Crystal Palace or 'Ohana?

[rklives]

'ohana is one of our favorite places to eat, just be prepared to wait even with a reservation.

 

[jakenjess]

We are in the minority and didn't care for 'Ohana at all. I much prefer Kona, or give The Wave a try.

 

[OhThePain]

We have had nothing but pretty awful experiences at both CP and 'Ohana.

The meats at 'Ohana have always been try, the side dishes taste like side dishes out of the freezer section of a supermarket and the service has always been nothing short of awful. I think your kids might find the "entertainment" there more loud and annoying than entertaining. IMHO, this is one of the most over-hyped restaurants.

We have always had issues with the character interaction, slow service and cold food at CP (and not the dishes that are supposed to be cold).

As a few said, you might be better off at a place like Kona or The Wave. Another option would be to try one of the signatures in the MK area. The kids are old enough appreciate a quality meal. Also, a signature meal is not going to cost you a lot more than 'Ohana or CP, and the food is much much much better.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I just posted this on another thread but it fits here too...

Ohana at Poly is it worth OOP? I have seen a similar thread but not specifically for ohana's .. what do you guys think.. its for a party of 6, all adults..
(personally i find it quite pricey).

What would make it worth it for you? It was not worth it for me on the DDP and would still not be worth it if paying out of pocket...When there are so many better places to eat, I can't think of 1 good reason to eat at Ohana. While we enjoyed it in 2009... I understand the well-liked Chef TJ left... And our visit in 2010 was awful.

Not worth it, here's why..

Terrible check-in process. Took 20+ minutes just to get through the check-in line, then we were marked as a walk-up (without telling us) because we were late (we were not). Waited an hour to be seated. Some say they lucked out on getting seated promptly... but from the reviews.. it's a real roll of the dice. Management really didn't care when I talked with them about the problem. Food is lousy. Really. Limp salad, cold noodles wings and potstickers. Shrimp that's not deveined.

Here's where Ohana fails.... bigtime..... and I'll give you some alternatives too!

If you're looking for a stuff your belly place.... the menu is limited. What's good are the skewer meats (not the shrimp) and dessert. Everything else yuck. That's not much to choose from.

Instead, go to one of the decent buffets like Boma, Tusker House, or Crystal Palace. Or go to 50s Prime Time and stuff yourself with Mom's home cookin' and awesome homemade milkshakes.

If you're looking for a "Polynesian" theme/experience. This isn't it.... I know many people love the lady who MCs the Ohana experience, but I really find the constant interruptions to teach a few words (Ohana means family.....) to be annoying. Other than that, you may get a lei, there's a thing where kids push coconuts with brooms, and a mini-parade with maraccas.

Instead, get category 1 or 2 seating for Spirit of Aloha. The food is better, beer and wine is included, all children are invited to hula on stage, there's some "eye candy" for everyone (I know some people think that's a funny think to say but it's true). If you have teenage boys, I bet they will finally be quiet during a meal. And the fire juggler at the end of the show is awesome.

Want a free Polynesian experience? The fire juggler does a welcome the night ceremony (about 10-15 minutes?) just outside the main entrance to the Polynesian resort at about 6pm every night there is a Spirit of Aloha show... just arrive earlier and ask at the resort check-in desk (they give out leis for free at the check-in desk too). Then get a drink from the bar upstairs and take a walk on the beach at the Polynesian at night. The lit tiki torches, view of the castle, and tropical music playing is relaxing. Put a blanket on the beach and stare at the sky. It's also a good view of the MK fireworks, and the lighted boat parade (passes by about 9 or 9:15pm I think).

If you're just looking for a very relaxing dinner to enjoy conversation...Ohana isn't it. Think loud and annoying with lots of interruptions. I can't recommend Kona Cafe either because there were flies all over the dessert display when we went there for lunch in 2009.

Instead, go to one of the many other very nice restaurants at the monorail resorts -- Citricos, Narcoosees, California Grill.