Kona Cafe or Plaza Restaurant?

[Niki in NJ]

We are debating whether we should try Kona Cafe for breakfast (ADR would be for 8:10) before heading to MK, or second option would be to have lunch at the Plaza restaurant while in MK. We are on the DxDP .. so we'd like the best value for the plan as well ... We are 2 adults (no kids) staying at YC, in case anyone was wondering ... might factor into your response.
So, what would you do and why?

 

[BriarRosie]

Have you done the dining plan before? I find the basic plan is WAY too much food. If I had to do the Deluxe plan, I would use 1 credit for a breakfast or early lunch, and 2 credits for a signature dinner for the best value of my credits.

I don't know where you'd like to eat or if eating interferes with your touring style. (Do you like getting to the parks at opening? Or would arriving an hour after opening be ok?)

And you'll find that with every 10 posts telling you to eat at Kona, you'll find just as many telling you to eat at the Plaza to take a break in your day. Because we don't know anything about your preferences, the advice we (as a group) will give you won't be tailored to your preferences.

 

[hammie59]

If I were you, I'd look at their menus at the top of this thread or on allears.net. It might give you a better idea what's a good value etc...

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I agree with the above. It really doesn't matter the value you are getting from the plan if you don't enjoy the meal.

I like both of the restaurants you have chosen. Kona Breakfast enough to pay OOP even though we were/will be on a dining plan. It's an inexpensive meal for me to justify paying for it. I love the pancakes.

We all enjoy The Plaza. Many many posters feel that it is not a good use of the plan. But I factor in that it is a sit-down with a laid back feeling that everyone in my family enjoys. Can you put a price on that, no. It's sandwiches and ice cream, but it is REALLY GOOD sandwiches and ice cream.

As the previous poster said, do what you like. If it was me, we would be paying to share a few breakfast favorites (or even one plate for two), then doing a little bit later lunch at the Plaza.

Hope you figure it out and enjoy your stay!

 

[Fall1]

That's a tought choice, both are great. I do like the convience of having a TS for a break during a park day. I think I'd do the Plaza for that reason. The lunch there is really good and the deserts are yummy!

 

[Niki in NJ]

Thanks for the replies!
We chose the dxdp, because we like going to signature restaurants. We only eat 2 meals throughout the day (and use the snack for breakfast or lunch).
I have looked at both menus ... I guess it's just going to come down to whether we want to have a breakfast or a lunch that day ...

How long do you think Kona breakfast would take? It seems like a popular place .. so does it get backed up? We are used to going to quieter breakfast places (Captains Grill, Kouzzina) so we are usually in and out pretty quickly.

 

[wdwislife]

We did Kona for breakfast last December and absolutely LOVED it!

 

[goofyintoronto]

I agree with the above. It really doesn't matter the value you are getting from the plan if you don't enjoy the meal.

I like both of the restaurants you have chosen. Kona Breakfast enough to pay OOP even though we were/will be on a dining plan. It's an inexpensive meal for me to justify paying for it. I love the pancakes.

We all enjoy The Plaza. Many many posters feel that it is not a good use of the plan. But I factor in that it is a sit-down with a laid back feeling that everyone in my family enjoys. Can you put a price on that, no. It's sandwiches and ice cream, but it is REALLY GOOD sandwiches and ice cream.

As the previous poster said, do what you like. If it was me, we would be paying to share a few breakfast favorites (or even one plate for two), then doing a little bit later lunch at the Plaza.

Hope you figure it out and enjoy your stay!

I agree with Tinker'n'Fun 100%!!! I dont think the Plaza is a waste of a dining plan. Its not just about the food, its the relaxing and beautiful atmosphere you get to enjoy while someone waits on you. I'd do both to be honest. Kona is cheap enough to pay out of pocket. Tonga Toast is AMAZING! Their coffee as well is so good! I'd go to plaza after for lunch.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I think the better "value" for the plan would probably be Plaza, since you'd get an app, entree, and dessert at lunch there, instead of just the entree at breakfast if you ate at Kona. That being said, I'd still pick Kona, I just really loved the breakfast I've had there, where my meal at the Plaza was just okay.

 

[PoohsFan1]

My whole family loves eating at the Plaza. They have such good food and the desserts are heavenly. As for Kona, I think I am the only one in our party that really likes that place (both for dinner and breakfast), everytime I suggest going there, I get "well what about this place instead" . We are going to be in Disney in just over 3 weeks and we too have the DxDP. We are having lunch at The Plaza but we are paying OOP for it (DH doesn't think it is a good use of credits because everything there is so cheap). Good luck with your decision....I agree with the PP and go look at the menus at both restaurants, you may like one over the other.

 

[PrincessAurora]

I vote for OOP for Kona (and Tonga Toast!), then DP for the Plaza for a late lunch. That way you can digest your breakfast and have less of a crowd for lunch while you relax after a day of Park fun.

 

[jking6]

I love both these places they are both a must do for us on every trip. But with that being said:
Kona is a must for breakfast. I love the Pineapple Macadamian nut pancakes they are fabulous and the service is great one of the best.
The plaza is a great lunch spot I love just about everything there and it is a must for us on every trip.
I think it really depends on if you are a breakfast person I would go with the Kona. Last August we had Deluxe DDP and we did breakfast and we did a signature or show for dinner. It worked great and was plenty of food.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Kona is a GREAT breakfast!! I crave this breakfast all the time!! For 2 adults, you will find this to be a hidden gem and somewhere you'll return on each trip!! It's normally pretty quiet for breakfast... and they have the best coffee on property IMO!

We do the DxDDP every time... most say it's too much food, but we like to dine signature, and we also like to know that everything is taken care of financially before we arrive. You'll love it... but it will defeat you towards the end. Don't feel obligated to clean your plate, or if you don't see anything you want to try on an appetizer or dessert... skip it.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[JMD]

No question, Kona by a mile.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

If you are looking to make RD then plaza. If you don't care what time you get to the park hands down Kona.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I say Kona breakfast because of the coffee and the amazing food.

The Plaza is great too but there are some things that you can get at Kona that you cannot get anywhere else and at the Plaza it is your typical stuff

 

[~Tonga Wingo~]

I personally would do this.

Kona for breakfast and split the Big Kahuna or the Tonga Toast. The other person just order a press pot of Kona coffee (if you like coffee) or another drink. Then use one credit on the meal/drink for one person and pay for the other drink OOP.

Have lunch at the Plaza. Again share a sandwich and dessert and pay for the other drink OOP.

Have your 2 TS dinner since you've only used two credits for the day and use snack credits for dole whips .

 

[LorieDisneyLover]

Thanks for the replies!
We chose the dxdp, because we like going to signature restaurants. We only eat 2 meals throughout the day (and use the snack for breakfast or lunch).
I have looked at both menus ... I guess it's just going to come down to whether we want to have a breakfast or a lunch that day ...

How long do you think Kona breakfast would take? It seems like a popular place .. so does it get backed up? We are used to going to quieter breakfast places (Captains Grill, Kouzzina) so we are usually in and out pretty quickly.

Kona's is usually quick for breakfast ... especially if you have an ADR. It's Ohanas which is right next to it that can be pretty busy in the mornings.

That said, the Plaza is great for an early lunch ... great sandwiches and you'll have an appetizer too ... not to mention the ice cream ... which you could get a milkshake to go if you like.