Dinner at Ohana or The Wave?

[chris4disney]

DH and I will be celebrating our 10th anniversary at WDW this year and are looking for a nice place to eat that isn't 2 table-service credits on the DDP. We are staying at Bay Lake Tower which made me think of trying The Wave. But then my cousins just came back from WDW and said that O'Hana is their new favorite! We haven't been to either so now I'm torn. We've also never eaten at any of the restaurants at the Grand Floridian but most of those are 2 DDP credits, right? We aren't 100% sold yet on doing the DDP for this trip so if you recommend one of those over our two choices, I'm open for suggestion. We have eaten at California Grill several years ago, but thought of trying someplace new.

TIA

 

[chris4disney]

I've read a couple more reviews about O'hana and it sounds like a very loud place. For our 10th anniversary I'd prefer a quieter atmosphere and not all loud and busy. For example... I can't stand Whispering Canyon. There is nothing whispering in that place! So should I stay clear of O'hana?

 

[windi622]

I have not been to the Wave, but we love Ohana. In fact, we tried it for the first time a few years ago (after many, many trips)...and it quickly became one of the whole family's favorites. I find the food to be delicious, and a decent variety (if you're meat eaters). I even think the noodles are delicious. My favorite is the chicken wings! I wouldnt say it's overly romantic but you could get a table near the window, and possibly time it right where you could see wishes. Again, can't really compare them for you...but I can give a big thumbs up for Ohana. Happy planning!

 

[JerseyJanice]

My family loves Ohana. It's our favorite Disney restaurant. Yes, it's loud, but not annoyingly so, especially if you partake of a couple of Backscratchers or Lapu-Lapus.

 

[Kymm1111]

The Ohana is wonderful. Great food and awesome atmosphere. The Wave is Really good food and a neat atmosphere. Both are worth visiting.

 

[poohbear158]

We love O'hana... so much so that we eat there every trip to WDW. It can get a little loud, but it's not annoying loud and it's not so loud that you can't hear the person next to you at the table. O'hana has great food, great atmosphere and great drinks

 

[vicki_c]

Hilarious. 'Ohana is one of the last places I would choose to eat @ Disney. The Wave is great, though (and closer for you)(and easier to book)(and less wait for your table).

 

[lilandvisma]

First, Happy (early) 10 years! (we are going down in March to celebrate our 10 year anni. as well !). I'll be the odd man out and say try the wave. Ohana is busy, busy , busy and I found it a bit chaotic even. We had one of the first dinner ADR's there and still had a decent wait just to get seated. We felt rushed as well as there is so much food literally just being dropped on your table. Our waitress was kinda icky too We still like it there and will be going back during our visit if that helps any. If it were just DH and I, I would for sure choose the wave over Ohana. The food is supposed to be very good and I would imagine the atmosphere is much more peaceful than Ohana. I'm not really an all you can eat kind of girl and would rather have my own plate of food, cooked precisely to my liking, etc.. And since you will be staying at the contemp. it be pretty convenient for you guys as well.

We also LOVE Kona Cafe @ the Poly too. We found their food to be MUCH better than Ohanas.

GL with your decision! You can't really make a bad one, its Disney

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

Haven't been to 'Ohana, I've been to the Wave. For an anniversary dinner, I'd pick the Wave. The atmosphere is nice - it feels like you are in a nice restaurant - and the food is good. Plus it's quiet. We're planning on 'Ohana in March, and I'm fully expecting it to be noisy with the coconut races and what not.

 

[JimmyV]

I would not celebrate my 10th anniversary at 'Ohana in a million years. Who wants to be interrupted by a guy with a sword full of meat lording over your table and an emcee working a mike teaching the crowd how to say "family" in Hawaiian as you are trying to lovingly look into your spouse's eyes? Frankly, I wouldn't choose Wave either. Your vacation is going to cost you several thousand dollars. The price increase to step up to a memorable meal at a signature restaurant for one special eveining is not going to make that much of a difference. I would rather spend $150 at California Grill, bluezoo or Citricos than $100 at O'Hana or Wave, especially if I was trying to plan a special night to remember.

Treat yourself to a "signature". I guarantee that when you look back on it, you won't regret it.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

We ate at both a couple of weeks ago. I would choose Ohana because it is just fabulous - it was by far our favorite meal of the 2 weeks. The Wave was also really great, and the atmosphere was quieter and more formal if that is what you are looking for.

 

[Cinderella94]

While we love Ohana and eat there every trip (never been to the Wave), I'd pick the Wave for you.

 

[SassyLassy]

I also love 'Ohana and also The Wave. I think it comes down to what kind of dinner you want for your 10th anniversary (congrats, btw!!). If you want a fun atmosphere, fun drinks and servers 'Ohana is your place if you want something a bit more subdued, romantic, relaxed and formal then The Wave should be your choice.

Have a great time either way!

 

[cbg1027]

I would NOT want to celebrate an anniversary at 'Ohana. Atmosphere is boisterous and noisy like WCC.

I have never been to the Wave.

 

[JJsmama]

We ate at the Wave last summer and were really impressed. The food and menu had an upscale/ signature feel to it, as did the atmosphere. I remember the service being a little slow, but friendly and attentive all the same. We had tired kids with us, which was the only reason the 'slowness' bothered us.

I still am not sure what the Blue Room has to do with the theming, by the way. It doesn't seem to go with the rest of the Wave. Is this a leftover from the 'Old Contemporary?' I don't remember.

 

[missmun52]

never been to the wave and while we loved ohana this would not be my first choice for ant type of romantic dinner. Its very very loud with lots and lots of kids running all over doing the activities with the hostess. Great when you have kids but not a place to carry on nice conversation.

 

[ocean702]

never done ohana, but loved the wave.
we enjoyed a cocktail at the bar, before being seated for dinner. Our meals were fabulous, the desserts were fun. We also ate at California Grill during Wishes (even though it was like 10degrees with the windchill that evening, we went out on the observation deck) Loved both, however if i were paying out of pocket, I'd eat at the Wave and then go to cali grill to the bar one night during wishes, which would be easy given you are staying at the contemporary. Foudn cali grill to be bustling and busy with lots of people and the wave was definitely more subdued in atmosphere. we were the only group at the bar. didn't like the 1TS restaurant at Grand Floridian, felt too hotel like.

 

[Uncleromulus]

For the kind of dinner you have in mind, drfinately the Wave.

'Ohana IS annoyingly loud.

And JimmyV has some good advice.

 

[SSRFred]

Hands down I would celebrate my anniversary at The Wave. It is a wonderful restaurant with great food. Definitely a hidden gem at WDW.

 

[Mom-2-2Princesses]

We have dined at both, and for an anniversary dinner, I'd do The Wave, hands down. The food is outstanding-- easily the best single credit restaurant onsite (I suggest the scallops appetizer and the sustainable fish with edamane stew entree-- delicious!). The atmosphere is calmer too.

'Ohana is fun and we like the food-- don't get me wrong-- but it is a different dining experience. Louder, more kids running around. Not romantic.