On our expedition around Disney’s Polynesian Resort, we also looked at the various dining options on the property. They’re mostly oriented around the Great Ceremonial House a.k.a. the lobby.

Captain Cooks is on the ground floor on your way to the pool, and there are tables outside among the tropical foliage where it would be nice to eat if it isn’t a thousand degrees and humid. (Not likely.) This Hawaiian/American hybrid restaurant is counter service and is the best option for a cheap meal—apparently they even offer the famous Tonga Toast that’s a specialty of the Kona Cafe. (More on that later…)

I wouldn’t have considered Capt. Cook’s to be very noteworthy if it weren’t for this! I really like the fact that you can get Pineapple Dole Whip here at the Polynesian Resort, not just at The Enchanted Tiki Room in the park.

On the second floor is Kona Cafe, which has an unenclosed design that reminds me of Vegas casino restaurants. They’re known for their Tonga Toast, which is banana-stuffed sourdough french toast rolled in cinnamon and sugar. Now if only it wasn’t stuffed with something I’m allergic to, then I would be all over it…

I dig the tikis on the wall, of course. I think it saves Kona Cafe from looking like an Elephant Bar. Still more to come from the Polynesian Resort at Disney World!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is undergoing extensive renovations in 2014. Capt. Cook’s has reopened, but there’s no longer a self-service Dole Whip machine. Instead, it will be available at the Pinapple Lanai. More information can be found on the Disney Parks Blog.