Disney World continues to work its way back to normal follow an extended closure due and nearly a year of phased reopening. The pace of change has really picked up and normal is within sight. Earlier today we learned about a HUGE step forward with the return of fireworks and nighttime spectaculars to Disney parks. Disney has also announced the re-opening date for another of its signature resort hotels.
From Disney World:
As we continue to take a measured and deliberate approach to reopening our Disney Resort hotels, we are happy to share that starting tomorrow, June 16, we will begin accepting bookings for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for arrivals beginning Aug. 26.
As a reminder, we are now also accepting bookings for:
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn for arrivals beginning July 2
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for arrivals beginning in late July
As we previously shared, future reopening dates of Disney Resort hotels are subject to change and reservations could still be modified to other Disney Resort hotels.
JUST IN! Disney has announced ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will reopen this summer! While the breakfast and dinner offerings do look slightly different, the menus still sound excellent. Note, characters will not be available at breakfast as they were in the past.
As shared by Disney: “‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Opening July 9; bookings available June 10): With the backdrop of tropical greenery, ‘Ohana will again offer their fabulous all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast and dinner offerings when they reopen. Although Disney characters will not be hosting breakfast, a strolling musician will entertain guests for dinner. For breakfast, start with pineapple-coconut breakfast bread, move on to Stitch and Mickey Mouse waffles, then dig into “eggs”cellent breakfast skillets with ham, sausage, and breakfast potatoes. The ‘Ohana dinner features all-you-care-to-enjoy platters of grilled beef steak, roasted chicken, sausage, and island shrimp casserole served with fried rice and roasted broccolini. And yes, ‘Ohana pot stickers, crispy soy chicken wings, and the signature ‘Ohana bread pudding served warm with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream are back! Yippee!”
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has been closed for some time for refurbishment. The rooms are being reimagined with a Moana theme. Disney has released photos of the reimagined rooms.
From a Disney Cast Member;
Can you feel that Pacific breeze blowing? That’s because we just stepped into Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort here at Walt Disney World Resort! Have a look at these new photos we’re sharing for the first time, taking you inside a newly reimagined guest room at the resort.
These reimagined spaces feature a new color palette inspired by the Pacific Ocean and its many islands, including details, patterns and textures from the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film “Moana” – look closely and you might even spot some characters from the story!
You’ll also see all-new furnishings and fixtures. In the bathrooms, for instance, Disney Imagineers took inspiration from the sandy ocean floor for the tiles and carved details in the vanity. The colorful patterns found throughout the room bring a whole new energy to the space, evoking undulating ocean waves and tropical flowers.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is now accepting bookings for late July 2021, and the next time you pull up to the Great Ceremonial House, you’ll notice even more exciting changes we’re currently working on. The porte cochere is in the midst of a dramatic overhaul that will feature a high-pitched, open-truss roof covered in a thatch style with pops of color. Above the porte cochere, the Monorail station is receiving new wooden screens with tropical colors, adding to the open and airy vibe befitting of the South Seas.
This popular locale joins the other Disney Resort hotels of Walt Disney World in creating the Disney Resorts Collection, where the magic you find in the theme parks extends to every moment of your vacation. Disney Resort hotels offer you a wide selection of fantastic settings to choose from, inspired by worlds both real and imagined. You’re fully immersed in our legendary storytelling and guest service that extend beyond our theme parks to every moment of your stay, whether you’re visiting an African savanna, strolling a seaside boardwalk, see a favorite Disney character or so much more – there’s magic seemingly around every corner.
We’ll have more to share about the developments happening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in the weeks and months to come. This exciting progress is part of the overall evolution of our Disney Resort hotels, as we infuse even more Disney touches across our collection – just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” beginning Oct. 1, 2021, in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
We love that we can now make some of our favorite Disney recipes at home! If 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.
A sad week on the news front for numerous Disney Cast Members as Disney is laying off 28,000 domestic employees. Unfortunately, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort entertainers are among the Disney layoffs.
As shared on the Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Pages: “I had to reuse this graphic made by Joshua L Harris today after many of the Cast Members were told they won’t be back, including the entertainers at the resort.”
The page also posted the following picture with: “Let’s hope this even comes back.”
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show has been a Disney fan favorite for years at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Disney’s Polynesian Resort remains closed (outside of the Disney Vacation Club portion) until Summer 2021.
