A guide to the seven different Disney Polynesian restaurants! The dining scene at the Poly is a huge plus to staying there – here’s what to expect.
In this post you find an overview of the Disney Polynesian restaurants plus details about the recent upgrades and additions to the dining options.
The Polynesian might have the best assortment of dining options at any Disney World Deluxe resort! Read on to learn why…
Capt Cooks
Captain Cook’s is the main quick service (aka counter service) dining location at the Polynesian.
It serves up Polynesian and Asian inspired food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There is seating both inside and outside at Capt Cook’s. The interior dining area of Capt Cook’s has a nice airy feel and features fun travel posters from around Polynesia.
After ordering you’ll be given a disc that Cast Members use to locate you and will deliver your food to you when it is ready. They can even find you on the large patio area, which overlooks the Kiki Tiki water play area.
In addition to Mickey waffles at breakfast, you can also score some of the famous Tonga Toast at Captain Cooks. It is served in Kona Cafe as well and consists of deep-friend banana stuffed french toast dusted with cinnamon sugar.
If you are lucky, you might even find a Moana cupcake at Capt Cooks! A Cast Member said they aren’t always available so we were thrilled that we found this beauty in the dessert case.
Captain Cooks is definitely the most convenient dining option at the Polynesian. Get the current menu from Disney here.
Trader Sam’s
Down the hallway from Capt. Cooks you’ll find the unassuming entrance to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. It’s best described as an “interactive bar”.
We checked it out on our most recent visit and it is now one of my favorite places in Walt Disney World! It’s a must do if you are staying at the Poly.
You can absolutely take your kiddos with you to Trader Sam’s. There are specialty alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) beverages available as well as small plates.
I had the Dark and Tropical Stormy and the Chicken Lettuce wraps. Both were fantastic.
If the Grog Grotto is filled to capacity (which it often is), you can still get one of the famous drinks at the outdoor Tiki Terrace. There is ample seating on the terrace, which also serves as overflow for Capt. Cooks.
Disney Polynesian Restaurants: ‘Ohana
‘Ohana is definitely the most popular dining location at the Polynesian. And for good reason – the food in amazing!
There is a character breakfast with Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, and Stich which is served family style.
The food is standard Disney breakfast food – Mickey waffles, eggs, potatoes, fruit, and a delicious Hawaiian pineapple bread.
Dinner is a popular meal and while there aren’t characters there are endless plates of fire roasted meat (chicken, steak, and shrimp on our last visit) plus bread and salad, appetizers (see above) and an incredible bread pudding for dessert.
Tambu Lounge
Tambu Lounge is located right outside of the ‘Ohana entrance. It serves appetizers and specialty cocktails – get the menu here.
My favorite drink there is “The Backscratcher” which has light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, Jack Daniel’s, and is served with an actual bamboo back scratcher.
Another popular drink is the Lapu Lapu which is served up in a whole pineapple.
Disney Polynesian Restaurants: Kona Cafe
Kona Cafe is another excellent dining option at the Polynesian.
It is table service (1 credit on the Disney Dining Plan) and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You’ll start your lunch or dinner meal with this amazing sweet bread served with macadamia nut butter.
The menu is Asian inspired and includes noodle bowls (such as this shrimp and veggie dish), sushi, steaks, and sandwiches.
Get the menu straight from Disney here.
Pineapple Lanai
Another dining location is the Pineapple Lanai, located right outside of the Grand Ceremonial house close to Capt. Cooks.
It is one of the only locations I know of in Disney World (outside of a theme park) where you can get a famous Dole Whip!
Here’s a little tip: if you want to share a Dole Whip, you can ask the Cast Member to split it between two cups. This makes it possible to share one serving between two kiddos!
The last dining location is the Oasis Bar and Grill at the Oasis leisure pool.
It offers a few quick service meals and is only open during peak times. We found it closed at 7 pm on a Monday during spring break, so I wouldn’t count on it to be open when you want.
That wraps up the many Disney Polynesian restaurants at this amazing resort. As you can see, you won’t go hungry at the Polynesian!
And for comparison, check out this post with the Swan and Dolphin restaurants.