Artist Point or Kona?

[firsttimemom]

We're heading back to the World in January and I'm getting all my ADRs in order. We usually take the kids to the kids club once during our vacation so DH and I can have dinner alone (no flames, please- they BEG to go!). Last year we had a FABULOUS meal at Kona and had been planning to return this year. But- we're staying at WL and have never been to AP. We're not doing DDP so the 1 vs 2 credits don't matter.

Does anyone have a recommendation 1 way or another?

 

[Hootch]

you're staying at WL so it is less time consuming, you have not been before and, in my opinion, it's better overall.

 

[Densgirl]

We're heading back to the World in January and I'm getting all my ADRs in order. We usually take the kids to the kids club once during our vacation so DH and I can have dinner alone (no flames, please- they BEG to go!). Last year we had a FABULOUS meal at Kona and had been planning to return this year. But- we're staying at WL and have never been to AP. We're not doing DDP so the 1 vs 2 credits don't matter.

Does anyone have a recommendation 1 way or another?

I won't flame you...I think it's good for parents and kids to do seperate things. Gives us all something to chat about when we get back together

I've eaten at both but only breakfast at Kona. I still vote AP. It is such a romantic restaurant and also the food is a bit more upscale and the atmosphere is a bit more grown up. I know, people do bring their kids here and all but generally speaking the restaurant feels more "date like" to me. Awesome food too.

 

[Pakey]

AP. A very relaxing place with beautiful views and you are right there.

 

[ILuvDVC2]

AP, and ask for Susie (if she's still there) as your server. She's sweet as can be and makes great recommendations! We haven't been in a couple years, but we really enjoyed the restaurant and Susie's great service.

 

[haley123]

I would eat at Artist Pointe. The food there is wonderful.

 

[FirstMagic]

I'd vote for Artist Point too, for more atmosphere. Kona, even though their food is good, still looks more like a cafe than a fancy restaurant. Also, you wouldn't have any transportation issues if you ate at AP, and sometimes those boat/bus/car/parking things can be a real hassle.

I hope you have a wonderful and romantic meal whichever you decide!

 

[becka]

We have not yet eaten at Kona but we loved AP when we went years ago Pre-kids. Great food and a really beautiful restaurant.

 

[ccigliano]

I vote AP for food and atmosphere. Very romantic and warm setting overall and the food is terrific. We had a Sommelier who suggested a great bottle of wine in my $35 price range. Since we've have been doing the DDP for the last few visits, I have missed going to AP. In 2008, we won't be doing the new DDP as it isn't as good a bang for the buck so we'll definitely be heading back to AP for dinner as we are a regulars at the WL. Buon appetito!

 

[snowbunny]

Artist Pointe by a mile. Ask for Gary! he's one of the best servers in WDW

 

[erikthewise]

Artist Point is Fine Dining; since you're already at WL, you should definitely take advantage of it!

Kona is less ambitious but the food is excellently prepared, and it's a great dining value.

Which is "better" is a matter of preference. (Not everyone is looking for Fine Dining.) If somebody was treating me, I'd take Artist Point without hesitation.

However, the Neverland Club at the Polynesian is definitely the best kid's club! (Unless something has changed in the last three years.)

 

[Eeyore's Pal]

You hardly need my vote, but here it is: Artist Point

We really like Kona too, but think of it more for a great afternoon lunch break, in a relaxing atmosphere.

Artist Point is my pick for the "date night." Our kids are 21, 19, and 12, but we still plan a date night. AP is on our short list for our next trip.

 

[meowzer]

I would choose AP anyday over Kona. Kona is really neat but I prefer the more traditional food. We have been there several times and I will say this..be prepared for very heavy/rich food. If you have a sensitive stomach you have to know when to call it quits so you can participate in the evenings plans. Everything is so delicious you will continue to eat even though you know you should not.

It is a very romantic venue, it has an atmosphere unlike any other at WDW. When I went to Kona I felt like the atmosphere was too similar to that of PF Changs which is close to our house.

Hope you have fun.

 

[fey_spirit]

Question - Why not the Cali Grill? Great food, good for a date night and the most beautiful view on property.

(I know I'm in the minority but I loathed Artist Point and Kona as fantastic as it is just isn't very romantic.)

We're heading back to the World in January and I'm getting all my ADRs in order. We usually take the kids to the kids club once during our vacation so DH and I can have dinner alone (no flames, please- they BEG to go!). Last year we had a FABULOUS meal at Kona and had been planning to return this year. But- we're staying at WL and have never been to AP. We're not doing DDP so the 1 vs 2 credits don't matter.

Does anyone have a recommendation 1 way or another?

 

[Colleen27]

Kona has great food, and we loved it for a family dinner, but the atmosphere isn't at all romantic IMO. It is open to the Poly lobby and a little on the noisy side, not so much as to be unpleasant but enough to detract from the romance factor. We're going back to Kona for dinner with the kids, but for a date night, I'd go with Artist Point or another one of the signature restaurants.

 

[Blue62]

Artist Point --- I have eaten at both, Artist point was better. Was not as thrilled with Kona as many people are. Probably should give it a second shot, but Artist Point was much better for us. Walked away from Artist Point thinking it was very good, walked away from Kona wondering what all the fuss was about. Might have just ordered the wrong thing... also agree with the previous comment about AP atmosphere being better.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'll chime in with the majority here for AP. Yes, Kona is good. But AP is a notch above it.

AP has Great food, service, atmosphere. Very interesting menu with choices that you just won't find elsewhere. Good wine list - order the wine pairings and you'll be quite happy.

 

[princessallegra]

I'll join the AP bandwagon! It is such a romantic venue and the food is delicious. Definitely more pricey and upscale than Kona, but a great experience.

 

[snowbunny]

walked away from Kona wondering what all the fuss was about.

Same here...Kona is like a nice coffee shop IMO.

 

[erikthewise]

Yes! Kona Cafe IS a coffee shop! Who says not?
In fact the original name was "Coral Isle Coffee Shop" (http://www.omniluxe.net/wyw/poly.htm). Few people will claim it competes well on atmosphere, especially not with "signature" restaurants.

The point is that it rises above its "coffee shop" designation to provide consistently high-quality food. Not gourmet, not pretentious, just good. It was never intended to be a "dining experience" as Artist Point was. Yet there are few if any better places at WDW to spend a single TS credit.