First Look! Tambu Lounge Reopens in Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort
On the second floor of Great Ceremonial House in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a beloved Disney World watering hole: Tambu Lounge.
Nestled next to ‘Ohana, many a guest has enjoyed a drink at this casual, welcoming lounge. And perhaps a Lapu Lapu — Tambu’s famous concoction served in a pineapple — has been on (or been checked off!) your Disney Food Bucket List. Maybe you’ve enjoyed the spot’s savory Pork Nachos, or polished off a single serving size of ‘Ohana Bread Pudding while bellying up to the bar. Or maybe you’ve even started your day there because… VACATION!!
If any of the scenarios above is the case, then you’re likely as glad as we are that Tambu Lounge is reopen TODAY after a lengthy refurbishment! In fact, they were just putting on some finishing touches before getting ready to start serving.
And we’re here to check out what’s changed and what’s remained the same at Tambu Lounge!
Atmosphere
As far as what’s changed… well, you may have to take a pretty close look.
Tambu Lounge
Tambu Lounge
Tambu Lounge
The tikis remain ready to greet you…
Tambu Lounge
And the thatched roof remains to… well, just to add some extra cool ambiance and provide some visual separation from ‘Ohana next door, as always!
Roof
You can still sit at one of three counters (with a slightly new look) surrounding the full service bar and its Cast Members, who serve from within the center.
Bar seating
Peek under, and you’ll spy some charging stations.
Bar seating
And something else you’ll notice nearby… remember those two temporary bars that were serving guests while Tambu Lounge was being refurbished? One has already been dismantled. However, the temporary bar next to the monorail entrance and exit doors is still standing.
Bar next to Monorail
And some additional seating has been added.
Additional Seating
Additional Seating
While the long term plans for this space are not yet known, at this time, the Monorail area bar will remain for the time being to be used when crowds are high. While it won’t be open consistently, it will likely remain at least through the holiday season.
The biggest visual change back at the main bar area from a guest’s perspective, though, is the new serving station jutting out from the side, which takes the place of a few bar seats.
Serving station
And this will ultimately affect the guest’s experience by giving the Cast more room to spread out and make more drinks for guests.
Liquor
You’ll also notice the drink machines, which will provide speed to service in another way. These will pre-mix the non-alcoholic Keiki Lemonade (we’ll look at the menu shortly), the base for the signature Lapu Lapu (which will still be topped with Goslings 151 Rum for the finishing touch), and Mai Tais.
Drink Machines
Otherwise… the scene feels very familiar.
Drinks
Tambu Lounge serves from early morning until late at night. Our visit to see the refurbished space was in the morning.
Tambu Lounge Menu
And speaking of things that feel familiar, you’ll still find the Lapu Lapu, Island Sunset, Backscratcher, and Tropical Macaw cocktails front and center. However, the online menu was changed this morning and no long reflect these classic drinks. We’re not sure what’s going on there, but we’re hoping these do stick around. The cast member we spoke to at Tambu told us that these would remain on the menu, but stay tuned to DFB for potential changes.
Cocktail Menu
Specialty Cocktails also include the Polynesian Mai Tai and Puka Punch, while the Keiki Lemonade is the featured Mocktail.
Specialty Cocktail and Mocktail Menu
And here’s a look at the Beer, Wine, and Hard Cider listings.
Beer Menu
Beer and Cider
Wine Menu
So, there are your drinks!
Now let’s take a look at the Eats, because you may really want to pay attention here…
Eats
Something important to note is that our trip to Tambu Lounge took place this morning as the space was preparing to officially reopen after finishing touches were complete. The menu picture you’ll see below reflects the Small Bites that will typically be available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. These include a Shrimp Cocktail and Tambu Mixed Grill Kebab.
Midday Food Menu
BUT! Depending on your familiarity with Tambu Lounge, you may notice a thing or two missing. We checked, in particular, on two items. First, the single-serving of ‘Ohana Bread Pudding…
‘Ohana Bread Pudding at Tambu Lounge
… and also, the fan favorite Pulled Pork Nachos.
Pork Nachos at Tambu Lounge
And we received GREAT news! Both of these items will be available again; however (as it was previously), they won’t be available until closer to each evening, around 3:00 – 4:00 PM-ish.
Overall
We’re so happy to say “Welcome Back” to Tambu Lounge! Even with the arrival of the still super popular Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace to the Polynesian a few years ago, Tambu Lounge still holds a very special place in our hearts, and that of many a Polynesian guest. So know that, just in time for the rush of the holidays to come, the Tambu Lounge once again has a seat for you!
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