News Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort closing for refurbishment this summer

[Weather_Lady]

Boy, the joke would really be on us if those black tarps are an essential part of the reimagining! Or as Disney would put it, "dark, exotic draperies and the distant roar of the lobby crowds evoke the heady excitement of dining beside a dormant volcano, while your meal is garnished with charming new enhancements, such as smaller portions and increased pricing!"

Seriously though, I hope the redesign is nice. I've always like the flavor profile of the menu, but the decor looked so dated and meh from the outside, especially with that mall food court-style tile floor running through the center (and the experience was, presumably, incredibly loud) that I couldn't convince the family to give it a try. It's still on my bucket list, if it comes out looking well.

 

[Touchdown]

I too am miffed with the no ribeye but I very much enjoyed the prime rib, the potato rolls and Mac and cheese here.

 

[nicb88]

Seeing the first photos of the refurbed cafe on other sites, I’m not too mad at this. It looks like a minimal change, really. A refresh. What do others think?

 

[correcaminos]

Seeing the first photos of the refurbed cafe on other sites, I’m not too mad at this. It looks like a minimal change, really. A refresh. What do others think?

Looked quite nice to me!

 

[castlecake2.0]

Nice update, themed without being garish, a win

 

[FigmentFan82]

ooh yes, seeing the pics this upgrade was done wonderfully and tastefully. especially the entrance. before it had big vegas buffet vibes, now it feels a bit more intimate. well done!

 

[ToTBellHop]

Why can't this team be in charge of updating the aesthetics throughout the resorts? This is exactly how you tastefully-theme in 2022. It's not garish while still being "Disney".

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Seeing the first photos of the refurbed cafe on other sites, I’m not too mad at this. It looks like a minimal change, really. A refresh. What do others think?

I absolutely LOVE the new look!!!
Can’t wait to see the new menu…

 

[wdwmagic]

Construction walls are down at Kona Cafe in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort revealing the new updated look​

Construction walls are down at Kona Cafe in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort revealing the new updated look

Construction walls are down at Kona Cafe in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort revealing the new updated look

www.wdwmagic.com

 

[wdwmagic]

Test meals are underway

 

[UNCgolf]

Why can't this team be in charge of updating the aesthetics throughout the resorts? This is exactly how you tastefully-theme in 2022. It's not garish while still being "Disney".

Yeah, I don't know what it looked like before, but this looks fine to me.

 

[James Alucobond]

Yeah, I don't know what it looked like before, but this looks fine to me.

It was okay but outdated. Lots of amber glass, jewel tones, and tired furnishings. This is a nice refresh; looking forward to grabbing breakfast there on my next trip.

 

[eddie104]

It was okay but outdated. Lots of amber glass, jewel tones, and tired furnishings. This is a nice refresh; looking forward to grabbing breakfast there on my next trip.

I don’t why but looking at photos of the space before the refresh it reminded me of Lilo and Stich.

 

[Adventureland Veranda]

I think it looks great and it was definitely time for an update. The lighting and colors are a big improvement. Only criticism I have is that the Oceanic Arts carvings have been removed. Looking forward to enjoying some Tonga Toast at Kona.

 

[Doberge]

Nice update, themed without being garish, a win

Garish is the exact reason I liked the old Kona. It's also the same word I used commenting on Tikiman's page.

 

[LSLS]

Yup, add me to the list that likes this one.

 

[JoeCamel]

Garish is the exact reason I liked the old Kona. It's also the same word I used commenting on Tikiman's page.

I would have described it as early tiki Denny's from the late 80's

 

[Prince-1]

It is a very nice remodel and I am very surprised that not one person has bashed this referb. Yet.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Garish is the exact reason I liked the old Kona. It's also the same word I used commenting on Tikiman's page.

Looks pretty good. I have to agree, though, that I’m not sure that a hotel with a kitschy 50’s tiki motif (it was never actually trying to be accurately Polynesian at all) is supposed to avoid being “garish.” That seems like the whole point! I mean, if Uni decided to makeover Cabana Bay in a subdued, tasteful style, it would be pretty clear they’d lost sight of the theme.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

Reminds me a bit if Aulani, I love the lava rock walls and decorated ceiling, not as big a fan of the new entrance but I don’t necessarily dislike it. I wasn’t a fan of the old carpet and tile so I’m curious to see what the flooring looks like.

The old design reminded me of a casino cafe in Vegas, this reminds me of Hawaii, that’s a huge improvement in my book.