Aloha from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!

Disney World Resorts can transport you to a whole new world, and the Polynesian Resort is the perfect example of this! Nestled on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon lies a tropical paradise within Disney World. This resort is one of the three resorts located on the Resort Monorail Line, making it an accessible resort to stop at on your way to or from the Magic Kingdom.

The Polynesian is known for ‘Ohana, one of the most popular restaurants at Disney World, and I just happened to work there! During my time as a Polynesian Cast Member, I got to learn the ins and outs of the resort, including the best things to eat!

Is There Really a Secret Dining Advantage If You Stay at Disney World Hotels? A Former Cast Member Weighs In!

While many people make their way over to the Polynesian for DOLE Whip at Pineapple Lanai or the famous ‘Ohana noodles, there are so many other fun treats hidden at the Polynesian that more people need to know about!

POG Mimosa at Barefoot Bar

POG juice is a Disney World sensation; it is so sought after that we have a page dedicated to where you can get POG juice across the resort. POG juice is a mix of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices. POG juice does not just come in juice form but also in a gelato form over at Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs, but you can even get an adult version of POG juice!

POG juice is known as “Stitch Juice” in the morning time at ‘Ohana, but there is actually an alcoholic version of this iconic drink at one of the bars at the Polynesian! While many people who visit the Polynesian tend to stick near the Great Ceremonial House, there is a bar right outside by the pool called Barefoot Pool Bar.

Here, you can find a lot of fun tropical drinks, but the best one, in my opinion, is the POG Mimosa! While this drink is simply just POG juice and champagne, it is delicious! It is a great drink to sip poolside or to have before your dinner reservation at ‘Ohana!

Kona Island for Coffee, Sushi, and Desserts

While not as hidden as the Barefoot Pool Bar, Kona Island serves up specialty Joffrey’s Coffees, desserts, and sushi!

If you are taking the monorail into Magic Kingdom or need a mid-day pick-me-up, Kona Island is a great place to stop at, as many people tend to walk right by it. 

If you are in need of a grab-and-go meal, you can take their sushi on the go with you or grab a sweet treat! Each season, there is a Stitch mini-cake that matches the time of year. Currently, you can grab a Stitch Vampire cake for the Halloween season.

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace for Appetizers

While ‘Ohana is known for its noodles, its wings, and potstickers are also sought out. For me, getting to take home the pork dumplings after a shift was the best thing ever. And now that I no longer work at the Polynesian, I seek out these dumplings whenever I can. 

If you want to try the ‘Ohana appetizers without reservation, you can dine next door at Tambu Lounge. They serve the ‘Ohana noodles, dumplings, and wings. Plus, you can even get a slice of the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding!

Well, sometimes Tambu Lounge can get a little crowded, but there is still another place where you can get the potstickers! Downstairs is home to one of the most popular bars at Disney World, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Trader Sam’s has a great appetizer menu, but most nights, you will have to be on a waitlist to get into the bar, and depending on your party size, you will need to share a table. 

Well, right behind Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, there is Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, which is right outside. They serve the exact same drinks and appetizers that they do at the Grog Grotto, except you do not have to wait long for a table, can get your own private table, and even enjoy live music!

If I can choose a light lunch or dinner anywhere at Disney World, I will go to Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace to order the dumplings and lettuce cups. The atmosphere is lovely outside, and it is less stressful than waiting for a spot to open at Tambu Lounge or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

The next time you are the Polynesian, check out these three spots for a quick bite to eat!

NEW Restaurant CONFIRMED for Disney’s Polynesian Village Hotel!

What is your go to meal or drink at the Polynesian? Let us know in the comments!