Guide To Dining At Disney’s Polynesian Resort Restaurants | Best & Worst
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The dining options at Disney’s Polynesian Resort restaurants are tough to beat. The Polynesian’s restaurants have it all, with options ranging from a coffee bar to Dole Whip, quick service to character dining. Plus- it’s all delicious! We love the Polynesian resort restaurants and I am excited to tell you why.
We have stayed in every Walt Disney World resort, from the value hotel options with only food courts to the Deluxe options with even more onsite restaurants, we continue to go back to the Polynesian (even when we are staying elsewhere, as close as the Grand Floridian, or as far as Coronado).
It’s not just me who thinks that though – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most beloved resorts at Walt Disney World. It’s a monorail loop resort, located within a few minutes of Magic Kingdom as well as additional Disney resorts.
You don’t need to stay at the Polynesian or have a park reservation to enjoy these guest favorites.
The resort offers guests a tropical oasis with lush landscapes, serene beaches, and immersive island theming. It’s a beautiful resort to visit while in Disney, or to make your home resort during your vacation.
You will want to check out the full guide to Disney’s Polynesian Resort if you are planning a trip to Disney World soon!
Whether you’re staying at the resort or just visiting, the Disney Polynesian restaurants offer a variety of exceptional dining options, from quick service to table service, plus bars, desserts, and coffee stops to enhance your Disney dining experience.
Full List of Disney’s Polynesian Resort Restaurants on Property
- Capt Cooks – quick service
- Pineapple Lanai – quick service desserts
- ‘Ohana – character dining for breakfast, family-style table service for dinner
- Kona Cafe – table service dining
- Wailulu Bar & Grill – quick service for breakfast, table service dining for lunch and dinner
- Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto – speciality cocktails and a fun experience
- Tambu Lounge – bar & lounge
- Barefoot Poolbar – beach and poolside bar
- Oasis Poolbar – poolside bar
- Kona Island – coffee shop
The Vibe of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas (for DVC members or guests) transport guests to a South Pacific paradise. With tiki torches, vibrant flowers, and the sound of ukuleles in the background, the ambiance makes for a relaxing and immersive experience.
The restaurants at the resort follow suit, offering island-inspired flavors that range from casual bites to signature dining experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal, a romantic dinner, a character dining experience, or a laid-back bar atmosphere, Disney’s Polynesian resort restaurants cater to all tastes and dining preferences.
Are you trying to determine which resort in Walt Disney World is right for your family? Check out the Ultimate Walt Disney World Resort Guide to learn everything there is to know about each resort – from cost to location, activities to perks.
Quick Service Dining Options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
What is Quick Service? In Disney World, you will see plenty of “quick service” options. This is a counter-style dining location where you place your order, pick a table, and wait for your buzzer to go off before grabbing your food.
For those looking for a fast and delicious meal without the need for a reservation, the quick service restaurants at the Polynesian provide fantastic options.
Pro Tip: You can mobile order from Capt Cooks in order for your meal to be ready upon arrival!
Capt. Cook’s
Capt. Cook’s is the go-to quick service restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great spot for a casual meal.
Captain Cook knew what they were doing because this is hands down, it is my favorite quick service on Walt Disney World property.
For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the options are amazing. Ideally, you would order from Captain Cooks and grab a seat on the outside patio while your kids run around on the grassy area right next to the restaurant. It’s the perfect Disney night for us!
For breakfast, get the Tonga Toast. It’s incredible! They also have Mickey Waffles, breakfast bowls, and other basic breakfast options.
For lunch & dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Spicy Korean Chicken Bowl with rice, pulled pork nachos, or the Hawaiian Flatbread, but my absolutely favorite is the Thai Coconut meatballs. They are SO good!
Pineapple Lanai
No visit to the Disney Polynesian resort is complete without a stop at Pineapple Lanai. This quick-service spot is famous for serving the legendary Dole Whip, a refreshing pineapple soft-serve treat. It’s a must-try dessert that perfectly captures the tropical vibe of the resort.
I recommend a Pineapple Float!
Table Service Dining Options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
With a brand new table service option, Polynesian yet again wins in the dining department on Disney property. If you’re looking for a more immersive dining experience, the table service restaurants at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offer unique flavors and unforgettable settings. Table Service dining options are a sit-down meal location.
‘Ohana
The Ohana Restaurant is one of the most popular dining locations in all of Walt Disney World, ‘Ohana offers an all-you-can-eat Polynesian feast. And it’s delicious!
For breakfast, guests can enjoy character dining with Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto while indulging in pineapple-coconut bread, scrambled eggs, and Hawaiian-style ham.
The dinner menu shifts to a family-style feast featuring oak-grilled meats, shrimp, stir-fried noodles, and the famous ‘Ohana Bread Pudding for dessert.
If you are looking for a unique and delicious meal option, Ohana would be perfect!
Kona Café
Kona Cafe is another table service restaurant that serves up delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Known for its famous Tonga Toast (banana-stuffed French toast) and macadamia nut pancakes, it’s a top breakfast choice. You may have noticed that I mentioned Tonga Toast earlier in this post, and that’s because you can get this favorite from TWO locations at the Polynesian. Giving you a table-service and quick-service option.
For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy sushi, poke bowls, and flavorful entrees like Kona-braised short ribs.
This is a nice option if you are looking for Asian fusion and a good meal without an entire Disney theme. While we do enjoy the meals we have had here, there are better options in my opinion. However, it’s in no way a bad meal.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
One of the newest restaurants on Disney property with an incredible view of Seven Seas Lagoon from the dining room. The open air bar, beautiful dining area, and the delicious menu make this a great option for a nice meal. This restaurant is located within the new Island Tower rather than the main Grand Ceremonial house.
Open for breakfast as a quick service option, or lunch and dinner for a table service, casual dining option. With inspiration from its name, Wai, means “water” and lulu, means “calm” – this is the perfect retreat for a South Pacific-inspired meal.
I highly recommend checking out this new restaurant and enjoying the views. You can also sit on the patio before or after dinner.
Bars at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
For those looking for a tropical cocktail, Disney Polynesian restaurants and lounges offer some of the best drinks on property, with delicious dining experiences to go with it!
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
A fan-favorite bar with an interactive, tiki-themed atmosphere, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is an absolute must-visit. The experience includes special effects, unique glassware, and some of the best drinks at Disney, like the Uh-Oa and Krakatoa Punch.
Arrive prior to opening to get a spot on the wait list as they do not take reservations and the wait list fills up quickly.
You are also welcome to dine on the Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, though you will only be able to order the drinks and won’t get the full atmosphere experience.
Tambu Lounge
Located next to ‘Ohana, Tambu Lounge is perfect for grabbing a drink before dinner. They also serve light bites like pork dumplings if you are looking for something quick.
The highlight here is the Lapu Lapu, a rum-based cocktail served in a fresh pineapple. Other popular specialty cocktails include the Backscratcher and the Polynesian Mai Tai. This is a nice lounge setting if you are waiting for your table, want to relax in the air conditioning for a bit or are waiting out the rain (been there- done that!)
Pro Tip: I highly recommend grabbing a Lapu Lapu, or another tropical drink, and wandering down to the beach around sunset to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks! The Polynesian pipes in the Happily Ever After music and it’s such a beautiful view!
Barefoot Pool Bar
Grab a drink at this pool bar while you lounge on the beach with a Magic Kingdom view. This is a casual walk-up pool bar, and provides access to guests within the Lava pool area, as well as a walk-up counter for guests outside of the pool area.
Oasis Bar & Grill
This pool bar is located near one of the smaller pools, the Oasis pool. Guests within the pool area are able to grab drinks from this location.
More Tips & Tricks For A Successful Disney World Trip
Coffee Options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Kona Island
If you need a caffeine fix, Kona Island serves some of the best coffee at Disney. Their Kona Coffee Press Pot is highly rated, specialty coffee, offering rich, flavorful Hawaiian coffee that pairs perfectly with a morning pastry or dessert. Kona Island is on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial house. You will also find that they offer Joffrey’s coffee, specialty drinks like lattes and other espresso drinks, and juice options.
As far as food, you have the option of a few quick snacks like sushi rolls, pastries, and other grab and go options like chips.
Must Try Desserts at Disney Polynesian Restaurants
If you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of dessert options at Disney Polynesian restaurants to satisfy your cravings.
- ‘Ohana Bread Pudding – This fan-favorite dessert is served with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
- Kona Cafe’s Macadamia Nut Tart – A delicious, nutty, and chocolatey treat.
- Pineapple Lanai’s Dole Whip – A classic must-have for any Disney trip.
Is Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Worth It?
With a variety of Disney Polynesian restaurants ranging from quick service to signature dining, there is something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an all-you-can-eat feast at ‘Ohana, a quick bite at Capt. Cook’s, a sweet treat to take to the beach to enjoy with views of the theme park, or an exotic drink at Trader Sam’s, the dining options at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort make it one of the best foodie destinations at Walt Disney World.
For those wondering if they should visit the Polynesian for a meal, the answer is a resounding YES! Have I mentioned that the Tonga Toast is one of my favorite things to eat on Disney property?!
Whether you’re staying at the resort or just visiting for the day, the Disney Polynesian restaurants offer an incredible mix of flavors, ambiance, and Disney magic that make for a memorable dining experience. Don’t forget to make a reservation for a table-service restaurant, as they fill up quickly!
Are you planning to dine at one of Disney’s Polynesian Resort restaurants on your next trip? Take a look at the list of restaurants and let us know your must-try dishes in the comments!
