Disney’s Polynesian Village Restaurants Lists (A Resorts Gal Guide)

Aloha! Whether staying there or not, you’ll probably want to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort on your next vacation. What better way to see the resort than to plan a meal there?

Of course, if you’re staying at Disney’s Polynesian, you’re in for a real treat. So, you’ll need to know what dining options are available during your stay. Thankfully, this tropical hideaway has plenty of restaurants. From Dole Whip treats to Polynesian-inspired meals, there’s something for everyone.

Below, we’ve provided a list of restaurants at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. For each one, we’ll preview the hours, menus, discuss dining reservations, and everything else you need to know for dining at the resort.

Polynesian Resort Restaurants List

Here is a list of restaurants at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Below, we’ll go over each one in more detail.

• ‘Ohana
• Kona Cafe
• Tambu Lounge
• Capt. Cook’s
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace
• Barefoot Pool Bar
• Oasis Bar & Grill
• Pineapple Lanai
• Kona Island

‘Ohana

Ohana is a family-style table service restaurant on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, behind Tambu Lounge.

• Serves: Breakfast and Dinner
• Hours: 7:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. (Breakfast)
• Hours: 3:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. (Dinner)

If you were to mention having dinner at the Polynesian, anyone familiar would probably chime in with, “Oh, you went to ‘Ohana.” This dining option is so popular that the mere mention of visiting Walt Disney World is often reciprocated with some type of nod toward the South Pacific-themed venue. ‘Ohana has two distinct dining options. The restaurant offers a character dining experience during breakfast. Then, at dinner, ‘Ohana serves a traditional Polynesian family-style meal. (Characters are not part of the dinner service.)

Breakfast at ‘Ohana

First, we’ll discuss the Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. Reservations are required, and given the popularity of this location, they can be challenging to obtain. This breakfast includes family-style skillets that are brought to the table. The skillets contain scrambled eggs, sausage links, Hawaiian-style ham with a pineapple compote, island-roasted potatoes, biscuits, and Mickey-shaped waffles are brought to the table.

Additionally, each table receives a platter of fresh fruit and freshly made pineapple-coconut breakfast bread. Yes, it’s delicious.

Lilo, Stitch, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto take turns visiting each table during breakfast. The song Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride occasionally plays in the background, and the characters parade through the restaurant for everyone to see them.

Overall, the breakfast is fun, and the food is decent. However, note that with most character dining at Disney World, you’re primarily paying for the characters attending the meal. We have an ‘Ohana Breakfast Review with Lilo and Stitch if you want to learn more.

Dinner at ‘Ohana

‘Ohana opens again in the late afternoon for a meal consisting of various Polynesian-inspired cuisine. This meal period does not have characters. For dinner, each table receives the following:

• Mixed Greens Salad
• Signature ‘Ohana Bread with Honey Butter
• Honey Coriander Chicken Wings
• Pork Dumplings
• ‘Ohana Dinner Skillet (Meats, Vegetables, and Noodles)
• ‘Ohana Bread Pudding

*The ‘Ohana dinner skillet consists of teriyaki beef steak, spicy peel-n-eat shrimp, grilled chicken with a Polynesian-inspired chimichurri sauce, ‘Ohana noodles, and roasted broccolini.

Plant-based items can be substituted as needed at each meal. We have also had good experiences with allergy-friendly dining at breakfast and dinner. Our review of dinner at ‘Ohana details our experience at the restaurant.

Kona Café

Kona Cafe is a table-service restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It is on the second floor, occupying one side of the open-air lobby.

• Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. (Breakfast)
• 11:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. (Lunch)
• 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. (Dinner)
• ‘Kona Cafe Menus

Kona Cafe underwent a complete remodel a few years back and reopened with a new look. However, the menu still offers plenty of familiar favorites. It turned out great.

We’ve visited Kona Cafe many times. Given its popularity, it’s difficult to call the restaurant a hidden gem. However, we can refer to this Polynesian restaurant as a not-so-hidden gem.

For breakfast, Kona Cafe has two exceptionally popular menu items you may have heard of: Tonga Toast (think toast stuffed with bananas and coated with cinnamon sugar) and Macadamia Nut Pancakes. Most of our visits to Kona Cafe have been for lunch or dinner. It’s a favorite place to order sushi.

Kona Cafe serves a mix of Polynesian and American items. So, if you have picky eaters, don’t worry. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, and kids’ meals. They also have a well-known dish called Airline Chicken that’s been on the menu for as long as I can remember. Oh, and they have a delicious bread service.

Tambu Lounge

Tambu Lounge sits next door to ‘Ohana on the second floor of the Great Ceremonial House. From time to time, they have a secondary drink cart on the first floor of the lobby.

• Serves: Appetizers and Beverages
• Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. (Varies, Appetizers after 4:00 p.m.)
• Tambu Lounge Menu

Tambu Lounge has a relatively large bar area with additional seating that expands into the second-floor lobby of the Polynesian. Between guests waiting for dinner reservations at ‘Ohana and others who only want a drink, this entire area gets jam-packed on most evenings.

Tambu Lounge is also an ideal location for picking up a drink served in a pineapple. Not only that, but the bar serves a few alcoholic beverages that were part of the opening act when the Polynesian opened.

Here is a list of those three 1971 signature drinks at Disney’s Polynesian Village:

• Backscratcher–Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, and Passion Fruit Juice topped with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and a Bamboo Backscratcher.
• Lapu Lapu–Myer’s Original Dark Rum and Tropical Fruit Juices served in a fresh Pineapple topped with Goslings 151 Rum
• Polynesian Mai Tai–Myer’s Original Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curacao, Lime Juice, Orgeat (Almond), and Pure Cane Sugar

A while back, I tried the Backscratcher, a delicious cocktail that knocks your socks off. It comes with a real backscratcher.

However, the Lapu Lapu is probably the most well-known cocktail at Disney’s Polynesian. It’s a fun, tropical drink served in a pineapple. If you like, you can also order it in a regular glass. When ordering a second, the cast member will refill the pineapple you already have if you bring it back when placing your order.

Capt. Cook’s

Capt. Cook’s is the Polynesian Resort’s primary quick-service restaurant. For many, it’s another go-to dining spot when visiting Walt Disney World.

• Serves: Appetizers and Beverages
• Hours: 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
• Captain Cook’s Menus

Capt. Cooks is located on the Polynesian’s first floor, around the corner from the lobby. It is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Captain Cook’s has two indoor dining areas on each side of the restaurant.

Vintage posters line the back walls.

In addition, the restaurant has a pleasant outdoor dining area directly behind it.

Similar to the other restaurants at Disney’s Polynesian, Capt. Cooks has a menu featuring a mix of Asian and American cuisine. Below is a preview of the American menu that includes:

• 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger
• Roasted Red Pepper and Arugula Burger (Plant-Based)
• Chicken Wings
• Aloha Pork Sandwich
• Thai Coconut Meatballs
• Spicy Korean Chicken Bowl
• Pulled Pork Nachos
• Pan-Asian Noodles and Vegetables
• Asian-style Noodle Salad
• Superfoods Salad

Kids’ meals include:

• Chicken Nuggets
• Cheeseburgers
• Chicken and Pineapple Skewers

For breakfast, Capt. Cook’s offers a variety of options, including Tonga Toast and Mickey waffles. Signage at Captain Cook’s encourages guests to order ahead. If you are inclined to do so, this will save you loads of time.

Related: Mobile Ordering from Capt. Cook’s

Captain Cook’s has a decent selection of grab-and-go items. We have photos of everything available in our review of Captain Cook’s.

A microwave is also available toward the front of the first dining room.

Resort refillable mugs are available at the resort’s quick service restaurant. They are good for the entire length of your stay and can be sued to refill tea, coffee, soda, and hot chocolate. Learn more about refillable mugs at the Polynesian.

Here are a few other things we’ve enjoyed at Capt. Cook’s, starting with the super foods salad.

We’ve also tried the Pan-Asian noodles with vegetables, chicken nuggets, and the Thai Coconut Meatballs. The meatballs are a filling meal, and I enjoyed them much more the second time I tried them.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Off the Polynesian’s main lobby, you’ll find an entrance to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Guests must be 21 years or older for admittance after 8:00 p.m.

• Serves: Appetizers and Beverages
• Hours: 3:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.
• Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Menu

Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Often, a line of guests stretches down the hall, hoping for admittance. When it’s that busy, cast members usually take your name and contact info and text you when a seat becomes available. In the meantime, you might try to find a seat on the Tiki Terrace, Tambu Lounge, or in the lobby. You could also walk out to the Barefoot Pool Bar and grab a drink to take to the Polynesian’s white sand beaches.

Trader Sam’s offers a unique drink menu with the opportunity to purchase souvenir mugs when in stock. We’ll look at some of these items in the Tiki Terrace section below.

Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace

A popular alternative to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, the bar’s outdoor side. Its seating area is adjacent to the one at Captain Cook’s.

• Serves: Appetizers and Beverages
• Hours: 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
• Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace Menu

Since Trader Sam’s and Tiki Terrace share the same kitchen, they offer the same menu. We’ve tried several of the appetizers and a few of the drinks.

Below are some items we’ve tried at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace over the years. You can use the arrows to scroll and see the Skipper Sipper (a No-Booze Brew), Veggie Rainbow Roll, Chicken Lettuce Cups, Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room Drink, Rosita’s Margarita, and the Kalua Pork Tacos.

Related: Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace Review

Barefoot Pool Bar

Disney’s Polynesian Resort has two pools, each with a pool bar. Barefoot Pool Bar is at the Polynesian’s feature pool, the Lava Pool.

• Quick Service and Poolside Bar
• Hours: 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
• Barefoot Pool Bar Menu

Like most pool bars at Walt Disney World, the bar has a side open to the private pool area and an area where non-resort guests can order.

If you’re traveling to Disney’s Polynesian using the resort boat launch, you’ll run directly into the Barefoot Pool Bar as you walk toward the lobby. It’s on the far side of the marina.

Below is a look at the Barefoot Pool Bar’s cocktail menu. From my understanding, the Pago Pago Painkiller is the most popular drink at this location. They also have several non-alcoholic specialties, beer, wine, and sangria.

Additionally, Barefoot Pool Bar has a separate menu for pool guests that offers food items. Below is a photo of their menu. Their current menu with prices is listed in the My Disney Experience app.

Oasis Pool Bar

The Oasis Pool Bar is only available to resort guests. It sits inside the fenced area of the Oasis Pool.

• Serves: Appetizers and Beverages
• Hours: 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
• Oasis Pool Bar Menu

They have a quick service window between lunch and early dinner. Additionally, they have a full-service bar. Here’s a look at the menu.

Pineapple Lanai

Next on our list of Polynesian Resort restaurants is the Pineapple Lanai. Pineapple Lanai is on your immediate right when entering the back door of the Great Ceremonial House. This location consists of a walk-up window with an outdoor seating area.

• Serves: Snacks
• Hours: 10:0 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
• Pineapple Lanai Menu

Pineapple Lanai is popular because it serves Dole Whip. Dole Whip usually comes in several different flavors. The traditional pineapple flavor is always available here. Additionally, they typically have at least one other flavor.

Usually, there’s a sign at the counter indicating when a unique flavor is available. Dole Whip is diet-friendly, dairy-free (except when the regular soft serve is mixed with it), and vegan!

Kona Island

Lastly, Kona Island is a quick-service kiosk next door to Kona Cafe. This location is known for its specialty coffee, pastries, candied goods, and sushi.

• Serves: Snacks and Sushi
• Hours: 6:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
• Kona Island Menu

Behind this location is a long counter facing out to the monorail. Guests can sit here and enjoy their snacks or coffee.

Here is a photo of their menu items. You can order Joffrey’s exclusive Kona Blend at this location.

Here are a few items in their refrigerated cases. Some of the items change throughout the year.

Most of the items below are available year-round.

These candied items were added a few years ago and have proven popular.

Yes, that’s chocolate-dipped bacon. From what I can tell, it tends to disappear quickly.

Disney’s Polynesian Resort Restaurants Overview

When it comes to dining options at the Polynesian, you can probably tell the choices are overwhelming, but in a good way. Many of these locations make for the perfect stop when you need to escape the busyness of the theme parks.

Whether it’s a rainy vacation day or you are tired of dealing with crowds, Disney’s Polynesian is a true tropical dining oasis. After your meal or snack, take some time to tour the resort’s grounds, especially around sunset hour. You might also enjoy sitting for a spell in the Great Ceremonial House. We enjoy sitting on the second floor and looking at the Magic Kingdom in the distance. It’s not the worst way to spend the afternoon.

For more information about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you might enjoy the following:

• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Review
• A Review of the Club Level at Disney’s Polynesian
• Disney’s Polynesian Moana Room Tour
• The Pools at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

In the Comments

What are your thoughts on these restaurants at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Are there any you are looking forward to trying? Is there a restaurant you must visit on every trip?