Lunch: Kona Cafe or Grand Floridian Cafe?

[bangzoom6877]

I'm giving DH a ride-along at the WDW Speedway for his 35th Birthday. On the day we arrive, he will be doing the ride-along. We will be arriving pretty early (we'll be in Tamps for a few days before, so a very short drive to WDW), and after the ride-along we will be going out to lunch. I thought it would be great, and also convenient, to go to one of the MK resort restaurants for lunch. Our boys will be with us, ages 5 and 7 when we go.

I am torn between Kona Cafe and Grand Floridian Cafe right now. We loved Kona Cafe for dinner last time, and their lunch menu looks great too. But so does the one for GF Cafe. If we go to Kona for lunch instead of dinner this time, it would free up one evening to try a restaurant we haven't been to yet. Not sure what to do. For those of you who have been to both, which one did you like more and why? Should we just go to GF Cafe and stick with Kona for dinner again?

One other issue...I don't know what time DH will be finished with the ride-along. What are my chances of getting into Kona or GF Cafe as a walk-in during lunchtime? It will be July 23, 2012. Yes, I know I can't make my ADRs for another 3 months, but I am planning everything ahead so that when that time comes I am completely ready to book! I guess I could always make a later ADR and if he is finished early we could see if they will seat us early.

 

[focusondisney]

I voted for GF Cafe. I find it a more calm, relaxing atmosphere than Kona. Kona, being right in the lobby area, with tables right on top of each other, seems louder & more hectic to me. We like the GF menu a bit better too.

But I don't travel with 2 little boys, only DH & I. However every time we go, there are lots of kids there. We have never been in July so I can't say chance of getting a table without an ADR then. But in Sept & Dec, there has always seemed to be plenty of tables open @ lunch.

Hope your DH enjoys the ride along. We did that for my DH & DS back in 2000 as a Father's Day gift. They had a lot of fun. It is still one of our favorite family memories.

 

[Pugmalion1]

I voted for the Grand Floridian Cafe, since I like their menu a little bit more. That being said, Kona's lunch menu is also interesting. It's almost a toss-up for me.

For you, though, considering that you're talking about a possible walk-up reservation, I'd highly recommend the Grand Floridan Cafe over Kona. In my experience, it's a lot easier to get a walk-up at GFC than Kona.

 

[VelvetGloves]

Last May, my husband and I had lunch at Kona Cafe. We had an ADR, which we probably didn't need, as it wasn't busy at all. It was one of our favorites meals, so much so that we ended up going back for dinner a few days later. Lunch wasn't too loud when we were there. Dinner was crazy, but lunch was quite peaceful for us.

I've never been to the Grand Floridian Cafe, but my husband and I really enjoyed Kona for lunch. I'm sure whichever you choose will be great!

VelvetGloves

 

[bangzoom6877]

Thank you everyone! I think we will stick with Kona for dinner, and go to GF Cafe for lunch. I will probably make an ADR arund 1pm, and if we are finished with the ride-along early, we will try to get in early.

 

[bcrook]

Thank you everyone! I think we will stick with Kona for dinner, and go to GF Cafe for lunch. I will probably make an ADR arund 1pm, and if we are finished with the ride-along early, we will try to get in early.

If you like key lime pie, GF Cafe has my favorite dessert in WDW.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Thank you everyone! I think we will stick with Kona for dinner, and go to GF Cafe for lunch.

That's exactly what I opened this thread to suggest! I think that dinner is Kona's best meal thanks to the sushi bar and that delicious pineapple bread. The lunch at the Grand Floridian Café is outstanding, though.

 

[bangzoom6877]

If you like key lime pie, GF Cafe has my favorite dessert in WDW.

I love key lime pie!

That's exactly what I opened this thread to suggest! I think that dinner is Kona's best meal thanks to the sushi bar and that delicious pineapple bread. The lunch at the Grand Floridian Café is outstanding, though.

I do love their bread at dinner! Sounds like the right decision is GF Cafe for lunch and Kona for dinner! I am also interested in trying Kona's teriyaki steak!