REVIEW: New Dishes at Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

WDWNT on August 18, 2016

Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort recently underwent some menu changes, so we decided to head on over last night and check it out for ourselves.

New Menu at Captain Cook’s

 

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Sandwiches and Grill Menu From Captain Cooks

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Polynesian Favorites Menu from Captain Cook’s

New, but not in this review is the seared chicken breast.

Flatbread, Salad and Soup Menu

Flatbread, Salad and Soup Menu

Fish Tacos ($9.29)

Fish Tacos ($9.29)

Fish Tacos ($9.29)

Before you even say anything, yes, we should have got the chips as a side but someone forgot to ask… anyway, these were surprisingly good. The two tacos are of a good size and heavily doused in the chipotle lime cream, which is a good thing. Everything about these was fresh and delicious, well, except for the awful Disney counter service fries which we should have not ordered.

Fish Tacos ($9.29)

Fish Tacos ($9.29)

Pork Fried Rice ($8.99)

Pork Fried Rice ($8.99)

Pork Fried Rice ($8.99)

A good price for a lot of food. The pork was very well prepared and very tender, the rice however was a little overdone but still tasted fine. This is a really good option, but I saw another reviewer call this their favorite quick service item at Walt Disney World, which to me seems like a bit much. It’s solid overall, not great though.

Pork Fried Rice ($8.99)

Pork Fried Rice ($8.99)

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Pan Asian Noodles and Vegetables with Shrimp ($10.99)

Pan Asian Noodles and Vegetables with Shrimp ($10.99)

If you enjoy the delicious noodles upstairs at Ohana, this may be a good substitute for when you can’t go there. You can chose to add shrimp or chicken for an added charge, we chose shrimp. Overall it was a very good and a nice sized portion.

Curried Seafood Stew ($13.99)

Curried Seafood Stew ($13.99)

Curried Seafood Stew ($13.99)

This was a weird dish, but I ended up eating all of it so I think I enjoyed it. There is a fair amount of seafood in here for a counter service dish, and the rice gets thoroughly soaked in the curry sauce which has a really good flavor to it which is not very spicy. While I would have enjoyed more spice, the dish was good as is and likely something I would order again.

Overall, these are great additions to the menu which are all solid options and fit the theme of the hotel nicely. Unique offerings are always a plus and these are very unique options for an already stellar counter service restaurant.

OVERALL SCORE FOR CAPTAIN COOK’S – 6.5 OUT OF 7

New Flyover to Allow Resort Guests to Bypass Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza

WDWNT on August 3, 2015

Within the next 5 years, guests traveling to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Contemporary Resort will no longer have to make a stop at the Magic Kingdom toll plaza. A flyover will take resort traffic past the current-day Magic Kingdom toll plaza when completed. The changes will be part of a major overhaul of the Magic Kingdom parking area and vehicle main entrance that will be accommodated by the removal of the Walt Disney World Speedway.

New Excitement at Disney's Polynesian

You might be able to get here a lot faster soon…

Other major road changes are coming to Walt Disney World according to the Orlando Sentinel:

  • A reconfiguration of Osceola Parkway at Victory Way, southeast of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and north of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. A traditional intersection will be replaced with a flyover design similar to that at state roads 50 and 436 near Orlando. The flyover would take Osceola Parkway traffic over Victory Way.
  • An extension of Western Way to Avalon Road, or County Road 545. Currently Western Way ends around the Flamingo Crossings development under construction.
  • A Center Drive bypass to the west that will allow traffic heading south off Reams Road more direct access to Floridian Way.

These changes are in preparation for several years of major expansion ahead for the resort, including Star Wars and Toy Story additions to the Studios, AVATAR and a new nighttime show at Animal Kingdom, and the conversion of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs.

New Concept Art and Details on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, DVC Sale Date Announced

WDWNT on January 29, 2015

DisneyÕs Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at DisneyÕs Polynesian Village Resort

Disney Vacation Club will begin initial sales for its newest resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, next week. Current Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to purchase real estate interests beginning Jan. 12, and general sales will begin Feb. 9. When the first phase opens, scheduled for April 1, the resort will introduce unique accommodations, including the now-named Bora Bora Bungalows and connecting Deluxe Studios on the mainland.

DisneyÕs Polynesian Villas & Bungalows at DisneyÕs Polynesian Village Resort

The 20 Bora Bora Bungalows on the Seven Seas Lagoon will sleep up to eight guests each in a two-bedroom, home-like setting reminiscent of the South Pacific. The Bungalows have two full bathrooms, a kitchen, washer and dryer, and large dining and living room spaces for gatherings. Décor combines modern style with the tropical and enchanting look and feel of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort that guests love.

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Bora Bora Bungalow layout

Private decks will feature a plunge pool where Members and guests can view fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, complete with the soundtrack that can be heard through an individual sound system. They will also have front-row seats to the Electrical Water Pageant!

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

The new Lava pool

The new resort also includes 360 Deluxe Studio Villas, the largest at the Walt Disney World Resort. These villas sleep up to five guests each and feature a kitchenette, enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort, and two separate bathroom areas, one a full bathroom with a tub/shower and another one with a shower and sink. A pull-down armoire bed showcases painted artwork from the popular Disney film, Lilo & Stitch.

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New Concept Art and Details Revealed for “Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows”, Part of the Disney Vacation Club

WDWNT on December 30, 2014

Today, disney released concept art and details on the Disney Vacation Club expansion of the Polynesian Village Resort, now known as “Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows”.

The bungalows will be the first of their kind on any Disney property. The 20 Bungalows will sleep up to eight guests each and be just steps away from the new plunge pool overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, not to mention an unparalleled view of the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks.

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The Polynesian bungalows

On the mainland, the villas will feature largest Deluxe Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. The 360 Deluxe Studios will sleep up to five guests each and have the ability to connect to another Deluxe Studio, the first time this has been done at a Disney Vacation Club Resort. Similar to Disney Cruise Line ships and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the rooms will each have a bathroom separated into two areas, one with a shower and sink and the other with a sink and tub/shower. Plus, they also will have kitchenettes and enhanced storage space for convenience and comfort.

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Inside the rooms at the Polynesian villas

The first phase of the Polynesian Villas and Bunglaows will open in early 2015.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Debuts Beautiful Waterfall Marquee to Welcome Guests

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

You may as well strike “Disney’s Polynesian Resort” from your vocabulary, because the name change is in full-effect now…

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The waterfall is just to the left of the main motor vehicle entrance for the resort and marks the first permanent signage at the resort to reflect the new name so far. To really appreciate how nice the sight is at night with the running water and lighting, we also have a video for you to enjoy:

The name change and cosmetic overhaul of the resort is in preparation for the opening of the Disney Vacation Club wing of the resort in early 2015.

Dirk Wallen’s 8/7/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Hub Work, Halloween Merch, Mansion Store, ETC.)

WDWNT on September 5, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen returns with some fantastic, newsworthy photos from the Magic Kingdom to share with us, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

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The parking lot at the Vacation Club wing at the Polynesian is taking shape

Work continues on the Hub expansion at the Magic Kingdom

Halloween merchandise has arrived

This year’s shirt features Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion


Mad Hatter Mocha cake cup served at Cheshire Café

The Seven Dwarfs Mine store is closed for refurbishment, but it’s unclear if it will return as the same store or carry Seven Dwarfs merchandise currently on sale at Hundred Acre Goods

The Yankee Trader is now closed for conversion into The Haunted Mansion-themed store

 

6/24/14 Walt Disney World Photo Report (Polynesian Resort, Magic Kingdom, & Animal Kingdom)

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

WDWNT Reporters Joe Hogarty and John Corigliano visited Disney’s Polynesian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s animal kingdom over the last few days and have plenty of exciting pictures to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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Concept art for the changes at the Polynesian are decorating the walls that cover up the work in the lobby

The entrance to what will be the Disney Vacation Club wing

TRADER SAM’S!!!

Another look at the DVC building

The new look lobby in the Great Ceremonial House

Captain Cook’s new look

Seating area by the outside pool bar

More Trader Sam’s

Captain Cook’s is still closed

Work outside the arrival area at the Great Ceremonial House

A look at the bungalows

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, Anna and Elsa now meet on one side of Fairytale Hall alone, they are also no longer posing with each other

Plenty of Frozen merchandise inside Sir Mickey’s

If you’re afraid of your children going deaf from loud music, buy these

This store really needs a name change… Sir Mickey’s has nothing but female character merchandise

A long line to buy Frozen merchandise…

The Astro Orbiter and the TTA are both closed for refurbishment

The entire Astro Orbiter has been dismantled

Work continues on the massive hub overhaul at the Magic Kingdom

The Gaston fountain is starting to look a little funky… not sure if they’ll leave it for the more realistic look

Aurora now greeting guests next door to City Hall

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Moving over to Animal Kingdom, there are walls up all over the park

The KODAK sign is still up…

Walls near Flame Tree Barbecue

The gate along the path from Asia to Africa, has been demolished…

Maybe a new pathway?

Walls up on Discovery Island

Walls up in Africa where the new pathway should lead

The construction area for the path goes very close to the Wildlife Express Train tracks

The path would go around Tamu Tamu Refreshments and the adjacent seating area

Thanks for the report John and Joe!

More Details Released On Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; Dole Whip Bar On The Way!

WDWNT on June 29, 2014

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Earlier this month, we told you about big changes coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort including the resort changing its name. Well, Disney is sharing some new details and concept art of the changes on the way today:

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First of all, making its debut next month is a brand new children’s activity center called Club Disney. Here, children can be supervised by Disney cast members while they play dress up, make crafts and participate in storytelling experiences while their parents have fun on their own elsewhere at the resort. The area itself looks like a child’s fairy tale brought to life, as Imagineers drew inspiration from classic Disney Little Golden Books, including “Alice In Wonderland,” “Pinocchio” and “Lady and The Tramp.” Club Disney replaces the long running Neverland Club at the resort.

Pictured above is a new food and beverage location, Pineapple Lenai kiosk, which will offer a tropical guest favorite – Dole Whip. The “Dole Whip Bar”, as we have called it in our rumor postings over the last year, will open before the end of 2014.

The resort’s Nanea Volcano pool is currently undergoing several enhancements, including expanding to include a new aquatic playground with slides for children, a new hot tub, and a larger deck with more seating for guests.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, featured in the image at the top of the post, will open in 2015.

Re-Imagined Disney’s Polynesian Resort Announced

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

New Excitement at Disney's Polynesian

Back in February, we posted about the closure of the Polynesian Resort lobby as it made way for a complete overhaul. Well, its now official that Disney’s Polynesian Resort is going to be completely “Re-Imagined” starting with a name change. As part of a complete re-imagining, Disney’s Polynesian Resort is returning to its original, 1971 opening day name: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The biggest announcement outside of the re-imagining, is that the infamous Trader Sam’s from the Disneyland Hotel is making its way to Walt Disney World as Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Check out the official concept art for the re-imaging.

Dirk Wallen’s 4/22/14 WDW Photo Report (Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, ETC.)

WDWNT on May 12, 2014

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s animal Kingdom yesterday and has a number of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The lobby lives on…

Still no visible progress at the old Wyland Gallery

The temporary Captain Cook’s is what is usually where Cast Members eat at the resort

The Disney Vacation Club bungalows are progressing nicely

Not hard to believe these will open by next year, they have progressed quickly

Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work continues on the Hub

Some temporary popcorn and ice cream carts have been added as they demolish the old locations in the hub

Tarps up on some of the buildings in the Agrabah section of Adventureland

Tarps came down, but walls are still up outside of the Tiki Room

Walls still up across from the Little Mermaid in New Fantasyland, related to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train construction

The DVC kiosk got a name…

Most of the walls around Seven Dwarfs Mine Train have come down

Some remain near the entrance

The sign for the attraction is now up

Moving over to Animal Kingdom, work continues on the Harambe Theatre, new home to Festival of the Lion King

Walls still up near the stroller parking in Africa

Walls are also up along the Wildlife Express Train route, not sure if the two are related