- Learn about International Tiki Day.
- Explore fun things to do at the Polynesian Resort.
- Download the Google Doc itinerary for free.
- Download the free PDF. 🌴 🦜Tiki Day at the Polynesian
- Learn more about the free Disney Planner.
If you are a Tiki fan, you are not alone. After the success of the Broadway musical, South Pacific and a huge MOMA exhibit showcasing Polynesian art and artifacts in the late 1940s (and of course, Hawaii becoming a state), Americans became fascinated with the dreamy allure of luaus, hula dances, tropical beaches and exotic cocktails. Disneyland capitalized on this fun trend by opening the Enchanted Tiki Room as an attraction in 1963.
You might be wondering, what is a tiki, anyway? A tiki is a carved representation of a man who has god-like, legendary qualities. It is sometimes associated with the “first man” (like Adam).
Today, International Tiki Day is celebrated annually on August 8. That falls on a Saturday this year, and perhaps there is no better place to celebrate this kitschy day than at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, namely: the Polynesian Resort!
You don’t have to be a guest at the Polynesian Resort to enjoy almost everything it has to offer (except the swimming pools, of course!). Restaurants, gift shops, displays and boat rides are all here. Here is a one-day itinerary for visiting the Polynesian Resort and luxuriating in all things Tiki before hopping on a plane back home.
If you would like to stay overnight, this itinerary suggests the option of purchasing a Magic Kingdom ticket ($190.64) and seeing the Enchanted Tiki Room. Magic Kingdom will be open until 11 pm, so you’d have plenty of time to explore both the park and the Polynesian, if you wish. Add $100 to the plane fare to return late Sunday night, and you’ll have more time to explore Disney Springs or resort hop to the Boardwalk.
Here is my idea of a fun day at the Polynesian…
On arrival, ask the front desk for a free lei and a Celebration Button declaring you are celebrating International Tiki Day.
Head to Captain Cook’s before 11 a.m. for a breakfast of Tonga Toast.
Explore the Ceremonial House, window displays, shops and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Follow the trail to the Tower and explore the gorgeous lobby, themed to the Moana movie.
Have lunch at Wailulu Bar and Grill (Tower) or at Captain Cook’s back at the Ceremonial House.
Don’t forget Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai!
In the morning or afternoon, visit the Marina and take a Motor Launch boat to the Magic Kingdom and back…because it’s always fun to be on a boat.
If it’s raining, you could always take the Monorail to the Grand Floridian to listen to piano music in the lobby.
If you’re still hungry before it’s time to take a Lyft to the airport, visit the Tambu lounge or Trader Sam’s Grotto for a drink and appetizer.
Then fly back home (or if staying overnight, visit Magic Kingdom and see the Enchanted Tiki Room!)
I found a bargain if you stay at the Holiday Inn at Disney Springs for $152, including tax (Priceline). Note that you can take the bus to Disney Springs from the Polynesian.
If you would like to really splurge, stay at the Caribbean Beach resort for the night for $310 (including tax) and enjoy their wonderful pools and the Banana Cabana beach style bar…plus the Skyliner is always fun (and free!).
Staying at the Polynesian overnight would be a dream, with its amazing pools, but unfortunately, that room would set you back more than $650.
So, are you game? Will you celebrate International Tiki Day at Disney World?
