Disney's Polynesian Resort Family Activities

For most kids a pool is the best part of any resort and the Polynesian's Nanea (means "tranquil") Volcano Pool should not disappoint. There is a wide zero-entry area for little ones to splash about, while the opposite end of the pool has whirlpool jets and built in benches for the older set. In between there is plenty of room to swim, plus a waterfall and a tube slide that starts at the top of the volcano.

Each afternoon resort staff lead poolside games from water relays, to noodle and dive toy games. For a quieter less-crowded swim, head to the resort's Quiet Pool. Note: Diaper-age children are required to wear swim diapers or rubber pants when using any of the pools. These can be purchased at the gift ship, BouTiki or Samoa Snacks.

Children's Program: The Never Land Club
Kids age 3 to 12 (and potty-trained) can play video games aboard Captain Hook's pirate ship, play toys, and watch Disney films on a giant screen, each day from 4 p.m. until midnight ($11 per child, per hour, minimum two hours and includes dinner). Kids enter the club by climbing through Wendy's bedroom window. Inside they'll find play-stations, a Wii, Lego table, loads of costumes (think princesses, pirates, and policemen), and many stuffed animals to snuggle.

Parents are allowed to accompany children in the center but only at the beginning of the evening to help them settle in. Afterwards, parents receive pagers and are contacted if their child needs them. The club has a minimum 15 to 1 children to staff ratio. Each staff member is trained in CPR, first aid, as well as in how to use an EpiPen.

Dinner is served each evening, and kids can choose from grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, and turkey and cheese sandwiches. Side offerings: grapes, carrot sticks, or applesauce. Dial *55 on your in-room phone to reserve a spot in the club, or call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations (last minute reservations are sometimes available).

Family Friendly Activities
Learn to "Yaka Dula Keiki Hula" (hula dance) most days in the lobby at 3:45 p.m. Auntie Kaui, a hula dancer and instructor with 50 years of experience, is beloved by many repeat guests and leads many of the classes. Weekday classes are geared towards children with plenty of leis and grass skirts. All ages learn a variety of traditional dances and chants at the two-hour Saturday class (10 a.m. until noon).

Kids can also make their own Polynesian Tiki mask, color a beach ball, or make a kite. In the corner of the ceremonial house there are mini tables and chairs for coloring at most times of the day, along with a TV showing Disney flicks.

Evening events include the nightly Electrical Water Pageant -- a floating light show of boats on the Seven Seas Lagoon -- and a campfire sing-along where you can purchase the fixin's to make s'mores by the fire pit. Be sure to check the Recreation Activities Schedule to confirm days and times for each of the above activities.

Rent a Sea Raycer, pontoon boat or Montauks at Mikala Canoe Club (the resort's marina) and sail around the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Resort Shopping
Check out Bou-Tiki (main floor, Great Ceremonial House), for island themed Disney paraphernalia. This store won a National Merchandising Award for its unique design based on Polynesian tiki lore. According to the legend, tikis were mischievous thieves (call them cousins of the leprechauns) and were said to "freeze" at the first sign of the sun's rays. One night the sun came up very early, while they were still out wreaking havoc. Throughout the store you'll see many hand-carved tikis "frozen," as legend has it, in various states of mischief.