Great Ceremonial House
at the Disney Polynesian Hotel

A journey to the Great Ceremonial House at the Disney Polynesian Hotel is full of magic and wonder. When you arrive at Disney World and drive under the arches that say Welcome to Walt Disney World, the magic begins. You pass Epcot and the excitement builds. You catch a glimpse of the monorail on it's way to Epcot, be still my heart. You make the right turn on to Seven Seas Drive an then, off to the right... there it is... just a glimpse... right behind the Transportation and Ticket Center... The Magic Kingdom.

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But all of that doesn't compare to the next structure you get to and that's the Great Ceremonial House, the centerpiece of the best hotel in the world.

Heartbeat of the Disney Polynesian Hotel

Lobby in the Great Ceremonial House at Disney Polynesian Hotel

Photo by Jeff_B

Even before you walk into the Disney Polynesian Hotel, the romantic beauty of the resort jumps out. Lush, tropical foliage is everywhere. Green is the dominate color even in winter.

Look for the Koi (fish) in the stream by the entrance. Check out the waterfall. It's beautiful.

The Great Ceremonial House has two floors. There are shops and eating areas on both floors.

Dad's Polynesian Resort main page

Dining

Inside the Great Ceremonial House there are some great dining options. There are 2 full service restaurants, a quick service restaurant and a sushi bar. 'Ohana and the Kona Cafe are not to be missed (at least in Dad's opinion).

'Ohana - The day at 'Ohana starts with the the Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. For dinner, skewers of steak, pork, turkey and shrimp are served at your table along with several side dishes and a fabulous dessert.
Kona Cafe - Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this coffee shop serves authentic Kona coffee and good food.
Captain Cook's - Quick service and individually packaged items (milk, cokes and snacks) are available 24 hours a day.

Shopping

There is a whole lot of shopping available here in the Great Ceremonial House. From Disney souvenirs to works of art, it's all available and waiting just for you.

BouTIKI - Tropical gift items, many with Polynesian Resort logos.
Wyland Gallery - a world renoun art gallery chain.
Trader Jacks - Disney merchandise and other items. A pin trading cart is located in this area.
Samoa Snacks - snacks for that in between meals hunger.

The Arcade

All Disney hotels have an arcade full of games for kids of all ages. Games do cost extra. (Mom's you can send Dad with the kids and he won't even complain.)

The Monorail

The Magic Kingdom monorail as it enters the Great Ceremonail House at the Disney Polynesian Resort

Photo by - Jeff_B

There are two Magic Kingdom Monorail that run throught the Polynesian Resort. The Resort Monorail makes a stop at the Great Ceremonial House. It's the first stop after the Transportation and Ticket Center.

The Express monorail doesn't stop, it goes directly to the Magic Kingdom.

Dad's Disney World Monorail page

Valet Parking

When you pull up to the resort, if your driving yourself, you have a choice... The first of many... You can choose to act rich... Or, you can choose to act poor... Most of us normal people take a left turn and park our cars ourselves, unload our bags and start walking to the check-in counter.

Or... pull up under the huge overhang throw the keys at the valet, tell the bellman to grab the bags, (luggage, not human) and stroll snootily up to the check in counter and announce your presence.

Yes, there is valet parking for Polynesian guests and bell services (valet parking costs $10.00 per day, tips for parking and luggage service are expec... appreciated).

Bell Services

Bell services and valet parking are all part of the first class services available at Disney's Deluxe Resorts. Disney knows how to take care of their friends.

Reviews of the Great Ceremonial House and the Disney Polynesian Hotel at TripAdvisor

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Dad's Bottom Line

The Great Ceremonial House is where the fun begins. 'Ohana is a great place to eat. The lobby is absolutely beautiful. It's fun just to sit in the lounge area and enjoy the scenery.