CG or Kona?

[ahill004]

I am trying to include both kids' meals and adult meals in our next trip since the grandparents are coming along as well. I already have an ADR for Kona one evening after a day at MK. The menu looks great and the reviews are really good. But I am reading a lot of positive things about CG too and I'm wondering which would be the better place for food and atmosphere (keeping in mind that the children are 2 and 4).

 

[Hopefully]

CG is a Signature Restaurant and very upscale. That said there are many children there and it can be noisy.
I would be most comfortable at Kona Cafe with a 2 and 4 year old. We took a 3 and 5 year old there and it was great. I really enjoyed it, the food was delicious and our service was outstanding. The kids meals were goood and the pace of the meal was perfect for them too. We walked around outside after dinner and all in all we had a great evening.
HTH

 

[mickeynut1]

Although I've read alot about CG, I can't comment on the food as we've never eaten there, but Kona is one of our absolute favorites . The prime rib and filet are awesome and the atmosphere is nice but casual . Some people view Kona as being a "coffee house" kind of setting, but I think it's a nice place and don't view it that way at all; with the CG being a more upscale restaurant (aka a signature restaurant). I've read many great reviews on the CG and will get around to trying it one of these days, but I'm sure you can't go wrong with either place for food .

 

[Clotho]

They are *completely* different dining experiences, so it's kind of apples and oranges.

Are your little ones really well behaved in adult company/atmospheres? That would be my number one question with a signature dining location. Food can be made that kids will like just about anyplace in Disney--that's their speciality! So cuisine doesn't concern me so much as finding the appropriate atmosphere and the family's comfort and enjoyment.

If your kids are more rambunctious, I would choose Kona. It's very casual, while still lovely decor and a nice night out.

Food both places for dinner are good, but CG is definitely has some more "complex" flavor options for those who consider themselves fans of good food!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I would choose CG as long as your kids are very well behaved. Both are good meals, but CG is definitely a nicer experience all around.

 

[ahill004]

Yes, my girls are used to eating in sit-down restaurants and know how to behave for the msot part. My 4 year old is fabulous in any adult setting but I do tend to stress a little worrying about a possible meltdown with the 2 year old if dinner took too long, she was too tired from the park, etc... so perhaps I would feel more comfortable at Kona afterall!
Maybe I can make an ADR for my husband and me for CG and leave the girls one night with the grandparents!
What time should we shoot for to watch the fireworks?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Yes, my girls are used to eating in sit-down restaurants and know how to behave for the msot part. My 4 year old is fabulous in any adult setting but I do tend to stress a little worrying about a possible meltdown with the 2 year old if dinner took too long, she was too tired from the park, etc... so perhaps I would feel more comfortable at Kona afterall!
Maybe I can make an ADR for my husband and me for CG and leave the girls one night with the grandparents!
What time should we shoot for to watch the fireworks?

CG is a nice experience and I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you want to watch the fireworks from your table, make sure your ADR's are about an hour prior to the time fireworks are scheduled for that evening. You'll also need to request a fireworks view at the podium downstairs, but they won't guarantee it. Otherwise, you can get up from your table and go watch from the observation deck, which is an awesome experience. Meals at CG tend to be longer than at Kona, so it probably will work best that you and DH go it alone-and what a great place to pick for that alone time!

 

[ahill004]

Thanks for all the info!!!!! Now I just need to keep my fingers crossed that we'll get and ADR!