Cast member at Kona Cafe

[MonorailMan]

I had a really dumb question...

I started going to the Polynesian Resort with my family in 1984. There was an incredibly sweet guy that worked as a server at the Kona Cafe, and his name was Gary. He was there EVERY time I went to KC for breakfast. Not just for one or two vacations....I'm talking EVERY time I stayed at the Polynesian. The last time we spoke, he mentioned he had been there for over 10 years and that he loved working there. We always found ourselves getting into fairly lengthy conversations with this guy because he was so approachable and nice.

The incredible thing was, I believe it was my 3rd or 4th stay at the Polynesian and he recognized my family from the last time we visited! He even asked, "You're from......errrrrrr......Michigan, right?" I thought that was absolutely incredible considering it had been a few years since we had been there last. He even questioned where my grandfather was and described what he looked like. Unfortunately, he wasn't with us because he passed away the year before.

I can barely remember where I ate lunch yesterday, and this guy is remembering bits of information like this??

Does anyone know if Gary is still at the Kona Cafe? I'm guessing he's probably in his 50s by now. Black hair....tan/olive complection. Talk about "making your guests feel welcome"! This guy was amazing.

....and the Tonga Toast wasn't bad either.

 

[bradk]

well, it must be a different gary, but i had breakfast at kona in sept 2005 and my server gary stuck out in my mind as one of the least pleasant i had in over a week's worth of DDP dining. i even remember my server at CP, ashley, being more pleasant.

 

[MonorailMan]

well, it must be a different gary, but i had breakfast at kona in sept 2005 and my server gary stuck out in my mind as one of the least pleasant i had in over a week's worth of DDP dining. i even remember my server at CP, ashley, being more pleasant.

I'm sorry to hear that. It doesn't sound like the guy I met. But who knows.

 

[bradk]

i should note, he wasn't bad, just not exceptionally.. anything. with 1 person to serve (i had a 7:15 breakfast) he evidently had better things to do.

 

[BCV23]

Gary is still there as of May. We've been going to the Polynesian since 1983 and, like you, love Gary. He has an incredible memory, asks about our family and is always so friendly. He makes it seem like coming home, doesn't he?

He is one of the longtime Polynesian CMs that make it so special.

 

[MonorailMan]

Gary is still there as of May. We've been going to the Polynesian since 1983 and, like you, love Gary. He has an incredible memory, asks about our family and is always so friendly. He makes it seem like coming home, doesn't he?

He is one of the longtime Polynesian CMs that make it so special.

Wow, that is incredible. I might have to stop over and get some breakfast there even though I won't be staying at the Polynesian.