Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has given young guests a fresh way to slow down and connect with the tropical surroundings. A new Nature Guide invites kids and families to wander the grounds, complete simple activities, and pay closer attention to the plants and animals that make this resort feel like a slice of the South Pacific. Here is what you can expect if you pick one up on your next stay.
What the Nature Guide Includes
You can grab the guide at the check-in desk inside the Great Ceremonial House. It comes with a pack of crayons, so children have everything they need to get started right away. Just ask a Cast Member and they will hand you a copy.
Inside, families will find a friendly welcome message and a map of the resort. The map points out five key spots to explore, each paired with its own set of activities. A table of contents makes it easy to jump to whichever area you happen to be near.
Five Spots to Explore
The guide sends families to five different locations around the property. Each one offers a change of scenery and a reason to step outside and look around.
The stops include the entrance to the Great Ceremonial House, the pathway near the Oasis Pool, the beach by Island Tower, the lawn at Island Tower, and Sunset Point. Together, these areas cover a good stretch of the resort, encouraging guests to take a walk and notice details they might otherwise pass by.
Activities for Young Guests
The tasks in the guide are built to keep kids curious and engaged. Some pages ask children to check off different animals they spot along the way.
Others turn the walk into a sensory hunt, prompting them to notice sounds, textures, and smells around the resort.
There is also a page where kids can design their own butterfly, along with prompts to identify plants and explore the colors found in the landscape. The variety keeps things interesting, and the activities work well for a range of ages. It is a low-key way to fill some downtime between pool visits and park days.
A Nod to the Historic Kukui Nut Tree
One page focuses on the plants near the Great Ceremonial House entrance and asks guests to look for the kukui nut tree. Longtime visitors may recognize the reference. The tree, known by its scientific name Aleurites moluccana, was donated to Disney by the people of Hawaii in 1997. Many believed it was the only tree of its kind growing in mainland North America.
Sadly, the tree was removed in June 2026. Disney horticulturalists determined it could no longer survive after an unusually harsh Florida winter took its toll. While the guide still references the tree, guests will no longer find it standing at the entrance. Its inclusion serves as a quiet reminder of the role real plants and cultural touches play in shaping the resort’s atmosphere.
Why the Guide Is Worth Picking Up
Even with the loss of the kukui nut tree, the rest of the guide offers plenty for families to enjoy. It gives children a reason to explore, turns a walk around the resort into a small adventure, and helps them appreciate the natural setting that surrounds them. For parents, it is a simple, screen-free activity that fits neatly into a relaxed resort day.
Conclusion
The new Nature Guide at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a thoughtful addition for families traveling with kids. It blends light activities with a genuine appreciation for the resort’s plants, animals, and history. If you are staying at the Polynesian anytime soon, stop by the check-in desk, grab a guide and some crayons, and let the little ones lead the way.
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Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
