The operating hours of the very popular ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort have been extended.
The breakfast which starts at 7:30 AM now has seatings extended until noon.. Prior to the extension, last seating was at 11am.
Disney Vacation Club has announced that beginning Monday, current Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase real estate interests in our newest resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows! General sales will begin on Feb. 9. When the first phase opens, scheduled for April 1, the resort will introduce unique Disney accommodations, including Bora Bora Bungalows and the first connecting Deluxe Studios.
When opened, the 20 Bora Bora Bungalows on the Seven Seas Lagoon will sleep up to eight guests each in a two-bedroom, home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific. The Bungalows have two full bathrooms, a kitchen, washer and dryer, and large dining and living room spaces for gatherings.
Private decks will feature a plunge pool where Members and guests can view fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, complete with the soundtrack that can be heard through an individual sound system. They will also have front-row seats to the Electrical Water Pageant, a playful nighttime water parade in the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The new resort also includes 360 Deluxe Studio Villas, the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort. These villas sleep up to five guests each and feature a kitchenette, enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort, and two separate bathroom areas, one a full bathroom with a tub/shower and another one with a shower and sink, allowing more people to get ready at one time. A pull-down armoire bed showcases painted artwork from the popular Disney film, Lilo & Stitch.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is located, began a multi-year reimagining project in 2014. This year, the resort will debut dramatically enhanced feature and leisure pools, as well as a new children’s water play area for Members and guests to enjoy. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is also slated to open and, like Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Resort, will feature exotic cocktails and Polynesian-themed small plates in an imaginative setting only Disney could create. Last year, new additions included Pineapple Lanai, a beverage stand that offers popular Dole Whip treats, and Lilo’s Playhouse, a whimsical activity center where young guests can enjoyed supervised play while their parents spend quality time out on the town.
The name current name of the children’s activity center at the Polynesian apparently never caught on with Disney guests. The ‘Club Disney’ children’s activity center at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will be renamed to ‘Lilo’s Playhouse’ on November 26.
The activity center was originally known as ‘The Never Land Club,’ and was renamed to ‘Club Disney’ when it was refurbished and reopened in June 2014.
The activity center is inspired by classic Disney Little Golden Books where children are able to take part in crafts, dress-up and story time.
In true Disney fashion, look for a big wow at the new Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – the menu makeover brings island-style cuisine to the popular quick-service spot that’s open around the clock.
Start with the classic lobster roll served on a buttered bun. They’ve added blackened fish tacos, a noodle bowl (beef or shrimp) and delectable coconut curry meatballs. A new gourmet hot dog is slathered with garlic ketchup and mango relish. And our favorite – crispy fried chicken and waffles, a hearty breakfast favorite that stays on the menu all day.
No worries, the favorite hot beef ‘n blue sandwich stays, says Chef Pete Bruenen. Ditto for the pizzas, grilled chicken sandwich and house-made sushi, delivered from Kona Island upstairs. The grab ‘n go case stays filled with drinks, salads, sandwiches and the popular cold noodle salad and turkey club, says Chef Pete.
Fans of the breakfast Tonga Toast will still find it on the menu, along with a new breakfast burrito with egg, bacon, potatoes and Cheddar cheese.
Bridget Sherren, operations manager for Food & Beverage at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, shared a little news about Pineapple Lanai, opening the end of August. “Dole Whip gets its own dedicated spot,” she says, a new window in the courtyard for Dole Whip soft serve and floats (pineapple or vanilla Dole Whip). “It’s a great spot for families,” says Bridget.
Another new treat is Hawaiian shaved ice at Kona Island on the resort’s second floor. Located just off the monorail, Kona Island serves specialty coffee and pastries all day, and now shaved ice joins the lineup, along with takeout sushi. Hours are 6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 – 10 p.m.
And watch for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to open in spring 2015 next door to Captain Cook’s. Details soon!
Kona Island at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will be closed from August 8 to September 30, 2014, with an expected reopening date of October 1 2014.
Kona Island serves morning coffee and pastries, along with sushi during the evenings. This closing joins the Nanea Volcano Pool, Barefoot Bay Pool Bar, the original Capt’ Cook’s, and Trader Jack’s as being closed during the Disney Vacation Club redevelopment of the resort.
Over the past couple of months ‘Ohana has abruptly removed a couple of menu items – the skewered chicken from its menu, and people were none too happy. Also the Mixed Greens Salad with a Lilkoi dressing is no longer listed on the ‘Ohana menu, and it actually won’t even be served at all….unless you ask for it.
Added to the ‘Ohana menu are Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with a Hoisin Ginger Sauce and a child’s dessert – Brownie with a marshmallow topping and M&M’s.
The menu itself has been rearranged a bit to now include an “Entree” section.
The noodles and vegetables used to be referred to as “Accompaniments.”
Here is how the new ‘Ohana Dinner Feast menu reads:
Starters
Appetizers
Entree
Skewers – Prepared over an oak fire, Served with Peanut and Sweet-n-Sour Sauces
Dessert
Disney’s Polynesian Resort appears to be firming up the dates for the refurbishment closures of the Nanea Volcano Pool area, Barefoot Pool Bar, and Trader Jack’s Gift Shop.
The Nanea Volcano Pool and area, including Barefoot Pool Bar will be closed July 26th until March 31 2015. Trader Jack’s Gift Shop in the Grand Ceremonial House will be closed June 16th until December 31 2014.
During the Nanea Pool refurbishment, the deck area will be significantly expanded to accommodate more guests, and a 12 person hot-tub will be installed. The resort will be offering a complimentary day at Blizzard Beach for guests affected by the closure of the main pool. The resort’s quiet pool will continue to be available as normal.
As always, the dates are subject to change, particularly the reopening dates.
According to WDWMAGIC.com –
The children’s activity center at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, that has recently been refurbished, will be opening to guests on June 17 2014.
The new activity center that was formerly known as the ‘Never Land Club,’ will be inspired by classic Disney Little Golden Books. Children will be able to take part in crafts, dress-up and story time. The Never Land Club closed in early January 2014 to begin the refurbishment.
Reservations can be made now for June 17 2014 and onwards by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Guests that are staying at Disney’s Polynesian Resort while the Nanea Volcano Pool refurbishment will receive a complimentary day at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park.
The main pool’s refurbishment is expected to begin in late July of this year and last until early 2015. Precise dates for the refurbishment have not been announced by Disney so far.
Here is an excerpt from the letter that Disney has sent guests that are staying at the Polynesian Resort –
“We anticipate the Nanea Volcano Pool and Slide to close for enhancement in late July through early 2015. Should you find the pool unavailable during your stay, one complimentary ticket to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, our watery winter wonderland featuring waterslides, a wave pool, water play areas for the kids and more, will be given to each member of your party. To ensure you have a seamless visit to the Park, we will provide transportation to a dedicated check-in at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park where you will receive your complimentary tickets and towels.”
Earlier today, Walt Disney World Resort President George A. Kalogridis announced some news about one of our most iconic resort hotels – Disney’s Polynesian Resort. As part of a complete re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
The sweeping renovation, happening now, also includes a new food and beverage experience opening for guests next year, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto — based on the popular themed lounge at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. There’s going to be lots more updates on this beachside family favorite, so stay tuned.
Disney News Today 