First Look: Disney Quietly Reveals Updates to This Polynesian Village Resort Restaurant

Dining around the Magic Kingdom monorail loop has been changing as updates continue to arrive at many of the Resorts’ most iconic restaurants.

From past renovations that left locations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa themed to some of Disney’s live-action films, including a light Mary Poppins Returns (2018) theme at Citricos and Beauty and the Beast (2017) at The Enchanted Rose, to The Wave’s transformation into Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, there are plenty of reimagined dining experiences to be head along the monorail loop.

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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has also been the subject of some major updates with the removal of the Spirit of Aloha dinner show to make way for new Disney Vacation Club accommodations, and a revamp of Kona Cafe. A staple in the restaurant lineup at the Resort, Kona Cafe has been a fan-favorite spot for several years thanks to its tasty lunch, dinner, and drink options, along with one of Disney’s most beloved breakfasts featuring Tonga Toast and Kona coffee served in a French press.

As of this writing, Kona Cafe remains closed for a refurbishment that will soon showcase a newly reimagined space alongside an enhanced dining experience (but don’t worry, favorite menu items like Tonga Toast will still be available). With the restaurant set to reopen to Guests on November 1, 2022, Disney has removed the tarp revealing a first look at the new dining area:

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The new look is decidedly modern and more consistent with other looks Disney has been going for in terms of restaurants, hotel rooms, and lobbies at the Resorts. Compared to the original style of the restaurant, the new Kona Cafe will feature lighter wood tones, bright floral artwork, and new lighting fixtures and entrance design, keeping the open kitchen concept.

As you can see to the left in the above photo, Kona Island, which has been used as a pickup location to order off Kona Cafe’s menu to go during the refurbishment, still has the older look. We do not yet know if this area will be updated as well, but we will continue to monitor this space and report back if it is updated.

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Reservations are now open for Kona Cafe, however, the menu has not yet been updated on Disney’s official website or in the My Disney Experience app. We are excited to visit the new Kona Cafe ourselves and will report back with any additional updates here on Disney Tips.