THE TIDE , THE SUN , THE SKY When staying at a Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort , the room is only part of the experience . For water lovers like Moana , there is so much on offer beyond beautiful views ( though those are plentiful ) and ocean-colored accents in the guest rooms . A small marina once rented boats , but now you ’ re just a quick monorail ride away from the Contemporary or Grand Floridian , where you can arrange guided excursions or take out pontoon boats at your leisure .
The “ feature ” Volcano Pool has obvious appeal , but adults seeking respite will love the Oasis Pool , too . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER
Aside from waterfront vistas , the beach has excellent fireworks views . PHOTO BY DANNY SHUSTER
The beachfront offers loungers , swinging benches , and a great vantage point to enjoy fireworks at Magic Kingdom or the Electrical Water Pageant . A jogging trail takes guests along Seven Seas Lagoon to the Grand Floridian and back , and Pineapple Lanai offers refreshments you can enjoy at the pool or on the beach . Inside Trader Sam ’ s Grog Grotto , you can order oceaninspired cocktails like the Polynesian Pearl or Nautilus . But be careful — you might anger the gods and cause an indoor rain shower !
The Volcano Pool offers views out over the lagoon and a spacious place to swim or splash with the family , including whirlpool spas . While it ’ s the “ feature ” pool of the resort , I prefer the Oasis Pool , a relaxing , zero-depth entry experience with cabanas available to rent and a poolside bar and grill ( get
GROTTO GET YOU ONE ! THE POLYNESIAN PEARL AT TRADER SAM ’ S
If you ’ re adventuring the South Seas , it won ’ t matter much that , without queueing early for Trader Sam ’ s Grog Grotto , you ’ ll likely have to enjoy your Polynesian Pearl under the shining Florida sunshine . But if you ’ re adventuring closer to Orlando than O ‘ ahu , you ’ ll want to get in line early .
While we didn ’ t luck out and get to take home a Black Pearl , the opalescent white pearl — and its sweet liquid concoction — were more than enough to transport us to Polynesia , if only for a little while .
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CATHY SALUSTRI
Whether you sip outside or inside the Grotto , the Polynesian Pearl offers a refreshing taste of flavors : RumChata Cream Liqueur and Grand Marnier mix nicely with cinnamon and tropical juices , giving you a much-needed sugar boost along with a taste of the islands .
Bonus : While the shimmering white pearl vessel is yours to keep , one out of 100 will get blessed with the Black Pearl , which is not only a ship in the Pirates of the Caribbean films but a luscious pearl crafted from the heart of an oyster — and also a keepsake that only a few lucky guests at Trader Sam ’ s get to take home .