Restaurants in the Polynesian include 'Ohana, family style Polynesian fare. Meats and seafood are grilled in an open pit in the center of the restaurant and served, all you can eat, at your table. Priority seating is recommended, as this restaurant is lively and popular.
At the Kona Cafe, a traditional casual restaurant, we were able to walk in on three separate occasions without more of a few minutes' wait. The seafood entrees, particularly the grilled tuna, were excellent. I recommend the Lapu Lapu, which made up in presentation what it lost in volume. Served in a hollowed-out pineapple, it was just the sort of tropical fruit and coconut mix I imagined while watching the adults enjoy these on my childhood visit.
The "Spirit of Aloha" luau is the signature dining event at the Polynesian Resort. The newly-themed show still features hula and fire dancing, and adds a new storyline plus music from "Lilo and Stitch." Meals have a South Seas flavor and are served family style (all-you-can-eat, served at your table). Priority Seating arrangements are definitely recommended for this show.
Other dining options include Captain Cook's, a food court offering basic and quick meals all day, and the Barefoot Pool Bar for snacks. The Tambu Lounge serves drinks just outside the 'Ohana restaurant.
A short monorail ride away lies the Contemporary Resort. We ventured out one evening for a memorable meal at the California Grill. We were fascinated by the automatic window shades, which slowly lowered themselves throughout the room as the sun sunk in the sky, then rose for the big show -- the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. The Contemporary has a clear view of the fireworks, and the music and voice-over narration is piped in over the speakers. The fireworks show becomes an event, as the lights are lowered and diners leave their food forgotten while they ooh and ahh over the lights. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. But -- I should leave that for another review. Suffice to say using the monorail for quick hops to the Contemporary and Grand Floridian Resorts greatly increases your restaurant options.
