by Disney Magic Diva
After years of visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you learn a thing or two. One lesson that has become more important as the parks have become more crowded is to remind myself that even when things don’t go as planned, it’ll be okay. We’re still at Disney World. On our last visit, I found myself needing to repeat this mantra often. And, it turned out, doing so let us experience a new (for us) quick service restaurant – Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
It was a non-park day, and our plans for the morning had unexpectedly changed. We were on the monorail loop, hungry, and looking for a bite to eat. Thoughts of one of my favorite Disney World breakfast treats – Tonga Toast – filled my head. 
So I pulled up My Disney Experience on my phone, to see if I could snag a reservation at Kona Café. (Read Darlin Diva’s review of it here.) We had enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast there a few years ago, and I was excited at the prospect of being able to do so again. But, alas, no reservations were available.
We decided to stay on the monorail and head over the Kona Café anyway, in hopes of being able to get a table as a walk-in. We were saddened to learn the wait was well over an hour, and we just didn’t have that much time in our schedule. So, as we wandered around the Polynesian Resort trying to decide what to do, we stumbled upon Capt. Cook’s, located downstairs just underneath ‘Ohana. It was a “lightbulb” moment! I had completely forgotten that Capt. Cook’s also serves Tonga Toast!
What a delightful restaurant! It was mid-morning, and there was no line to order. Deciding what to order – well, that was another question. Although I knew I wanted Tonga Toast (banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered and deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon sugar), my husband had a tough time choosing. After some deliberation, he decided on the Bounty Breakfast Platter – scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, French toast, and a biscuit. The breakfast menu also offers a breakfast sandwich, a breakfast burrito, and, of course, Mickey waffles. Kids meal choices consist of oatmeal, Mickey waffles, French toast or scrambled eggs. There is also a wide selection of pastries: scones, muffins, croissants, bagels, Danish, etc. Capt. Cook’s also serves lunch and dinner, with choices such as chicken, burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches; many of which offer a Polynesian flare to them.
Once we ordered, we were given a tracking device, and were able to get our drinks and find a table. The tracker reminded me of the “rose” you receive when you have lunch at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom (although it didn’t have a “themed” shape). We placed it in the appropriate place on our table, and when our food was ready it was delivered to us!
There were plenty of tables available, and we had our choice of either inside or outside. Since it was a lovely morning, we chose a table outside with a wonderful view of the resort and pool. We’ve never had an opportunity to stay at the Polynesian Village Resort, but I certainly see why it is so popular. The gorgeous landscaping definitely had us feeling like we were in a tropical paradise.
Within a few minutes, our food was delivered to us, and we enjoyed every bite. The Tonga Toast was as scrumptious as I remembered from my meal at Kona Café.
Diva Tip: If you really want to try Tonga Toast and are on the Disney Quick Service Dining plan or just paying cash for your meals, Capt. Cook’s is a great option. Meals are considered one quick service credit at Capt. Cook’s, whereas Kona Café is one table service credit. If you are paying cash, Tonga Toast is almost half the price at Capt. Cook’s than it is at Kona Café. 
My husband also enjoyed his Breakfast Bounty Platter. Everything was hot, well prepared and served in a unique paper container – not really a box, but with a flat bottom and sides to help the food stay contained and hot.
Capt. Cook’s is open late night, and also serves a selection of beer and wine. It would be a great spot to relax on a warm afternoon or after a hectic day at the park.
So the next time you find yourself with an unexpected change of morning plans, or even just get a spontaneous urge for Tonga Toast, remember that Capt. Cook’s is an ideal choice!
