Kona Cafe or California Grill w/kids?

[CSchex]

Hi everyone! We are taking a trip to WDW in Jan 2013. My sons, ages 11 and 14, want to book a restaurant that serves sushi. I've always wanted to try California Grill, but didn't know if it was appropriate for kids. We will also be on the dining plan, so I would like to know if it is worth 2 credits? I have never tried Kona Cafe either. We have other dining reservations for the day we will be in Epcot, so that is not an option... Has anyone tried both of these restaurants and have a recommendation? Thank you!

 

[figment_jii]

Hi everyone! We are taking a trip to WDW in Jan 2013. My sons, ages 11 and 14, want to book a restaurant that serves sushi. I've always wanted to try California Grill, but didn't know if it was appropriate for kids. We will also be on the dining plan, so I would like to know if it is worth 2 credits? I have never tried Kona Cafe either. We have other dining reservations for the day we will be in Epcot, so that is not an option... Has anyone tried both of these restaurants and have a recommendation? Thank you!

I really like California Grill, but in terms of the "value" on the DDP, it's not really economical (unless you're on the DxDP).

 

[TJA]

It's worth 2 credits if you're on the deluxe dining plan, not sure if you are or not. We had the best meal of our trip at the CG while on the DxDDP. But on the regular DDP, it's really not a great value using the 2 credits there. Our kids love it there -- great food, great view, and watching Wishes from the look-out deck is an awesome experience.

Kona also has great food and would be a good value on the regular DDP.

Both choices are great, just depends on which DDP you have and if you're concerned about the value of your points.

 

[gabzee]

Hi everyone! We are taking a trip to WDW in Jan 2013. My sons, ages 11 and 14, want to book a restaurant that serves sushi. I've always wanted to try California Grill, but didn't know if it was appropriate for kids. We will also be on the dining plan, so I would like to know if it is worth 2 credits? I have never tried Kona Cafe either. We have other dining reservations for the day we will be in Epcot, so that is not an option... Has anyone tried both of these restaurants and have a recommendation? Thank you!

If you are looking for a restaurant that serves sushi, I would go with California Grill. Kona Cafe does not have sushi on its menu. The bar near Kona Cafe (I believe it is called Kona Island) does have some sushi.

 

[mom2of2]

If you are looking for a restaurant that serves sushi, I would go with California Grill. Kona Cafe does not have sushi on its menu. The bar near Kona Cafe (I believe it is called Kona Island) does have some sushi.

Sushi is available at Kona Cafe during dinner

 

[livinlife25]

Agree with the others. Not worth it if on DDP (no signature is IMO), but DxDP it is. We are going to be on the regular dining plan this trip so we are visiting CG and just getting apps and dessert and paying OOP.

 

[hgeisler]

I'm not a fan of CG. I am a huge fan of Kona. To me,the food at CG is not worth two credits. The service definitely is,but not the food:/

 

[CSchex]

Thanks for the great suggestions! We are on the regular dining plan, so for our 5 day trip, we get 5 table service meals. I've been to Disney probably 30 times in my lifetime (5 w/ the kids), but have never experienced the fireworks view from the CA Grill. I guess this was the big draw for me, but we may save that for a pay out of pocket meal, and try Kona this time. Also, I was worried about taking the kids to the CA grill, I know there are kids everywhere in Disney, but didn't know if this was an appropriate place....

 

[livinlife25]

I am taking my almost 2 year old in January We are getting a very early reservation, I think 5:30 and with just the apps and dessert, hope to be out of there with him in a fairly good mood. I wouldn't blink an eye with your older kids.

 

[jenandjuice]

We're taking a 10 year old next month, but I never thought about how it would look taking him to CG. He's quiet and well behaved so we aren't worried about it

 

[Leota]

Your older kids would be fine at CG. The only time kids aren't appropriate in Disney restaurants is actually when the Parents are inappropriately ignoring kids who have reached their stimulation limit. I bet your kids would do just fine.

If you are looking for killer sushi, I'd pay out of pocket & go to Kimonos at the Swan. If you are facing an OOP meal anyways & love the sushi, that is The place to go. Otherwise, CG has the next best sushi.

 

[sabcook]

We have taken ours to CG at ages 4 and 7 and will be back with them this year at 6 and 9. No worries.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

I'm sure they'd be fine at CG, but I think your best choice would be Kona based on your dining plan. The sushi from the bar is really good - at least I've always thought so.

And to be honest, I prefer the view from the Poly beach to the view from CG.