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Families Forced To Stand and Eat Outside Disney World Restaurant

Guests at one of Walt Disney World Resort's most expensive hotels are being forced to eat standing up after Disney removed all outdoor seating from a central dining location. Every table, chair, and umbrella vanished overnight from Captain Cook's at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, eliminating a significant portion of available dining space.

All Outdoor Furniture Removed

WDWNT reported on January 28 that every single outdoor seating element at Captain Cook's, the Quick-Service dining hub at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, had disappeared. The food court-style restaurant allows guests to order from different counters and self-serve select items, such as desserts, snacks, and beverages, before paying at a cashier. It's also the primary location for refilling official Disney Resort souvenir mugs.

Outdoor dining at Capt. Cook's
Credit: Disney

Captain Cook's lost all outdoor seating overnight—a substantial portion of its total dining area. Yellow squares mark the concrete walkway outside the restaurant, indicating where tables, chairs, and umbrellas typically sit.

Construction crews are repairing the roof above the restaurant, likely prompting the seating removal to protect Disney cast members and guests during the project. The chairs, tables, and umbrellas will probably return once maintenance work concludes, though Walt Disney World Resort hasn't confirmed this.

Inside Captain Cook's
Credit: Disney

Around the corner, where roof work also continues, shrubs, flowers, and other landscaping have been removed to prevent damage.

Limited Dining Options Remain

Despite the construction, Captain Cook's continues to operate and serve Disney's Polynesian Village Resort guests and visitors. However, families hoping to dine at the restaurant must either eat inside or take food to go. No outdoor seating is currently available.

stitch ohana character breakfast
Credit: Disney

Other Disney's Polynesian Village Resort dining locations include: family-style Table-Service ‘Ohana, Kona Cafe (featuring Tonga Toast), Tambu Lounge, Wailulu Bar & Grill, Pineapple Lanai (serving Dole Whip), Trader Sam's Grog Grotto, Barefoot Pool Bar, Oasis Bar & Grill, and Kona Island (offering coffee and pastries, with sushi later in the day), conveniently located near the Monorail.

Have you ever stayed at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort? Share your favorite memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments!

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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