Not every guest gets to stay at Disney’s Polynesian Village, arguably Disney World’s most desirable resort, but a trip on the monorail to sample Poly’s tasty, tropical dining experiences is a must for all.
Whether you’re after a sit-down meal, an informal bite in the resort’s lounges, or a cocktail under the stars, this resort delivers island-inspired cuisine with a Disney twist.
Here we take a closer look at the restaurants, bars and food spots at the Polynesian Village Resort - perfect for couples, families, and everyone else for that matter.
Ohana: a family feast with Polynesian flair
Ohana is the resort’s signature dining experience, offering two very different meals.
In the morning, it’s home to the Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch, featuring all-you-care-to-enjoy scrambled eggs, ham with pineapple, Mickey & Stitch waffles, and more, served family-style, with plenty of character interactions.
This one can split opinions. On one hand, guests love this unique interaction that comes with the opportunity to meet Stich and enjoy entertainment with your breakfast.
On the other hand, it is without doubt one of the most expensive breakfasts you’ll ever buy … at around $53 per adult and $33 per child, plus tax and gratuities.
In the evening, there are no meet-and-greets at Ohana. Instead, the character of the restaurant, the food and the lake-view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks all speak for themselves.
Guests dining at Ohana enjoy a feast of Polynesian specialities.
These include grilled teriyaki beef, spicy peel-and-eat shrimp, pot stickers, grilled chicken, and Ohana’s famous noodles.
The meal ends with the iconic pineapple-coconut bread pudding (the dessert that’s the star of hundreds, if not thousands, of Instagram posts every year). It's served with vanilla ice cream.
Dinner is over $65 per adult and $42 per child, plus taxes and gratuities.
It's not a cheap meal, but with generous platters served to the table ‘family style’ it is effectively ‘all you can eat’, and the soft drinks are bottomless.
Ohana is one of the most popular dining experiences at Disney World, and table reservations go quickly - be sure to make yours early, as soon as the reservation window opens for your trip (60 days before your check-in date, for Disney resort guests).
For us, Ohana will always be a special part of our Disney World experience. And, if you can time your reservation perfectly, and you’re lucky enough to be seated close to the windows, nothing beats dessert with a Magic Kingdom fireworks view.
Explore the Ohana menu here
Kona Café: Sushi, Tonga Toast, and more
For a relaxed table-service meal, Kona Café blends American favourites with Asian and tropical twists.
At breakfast, you’ll find the beloved Tonga Toas - banana-stuffed French toast dusted with cinnamon sugar - and macadamia-pineapple pancakes.
Lunch and dinner feature hearty options like the Kona-braised short rib, Big Kahuna Burger, and a variety of poke bowls and hand-rolled sushi.
Kona Cafe is located right off the resort’s main lobby, it’s a casual but vibrant space.
Meals here range from $15 to $35, making it a reasonable choice for both adventurous and traditional palates.
Explore the Kona Cafe menus here
Captain Cook’s: Legendary quick service
Don’t let the “quick service” label fool you, Captain Cook’s serves up some of the resort’s most beloved bites.
It’s open from early breakfast through midnight. Captain Cook’s is affordable and convenient food spot at the Poly’.
Guest favourites include the Thai Coconut Meatballs and the Pulled Pork Nachos layered with braised pork, pineapple salsa, cheese, and wonton chips.
Tonga Toast is also available here in the morning for a grab-and-go version of the Kona favourite.
With most meals under $15, it’s one of the best-value dining options in all of Disney.
Explore the Captain Cook’s menus here
Tambu Lounge: Ohana faves with no reservation
Hidden in plain sight just outside ‘Ohana, Tambu Lounge is a smart secret for guests who want to try Ohana’s most popular items, no reservation required.
From 4pm, you can order pot stickers in garlic-chilli sauce, peel-and-eat shrimp, and, of course, the iconic Ohana noodles.
Pair it with a tropical cocktail like the Back Scratcher (rum, Jack Daniels, and fruit juice).
The lounge is walk-up only, and seating can fill quickly, but it’s a great way to enjoy Ohana flavours for a fraction of the price.
Explore Tambu Lounge menus here
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto & Tiki Terrace
Part speakeasy, part theme park attraction, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a must for cocktail lovers.
The indoor Grotto offers an immersive experience complete with sound effects, cast interactions, and collectable tiki mugs.
Outdoors, the Tiki Terrace is more laid back, with live music and plenty of seating.
There are tasty bites to eat too. The menu features island-themed small plates like Kalua Pork Tacos, Chicken Lettuce Cups, and Pan-Fried Dumplings, plus wildly imaginative drinks like the HippopotoMai-Tai and the Polynesian Pearl.
Trader Sam’s opens at 3pm and gets busy fast, so arrive early or put your name on the waitlist.
Explore the menu at Trader Sam’s
Something for Everyone
Besides the Poly’s popular restaurants and lounges, guests have plenty of choice for refreshments and snacks around the resort.
Whether you’re grabbing a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai, sipping something frosty by the Barefoot Pool Bar, or enjoying a sit-down dinner with tropical flair, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort delivers some of the most satisfying and memorable meals on property.
The Poly serves up more than just food. It delivers a taste of the islands, right in the heart of Walt Disney World.
