Kona Cafe

[Rory607]

I’ve read a few threads about Kona Cafe and how it has a new menu that people don’t like. Is it bad if you’ve never been there and have no expectations?

We are staying at the Poly for the first time next fall and are trying to get Ohana for our first night. Mostly out of convenience so we don’t have to leave the resort for dinner. Right now we have an ADR for Kona Cafe in case we can’t get Ohana. Only one person in our party eats sushi, but I’ve checked the menu and the entrees look fine everyone else. I’m trying to decide if I should figure something else out for that night.

 

[NYCgrrl]

When we stay at Poly we never make a ressie for Ohana as the same meal (minus the ice cream) is available via private dining/room service; less stress and more pjs on the terrace eating, LOL.

As for Kona Cafe...... I suspect that many are so used to the older menu they aren't giving the newer version a chance. Based solely on reading the new menu I see possibilities of a fine meal with careful ordering.

 

[LavishWig]

I think if you see things on there that you like, go for it! Generally, it seems that reviews are good for Kona and they're much more consistent than the reviews that Ohana gets.

I think a lot of people are just missing some items from the old menu, but if you see something you like- enjoy.

 

[Rory607]

When we stay at Poly we never make a ressie for Ohana as the same meal (minus the ice cream) is available via private dining/room service; less stress and more pjs on the terrace eating, LOL.

As for Kona Cafe...... I suspect that many are so used to the older menu they aren't giving the newer version a chance. Based solely on reading the new menu I see possibilities of a fine meal with careful ordering.

Room service is an option I hadn’t considered. That might be an even better option than Ohana or Kona!

 

[Cinderumbrella]

We went in February. We were very underwhelmed. We were also seated at 9:30 for a 8:45pm ADR so we were starving. I won’t be back anytime soon.

 

[ErinsMommy]

after having a couple of poor service experiences at Ohana, we tried Kona Cafe, and have decided our check out day breakfast will be at Kona from now on. It was a very good meal!

 

[goneviral]

When we're at WDW for my birthday, we try to do Sci-Fi Dine-In for lunch and Kona Cafe for dinner. I pick the restaurants that I like the best for this day.

I'm perfectly happy with people underrating Kona Cafe because it gives me a better chance at getting a table whenever I want.

PS: The Kona Kone is the best dessert at WDW imo.

 

[Dug720]

I realize that not everyone is a solo traveller, but...

I tried Kona for breakfast in September and was so excited to try it - even knowing I could not have the famous Tonga Toast because they can't do it gluten-free. The food (Mickey Waffles with the Tonga Toast strawberry sauce) and the mimosa flight were fine, but my server... It was the first time I've ever totally felt brushed off for being solo. At first I chalked it up to I was her first table of the morning and she was just getting warmed up (still not 100% acceptable, but I could have dealt), but then a family group of 6 and a pair of women were seated and the way she treated both of those tables compared to me was glaringly obvious.

I did not want to ruin my day by asking for the manager, but I did make careful note of the date, time, and server's name and followed up with an email to guest services which was forwarded to the manager. I did receive an email thanking me for bringing this to their attention, and while I did not expect anything, the response felt pat. As a result, I will never visit Kona as a solo again, and to be honest I'll be very hesitant to visit with a group.

Everywhere else I've dined solo on property I've been treated like a princess. My server at Kona made me feel like hired help who had snuck into the princess's dining room and was stealing her food.

 

[Beachmom0317]

We ate at Kona twice last trip in December ‘18. We also stayed at the poly. We loved it

 

[Rory607]

I realize that not everyone is a solo traveller, but...

I tried Kona for breakfast in September and was so excited to try it - even knowing I could not have the famous Tonga Toast because they can't do it gluten-free. The food (Mickey Waffles with the Tonga Toast strawberry sauce) and the mimosa flight were fine, but my server... It was the first time I've ever totally felt brushed off for being solo. At first I chalked it up to I was her first table of the morning and she was just getting warmed up (still not 100% acceptable, but I could have dealt), but then a family group of 6 and a pair of women were seated and the way she treated both of those tables compared to me was glaringly obvious.

I did not want to ruin my day by asking for the manager, but I did make careful note of the date, time, and server's name and followed up with an email to guest services which was forwarded to the manager. I did receive an email thanking me for bringing this to their attention, and while I did not expect anything, the response felt pat. As a result, I will never visit Kona as a solo again, and to be honest I'll be very hesitant to visit with a group.

Everywhere else I've dined solo on property I've been treated like a princess. My server at Kona made me feel like hired help who had snuck into the princess's dining room and was stealing her food.

I would have been upset, too. That is unacceptable.

 

[princessbride6205]

We have been to Kona for dinner a few times over the years. We just went this month while staying at the Poly. My understanding is that there is a new chef. Everyone enjoyed their meal, and my DH loved his. The food quality and flavors (and prices) are almost signature dining with the new menu.

 

[SamFaniam]

I realize that not everyone is a solo traveller, but...

I tried Kona for breakfast in September and was so excited to try it - even knowing I could not have the famous Tonga Toast because they can't do it gluten-free. The food (Mickey Waffles with the Tonga Toast strawberry sauce) and the mimosa flight were fine, but my server... It was the first time I've ever totally felt brushed off for being solo. At first I chalked it up to I was her first table of the morning and she was just getting warmed up (still not 100% acceptable, but I could have dealt), but then a family group of 6 and a pair of women were seated and the way she treated both of those tables compared to me was glaringly obvious.

I did not want to ruin my day by asking for the manager, but I did make careful note of the date, time, and server's name and followed up with an email to guest services which was forwarded to the manager. I did receive an email thanking me for bringing this to their attention, and while I did not expect anything, the response felt pat. As a result, I will never visit Kona as a solo again, and to be honest I'll be very hesitant to visit with a group.

Everywhere else I've dined solo on property I've been treated like a princess. My server at Kona made me feel like hired help who had snuck into the princess's dining room and was stealing her food.

I'm sorry this happened to you. I think you did get a bad server. Work takes me to Orlando a few times a year and Kona is one of my favorites. I have dined there several times solo, although not for breakfast, and always have good service.

I think the new menu is great, but it is more Asian/Polynesian than the old menu and I can see why some people would not care for it. Love the poke bowls!

 

[Dug720]

I'm sorry this happened to you. I think you did get a bad server. Work takes me to Orlando a few times a year and Kona is one of my favorites. I have dined there several times solo, although not for breakfast, and always have good service.

I think the new menu is great, but it is more Asian/Polynesian than the old menu and I can see why some people would not care for it. Love the poke bowls!

It does look good - well, I'm not a seafood girl, but the other part looks good. I don't know if the things that carried over also carry over on the allergy menu. I'll probably stick with The Wave for now for July.

 

[Rory607]

We have been to Kona for dinner a few times over the years. We just went this month while staying at the Poly. My understanding is that there is a new chef. Everyone enjoyed their meal, and my DH loved his. The food quality and flavors (and prices) are almost signature dining with the new menu.

This is good to hear! We are on the dining plan, so cost doesn’t really matter.

 

[Burgundy Rose]

Everywhere else I've dined solo on property I've been treated like a princess. My server at Kona made me feel like hired help who had snuck into the princess's dining room and was stealing her food.

I had a lot of solo meals at WDW when I went and had a similar experience at Tusker House (cold waiter and very different man with larger tables), even though all the other places, including Kona, treated me like royalty (I had even better service alone than when I ate with my boyfriend, waiters went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed and was okay, it was very sweet). I'm so sorry it happened to you, I know what it's like - even though I enjoyed the food, I'm not going back to Tusker House anytime soon...

 

[Dug720]

I had a lot of solo meals at WDW when I went and had a similar experience at Tusker House (cold waiter and very different man with larger tables), even though all the other places, including Kona, treated me like royalty (I had even better service alone than when I ate with my boyfriend, waiters went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed and was okay, it was very sweet). I'm so sorry it happened to you, I know what it's like - even though I enjoyed the food, I'm not going back to Tusker House anytime soon...

I’m so sorry that happened to you as well!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

DH and I went for dessert. He loves the kikeau torte. I didnt realize it was off the menu. DH ordered coffee, which was cold and I ordered one of the shot glass deserts but I didnt enjoy it. Their new menu is stinky.

 

[SomDayMyPrnceWillCom]

I have to go to 'Ohana on every trip. We've stayed at the Poly DVC the last couple of trips. I've not yet had a "bad" experience there. Some were better than others but we love both the breakfast and dinner there. I love Kona for breakfast also. I haven't tried the new menu, so I can't speak to it.

 

[Baduist]

I think Kona is 95% about the food, so unless you see something special on the menu that you wanna try, I would skip it for a restaurant that’s more about experience.

Personally I find neighboring Ohana to be 10/10 at both aspects.

 

[Brett Wyman]

Has anyone tried to get that 90 dollar steak on the DP? I assume its excluded but Im curious just the same