ALOHA
from Disney’s Polynesian Resort!
Capt. Cook’s is the Polynesian’s Quick Service option — famous for Tonga Toast in the morning, and Pork Sandwiches and Nachos in the afternoon into the evening (more on their also-famous Dole Whips later in the post). You can typically find a few unique and stellar cupcakes here, too.
Well, its original location is currently closed for refurbishment from now until later this summer. We’re definitely looking forward to the new-and-improved digs, but in the meantime we thought we’d swing by to give you a quick look at the temporary location.
If you head to the original location for Captain Cook’s, you’ll see signs directing you to the temporary location. From the original space, it’s just to the right of the set of stairs that bring you to Tambu Lounge.
The first thing to greet you is the main seating area.
Captain Cook’s signature tables made the move…
And additional seating can be found to the left of the main area.
Past the seating, you see the food area.
The kitchen space appears roomy.
Flow in the costumer area is a bit disrupted by the cold grab-and-go refrigerators (the drink station, where you can refill your mug or grab a cup of coffee, is on the other side of the case).
Still, for a temporary space, I think they’ve done a really nice job making it as comfortable as possible, and have kept things nice and bright despite the lack of natural light from windows.
Looking at the menus, many of those Polynesian favorites remain.
Yep — you can still get your Tonga Toast!! Ya-hoo!
And we’re glad to see some of those lunch and dinner favorites as well.
We love the pork nachos and the pork sandwich!
Though I’m sad to see the grown-up grilled cheese sandwich is not on the menu here… though I am tempted to try the Thai Coconut Meatball Sandwich. Hope it returns with the official restaurant!
Paper menus are also available to alleviate congestion by the wall menus. The listing of the various Flatbreads of the Day is a nice feature.
You can still grab one of their tasty cupcakes, too (most are in the cooler, but some were out to grab right away). Here is the Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cupcake!
Alas, though… no Dole Whips at the Poly until the original location reopens later this summer. You’ll have to hop on the monorail and get to Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom for your fix.
We definitely want to say WAY TO GO to the Cast Members at the Polynesian for keeping things operating so smoothly in light of the changes! We’re already looking forward to seeing what’s next for Capt. Cook’s when it reopens in a few months, and will be sure to keep you posted!
Are you excited about Capt. Cook’s being refurbished? Please let us know with a comment!
KB says
So glad to hear that most of the menu made it over. Can’t wait for our beloved pork nachos on our trip in June.
As a former Polynesian resort cast member, it’s going to be almost fun to dine once more in what used to be the cast cafeteria!
Mike Venere says
Thanks for the great timing of this article.
We just switched our reservations from Bwalk to Poly but were a little “scared” when we heard about the construction and move of Capt Cooks.
This puts all fears aside!!!!
Thank You
Jasmine Becket-Griffith says
Oh no!! The grown-up grilled cheese is gone =( We always stop by Polynesian specifically to grab those, one of the tastiest sandwiches on property. Another vegetarian option removed, and none added. =( Hopefully it will be back once construction is over!
Steph says
Love the Nachos too! Everything is so good there! We try to stop there every trip to WDW just for a Dole Whip and to see our fave resort! Now I’m hungry!
Jaime says
Wow, I didn’t know they were doing this. We were there in March. We didn’t get park tickets this past time, so we spent lots of hours at the pool with our Dole Whips! Glad we went then!
Steve Weatherford says
As a 70’s cast member in Watercraft and a Pilot & Engineer onboard the Moonlight Cruise which docked at the Poly twice a night, I ate my evening meal and any others I wanted in this very same Cafe’. Hope the construction lingers on into the Fall so I can dine there again,
Brenda says
Thankful to see that Aloha Pork Sandwich still on the menu. My favorite thing to eat at WDW.
Abigail says
No Dole whips!! Aww man. I’m staying there next month and was looking forward to having as many as possible. Glad the pork sandwich is still there 🙂
Carol says
Love the Pork Nachos and the Grown Up Grilled Cheese. My daughter and I usually get both of these at once and split them. Hopefully, the Grilled Cheese will come back after refurbishment.
Helen says
Would love to see some vegan items added. We go to Gasparillas so my son can ge t vegan optins
Caryn says
Is there any outdoor seating still available? We usually go to the Poly just for Tonga toast at Capt. Cooks and bring it outside.
peggy says
Most important!!! Unfortunately there is no dole whip! Looks great for a temporary location. Made a special trip there for dole whip but no such luck. Just had to get it at magic kingdom!
Lesley says
Disappointed to read there are no Dole Whips on offer! Especially as we are having a “non-park” trip this time. We shall all miss our annual fix.
Amy says
Somebody please start a campaign to Bring Back the GrownUp Grilled Cheese!