You are invited to decide for us....

[Hayley]

....we are compulsive planners. We arrive mid-afternoon and have really, really late dinner reservations so we want to get a mid afternoon snack. We can't decide (agree ), and so we're letting anyone who has a second (and/or <i>cares</i> what we do) to vote: <i>we will abide by the majority decision.

 

[crisi]

Give me some more info.....

Who is in your party? What do you want to do with your afternoon? Where (and what time) are your late dinner reservations?

If I were staying at the Poly with my husband, lunch at the Kona would be my choice - but its a big meal to be followed by another (albeit late) big meal. That being the case, we might head over to Epcot for World Showcase snacks - a little sushi followed by a stop by the bakery in Norway or a stop at the cafe in Morrocco followed by a pastry from France. If I had my kids with me, we'd be in the MK for fast food and a couple of rides before dinner, as my kids can't be that close to the MK without going in.

 

[Hayley]

There are 5 of us - my husband, 2 kids, and their friend (all in college). They will have been out late the night before (going to holiday party) and will probably want a nap before dinner (9:30 -- fireworks are at 9:00 so we'll go early for a drink).

The kids aren't necessarily the ones that want to stay close to the hotel -- they just want time for relaxing, and they're probably going to sleep on the plane.

We all kind of like to do something to get into the Disney Spirit when we get there -- we are giant WDW nerds.

 

[gometros]

Why a cab to AKL? Hop on the monorail to MK, then grab a bus to AKL. You can reverse that trip to get back to the Polynesian by grabbing the first bus to EPCOT or MK at hopping on the monorail.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I voted for 50's primetime - yum!

 

[ColetteN]

I voted MK counter service or snacks!

If you like to do something to get into the Disney spirit your first day, take the monorail ride to the MK. Go to your favorite land and/or ride your favorite family ride.

Grab a few snacks or hit a favorite counter service.

This way, you're close enough - just a short monorail ride - to the hotel for a rest before your late dinner.

Enjoy your vacation!!!!

Colette

 

[lyncruiser2]

I'd suggest tea at the Grand Floridian. A lovely afternoon event, and something different and fun. Also, it is a great light meal -- just enough food to keep hunger at bay and not enough to get you too full for a late dinner.

 

[Micca]

I voted to check the concierge/take food to the room. The Poly has the nice shop with snacks and drinks (mmmmmmm...beer).
There is also the snack bar (Captain Cook's?) with burgers, hot dogs, etc. I wouldn't burn off a park pass to eat, and depending on what time you get in and when the park closes, that could be a waste. The lounge at the Poly just outside Ohana has appetizers and some nice tropical concoctions.

 

[KathyTX]

I vote for hopping the monorail or launch to the MK, and grabbing a snack or light meal there..

Nothing gets me in the WDW spirit like that first stroll down Main Street and that awesome view of the Castle!

 

[vgaskin]

We did not have good luck at our breakfast at Kona cafe but I remember having some very good lunches. You will want to get going on your vacation, so I would get whatever fast food Poly has or do Kona.

 

[Hayley]

Thanks everyone -- there is tie, so I'll need someone else to vote, but you've brought up some excellent points. I love the idea of tea at the GF, but I don't know if the guys will go for it.

I just can't wait to go! I even caught myself thinking (and I'm not proud of this) about "getting Christmas over with" so that I can start packing and concentrate on the trip!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

What better way to get in the mood than to hop on the monorail to the MK and grab a snack at Casey's Hot Dogs while watching the people stroll down Main Street. (mmmm....Casey's Hot Dog's!!) Head on over to Frontierland and take a ride on Splash Mountain and go check out your funny looking picture afterwards! (Hmmmm, I have to remember to do this myself when DH and I make our trip in 2006)

 

[DisFam95]

You're not at Disney until you rush over to see the Castle!!! I'd go to the MK and eat something, bake shop, Plaza Restaurant and split sandwiches, casey's corner..hot dog and cup of fries

 

[jann1033]

you didn't mention (or I did see) what kind of passes you have. or when you are going but I am guessing the parks close early so I wouldn't waste a day for an hr or two unless uph or ap (then i'd go to mk and eat there) but not knowing if that was feasible, i voted for kona with a mono ride to epcot ( love to do that especailly at dusk or dark) ...just to get the excitment going... pre or post a rest at the room, frieworks from the poly beach then dinner

 

[Hayley]

Disney nerds that we are, we have APs -- so we really have the luxury of doing what we want when we want to without wasting a day.

ITA agree about seeing the castle and having it be "official" that you are there. I've really changed my idea and want to get right over to the MK for fries on Main Street. But like I said, the majority opinion wins in this one!

 

[heffalump9]

I think a snack at the MK would be a great choice (Casey's Corner or Columbia Harbour House). You can dive right into the "Magic" and since you are only a monorail ride away you probably could even get in a couple of rides afterwards or head back to the Poly for a nap or a little sun (if weather permits).

 

[Hayley]

We're declaring this contest over -- because we all like the outcome at this point.

Thank you to one and all who participated -- fries on Main Street it is! I really can't wait!

 

[DisneyKidds]

Well, I had it narrowed to Kona or Casey's....................so your choice is a good one.

My final vote went to Kona. Why? Well, I wouldn't want to get a big meal there (we did that for dinner and it was average), but we did see people with burgers that looked good and there were other things you could share for a light meal. No, what made me vote Kona was the Koko Puffs. Those alone are worth a visit to Knoa Cafe. We had them for the first time two weeks ago and you can be sure we will have them again.

 

[travelbug]

I think you chose well! I would also take advantage of being on the monorail, and go to MK for some fast food. What a great relaxing way to start your trip! Have a wonderful time.

 

[StaceyA]

I don't know if it is being in the middle of the Magic Kingdom, but Casey's hot dogs are simply the best I think I have ever had!!