Bomas or Ohanas

[TravelToo]

Which given the choice of restaraunts would you choose, Boma's or Ohanas for 4 adults and a 3 year old child. We can eat Japanese out anywhere and in fact do often but Boma's sounds intriguing as we cannot do that anywhere around where we live. I would like to enlist the thoughts of others on the board regarding their overall experiences between the two of them. It sounds to me like Ohanas while fun, is just like most other japanese restaraunts.

 

[picantel]

I have been to both and prefer ohanas. My kids(4,6) did not like bomas alot but they are pretty picky. they do love ohanas though.

 

[Mickey_Lover_always]

I have been to both, and this is a very hard decision. First, I like your considerations that you cannot replicate Boma's anywhere. I believe this is very true. I have to say I have found the same with Ohana's. I do not consider Ohana's a Japanese restaurant at all. All of the meats are served on skewers with a smokey flavor. You get more of the impression that you are at a large luau, not a Japanese restaurant. See if you can check out their menu's on allearsnet.com to see which one you will like. I think Boma's is out of this world, and the Animal Kingdom Lodge is absolutely gorgeous. It is truly a different experience. You can walk around outside after dinner and see animals. If it is dark outside, the guides will let you use night vision glasses to see some of the animals. We loved the food at Boma's. All that said, I think I would choose Ohana's. Not only is their food terrific, but the atmosphere is outstanding. If you time your reservation right, you can have a view of the castle and see the fireworks. You can also spend the afternoon at the Magic Kingdom and then just hop on the monorail to go to dinner. My kids (ages 18 and 21) have also eaten at both restaurants and hands down prefer Ohana's. Also at Ohana's, you will be sitting at your table, and they will be bringing your all-you-can-eat meal to you - you never have to get up from dinner (unless you are doing the hoola-hoop contest or coconut races!!!), while at Boma's, food is served buffet style, and your party will be doing a lot of getting up and down. You can't go wrong with the food choices, it is the atmosphere that is a little different. I strongly suggest you check out the pictures and menus from Deb Willis' site and maybe that will help you make the choice - or better yet, can you do both???
Happy planning

 

[blanq]

Mickey Lover Always is correct in saying that 'Ohana is not a Japanese restaurant. It is more South Pacific in theme and food. It is hard to choose between these two, as both Boma and 'Ohana are favorites for our family. If I was just going to choose one, and taking into consider you will have a 3 yo with you, my vote would be for 'Ohana. I always get that "Disney" feeling when eating here, and there is just a great energy happening. The coconut races, hula hoop contests and MK fireworks view always makes for a special evening (especially when accompanied by a tropical drink, or two, or three)!

 

[rcyannacci]

Just based on my experience from this last trip, I'd go with Boma's. There will be plenty for the 3 year old to eat and the adults will love it! The selection here is just incredible and the flavors are unique (in the good sense). I'm also a big fan of O'hana's, but if I had to chose between the two, Boma would now win out.

 

[F1Julie]

Tough choice if you can choose only one. Boma and Ohana are 2 of my and DD4's favorites. I would choose Boma though. The selection is amazing and you aren't going to find food like it anywhere else. Just the dessert selection alone is great. Everything we've tried at Boma has been delicious. Ohana has great food too, but not as exotic or as much to choose from.

 

[TDC Nala]

I'd pick Boma for the food, but if you're in the mood to throw in the entertainment value, go for 'Ohana.

(I think Boma's food is better, but 'Ohana is more fun.)

 

[Judy from Boise]

Run don't walk to Bomas!

 

[Muffy]

My vote goes to Boma!

 

[tar heel]

We've eaten at Boma every trip since it opened and went to Ohana once in 1999. So, I would definitely recommend Boma over Ohana.

 

[whopper65]

TravelToo,

It sounds like you've (hopefully) let your 3 yr. old experience more than just cheese & mac & fries. If so, your choices of BOMA and O'Hana's probably boils down to a matter of exquisite tastes vs. very good food with entertainment. If your little one enjoys participating in games, you might want to try O'Hana's (Polynesian, not Japanese). However, if you want something very different, try BOMA. The atmosphere is just the beginning of what should be a wonderful experience. The chefs and servers are eager to explain any and all dishes. Most of the food, while seasoned, is definitely not too spicy for almost everyone. We found, on our first time, that having the chefs describe the ingredients and flavor, then tasting almost everything, then going back for more of our favs, was the most satisfying way. Now, when we go, we find all the new items and go through the same ritual. If you want a different experience, definitely go to BOMA. Did I mention the desserts? Quite a bit of variety, much more so than O'Hana's. One other thing. If you like noise and a little mayhem, go to O'Hana's, since BOMA is relatively quiet. If you want to relax after a long day at one of the parks, go to BOMA and enjoy! Then tour the grounds to walk off the little bit of food you've put away!

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

BOMA! For sure!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

I have not been to Ohana's but we have been to Boma's. We thought the food ( ok especially the desserts) was so good that I swear we left there feeling way too full!!! We liked trying the different things and the desserts were out of this world... we ate WAY too many of them.
Also I think there is a lot of entertainment if you go to Boma's because after dinner you can walk around and see the animals (inside and outside)
Even stay for story telling by the big fire!!

 

[shellybaxter]

I'll have to decent from the majority here and say 'Ohanna. I've eaten at both and found all the different flavers of BOMA's buffet to be overwhelming. Individually I enjoyed many of BOMA's offerings and if I'd been ordering off a menu, instead of chosing a little of this and a little that, I think I might have enjoyed it more. As it was, my stomach wasn't very happy with me after BOMA (I didn't over eat, just too many different tastes) and I was miserable the rest of the night.

For me 'Ohanna is a MUCH better choice.

Shelly

 

[mjmcca]

I have never been to 'Ohana's. I ahve been to Boma'a and i really liked it. My kids ages 4 and 2 liked it too but they had couscous on the buffet that night so I knew they would be happy.