Kona Cafe Breakfast Review (is Disney's Polynesian Village Resort restaurant worth it?)

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the most popular hotel’s on Walt Disney World property — and for good reason.

Not only is it an original hotel (it opened alongside Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Contemporary Resort on October 1, 1971), but Polynesian sits on the Monorail line and offers an unforgettable view of Cinderella Castle.

Oh, and it has some highly sought after dining. One in particular is Kona Cafe.

I’ve dined here multiple times, but this Kona Cafe breakfast review is from my most recent visit on December 26, 2024.

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In this article

What is Kona Cafe?

Located inside the Great Ceremonial House (where the main lobby is), Kona Cafe sits on the second level near ‘Ohana and the Tambu Lounge.

You can dine here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find an Asian and American-infused menu. There’s also a sushi kitchen that you can’t miss as soon as you enter the restaurant.

Kona Cafe is a Table Service restaurant and accepts dining reservations. I suggest booking one. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it is accepted here and Kona Cafe To Go (1 Table Service credit per person).

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members also receive 10% off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding tax and gratuity).

december 2024 breakfast reservation at kona cafe at disney's polynesian

Tip: Reservations are always recommended for any Table Service restaurant at Walt Disney World. You can make these at the 60-day mark online or via the My Disney Experience app beginning at 5:45 a.m. ET (sometimes they don’t open until 6 a.m. ET). If you have issues, call (407) WDW-DINE. If you can’t get a reservation, you can always use a Disney dining reservation alert service, like MouseDining. If you can’t get a reservation, you can try to join the Walk-Up List for the restaurant (if available) in the My Disney Experience app.

Disney Dining Plan (how it works, cost, and more details)

How much does breakfast cost at Kona Cafe?

It’s important to note that prices and menus frequently change at Walt Disney World. The following is based on my most recent visit.

The cost of breakfast at Kona Cafe varies, but entrees range from $15.00 to $22.00, while kids’ meals range between $6.50 and $10.50. You’ll also need to factor in if you want additional items, like coffee, juice, and specialty beverages.

Here’s a look at the Kona Cafe breakfast menu so you can get a better look at what dishes are available and what they cost:

kona cafe menu at polynesian in disney world

Kona Cafe Breakfast Review

I truly believe that Kona Cafe has one of the best breakfasts at Disney World.

While Kona Cafe is known for its famous Tonga Toast (banana-stuffed sourdough french toast rolled in cinnamon-sugar), I never get this. I’m not a big banana filling fan.

But, I do always order the Macadamia Nut Pancakes for $16.00. During this visit, they were still amazing. You get three pancakes topped with Macadamia Nut Butter and Pineapple Sauce.

I don’t know if I will ever be able to express how life-changing this macadamia nut butter is. Then. you combine it with the pineapple sauce and oh my gosh. These are hands-down the best pancakes I’ve ever had.

Note: If you go to Kona Cafe during lunch or dinner, the macadamia nut butter is served with the rolls. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

macadamia nut pancakes and breakfast potatoes at kona cafe

Alongside the pancakes, you also get a side of your choice of Ham, Spiced Ham, Bacon, or Sausage. Since I’m vegetarian, I either substitute the meat with a bowl of fruit or a side of breakfast potatoes.

Now, for the other important part of the meal — coffee. You must order the Freshly Brewed Joffrey’s Coffee 100% Hawaiian Kona Press Pot. This costs $10.25 and serves two. It’s strong, delicious, and smooth. There’s something about pressed coffee.

And if you’re a juice person, the Liliko’i Juice ($6.75) is phenomenal. This is Disney’s famous POG juice (passion fruit, orange, and guava), but just under a different name.

Tip: You can also order Tonga Toast from Capt. Cook’s, Polynesian’s Quick Service location. For $10.49, you get the Tonga Toast served with bacon or sausage. At Kona Cafe, the Tonga Toast is served with strawberry compote and your choice of ham, spiced ham, bacon, or sausage for $17.00.

Overall, Kona Cafe has good service, but sometimes it can be on the slower side. Table Service is obviously going to be slower than Quick Service, but you should know that Kona isn’t a restaurant where they don’t typically move guests in and out quickly.

kona cafe to go mobile order in my disney experience app

There are both pros and cons to this. The pro is you can enjoy breakfast without feeling rushed, especially if you’re having more of an easy day. The con is if you’re in a hurry, you’re going to be hanging for a bit.

Another pro is that if you are in a hurry, but still want to eat at Kona Cafe, you can order food to go! In the My Disney Experience app, there is “Kona Cafe To Go”, which is mobile order for Table Service.

You can mobile order from the full menu for breakfast lunch, and dinner and then pick it up right outside Kona Cafe next to Kona Island.

This is such a nice perk, especially for those staying at Polynesian.

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Is breakfast at Kona Cafe worth it?

As you can tell, I’m a big Kona Cafe fan and recommend you try it at least once. This restaurant will always be at the top of my Table Service breakfast choices at Disney World.

Kona Cafe has a nice blend of a traditional American breakfast and unique dishes that go with the theme of the restaurant. There’s something for everyone, including pickier eaters, kids, vegetarians, and vegans. The restaurant also has an allergy-friendly menu for adults and kids.

It has high quality breakfast food and you get a lot for your money. If you’re looking for a filling breakfast that is also going to taste fantastic while not feeling rushed, head to Kona Cafe.

Have you had breakfast at Kona Cafe? What did you think?