Disney has just announced a new expansion at the Polynesian Village Resort near Magic Kingdom!
Lots of changes, upgrades, additions, and reimaginings have been taking place at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels recently, and the news just keeps coming!
We first learned that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort would be getting new theming in some of its rooms; this time, Moana would join the line-up. Then Disney reimagined some of the Guest rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort so that everyone’s favorite family of supers could be a part of the fun! The Grand Floridian Resort is currently undergoing a transformation with its Disney Vacation Club rooms, and we just learned that the Boardwalk Inn near EPCOT will be getting its very own upgrades!
Today we have learned that Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will get yet another surprise, and it’s a big one! The Resort Hotel will be getting a brand-new addition, which is slated to be completed sometime in late 2024. It will be an expansion of the Disney Vacation Club at the Polynesian Village Resort and will include brand-new Guest rooms, new offerings in Guest recreation, new dining locations, and more!
When dining at Walt Disney World Resort, there is something for everyone. From a quick snack to full-on sit-downs and buffets and nearly 400 places to eat, food experiences loom large at The Most Magical Place on Earth. However, when the Parks were forced to shut down due to the pandemic, Disney decided to take a hard look at its dining experiences and has made the decision that not all of them will return.
We have just learned that The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort will not be opening back up. The show had been unavailable to Guests since the Parks reopened last summer. At this time, Disney has not announced if a new show will take its place or if they will no longer offer any type of dinner show. The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show had been a part of the Resort since Walt Disney World opened in 1971. Guests loved being a part of a traditional Hawaiian luau that brought them straight to the islands.
While The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show will no longer be a dining option for Guests visiting Polynesian Village, there are still a number of other delicious spots to enjoy. ‘Ohana is a great sit-down restaurant that is open daily for breakfast and dinner. Both breakfast and dinner feature all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style meals. It should be noted though that, at this time, character dining is still unavailable for breakfast.
Kona Café is another great dining option at the deluxe resort. Kona Café is open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner and features a number of signature dishes like Tonga Toast, Pineapple Macadamia Pancakes, and Kona-Braised Short Rib.
f you’re looking for a fantastic breakfast option, look no further than the beloved Tonga Toast, served at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
From a Disney Cast Member;
When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971.
This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect treat and a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic.
Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Serves 4
Ingredients:
Sugar-Cinnamon
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Batter
4 large eggs
1 1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Tonga Toast
1 quart canola oil, for frying
1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
2 large bananas, peeled
Directions:
For Sugar-Cinnamon:
Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended. Set aside.
For Batter:
Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
For Tonga Toast:
Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.
Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.
Disney is celebrating their first ever “DOLE Whip Day”! It’s no surprise that Dole Whips have that enticing taste that tends to draw in a Disney foodie following! And now, Disney has made our love for all things Dole Whip even easier by sharing a list of all their current Dole Whip offerings and where to find them. And yes, Dole Whips are fat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free with no cholesterol… so what’s not to love?
First up, in celebration of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney has launched the limited-time “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. From July 19 through 21 you can order the “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone – Dole Whip raspberry swirled with Dole Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar.
Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park
Dole Whip pineapple, lemon, mango, and raspberry (can be swirled)
Dole Whip Floats
Dole Whip pineapple-lemon swirl with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip pineapple-raspberry swirl with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip raspberry-lemon swirl with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip raspberry-lemon with passionfruit, orange, and guava juice
Loaded Dole Whips
Jungle Cruise Dessert Bowl – Dole Whip with blueberries, strawberries, and mandarin oranges topped with coconut caramel sauce, crushed plantains, dried hibiscus, and toasted coconut
Dole Whip chile-mango with chamoy, mango, and chile-lime
Tangaroa Terrace Tropical Bar & Grill at Disneyland Hotel
Dole Whip
Dole Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip topped with rum
Aloha Isle at Magic Kingdom Park
Dole Whip
Dole Whip Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom Park
Dole Whip orange
Orange Cream Cup – Dole Whip orange and vanilla soft-serve
I Lava You Float – Dole Whip orange topped with Fanta Strawberry and red passion fruit syrup topped with popping candy
Marketplace Snacks at Disney Springs
Dole Whip
Dole Whip lime (through Labor Day)
Fresh Dole Whip Watermelon Slice – Dole Whip watermelon served in a fresh watermelon slice topped with chocolate chips (through Labor Day)
Dole Whip Watermelon Parfait – Dole Whip watermelon and Key lime custard with a Mickey-shaped watermelon piece topped with chocolate chips (through Labor Day)
Tamu Tamu at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Dole Whip
Dole Whip Float – Dole Whip topped with Dole pineapple juice
Dole Whip topped with coconut rum
Simba Sunset – Dole Whip topped with flavored syrups (watermelon, strawberry, and coconut)
King’s Cooler – Dole Whip topped with coconut rum and flavored syrups (watermelon, strawberry, and coconut)
Trilo-Bites at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Trilo-Bites Twist – Dole Whip orange with vanilla soft-serve
Barefoot Pool Bar and Oasis Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Frosty Pineapple – Dole Whip blended with rum
Frozen Margarita Dole Whip lime blended with tequila blended and chili-lime seasoning
Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Dole Whip (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
Dole Whip lemon, lime, strawberry, raspberry, and mango (rotates as “Today’s Flavors”)
Dole Whip topped with coconut rum
Exclusive for Dole Whip Day – “Tamatoa-inspired” Dipped Cone – Dole Whip raspberry swirled with Dole Whip orange in a white chocolate-dipped waffle cone and coated with “shiny” gold sugar (available July 19- 21)
Warming Hut at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Dole Whip cone or cup (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
Refreshment Outpost at EPCOT
Dole Whip pineapple, watermelon, or swirl (July 15-Nov. 20)
Little ‘Opihi’s at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Dole Whip pineapple, mango, watermelon, and vanilla soft-serve
Dole Whip Fresh Fruit Sundae with sprinkles in a waffle bowl topped with fresh pineapple (Moana-themed) or watermelon fruit (Stitch-themed)
Mickey and Minnie Waffle Bowl featuring Dole Whip with sprinkles
Ulu Cafe at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Dole Whip mango (can be swirled with vanilla soft-serve)
Psst … we have been told the popular Dole Whip Pumpkin Spice will again be offered this fall at Ulu Café – YES!
How about THAT list?! Looks like a rather delicious list in our opinion! Take note that the above Dole Whip offerings are subject to availability. Your best bet is to get out and try them sooner rather than later so you’ll have a chance to taste your desired Dole Whip.
After months long closure due to COVID, the resort is officially reopening to ALL resort guests. While previously, Disney Vacation Club resort guests were able to enjoy the resort, it’s fantastic now having the resort fully open! Disney has shared the exciting news that Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is reopening, plus a tasty limited-time Dole Whip has launched at the resort. And now, Disney has also shared that the new Moana-themed rooms are ready for guests!
As shared by Disney: “Today’s reopening of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort also includes new, beautifully reimagined guest rooms inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands. Reimagined rooms include details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana.” We recently shared a look inside.”
