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Are you planning to ring in the New Year at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? You’ll want to check out the special activities planned as well as some important information to know before you go.
A Popular Spot for New Year’s Eve
Heading to one of the Disney World Theme Parks, especially the Magic Kingdom, is a popular (but crowded) choice. Some guests figure the next best thing is to head to one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts.
Earlier this month I (Joe) shared the December recreation activity schedule at the Polynesian. For New Year’s Eve, the resort makes some adjustments to the schedule as well as try to control access and crowds for its resort guests. Being at the Polynesian to ring in the New Year can be a great experience!
New Year’s Eve Schedule
It is important to note that a wristband is required to gain access to the New Year’s Eve activities and fireworks viewing areas. This is done to allow Polynesian Resort Guests to be able to experience these activities and see the fireworks from their resort’s beach. Not surprisingly, the Polynesian is a very popular destination for non-resort guests to try to catch the fireworks.
It is important to note that a wristband is required to gain access to the New Year’s Eve activities and fireworks viewing areas.
Wristband distribution will take place at the Front Desk Bell Services on Friday, December 30th and Saturday December 31st from 10:00AM-5:00PM. In addition, distribution will take place at the Lava Pool gate from 5:00PM-11:50PM.
In celebration of the holiday, the resort has an adjusted recreation activity schedule. On the Lava Pool Deck at 1:00PM will be Disney Music Bingo. At 2:00PM will be the Super 70’s Pool Party with music and themed games reminiscent of the 1970’s, the decade that started it all at the Walt Disney World Resort.
At 3:00PM guests can participate in Name That Walt Disney World Resort Attraction, and at 3:30PM the Electrical Water Pageant Memory Game takes place. At 4:00PM for an additional purchase you can create a craft themed to “Paint Your Own Fireworks Show.”
Wrapping up the Lava Pool Deck activities, the resort will offer Name That Tune (Decades Edition) at 5:00PM and “Countdown to the New Year” Kiddie Ball Drop at 5:30PM. Here you can bring your little ones to ring in the the New Year a little early with special games that lead into the Magic Kingdom’s first fireworks show!
Fantasy In The Sky Fireworks Viewing will take place at at the Seven Seas Lagoon Beach at 6:30PM and 11:50PM. This offers a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, and the music from the show will be played as you watch from the beach. Also on the Seven Seas Lagoon Beach, the DJ Beach Party will be held from 7:00PM-12:00AM.
Adjusted Hours At The Resort
Given the later night for most guests and many activities taking place around the midnight turn to 2023, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will make adjustments to the operating hours of many resort amenities. In terms of merchandise, BouTiki will be open from 9:00AM-10:00PM, and Moana Mercantile will be open from 8:00AM-12:00AM. There will be a Glow Cart with many light up accessories available from 6:00PM-12:00AM.
In terms of food and beverage, Captain Cook’s will be open from 7:00AM-1:00AM, and the Tambu Lounge will be open from 8:30AM-12:00AM. The always delicious Pineapple Lanai will be open from 10:00AM-1:00AM. Maybe after ringing in the New Year you could hop in line for your first Dole Whip of 2023?
Staying at the Great Ceremonial House, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto & Tiki Terrace will be open from 3:00PM-1:00AM while the Lobby Bar will be open from 3:30PM-12:00AM.
Heading out to the resort’s pools, the Oasis Bar & Grill will be open from 11:00AM-8:00PM. The Barefoot Pool Bar will be open from 11:00AM-1:00AM (food served until 8:00PM), and the Beach Bar will be open from 6:00PM-1:00AM.
If you are staying at the Polynesian New Year’s Eve, enjoy the activities and fireworks! Happy New Year!
Are you headed to the Polynesian for New Year’s Eve? How do you plan to celebrate? Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!
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