Tag Archives: Orlando

Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Posted by The Tiki Chick in Bar & Restaurant Reviews and tagged with , ,

Barefoot Pool Bar

We had intended to have a tasty beverage at the Tambu Lounge (probably something in a pineapple), but we didn’t have time to wait for it to open as we were soon heading to Epcot where there were rides to wait in line for and countries to drink at.

The menu at the Barefoot Pool Bar

The Barefoot Pool Bar is found, you guessed it, down by the pool. They didn’t have nearly the selection of libations, but they were the only game in town at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. And I may not know much about mixology, but I do know that many consider putting pineapple juice in a Mai Tai to be a grave offense.

Tikis

I first thought this photo was notable for the tikis flanking the flat-screen tv (another supposed tiki bar no-no), but now I marvel at the number of fans set up. Sadly, I doubt they made much of a difference for that dude.

Pina Colava & Orange Dream

It was freakin’ hot out, so we went the frozen route with the Pina Colava and Orange Dream. Both were tasty and hit the spot but I thought the Pina Colava was the better of the two.

Pool volcano at Disney's Polynesian Resort

It was tempting to take a whirl down the pool’s volcano slide, but I wanted to get some shopping in at the Bou-Tiki back in the lobby.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing extensive renovations in 2014, including the closing of the Nanea Volcano Pool. For the latest updates, you should check out Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages

Disney’s Polynesian Resort – Orlando, FL

Posted by The Tiki Chick in Tiki Sites and Stores and tagged with , ,

Disney's Polynesian Resort

My family went to Disney World this summer and I thought the parks were great, of course, but I was almost more impressed by the resorts The Mouse has built to house his tourists. I love themed things, and the attention to detail given to each of the hotels is staggering—especially the Animal Kingdom Villas, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the TIKI-themed Polynesian Resort.

Tikis watching over the valet parking station

However, this is a “deluxe” resort and one of Disney’s most popular so rooms start at $355 per night! Needless to say, we stayed elsewhere but I had to make a trip out there to do some exploring.

Once you enter the realm of Disney, you’re immediately transported from a concrete parking lot to a tropical paradise. Waterfalls, hibiscus and lush foliage surround the wooden bridge that takes you into the lobby.

The lobby

I like all the bamboo in the lobby area. With all the greenery and openness of the main building, the resort looked and felt very Hawaiian to me. Guests even get orchid leis when they check in.

The Great Ceremonial House

Their site says that the Great Ceremonial House is supposed to resemble a royal Tahitian assembly lodge and that there’s more than 75 kinds of plantlife in this oasis they have going on in the atrium. You have to appreciate how Disney can go all out!

You can’t really see here, but there are “hidden” Mickeys designed into the pattern of the rug. In the background you can see the display window of their main store, the Bou-Tiki.

A village longhouse

Surrounding this main building are nearly a dozen “village longhouses” where the actual hotel rooms are located. Each of the longhouses are named after Polynesian islands (Rapa Nui, Hawaii, etc.) and feature a unique design with those red, brown and orange colors straight out of the seventies.

The Polynesian Resort

Though that shouldn’t be surprising considering the Polynesian Resort opened back in 1971 as one of Disney World’s first on-site hotels.

Rongo tiki

Among the tiki statues we found while wandering the grounds was Rongo, who may look familiar to you from Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room.

I heart hammocks

Near the pool is a beach area with hammocks that were just too tempting not to lounge in for a bit. Hammocks are definitely a plus in my book.

This spot is also supposed to be a good place to watch the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom park across the lake. (Swimming in the Seven Seas Lagoon is forbidden…alligators, perhaps? This is Florida, after all.)

Polynesian Resort at Disney World

Polynesian Resort at Disney World
1600 Seven Seas Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-824-2000
disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort

EDITOR’S NOTE: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing extensive renovations in 2014, so consider this a time capsule. For the latest updates, you should check out Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages