Lunch: Kona Cafe or Captain Cooks?

[JohnD]

On my MK day, I want to leave the park and head over to the Polynesian for lunch. Should I eat lunch at Kona Café (already have ADR for lunch and breakfast for that matter) or Captain Cooks?

I hear that Kona has a relatively good lunch on a budget and a good atmosphere. On the other hand, I'm told that Captain Cooks is good counter service and you can grab a table outside with a view of MK.

 

[Mr Toad]

Either or...depends on what you want. I wish I could get spam, eggs and rice at Poly. I eat that whenever I go go back to Hawaii.

 

[Tuvalu]

On my MK day, I want to leave the park and head over to the Polynesian for lunch. Should I eat lunch at Kona Café (already have ADR for lunch and breakfast for that matter) or Captain Cooks?

I hear that Kona has a relatively good lunch on a budget and a good atmosphere. On the other hand, I'm told that Captain Cooks is good counter service and you can grab a table outside with a view of MK.

While there are tables outside, they are surrounded by foliage and overlook the volcano pool area and longhouses. You can hardly see the lagoon let alone MK. Even tables in the pool area themselves aren't much better.

That said, Cooks is a good QS and Kona is a good TS, depends on what you prefer.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I don't know about Cook's, but one of the worst meals I've had at Disney was lunch at Kona. Food was cold and service was bad, food underseasoned....

 

[epcotisbest]

Either or...depends on what you want. I wish I could get spam, eggs and rice at Poly. I eat that whenever I go go back to Hawaii.

I prefer spam, eggs, spam, spam, spam, bacon and spam.

 

[JohnD]

Thanks. Because its lunch, I may do Captain Cooks so I can grab a quick meal and sit outside to enjoy the weather (unless rain). Enough time to recharge but not the time it takes for TS.

 

[wdwmagic]

They are significantly different. Kona is a full table service restaurant, with some very good food. Cooks is a quick service with some OK food. It can get very busy and noisy inside, and the outside seating is limited, and does not offer a view. Cooks is obviously the cheaper and quicker option, but if you are looking for the better food and atmosphere, head to Kona.

 

[epcotisbest]

Gotta agree, as the two really don't compare in overall experience or food.

 

[zurgandfriend]

If time is the issue than Captain Cook's but I have to say that the Grand Floridian and Gasparilla grill is a lot better and just one monorail stop away.

 

[JohnD]

They are significantly different. Kona is a full table service restaurant, with some very good food. Cooks is a quick service with some OK food. It can get very busy and noisy inside, and the outside seating is limited, and does not offer a view. Cooks is obviously the cheaper and quicker option, but if you are looking for the better food and atmosphere, head to Kona.

Definitely already have ADR there for breakfast on same day. By lunch I'll have already experienced Kona, so I'll probably stick with Captain Cooks QS. I'll just need to cancel lunch ADR at Kona no later than 24hrs prior or I incur a fee.

 

[JohnD]

If time is the issue than Captain Cook's but I have to say that the Grand Floridian and Gasparilla grill is a lot better and just one monorail stop away.

Well, I already have ADR at Kona in Poly for breakfast. Your suggestion is change of location to another monorail resort anyway. Thanks

 

[plaz10]

The poly chips are fantastic at captain cooks - worth going right there. But they have some great selections and specialty cupcakes. I'd do Captain Cooks

 

[Mr Toad]

Yeah, but it's lunch...I don't know about the rest of you folks, but for me lunch is just a quick bite and then move on. Dinner on the other hand...

 

[wdwfan4ver]

Never went to Captain Cook's for lunch.

I never had a bad experience at Kona Cafe for lunch and dinner. I go to Kona for lunch as a final meal at WDW on the day I leave to the airport.

 

[Tomi-Rocket]

Both have good food. Kona may take a little more time though. I suppose your best bet is to peruse the menus and go from there.

 

[docdebbi]

done both for lunch........i suggest Captain Cooke's. it is faster, does have a nice menu with selectins you can't get anywhere else, and you can enjoy the outside dining area if weather nice AND THEY HAVE DOLE WHIP !!!!!!!