Disney4me Posted August 4, 2015 Report Share Posted August 4, 2015 Who’s ready for some TONGA TOAST?!Learn About:Captain Cook’sPolynesian ResortDisney World RestaurantsReally, is there a better way you can think of to start the day than with this Disney World breakfast staple? Of course, you can only find it at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but fortunately it’s available in not one, but TWO, locations there: Kona Cafe and Captain Cook’s. (Oh, and just so we’re clear before moving any further, for those who have noticed Tonga Toast on the menu for breakfast at Rainforest Cafe, it’s totally not the same thing.)Today we’ll be enjoying Captain Cook’s version (as well as discussing the differences from the way it’s served up at Kona Cafe). But no matter where you go to grab your Tonga Toast, you’re just one Monorail ride away from the Magic Kingdom, making Tonga Toast a must-have breakfast tradition for many Disney World guests regardless of their chosen Resort.Now, it’s no secret that a LOT of changes have taken place at the Polynesian Village Resort with its Extreme Resort Makevoer ;). Now that the dust has just about settled (in the Great Ceremonial House, anyway), let’s take a quick look around first!AtmosphereAs mentioned, you can order Tonga Toast at two Polynesian Village Resort restaurants, and if you’re arriving via bus or car, you’ll need to make your way past the entrance into the Polynesian Village Resort lobby. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen the entrance unsurrounded by refurbishment walls on one — if not two — sides, here’s what it (along with some general landscaping) looks like these days.Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort EntranceDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort SceneryWe’ve visited the updated lobby previously, but here’s another few glances at the new look.Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort LobbyTiki Statue in LobbyDisney’s Polynesian Village Resort DecorOf course, our final destination today is Captain Cook’s, nestled in the back left corner on the first floor. Just follow the general traffic flow towards breakfast in the early-morning, pre-park rush.Captain Cook’sOrder and Pick Up AreaSnack offerings and kitchenIt’s always fun to see a row of Mickey Waffle Makers hard at work first thing in the morning!View into the kitchenIndoor and outdoor seating are available.Indoor seatingEver since Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace opened, the outdoor seating area — complete with umbrella-topped tables — spills over into the Terrace area (at least in the morning, since the Tiki Terrace doesn’t open until 4 pm).Outdoor seatingLast time we visited the Barefoot Pool Bar, the Kid’s Splash Zone was still wrapping up work. Now, outside guests at Captain Cook’s have a view of the goings-on.Outdoor seating and water play areaBut it’s back inside stat to get what we came for…EatsYep, it’s Tonga Toast we’re after, but the full breakfast menu is available from 6:30 – 11:00 am.Captain Cook’s Breakfast MenuBy the way, if you miss the breakfast window, a fairly impressive array of muffins, danish pastries, and chocolate croissants are available all day (though in the morning I might bypass these for some of the Macadamia Pastries available upstairs at Kona Island).Baked GoodsBaked GoodsChocolate Chip MuffinsBlueberry MuffinsCan’t forget the giant cinnamon rolls!Cinnamon RollsBut now at long last, it’s time to dig in to our Tonga Toast! The Tonga Toast recipe is the same at Captain Cook’s as it is at Kona Cafe: super giant banana-stuffed sourdough bread is battered and deep-fried, then dusted with cinnamon sugar.Tonga Toast with BaconAt Captain Cook’s, it comes with your choice of a side of bacon or sausage. So! Difference #1: at Kona Cafe, ham is an additional option for your choice of sides (it also comes with a pineapple wedge for extra garnish).Captain’s Tonga Toast is not served with any type of sauce, syrup or butter (though you can get maple syrup from the condiments bar if you so choose). Which leads us to Difference #2: at Kona Cafe, Tonga Toast is served with Strawberry Compote, which you can’t get at Captain Cook’s.We’ve gone over two differences so far, but let’s focus on an important similarity: the portion of the Tonga Toast itself at either location is MAMMOTH. The sourdough bread is sliced super-thick, and the egg-batter (similar to any French Toast style recipe) lends a definite richness to the dish.Captain Cook’s Tonga ToastThe outside of the toast is golden brown and lightly crispy, thanks to the cinnamon sugar (slightly caramelized from the heat), while remaining soft on the inside. And the bananas give you that serving of fruit you were looking for. Captain Cook’s Tonga Toast Cross SectionIt’s really a well-combined mix of flavors and textures. This stuff just doesn’t disappoint.Captain Cook’s Tonga Toast BiteAnd one more truth about Tonga Toast in either location: it’s dense and super filling. If you get it at Captain Cook’s and split a serving with your traveling companion, you’re looking at breakfast for about $2.60 per person. Which brings us to Difference #3: Tonga Toast will run you $5.19 at Captain Cook’s, while the Table Service experience of Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe is $12.99.I’m not saying that Kona Cafe isn’t a terrific place to grab breakfast, because it is: we’re talking Macadamia Pineapple Pancakes, The Samoan, and the rare option for enjoying a French Press Pot of 100% Kona Coffee. You practically can’t go wrong. But I am saying that if you can live without the Strawberry Compote, it’s tough to beat Tonga Toast at Captain Cook’s from a bargain perspective.OverallIf you’ve yet to enjoy the Disney breakfast tradition that is Tonga Toast, it’s highly recommended that you make a trip to Polynesian Village Resort to either Kona Cafe or Captain Cook’s to give it a go. It’s as easy as hopping on the Monorail and making a stop before your morning at Magic Kingdom (or maybe enjoying a late-morning break and calling it “brunch”). So stop on by the Polynesian some morning during your next Disney World vacation… and give everyone there an “Aloha!” from the DFB!Is Tonga Toast part of your Disney breakfast traditions? Please let us know with a comment!Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts:Photo Tour and Review: NEW Polynesian Village Resort Lobby, and Tiramisu Cupcake at Captain Cook’s News and Review: Captain Cook’s Temporary Location at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Photo Tour and Food Review: Captain Cook’s Reopens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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