Can we see the fireworks from Ohana at the Polynesian?

[douglas_in_philly]

We're having dinner at Ohana at the Polynesian tomorrow (Thursday) night. Our reservation is for 9:35 pm.

The fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are at 10 pm. I know that we can see them from the beach there. Any chance we can see them from inside Ohana?

What about the *Epcot* fireworks? Can we see any of them from the Polynesian? I think the Electric Water Show at the Polynesian is around 9 pm...think we can squeeze that in before our reservation? Any tips on what to eat there? Is it a buffet? All-u-can-eat?

 

[kat3668]

Years ago you had a pretty good view of the fireworks if you got lucky enough to get seated on that side.... now not so much lots of flora and fauna blocking the view. I heard they also no longer take seating requests due to everyone wanting to see fireworks. Ohana is an all you can eat family style resteraunt... they will bring you bowls of salad w/ honey lime dressing, hawaiin bread, broccolli, noodles, sticky chicken wings, pot stickers and all you can eat meat, steak, pork, chicken, shrimp w/ dipping sauces. Make sure you leave room they have the BEST dessert... bread pudding with caramel and bananas and ice cream! Ohanas is my #1 ALL TIME fave place in WDW!!!!

 

[Wendy31]

They tell you to check in for your ADR 15 minutes prior to your ADR time. At 'Ohana, we try to check-in around 30 minutes before our ADR time because the check-in line is so long. However, w/ a later ADR time, you're probably fine checking in 15 minutes before.

If the Electric Boat Parade is on time, you should probably be able to watch it from the Poly beach & then go inside the Poly to check-in at 'Ohana.

('Ohana is on the 2nd floor - the same floor as the monorail station - of the Great Ceremonial House.)

If you have a table inside the restaurant near a window where you can see the castle, then you'll be able to see "Wishes" - some tables will have better views than others. I don't think they pipe in the music from Wishes though (I could be wrong).

I don't think you can see Illluminations from the Poly.

'Ohana is all-you-can-eat & is served family-style. When you are seated, you will get a loaf of "Welcome Bread" (it's a pineapple-coconut bread). Your server will first bring salad & potstickers & chicken wings to your table for everyone to share. Then you will get sticky noodles & a broccoli-snap pea veggie mix. Your server will also bring skewers w/ meat to your table - steak, chicken, pork, & shrimp. For dessert, you'll get a wonderful banana bread pudding - the best part of the meal.

There is also normally entertainment (coconut races for the kids, hula lessons, etc.) throughout the meal; however, w/ a later ADR, I'm not sure how much of this they'll do.

 

[maddiebee]

I have an 8:20 reservation at Ohana. Is that to early of a res to request a window seat for Wishes?

 

[parkhopping]

I don't think they pipe in the music from Wishes though (I could be wrong).

They do pipe in the music. But as has been mentioned, your chances of getting a good view are slim. If you can change your ressie to an earlier time, I'd suggest doing that so you can go down to the beach to watch.

I have an 8:20 reservation at Ohana. Is that to early of a res to request a window seat for Wishes?

It depends on what time Wishes is scheduled for that night. If it's scheduled for 9 PM, that's an appropriate request. 8 or 10 pm and you should plan to watch from the beach.

As for Illuminations viewing, there are several reasons why you wouldn't be able to see anything:

1) The Poly is 7.3 miles away from Epcot (according to Google maps)
2) O'hana faces MK, and Epcot is behind you
3) Illuminations occurs largely in and on the lagoon, with pyrotechnics and lasers. While there are fireworks involved and several large bursts, the show is designed to be viewed inside Epcot. Even the resorts right around Epcot have extremely limited views of the show.

 

[z2akids]

We were there on 3/5 and had an amazing view of Wishes. We were very fortunate in our seating. Much of the restaurant wouldn't have any view.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I know that we can see them from the beach there. Any chance we can see them from inside Ohana?

1) There are SOME seats with Wishes view.
2) But, they are highly prized.
3) You may or may not be able to score one of those seats.
4) Luck of the draw.

 

[emilyindisney]

PPs have made a good point that EVERYONE wants to see Wishes during dinner these days. As far as I know, the restaurant staff doesn't mind people moving to get a better view during the show. If you're going to stand to see, keep in mind you'll be by other tables that may be trying to eat their dinner so be respectful!

I'd recommend watching from the beach, though. You can hear the music there too, I believe. That's what I plan to do on my next trip!

 

[kkbutterfly]

At my last visit in Feb, we were in the second row of tables behind the glass and saw them perfectly. It can happen =)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

huh? Some of the posts here don't make much sense. We've been at 'Ohana many times during Wishes.

The short answer is that 'Ohana does not offer a perfect view. There is foliage, and only some seats are along the window. Most of the tables offer a partial view. A few tables are over by the bar area, and truly offer no real view at all. On the other hand, it is kind of sweet to be eating dinner while you mostly get to see them. If this is your only chance to seethem, then you may want to be someplace else. If you 've seen them before, and being patenly aware the fireworks are happening- 'Ohana is great. You don't relaly get a good view of the water parade.

Lots of folks rave about Cali Grill. I think it is similar to what 'Ohana offers, unless you are right on one of the few prime seats there. (Some of the Cali Grill window sats face the wrong direction, so the number of tables with a good view is far lower.)

If it's dining witha good view you seek...my personal pick is Narcoosee's. Most of the table there have a decent view, some are excellent- unless someone standing outsdie blocks your view. You can also see the water parade well from most seats.



Moreover....whenever you dine late at any WDW TS-you run very good odds of being seated PAST your ADR time. You will very probably be seated before 9pm, and it may well take you 90-120 minutes past your ADR time to be done. While it is possible to go out on the beach to see the water parade, you are really supposed to check in at the podium about 15minutes before your ADR time. It will take you a few minutes to walk from the beach to the podium, esp. if you need to use the elevator.