Kona Island

Image: chad_sparkes, Flickr (license)

At the exact other end of the spectrum, you have Kona Island — a small coffee bar located on the second floor of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, just to your left as you disembark the monorail. Don’t let its small size fool you, however — this venue features some of the best coffee on Disney property. Its special Kona blend combines rare Hawaiian Kona coffee with other similar beans to make a rich flavor profile even the snobbiest coffee fan in your party will enjoy. Or, if you want the real thing, you can also order 100% Kona coffee served in a French Press for two.

Plus, in the evening, Kona Island doubles as an ad-hoc sushi bar, offering a few entrees and sushi rolls for guests who want something more substantial than a quick-serve meal but more casual than a sit-down dinner. 

Its location in the heart of the Polynesian Village Resort’s lobby also provides guests prime people-watching real estate — giving you an incredible spot to spend some time enjoying the most iconic Walt Disney World hotel.

Pineapple Lanai and Luau Cove Beach

Image: Dakota Gardner

If you visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you will almost certainly make a stop at the Pineapple Lanai — the hotel’s famed spot serving Disney’s famous Dole Whip treat. But, while the Pineapple Lanai is perfectly lovely, it doesn’t provide the best spot from which to enjoy the treat.

Those in the know will take their pineapple soft-serve on a road trip, walking past the Cap’n Cook’s quick-service restaurant and even further past Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (an absolutely essential stop, but you already know that). If you follow the path out past where the Polynesian hosts its Luau dinner show, you’ll arrive at a relatively empty beach located just next to the Grand Floridian’s wedding pavilion.

This beach is among the most serene and beautiful spots at Walt Disney World resort. It is nearly always empty, but its views of the Magic Kingdom and nearby resorts are absolutely amazing. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your Dole Whip undisturbed — that is, unless you’ve happened to time your entire journey just right. In which case, this area of beach also happens to be one of the best spots to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from afar.

The monorail resorts are an amazing entertainment district all their own — and while these spots are all highlights on the trip, there are even more waiting for you to discover them. Take a half-day, hop over to the monorail, and get exploring. You’ll be glad you did.