Did I make the right choice?

[DrRae2B]

Hi all.

After my initial freakout, I ended up getting all the ADRs I wanted for our first trip (!) in May. I only had issues with one thing, though-- and that was choosing our dinner for that ever-important first night.

I ended up booking Ohana dinner as our first meal, thinking that, after our meal, we could take a leisurely stroll around the Poly beaches and maybe take in Wishes from there. But now I'm beginning to second guess myself... My party includes a 3 yr old and a 14 yr old (my sister), and I'm worried that Ohana might not be as "Disney" as a character meal would be.

Should I cancel this one and try to get Cali Grill, or even Chef Mickey's instead?? Or do you guys think Ohana would be a cool-enough first experience?

TIA for any suggestions!

Rachel

 

[ElementCamper]

All Disney restaurants are 'different' so to speak.
Although O'hana is not a character meal it is a Disney experience I can highly recommend. There are children's activities but more for school age in my opinon.

It is all you can eat, fixed menu and you will not leave hungry.

I would recommend going and if you have other ADR's that are character experiences enjoy those too.

Be glad you got the ADR's you wanted and go enjoy!

 

[koolaidmoms]

Ohana's is a nice meal.

Not every meal will have characters and building up to that is just fine. Like we save MK for a day or two into the trip to make it more special. We also save a character meal for a few days in too. Especially when my kids were younger they would get to MK and not want to go anywhere else or eat with Mickey and want to go back everyday!

Have a great trip. You will be fine.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I would keep Ohana. Our tradition is to always eat our first meal of our trip here. The food and atmosphere are wonderful. I think your idea of strolling down the beach to watch Wishes is perfect too. We did that last trip and my 3DD's loved it. They played in the sand and watched the fireworks while we adults had a nice tropical drink from the bar. Ohana and then the beach really was a nice combination for a wonderful evening. I say keep it!

 

[pixarmom]

We love Ohana! My husband and I think it's one of the best table service restaurants at Disney. I agree the activities are best for little kids, but we've found that our older boys like to participate in some younger-kid activities with their little brother! So I think Ohana is a great choice.

Chef Mickey's is really fun, but we like the Garden Grill in EPCOT - characters include Mickey, Chip and Dale, and Pluto - and we enjoy the food at GG much more than at Chef Mickey's.

Either way, hope you have a great time!!

 

[mrs.sammich]

Our 19 month old and 5 year old both had a good time, and the meal was great. Our five year old especially had fun dishing out all the food, and watching the grill area.

 

[Cafeen]

I'd keep 'Ohana as well. You have two character meals booked for the next day (yeah, I checked ) and a couple others throughout the rest of the stay. That will be plenty to get you into the character portion of the Disney magic.

Your current plan is great, especially for a travel day. You'll be tired as it will be a long day, so it'll be a nice dinner and then a very nice stroll among the grounds to relax. All this capped off by fireworks from the beach. It will be a magical start to the trip for sure.

 

[DrRae2B]

Awesome... thanks for the reassurance!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

We've only done the "Ohana" character breakfast (3 times)...but I agree with all on here...the Polynesian is an experience in itself (I got married there!)

While I definitely recommend the 'Ohana character bfast for any kids 2-22...and on up...if you are going to 'Ohana for dinner and Wishes...I really think that will be a cool experience....

Do you think the kids (sis14 and 3 yr old) would be allowed to swim in the pool after dinner? That would be really cool...

regardless...the Poly is SO beautiful and wonderful...I think both will enjoy everything....

Have a magical visit...
Mary