Checking in at 'Ohana - Large Party

[Beth]

Hello everyone!

I have reservations for dinner at 'Ohana in a couple of weeks for 32 people - a party of 25, and a party of 7.

...I've never eaten dinner there, before, but my husband and I drove over yesterday just to "check things out," and observed that the guests arriving for "first seating" were lined up all the way back to the Kona desk around 4:45.

If our reservations are for 5:15 - would it work for me to arrive around 4:30, myself, and wait in line, then have my guests show up closer to 5:00, or so - so that they don't have to get stuck in the "masses" that seem to assemble at the front of the restaurant? I wonder if I should even have them arrive around 5:10? Maybe I could have them wait downstairs, then I could call someone and let them know when the beeper goes off?

Also - do you have any idea how long I should expect dinner to take for all of us? 2 hours? More?

TIA!!!!
~ Beth

 

[waughzee]

I am fairly certain that they will not check you in until your entire party is present.

 

[Beth]

I am fairly certain that they will not check you in until your entire party is present.

Really. Wow - I didn't even consider that. Hmmm..... I guess I need to call and ask. Thanks.

 

[BriarRosie]

Really. Wow - I didn't even consider that. Hmmm..... I guess I need to call and ask. Thanks.

Actually, that means your party could be downstairs in the lobby instead of waiting in the congested area upstairs. Your scenario of one person checking in upstairs and calling your party when your table is ready is a good one.

As long as your party is physically in the Great Ceremonial House, you should be fine.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

You can wait in line if you want, but no seating until the whole party arrives.

 

[livie1205]

I went in April and my dh,my dd4 and I went to ohana and they had to go back to our room for something (at poly) and they seated me without them with no problem.I even ordered their drinks while I waited.

 

[Beth]

Thanks for the responses.... sounds like you've all had different experiences... no surprise with Disney!

Does anyone know how long dinner normally takes there? Is counting on 2 hours sufficient?

 

[Snurk71]

That first seating time at O'hana is a mess. With a group of 30, I'd have people get there at 5:30 to let the first seaters clear out a bit. They will likely still sit your group if you check in 10-15 minutes late.

And 2 hours should be plenty of time. We've (3 of us) been in an out in an hour before. So even a larger party like yours should make it under 2 hours.