Boma vs 'Ohana dinner with a near 3-yr old

[Carlymouse]

I am looking for a fun family dinner for our last night in Disney World. We'll have done Tusker House and Chef Mickey's before that, along with date nights for DH and me at BOG and Chefs de France. Right now I have an early reservation at Boma for the whole family (including in-laws and DD near 3) and a very late reservation at Ohana. I thought that exploring a great resort at a well-reviewed restaurant on the last night might be the way to have a nice last dinner that was still friendly for my restless DD (she can explore the themed public areas, gift shop, etc.). She's not too into all the princesses yet, which is why I'm skipping Akerhaus.

Our current Ohana reservation is probably too late to keep (9:50PM), but my question is, would you recommend trying to keep checking for availability to bump our Ohana reservation earlier, or just stick with Boma? I know we can't see the animals from the restaurant, but are there any public areas of AKL (lobby, etc.), where we could see them before eating? That reservation is around 5:25PM.

 

[JZCubed]

I am looking for a fun family dinner for our last night in Disney World. We'll have done Tusker House and Chef Mickey's before that, along with date nights for DH and me at BOG and Chefs de France. Right now I have an early reservation at Boma for the whole family (including in-laws and DD near 3) and a very late reservation at Ohana. I thought that exploring a great resort at a well-reviewed restaurant on the last night might be the way to have a nice last dinner that was still friendly for my restless DD (she can explore the themed public areas, gift shop, etc.). She's not too into all the princesses yet, which is why I'm skipping Akerhaus.

Our current Ohana reservation is probably too late to keep (9:50PM), but my question is, would you recommend trying to keep checking for availability to bump our Ohana reservation earlier, or just stick with Boma? I know we can't see the animals from the restaurant, but are there any public areas of AKL (lobby, etc.), where we could see them before eating? That reservation is around 5:25PM.

All due respect, you know your child best. But at that age, 5:50pm & 9:50pm are virtually the same thing.

Also a 3-year does not play by adult rules - no matter how much we plan.

My perfect child (yes, it's snark) was perfect at ruining every..single..sit-down meal we ever had at Disney when she was young. Now that she is a soon-to-be 9 y.o. foodie - I'm reminded she has a mythical evil-twin.

Bring your sense of humor and loving partner, because a Disney-primed 3 y.o. is just as terrible as any 2 y.o. Or to use my father's corollary - the bigger the kid, the bigger the problem.

Sorry - a place to dine? Disney Springs has better food and enough stores and people-watching to keep both children & adults occupied. Boathouse & Homecoming are two of the current 'hot spots', but good food is virtually everywhere - because the competition is fierce.

 

[mommyboys3]

I'd say Boma early vs Ohana late but if you could get an earlier Ohana reservation then I might change that. Depends on what you think your DD would enjoy more. You can go out back of AKL & see animals either before of after dinner. Ohana has activites for kids during the meal like hula lesson, a parade around the restaurant & coconut races. My boys enjoyed those at 3 but you said your daughter is near 3 so she may be a little too young yet. Both places area great for taking a restless little one for a walk while the rest of the party finishes their meal (I know this from experience).

 

[hllb]

I love Ohana so I'd try for an earlier Ohana reservation. Check the cancellation threads!

 

[cgh]

I'd do Boma. Prior or after dinner you can go look at the animals roaming the grounds. Time is also sooo much better. I took my 2.5 year old to Disney and at 3.5 and they did great. The key for us while eating out was generally maintain sleep schedule (which we've done at Disney) and meal timing/food. Sometimes, one of us might take a child for a walk if we are waiting for food.

My kids go to bed at 7:30. 9:50 they'd be running around the place.

 

[cgh]

Oh, and at AKL there's a outlook on one side of the lobby where you could see animals. When we went there was an animal keeper there too! I think there were warthogs and giraffes. I forget.

 

[Kanga&TwoRoos]

If you can get an earlier Ohana reservation I would do that. The food is great. I have a 3 year old and a 4 year old and buffets are great because you can just get their food right away but in the end I've spent more time going back and forth and haven't gotten to enjoy the experience. If you can't get an earlier reservation though I would do Boma.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would keep checking for an earlier O'hana. O'hana has interactive activities that are a lot of fun - the limbo, coconut races, etc. They also bring the food to you at O'hana. I really struggled at buffets when DS was younger. All the up and down just wasn't fun.

If you can't get an earlier O'hana, Boma is good and, yes, there is a public viewing area to see the animals. Sanaa has better food, IMHO, if that's a consideration.

Another really fun restaurant is Whispering Canyon at WL!

 

[Micca]

Boma food is better and there's a wide selection of items. Also you have more control at Boma--if the child needs something you can get it rather than wait for a server to come by your table.

 

[Carlymouse]

I would keep checking for an earlier O'hana. O'hana has interactive activities that are a lot of fun - the limbo, coconut races, etc. They also bring the food to you at O'hana. I really struggled at buffets when DS was younger. All the up and down just wasn't fun.

If you can't get an earlier O'hana, Boma is good and, yes, there is a public viewing area to see the animals. Sanaa has better food, IMHO, if that's a consideration.

Another really fun restaurant is Whispering Canyon at WL!

I thought about Sanaa, but I'm concerned that I won't enjoy a table service experience with her right now where you have to order and then wait for food. It's possible that that is changing or will by January, but I've been avoiding restaurants (even diners) the last few months because she's a piece of work either wanting to get up all the time or wanting to play with water/salt/pepper/ etc.! But Sanaa is still in the back of my mind, too, especially if we could get a window table. I'll have to check out Whispering Canyon- I hadn't thought of it and I've wanted to check out WL as well.

 

[jsbowl16]

We have been to both and the food is by far better at Boma. I also think that AKL is much nicer and much more unique that the Poly. Plus as previously said you can sit down at Boma, ask for your check and be out of there a half hour later with a full stomach if you want.

 

[Micca]

Small children are like ticking time bombs at the dinner table, it's good to have an exit plan.

 

[gdrj]

9:50 PM is too late ... for the in-laws.

 

[Carlymouse]

9:50 PM is too late ... for the in-laws.

Now that we have a small child AND we'll be visiting the parks daily, if I'm honest it's too late for us, too!

 

[Micca]

Who eats dinner at 9:50PM???? A: Only those who couldn't get an earlier ADR. Seriously, even in places where they have late meals (Spain?) I think 10PM is a bit late for the evening meal.

 

[kniquy]

I would vote going with the earlier reservation. I know my now 4DD wouldn't do well with a really late reservation -- it would be melt down, over tired syndrome - not fun to deal with for any person. Think of how your day will go -- if you are doing parks and then heading for dinner late -- never going to be good. If your child is a great napper and can nap until 8pm then go for the reservation for 9:50, but i would say for most little ones that would be a bad situation -- not only are you going for a late dinner but you also will not get done dinner until 11pm then the trek back to your resort which puts you getting to bed closer to midnight -- it might actually mess up plans for the next morning.

I think as kids get older (over 8-9 years old) they can handle changes to their schedule and dining late and getting up early and long park days. when you have little ones under 6 years old then you are best to keep to a schedule that mimics what they normally do at home -- my motto is keep them fed and rested and they will be (mostly) happy.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I thought about Sanaa, but I'm concerned that I won't enjoy a table service experience with her right now where you have to order and then wait for food. It's possible that that is changing or will by January, but I've been avoiding restaurants (even diners) the last few months because she's a piece of work either wanting to get up all the time or wanting to play with water/salt/pepper/ etc.! But Sanaa is still in the back of my mind, too, especially if we could get a window table. I'll have to check out Whispering Canyon- I hadn't thought of it and I've wanted to check out WL as well.

WCC might work out well for you. It's right in the lobby, so you can walk around (there is a TON to look at there) and the gift shop is in the lobby, too. Plus they do horse races with the kids.

Trail's End could be a possibility, too, perhaps? There is a playground right outside the restaurant and all of the WDW horses are at the ranch just nearby. Your DD is probably small enough to do a pony ride as well.

 

[Carlymouse]

WCC might work out well for you. It's right in the lobby, so you can walk around (there is a TON to look at there) and the gift shop is in the lobby, too. Plus they do horse races with the kids.

Trail's End could be a possibility, too, perhaps? There is a playground right outside the restaurant and all of the WDW horses are at the ranch just nearby. Your DD is probably small enough to do a pony ride as well.

For sure! She does like horses. I'll have to check that out. Thanks!

 

[Carlymouse]

I would vote going with the earlier reservation. I know my now 4DD wouldn't do well with a really late reservation -- it would be melt down, over tired syndrome - not fun to deal with for any person. Think of how your day will go -- if you are doing parks and then heading for dinner late -- never going to be good. If your child is a great napper and can nap until 8pm then go for the reservation for 9:50, but i would say for most little ones that would be a bad situation -- not only are you going for a late dinner but you also will not get done dinner until 11pm then the trek back to your resort which puts you getting to bed closer to midnight -- it might actually mess up plans for the next morning.

I think as kids get older (over 8-9 years old) they can handle changes to their schedule and dining late and getting up early and long park days. when you have little ones under 6 years old then you are best to keep to a schedule that mimics what they normally do at home -- my motto is keep them fed and rested and they will be (mostly) happy.

I agree. I think in my head I wanted to believe that having any reservation would make it easier to morph it into an earlier one, which isn't logical, but we're not always logical when it comes to Disney! And that's why I ask for advice

 

[kniquy]

I agree. I think in my head I wanted to believe that having any reservation would make it easier to morph it into an earlier one, which isn't logical, but we're not always logical when it comes to Disney! And that's why I ask for advice

I would keep stalking reservations- if Ohana is what you really want as you get closer to your trip keep checking, also check the touring plans website reservation finder (not positive if you have to have the membership to use that feature). You never know something might pop up!

i don't think you can go wrong with Boma -- I have heard nothing but great things about that restaurant, plus with a little one a buffet can sometimes be better with a variety of options. Also work in a little time to spend at the resort just viewing animals before or after your meal.