Kona Cafe and Spectromagic Question

[Angela0917]

Hello all! We have dinner reservations at Kona Cafe for 5:00 and don't want to miss Spectromagic, which starts at 7:00. Is 2 hours enough time or cutting it close?

 

[hkeller27]

Well, I'd think you'd most likely be seated right at 5. But I guess it might depend on how you dine - do you do an app, entree, and dessert? Because that can tend to take a bit of time. In my experience, service at Kona can be a bit slower. And you'll need time to get the monorail and enter the MK (considering bag checks, etc.), and of course getting a good spot to see Spectro! If I were you, I might try for a 4:30 if that's an option, or skip the app and/or dessert and have a snack after the parade

 

[Angela0917]

Thanks! We'll be on the DDP so we will do entree and dessert, and skip app. I haven't been able to get an earlier time for dinner at Kona's, but I'm going to keep trying. I also have a reservation for Tony's at 5:15, I'm trying to decide which to keep and which to cancel. I know Kona has way better reviews than Tony's, but at least with Tony's we would be in the park. I'm not sure what to do.

 

[catne]

you would be fine, even getting an app--we were just there, party of 3, at 7:30 on a Saturday night in May when they were packed. We were in and out in about 75 minutes-- and all 3 of us had adult beverages, apps, entree, desserts & coffee. Every table was full, long wait list time (90 min. without a reservation) But we were seated within 10 min of checking in..we had a reservation.

When we've had early ressies, which we usually do, they're usually not even beginning to get busy until 6:00. You should have little or no wait at that time, and then when you're done eating, you're right next to the exit to the monorail so quick trip to the park. And remember, once you walk into the park, you're right there for Spectro.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

I agree you should be fine.

Even if it takes you 1.5 hours to eat, you'll have a half hour left, which is plenty of time.

Kona is a 15 second walk to the monorail. Even if you have to wait 10 min for the monorail (that would be really long), it's only a 5 min ride to MK. That would give you 15 min to get into the park, which, again, is plenty of time.

You won't get the best viewing location, but you will find a spot on Main St that will let you see everything.

If you get to your ADR 10-15 min early, it'll make it MUCH more likely you get seated at your ADR time.

 

[bobrex]

You have plenty of time for Kona, figure an hour for dinner.

If by chance you decide on Tony's (and the weather is good) ask to be seated outside on the patio. Then, if the restaraunt isn't overly busy, ask if you can hold the seat until after the parade. You'll have one of the best views you can get and have comforable chairs too. We did this once and it was a great way to see Spectro.

 

[Golf4food]

Unless there are major problems you should have more than enough time. Take the resort boat launch to the MK after you eat - fun little boat trip across the lake to the docks at the MK - almost like an extra ride.

 

[jcarwash]

You might be going to see Main Street Electrical Parade instead of Spectomagic! It was announced today the Electrical Parade will be extended past August 14th, with no end date announced as yet.

 

[B-Ride]

We have never had to wait at Kona Cafe. They always seem to seat us within 5 minutes of our ADR. I agree with the others that say no problem.

Last year we arrived late and watched the parade from Main Street where it starts and the location was fine. So even if you don't arrive until just before it starts you will be okay.

Now the only question is will it be Spectro or the Electrical Parade. I love Spectro, especially the music, but it might be interesting to see the Electrical Parade.

 

[ddoc185blt]

You should be fine, also you can show up early and maybe you can get seated earlier. Go luck

 

[Angela0917]

Thanks everybody!! I guess we will keep the Kona reservations and just show up 15-20 minutes early and hopefully get in and out. And I'm REALLY hoping it's Main Street Electrical Parade!!! I remember seeing that parade when I was a kid!

 

[*Belle*]

I believe Kona opens at 5pm for dinner. They will not seat you before that time. You may be able to check in before 5.

 

[crazik]

I have been to both before.. yes two hours is plenty of time. They tend to move you in and out quickly. Enjoy spectromagic and Kona my favorite!

 

[kirby428]

I love Kona (and CM Debbie says the Mahi Mahi "taste like chicken"), but go when you are not pressed for time. Stick with the Tony's reservation. As you said, it puts you where you need to be and Tony's has big windows with a great view of Town Square. You have a good chance for landing an ideal Main Street viewing location. Crowds gather fast way ahead of parade start time. Face characters are often seen near Town Square too. And remember what Tony said: "He's a talking to me!"

I try to allow a 2 Hr duration for table service anywhere in the monorail resorts. Sometimes it only takes 90 minutes, but I plan on 120. Remember, the monorail must stop at the Grand Floridian before it gets to the M.K. When it really matters, give Murphy's Law due respect.