Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Recently Capt. Cook’s,  the counter service restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, underwent a refurbishment and the menu received a nice make-over. In the past Capt. Cook’s was known for two things 1) Tonga Toast for breakfast 2) self-serve Dole Whip. You can no longer get Dole Whip at Capt. Cook’s-don’t panic-it is available just outside Capt. Cook’s at the Pineapple Lanai, but you can get a mostly-new menu full of Polynesian inspired foods.

I have visited Capt. Cook’s a few times in the past, for a Dole Whip and I can honestly say I can’t remember the decor at all. That has changed under the refurbishment. I was drawn in by the colorful, retro Polynesian travel posters hanging on the walls. I was mesmerized by the intricate lighting fixtures too. The atmosphere at Capt. Cook’s is calming and inviting. We visited for dinner on a September Thursday night around 7pm and the place was rather empty. It was quiet and a relaxing dining experience.

There are so many delicious and affordable menu choices at Capt. Cook’s I have a feeling that on busy days in the Magic Kingdom we may retreat here for a relaxing lunch or dinner to re-charge and escape the crowds for a little while.

I love that the menu still includes some “basics” like the Angus Bacon Cheeseburger and the All-Beef Hot Dog but is also full of Polynesian inspired fare like the Aloha Pork Sandwich, Polynesian Salad with Chicken, Big Kahuna Sandwich, Udon Noodle Bowl and Flatbreads. While my husband and I have each only tried one entree each…so far we have heard from friends that they loved the Coconut Curry Meatballs, Hot Beef and Cheddar and the Fish Tacos.

The kid’s menu includes: hamburger, cheeseburger, chicken nuggets, hot dog, turkey sandwich, peanut butter and jelly, and chicken and pineapple skewers.

My husband chose the not-too-adventurous Grilled Chicken Sandwich which comes with with cheddar, bacon, teriyaki sauce and pineapple salsa. He said the chicken was moist and he enjoyed the combination of flavors.

I went way outside my comfort zone and tried the Chicken and Waffles. I have never had this food combo before, even though it is very popular. At Capt. Cook’s the plus the typical Chicken and Waffles dish by making  crispy Buffalo chicken fritters topped with Romaine and Ranch dressing on a waffle topped with maple syrup! I know the combination sounds odd but I must tell you…It Works! It was a delicious combination of savory/sweet/heat and it worked wonderfully. I cannot wait to have a chance to enjoy this delicacy again!

Lunch and Dinner are served from 11am-11pm, the grab ‘n go area is open 24 hours a day and adult meal prices range from $7.19-$16.29.

Breakfast menu includes Tonga Toast (without the strawberry compote it is served with at Kona Cafe), scrambled eggs, Mickey waffles, breakfast burrito and a breakfast sandwich.

Have you ever eaten at Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Would you like to try the new menu? What would you order? I’d love to know!