Hi Heather,
First and foremost, thank you for your service. We are grateful for families like yours every day, and I am glad you are getting some time to rest and relax at Disney World. I hope you are walking around singing, "I am almost there," like our girl Tiana would be about your upcoming vacation. It is going to be absolutely magical.
Unfortunately, the walkway from Shades of Green to the Polynesian Village Resort is no longer open for guests. This used to be a convenient 15-minute walk to enjoy the wonderful dining and ambiance at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Don't fret though, it is still pretty simple to get over there if you want to spend an evening hanging out. I think the best option is to take the Shades of Green bus transportation to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is just a quick walk from the entrance. As soon as you see the ticket booths, look for a sign that says walkway to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and follow the signs!
Once you arrive at your tropical destination, you are welcome to enjoy the
campfire on the beach and find a comfy spot to enjoy the fireworks. This is one of my favorite spots for fireworks viewing because it is often calm, and they pipe in the music so you feel like you are still right in the middle of the magic. We love to walk over to
Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace for decadent drinks either before or after the fireworks. This location is nice because you can grab the same special drinks served inside Trader Sam's Grog Grotto if there is a wait to get in. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is also one of the only places outside the theme parks to grab an iconic Dole Whip so make sure to check out all the special flavors at
PIneapple Lanai right next to the outdoor bar!
Happy Planning,
Jenna