Chef Mickey's vs. O'Hana

[Prinny27]

We will be going to Disney at the end of September for the free dining plan. Now, my DF and I will be going with his good friend and his sister and her daughter. DF and I go to the World all the time, but his friend and niece have never been, and his sister hasn't been in about 10 years. Anyway, we are looking for a fun restaurant to take them all to the first night, and to celebrate his niece's birthday (she'll be three). DF and I have been to O'Hana before and loved it, but haven't been to Chef Mickey's. Which do you think is better to celebrate a birthday, as well as to get us all in the 'Disney Spirit', since it will be our first night there? Also, which will better accomodate a range of people - a little girl to a single 20-something guy who has never been to Disney, this way everyone has an equally great time. Thanks in advance!

 

[J&J]

You might like chef Mickey because it is Mickey and the start of your vacation. Mk is right there so it would be nice.

 

[mrg013]

I would recommed Chef Mickey's for the first night. I think of it as classic Disney, so I think it would really put you in the mood of being in WDW. We weren't overly pleased with the food there the last time, but the characters were fun, and the atmosphere conveys fun as well. The food choices will also please a wide variety of ages. 'Ohana has been getting some pretty bad reviews lately, as they've recently changed their menu. We're not crazy about it, and I don't find the food choices to be all that appealing. The polynesian influences don't interest us, and I wouldn't want to start my vacation there... just my opinion. While it has a fun atmosphere, Chef Mickey's is more "Disney", which might be better for some first-timers.

 

[tripplanner]

I personally love the food at Ohana's and my kids loved the hula instruction, coconut races, etc; however, Chef Mickey's would be my choice. The adults in our party have always loved the buffet including the "buffet haters" in our group. We have always gotten some great photos with the characters. When our kids were 10 they really enjoyed the characters and the autographs. The atmosphere is fun in general for all ages.