Another Dining Option

This may seem crazy to many of you..

But I'm not a huge fan of dining options at the Magic Kingdom.

I love being in the park first thing in the morning and being there late at night, but for meals, I'm generally not a fan.

The quick service options just don't do it for me -

Burgers, burgers, burgers.  

Yes, I know there are other options - Columbia Harbor House supposedly has some great seafood options.  But, I don't do seafood - I should say we don't do seafood.  My husband dislikes it more than me!  There is a pretty good wrap at Pecos Bills, but still - the options are just very limited.

We usually end up at Cosmic Rays - soups/salads/burgers/ribs - I can't imagine eating ribs midday in 90 degree weather, even though so many people say they're good - but we always feel like we're paying high prices for mediocre food.  I do enjoy listening to Sonny Eclipse, but after a week...

*I should disclose - I don't eat fast food at home.  That last time I recall having a fast food burger was Wendy's in 2004.  I've had grilled chicken, but even that doesn't sit well for me either. So, changing my eating habits completely on vacation usually just leads to a stomach ache!*

So, what could you do if you need a change?

Hop on the monorail (or ferry boat)...

And find lunch at one of the resorts nearby! 

Waterfall inside the Polynesian

One day on our trip (all photographed on the lost pictures from the broken hard drive), we hopped on the monorail and decided to see what was cooking at the Polynesian.  Unfortunately, at 11 am, Kona is still serving breakfast, so that option went out the window.  O'hana is only open for breakfast and dinner, so that was another down..  And, then I remembered reading that the Poly had a great counter service option:

Captain Cook's

Located on the 1st floor of the Polynesian, Captain Cook's has a very different menu from the standard counter service restaurant - flat breads, stir fry, and some unique sandwich choices, along with your standard Caesar Salad and Cheeseburger.  Oh, and if you're craving a Dole Whip?  You can get one here!  And for the kids - you pretty much have the standard menu, but let me tell you - that grilled cheese - wow.  The updated menu has a grilled cheese - I would totally eat that.  Best grilled cheese possibly ever...

And did I mention they make the food fresh when you order?  

So, if you're looking for a nice quick service in a beautiful location, check out Captain Cook's!  I'd say we'll add it to our rotation, but we still have to check out Fort Wildnerness/Wilderness Lodge on our next trip, so I don't know when we'll be back.  But, we will be back! 

Where do you like to escape to for meals outside the parks?