast at Capt. Cook’sin the Great Ceremonial House. Capt. Cook’s is a quick-service restaurant that is perfect for a quick meal before starting your day. If you want to have a sit-down breakfast, you can head upstairs to Kona Cafe and have Tonga Toast there, as well! You can make advance dining reservations for Kona Cafe up to 60 days before your trip, or you can try to walk up to the restaurant.

Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe

You Have to Get a Dole Whip

When you visit Disney World, getting a Dole Whip is a must, but did you know you do not have to be in the parks to try this iconic treat? Outside in the back of the Great Ceremonial House, you can find Pineapple Lanai.

Pineapple Lanai

Here you can get a classic Dole Whip as well as Dole Whip Floats. Depending on the time of year, Pineapple Lanai has specialty floats that are sold for a limited time.

Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai

You Have to Visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

The Polynesian Village has one of the most sought-after bars that people line up for hours before it even opens! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto can be found on the first floor of the Great Ceremonial House (just past Capt. Cook’s). Trader Sam’s serves tropical drinks and bites with an atmosphere that comes to life.

Inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sam’s is open daily from 3 PM – 11 PM, after 8 PM guests must be 21 to enter. We recommend getting there early and putting your name on the waitlist! Do not worry, if lines are not your thing, go out back and you can find Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace. The Tiki Terrace has the EXACT same menu minus the atmosphere of the inside, BUT, you can catch live music and take in the beauty of the Polynesian Village.

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace

You Have to Dine at ‘Ohana

‘Ohana can also be found in Great Ceremonial House on the second floor. This restaurant is super popular, and many people make it part of every trip to Disney World.

‘Ohana

‘Ohana is open for breakfast and dinner and serves food family style (since ‘Ohana means family!). The best part? It is all you care to enjoy! At breakfast, Stitch and his friends hang out at ‘Ohana and at dinner, there is live music. This place is POPULAR and if you want to dine here we highly recommend booking your dining reservation in advance. Walk-ups are sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.

Emma and Stitch at ‘Ohana Breakfast

You Have to Watch Nighttime Spectaculars from the Beach

The Polynesian Village has a picturesque view of the castle and Magic Kingdom. At night, head down to the beach and watch the nighttime entertainment. You can see the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks, and the music for the show is piped in. (Hint: This is a great time to grab that Dole Whip we recommended!)

Crowds gather for fireworks viewing on the beach at the Polynesian

You can also enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant! This is a classic Disney World parade that happens nightly on the water. The Electrical Water Pageant can only be seen at a few places, and the Polynesian has a great view from the beach. Make sure to check the My Disney Experience app for updated showtimes.

Electrical Water Pageant!

The Polynesian Village has so much history and offers a lot for you to do. These are our Polynesian Village must-dos, and we hope you love them as much as we do! Keep following AllEars — we’ll keep bringing you all the Disney World hotel news!