Kona Cafe and Wishes from Poly beach

[T1nkerBell]

If this question has been answered before, I apologize. I've done a quick search, but came up without an answer to my question.

We have an ADR at Kona Cafe @7.55pm. The night we're there, Wishes is scheduled for 10pm. Is it realistic to expect we'll have finished our meal and made our way to the beach in time to find a spot to watch Wishes from? Assuming no apetizers, just main course and a dessert to bring with us (if allowed).

Is Kona on time for reservation, generally speaking?
Can we expect a "normal" wait from ordering to getting the food?

Thanks

 

[EastonCat]

Kona is not rushed, but the service is snappy. Ressies are honored close to on time and you should be out after 90 mins max.

Tell your server of your desires. If things drag on they will likely let you skip out for the show and come back for dessert.

 

[SnwflkCts]

I think you will be done in plenty of time. It will only take you at most (walking - not running) 5 minutes to get out the back door and down to the beach. I don't think I would want to eat any desserts on the beachfront though. The yummy desserts from Kona do not lend themselves to snacking later. As a previous poster said, let the server know you are trying to make it to a good spot for Wishes and they might speed things up as necessary. I actually think you will have time to browse in the shops before it starts with almost two hours to eat!

Have fun. The Kona is a great place to eat and Wishes on the beach is fun and relaxing!

 

[T1nkerBell]

Oh, thank you - I appreciate it!
I was wondering whether to skip Kona, but am so delighted we won't have to. I'm so excited! It's our first night on our first trip - can't wait!

 

[SnwflkCts]

Now, I have only ever gone in winter, but I always need a sweatshirt when watching Wishes ... summer might be different.

If you DO have enough time, there is a main beach where EVERYONE will be but if you keep walking further down towards the Ticket and Transportation Center (if you were going via the beach ... ha ha), there is a more secluded beach. Less people and you have a better chance of snagging a lounge chair. We like both spots. Since we normally were in the last long house the more secluded beachfront was close to "home" --

I'm just so excited for you ... I loved watching Wishes from the Poly (and we've eaten at Kona multiple times though our last trip we ate a 'Ohana which we like too).

 

[rkandmjsmommy]

This is our plan for Sept...we snagged a 745 ressie...so we might be cutting it close but its worth the risk

 

[EvangelineG]

Hmmm, we are planning to do the same thing, except for just drinks and appetizers (possibly dessert) at Kona Cafe and then down to the beach to watch Wishes. Our ADR is for 8pm, and it is a MVMCP night, so the fireworks are at 9:30pm, I think? So we are cutting it even closer time-wise. Am now wondering if I should try for a slightly earlier ADR? Or will we be OK with just a drink and appies?

 

[si-am]

I don't consider Kona to be a long, leisurely dinner spot, so I don't think anyone on this thread will have any problems. Have fun!

 

[DopeysGal82]

Hi. Sorry to bring up and old thread, but I made an ADR at Kona for a MVMCP night at 7:50. Christmas Wishes is at 9:30.

I've NEVER been to the Poly. Can you give me some directions about where to go for the viewing spot?

Thanks!

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Hi. Sorry to bring up and old thread, but I made an ADR at Kona for a MVMCP night at 7:50. Christmas Wishes is at 9:30.

I've NEVER been to the Poly. Can you give me some directions about where to go for the viewing spot?

Thanks!

Easy peasy - after dinner go downstairs and exit to the back of the resort (when you get off the elevators take a right and you will see the doors to the right)..follow the signs to the pool area...behind the pool is the beach with the view of the Castle.

ps - not sure where you are staying..but I always get resort envy when I visit the Poly... enjoy!

 

[WDWaholicDCLnut]

We usually show up a few minutes early for our ressie...try to be there a little early and check in......If they can then great ...gives you a little bit of an extra cush on time....and you won't be looking at your watch...Enjoy your meal ...its fab there.

 

[janabananas]

This was our experience when we had dinner at Kona and watched Wishes after. Our ADR was for 745pm or 8pm, maybe. The meal was very relaxed, not rushed, but it wasn't dragged out either. Our waitress Mel was wonderful.

We are able to eat our apps, entrees, and I had dessert (dbf doesn't eat dessert) with plenty of time to get to the beach and get chairs for Wishes. I wouldn't wait til the last minute if you want to get a chair because they are limited.

I would like to suggest also, since the desserts may not be the best for take out, get a drink to go. I asked the waitress if we could order drinks to go and she had the bartender put dbf's margarita in a plastic cup. I ordered a lapu-lapu, mine was in the pineapple.