Tambu Lounge: Is the Secret Menu Good?

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TAMBU LOUNGE

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a deluxe resort hotel with tropical vibes.  The upscale, relaxing ambience envelops you as soon as you walk through the door.  

It is home to ‘Ohana, a renowned restaurant that serves some of the most delectable dishes you will find on the planet.  It also houses Tambu Lounge, a friendly tiki loungethat serves tropical cocktails

What many people do not know is that you can order a few items from the ‘Ohana menu at the Tambu Lounge.  These items are not printed on the menu, as they are only available at certain times.  

Why is this a big deal?  ‘Ohana is very popular and can be difficult to get into.  

Guests typically book reservations 60 days out from their trip just to eat at ‘Ohana.  Cancellations are rare.  A seat at ‘Ohana is highly coveted.  So, you can imagine our excitement when we heard about the Tambu Lounge secret menu.  

During our recent Disney World trip, we could not resist the temptation to check out the Polynesian Village Resort.  We sampled the Tambu Lounge secret menu items for you to find out if they are any good.

Let’s explore the Tambu Lounge secret menu!

TAMBU LOUNGE SECRET MENU

Can you eat at Disney resorts without staying there?

Before we explore the menu, it is important to note that you do not need to stay at a Disney resort to eat there.  That’s right, you can eat at any Disney resort restaurant without actually staying there.  Some restaurants are constantly busy and may require advance reservations though.  ‘Ohana is a perfect example of this.

You can also visit any Disney resort without staying there.  Exploring the various Disney resorts can be fun.  Each is uniquely themed and offers something different.  Something to consider on your Disney World visit.

When can you order from the secret menu?

Secret menu items are only available after 4:00 pm.

How to order from the secret menu?

No, you do not need a password or special code.  Simply show up after 4:00 and ask your server what ‘Ohana items are available in the lounge.  

As of May, 2022, Tambu Lounge offers the following items as part of the secret menu.

Sticky wings

The ‘Ohana honey-coriander sticky chicken wings are addictive.  A touch of heat and a brush of sweetness combine for a wonderful flavor.  As the name suggests, these wings are sticky.  The mess is worth it!

Potstickers

'Ohana potstickers in Disney World
‘Ohana potstickers

‘Ohana potstickers are essentially tender pork dumplings that have been tossed in a garlic-ginger sauce.  They are served hot and bursting with flavor.  I could not stop eating them.

‘Ohana noodles

'Ohana noodles at Disney World
‘Ohana noodles

‘Ohana is recognized far and wide for their delicious teriyaki noodles.  The noodle texture is perfect.  The teriyaki seasoning is on point.  It is hard to believe that a simple dish is so intoxicating.

‘Ohana bread pudding

'Ohana bread pudding at Polynesian Village Resort
‘Ohana bread pudding

The first three secret menu items are amazing.  The bread pudding is legendary!  I must say this is one of the best desserts I have ever had.  It is worth the trip to Polynesian Village Resort just to taste this decadent dessert.

I love pies and cookies.  I have never been a huge fan of bread pudding.  Julie, however, is infatuated with bread pudding.  She made me a believer with ‘Ohana’s take on bread pudding.  We both agree that this dessert is heavenly.

The bread pudding is really more of a dense, moist cake.  In Polynesian style, pineapple gives it a tropical taste and a lighter feel.  An ample scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is placed on top.  It comes with a dish of delectable caramel sauce to complete the masterpiece.

This dessert literally melts in your mouth and brings a contented smile to your face.  This must be heaven…

I cannot stress enough how good the bread pudding is.  Do yourself a favor and go to Tambu Lounge after 4:00 and order from the secret menu.  It will be your best Disney day ever.

Lapu lapu drink

Lapu lapu drink at Tambu Lounge
Lapu lapu drink at Tambu Lounge

With all of this wonderful food, you need a drink to wash it down.  When at the Polynesian Village Resort, you have to order a lapu lapu.  This tasty and refreshingdrink contains two different types of rum and tropical fruit juices.  Best of all, it is served in a pineapple!

By the way, the lapu lapu drink is on the regular menu.  You do not have to wait until 4:00 to have a sip of paradise…

WRAP UP: TAMBU LOUNGE SECRET MENU

Yes, Tambu Lounge really does have a secret menu.  And, it is delicious!  

You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the secret menu items.  They are all fantastic.

We highly recommend ordering the noodles with either the potstickers or sticky wings.  Of course, you must have the bread pudding for dessert.  If you only eat one thing from the secret menu, go with the bread pudding.

Before planning your trip, consider purchasing the unofficial guide to Walt Disney World 2022.  Julie is a Disney fanatic and knows lots of tips and tricks to make a Disney vacation more affordable and time efficient.  

I’m going to let you in on another secret.  The key to Julie’s Disney planning success is this book

The unofficial guide covers everything about the parks, resorts, restaurants, rides, tour plans and more.  It provides insight about each resort, including pros and cons.  So, you can learn more about Polynesian Village Resort and its restaurants.  

The guide even has suggestions on what rides to do first, how to plan your day, etc.  It is updated each year so you have current information.  With this guide, you can plan your Disney World trip with confidence.

Check out our other theme park guides:

About the author

We are Scott and Julie at Miles with McConkey. After nearly 30 years, we took a leap of faith out of the corporate world to enjoy a life of travel and adventure. We hope to inspire you to find ways to travel more and enjoy life now.