Maholo! And welcome to Walt Disney World Resort’s most revered libation- the iconic Lapu Lapu from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s Tambu Lounge. It’s a must-have, must-do on any Disney vacation!
Polynesian Lore
We have read tales of how the South Pacific influenced Mr. and Mrs.Walt Disney. They traveled to the Hawaiian and Polynesian Islands many times in their married lives. The Enchanted Tiki Room was but the first of his attempts to bring a slice of this exotic lifestyle to his Guests. His vision for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was another.
Perhaps it is the palm trees or views of Seven Seas Lagoon that transports us. Tiki torches and Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show are compelling as well. But for us, “Home” is not “Home” without our first taste of the islands- the famed Lapu Lapu. You can order this legend as most do at the resort’s Tambu Lounge, but it is also available at nearby Kona Cafe’ and ‘Ohana. (All three are located in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort’s Grand Ceremonial House on the Second Floor.)
Named after Chief Lapu-Lapu from the Philippines (the warrior who defeated Magellan and his Spanish army in the 16th Century) this classic Tiki cocktail is most certainly one Walt himself might have sampled on his travels.
The Kona Cafe version
Lapu Lapu
Though there are many variations of the recipe, but all of them involve rum- both light and dark. The mixture of fruit juices, syrups, and liquor are sublime, but what really makes this adult beverage a Walt Disney World Resort classic is the addition of its vessel. Quite simply, anything sipped from a real pineapple with an umbrella for garnish SCREAMS vacation!!!
**Be warned** At the close of runDisney race weekends, in particular, you may find that there is not a single pineapple left on property! (It still tastes pretty good, but nothing beats the full multi-sensory experience.)
Can’t wait for your next Orlando trip? Neither could I! Let’s make one together while we plan our next excursion!
How to Make Your Own Lapu Lapu
– Shaved ice
– A splash of simple syrup
– Add a splash of almond flavoring (Orgeat, Amaretto, or the LeRoux I used)
– Another splash of passion fruit syrup (I substituted Mango Nectar)
– 2 shots of Myer’s Light Rum
– A mixture of 60% pineapple juice and 40% orange juice
– A floater of Bacardi Dark Rum
– 1 pineapple, hollowed out
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| (A special aloha to one of our favorite bartenders!!!) |
Don’t let the youngin’s get jealous; order them their own virgin pineapple goodness!
Make Your Own Lapu Lapu!
For more of the best drinks at Disney, check out these other great posts!
- Post 50 Rx | The Iconic Lapu Lapu from Tambu Lounge | And How to Make Your Own!
- My Dreams of Disney | German Beer Flight at Biergarten
- What’s the Point? | 50s Prime Time Cafe Peanut Butter & Jelly Shake
- My Pixie Dust Diary | Storybook Circus Slushies
Maybe I can have a virgin one. I've always wanted a drink in a pineapple.
And I would love to make you one. (Can I have your share of the rum, then?!) 😀
I love the presentation!! Thanks for sharing a recipe for it so I don't have to wait until my next trip to give one a try
Thanks Lynn- go for it!!
I love the presentation!! Thanks for sharing a recipe for it so I don't have to wait until my next trip to give one a try
So happy to hear Lynn!
Great post, Didi, thanks for sharing it with us!
Thanks for stopping by Mike!
I am a sucker for this drink and you are right. Even though it may taste the same the pineapple really does make it extra special.
I really DO try to step outside of my Disney confort zone every now and then Mary, but I keep landing in the Tambu Lounge each visit!
I must try this! I have no idea how I've managed to avoid it so far, but that won't be a mistake I make again!
So glad you will correct the error of your ways!! 😉