Riding the monorail is a Disney attraction as much as it is a form of transportation . PHOTO BY BRETT SVENSON
STOP TWO : DISNEY ’ S POLYNESIAN VILLAGE RESORT For our next stop , we ’ ve left the future of the Contemporary and arrived at a South Pacific-inspired retreat at Disney ’ s Polynesian Village Resort , which also opened on October 1 , 1971 .
Head to the check-in desk upon arrival for your lei to make your visit official . Then grab a selfie with Maui , the large tiki in the center of the lobby . If you look closely through the glass doors behind him , you ’ ll spot Cinderella Castle in the distance .
In addition to shopping for unique island merchandise , this resort has plenty of food and beverage offerings . Kona Café is a Table- Service restaurant famous for its breakfast Tonga Toast . You can get a slightly different version at Capt . Cook ’ s if you ’ re looking for something quick .
‘ Ohana has a delicious Polynesian-style dinner and a great
The longhouse buildings for guests — Pago Pago , Moorea , Tokelau , Hawaii , Samoa , Niue , Rarotonga , Tonga , Tuvalu , Fiji , and Aotearoa — are names of islands in the South Pacific .
view of Seven Seas Lagoon . Come for the all-you-can-eat dinner ; stay for the delicious ‘ Ohana Bread Pudding dessert . Save room for a nightcap at Trader Sam ’ s Grog Grotto , with theming tied to Jungle Cruise . Be sure to order some interactive specialty drinks that really liven up the place .
The resort rooms received a recent makeover and have a subtle Moana theme . Wall art is reminiscent of Maui ’ s tapestries , and you can find many of the film ’ s characters throughout the room . The color palette is tropical and refreshing , the perfect vibe for staying in this slice of paradise . The standard rooms are great , but if you want a one-of-a-kind experience , book a bungalow . This cottage sleeps eight and has unparalleled views of Seven Seas Lagoon .
The Lava Pool completes this resort . The zero-entry oasis with a volcano backdrop is great for cooling off after a day at Magic Kingdom .