New Captain Cooks: Still a Gem, Even if its Missing Some Pieces

So the Polynesian Resort is undergoing major, major changes to continue being one of the top resort destinations in Disney property. Sadly this resulted in the closing of my favorite quick-service location and one of the better Disney cuisine secrets. I reviewed this place years ago and to this day remains one of the best places to eat in Tourist Country. I missed the massive salads, the laid-back ambiance, not-so-hellish prices, and of course the self-service Dole Whip ice cream machine. After an extended closing, Disney shuts off the main pool of the Polynesian but in exchange re-opens the restaurant.

Now of course I have to re-visit and see just how much it has (and has not changed). The place looks very similar, they didn’t really add or subtract any tables. There are a couple new posters in one of the rooms to continue the South Pacific theming of the beloved hotel. Gone are the WaWas-like computers that allows you to place your order without telling a cast member. This time there is a cast member in the corner waiting for you to decide what you want to eat. I guess there were too many mix-ups. But Captain Cooks is indeed back in business, still looks great, and I am sure will look even better when its not surrounded by fake walls.

The menu has definitely expanded. You have most of the favorites plus some new ones like lobster rolls and chicken and waffles (…still without gravy…Disney…why do you keep doing this?). It looks like the guests wanted a menu with a few more….American options. The prices have remainded consistent, there’s just a lot more food to choose from and unlike in the past you can actually alter the food items themselves. Nonetheless, I went with the aloha pork sandwich and the turkey sandwich---with the incredibly addicting Polynesian chips that I love.

The aloha pork sandwich is pulled pork with Asian slaw, cheese, and a few other goodies. Although the chips were as good as ever, the sandwich isn’t wasn’t exactly a work of art. I miss some of their other sandwiches of the past—there was a very good one before with multi-grain bread and turkey and bacon. However Captain Cooks still owns the greatest quick-service sandwich on property, with their insanely delicious and filling turkey sandwich with arugula, goat cheese and walnut pesto. This sandwich is thick, is hearty, fresh, and hits all the right spots with the slight saltiness of the turkey with the creamy and cool mix of cheese and pesto.

The one tragedy that has befallen Captain Cooks is the lack of the Dole Whip machine. I am not sure how long it will take before I am officially over this, but 3 a.m. dole whip runs are a thing of the past. For whatever reason, the Polynesian Resort decided to open up a new spot to sell the ice cream, but I will reserve that for another review. Terrible decision aside, Captain Cooks isn’t exactly altered heavily, which isn’t a bad thing, for its still among the best quick-service eateries in all of Disney World if not the best (Sunshine Seasons of Epcot is good competition).

Bottom Line: Captain Cooks is still a gem, still a great secret for locals and cast members, and still a good eatery for those avoiding the theme park lines and hassle. The menu got bigger, the ambiance remains laid-back and tropical, and the service is as a Disney quality as you can get. This is the perfect place to go for when you can’t make it to the amazing Ohanas upstairs. As long as you live within the Tourist Country borders, this place deserves at least a good visit----and moreso when the Polynesian Resort finally finishes its heavy construction.


Final Verdict: Recommend




Captain Cooks
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Lake Buena Vista, Fl