A cool breeze welcomed us as we walked under the building, which is an open area with torches, water fountains, wooden statues and welcoming smiles. Men and women adorned in tropical attires… beautiful red, yellow and orange flowers… guests wearing leis, swimwear and a recent tan.
Sure, we all dream of a vacation to Kona, Hawaii. The miles and miles of unspoiled shoreline, happy feet walking on white sandy beaches, sitting on a lounge chair with the tropical breeze calming you as you doze off reading your favorite book.
The Polynesian Resort at Disney is all of that and more… it is a place for a dose of man-made Hawaii. Disney’s creativity and excellence is seen all over the resort. Polynesian inspired artwork, architecture and concepts make this place the next best thing to the Hawaiian Islands.
For inspiration, I travel to Disney whenever I have the time, since it is only an hour to an hour and a half drive from home (depending on traffic and if we get lost again).
At the center of the resort is a lavish décor of greens, volcanic rocks, water cascades and flowers. Kona Cafe is on the second floor. Table for five was reserved a week ahead. Some restaurants inside Disney’s theme parks are open to the public without the need to hold theme park passes. Check with Disney’s reservation to find out more.
This is a great way to dine outside the usual, and the best part is parking is free. You can take the bus or the monorail around Disney theme parks. Of course, you are not allowed to enter the theme parks without a ticket.
As the hostess brings you into the casual café “without walls”, she will bring you to feast your eyes with the dessert selections on the onstage open pastry kitchen before you are seated. This afternoon, Julio was making macaroons.
These are what were served at our table (and more)…
The resort has its own beach, huge pool, water slides built inside a 40-foot volcano for kids, and a snack and drinks bar. The beach looks as though its been there forever, with palm trees and lounge chairs lining the area.
Disney Polynesian Resort is a combination of Hawaiian and Tahitian decors. The two-story and three-story village longhouses are connected to the Great Ceremonial House that is built to resemble a royal Tahitian assembly lodge.
Whether it looks like the real Hawaii or Tahiti, Disney Polynesian Resort gives guests a feel of tropical paradise. Today we were there to meet our daughter’s classmate from third grade. They have not seen each other for eight years. Oh, how the girls have grown since those little play dates in Long Island New York.
Both living thousands of miles apart with different ambitions and dreams… as I sat across the table from them, I realized this friendship was enriched because her parents and us have helped in making it possible.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. In Hawaiian the word “ohana” means family. Family could mean parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and children living under a roof. It could also mean a close friend or close family friends not related by birth.
Danielle is our “ohana”… even though she is of Russian, American, Jewish descent.
That’s inspiration and friendship at Kona Café, Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Walt Disney said, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
What are your thoughts? Please leave your comment below.
Click on link for more information about Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
Awesome, that looks so appealing to go and enjoy the warmth, the food and all the other goodies. that you showed us. Hope to visit Florida soon!!
In a couple of visits to Disney, I have found that the Polynesian resorts can be one of 'steals' that is available at Disney.
ok where do I sign up!! wow amazing! thanks for sharing!
Wow, Claudia... what a job you have, reporting and writing on the best places to travel and visit! This looks absolutely enticing... I can only imagine what it felt like to enter the cool resort from the hot and humid outdoors... and to see the beach area. I love to travel through your blog, Claudia!
Wow! Great tip- I didn't know you could go to the restaurants w/o a DW ticket- cool!
Do they always let you in the kitchen to photograph?
Is a week in advance a normal thing to do?
I want to go!!!
Hi Jenny, you would love it. About reservation, it's better to reserve earlier especially during peak season.
Looks like a beautiful place to stay! I love all your pictures. I would love to take my kid's there for a Disney vacation.
The friendliest place for kids of any age 🙂
I always get such a kick out of reading your blogs. You always have such amazing pictures to go along with your detailed descriptions. It really puts you there.
I appreciate that, Ron! ")
Claudia, you are making me want to travel to Disney World... I've never been there. We have been to Disney Land in Anaheim, CA several times and always enjoy it. From your description this part of Disney World is far more elaborate than Disney Land and that is always what I have heard. It looks so pleasant, cool, and peaceful...... and the food you pictured looks to die for. Thanks for letting me travel along with you to all these great places... you are a blessing and a breath of very fresh air.
I'll have one creme brulee with bruleed banana, thank you! I love Hawaii - been going since 1958 and lived in Kailua-Kona with my second husband! It is such a beautiful place!
Welcome Jani. Oh yes, the creme brulee is heavenly!