Freaked out by Ohana reviews- any other recs??

[gonersgirl]

We're making our second trip to Disney over Christmas with my extended family. We didn't do any dining on our trip this past summer. So, for this trip we initially thought we would try Ohana for dinner on our first night. However, I've read quite a few reviews that describe it as basically fair to poor!

I'm wondering if anyone could recommend a fun first night dinner location? We'd be 8 adults and 6 children (ages 5 to 13). We're probably going to do our character dining for breakfast on our last day.

Thanks so much!

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

I will never understand how people don't like Ohana, I could eat there every night of our trips, ha! It's our absolute fave!

 

[gonersgirl]

Thanks so much for the reply! We thought it sounded like a really fun place to have dinner..thought it would keep the kids entertained and allow the adults a chance to enjoy ourselves a bit. I'm hoping not to let all the icky reviews change our mind and give it a shot for ourselves!

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

I just went last month after the new changes, and honestly, the changes were barely noticeable and everything was delicious! I could eat that salad and dessert until I exploded

 

[SJSloan]

I LOVE 'Ohana. Granted the last time I went was about 6 years ago but the menu now is similar to what I remember. I literally dream about that place quite often. Tried to get in last year for our Honeymoon but no luck. However, it is our first stop in our May trip this year. Can't wait.

I think everyone should try it once.

 

[wiigirl]

I will never understand how people don't like Ohana, I could eat there every night of our trips, ha! It's our absolute fave!

I totally agree.....LOVE Ohana!

 

[iloveeeyore]

We LOVE 'Ohana. It has always met very mixed reviews, this is nothing new, so don't let others' opinions scare you away if it sounds like something your party would enjoy.

The important thing is to speak up. If you want a slower-paced, more relaxed dinner with one course at a time, let your server know. If you prefer your steak rare and it comes out well, ask for some rare steak.

I can't imagine a better way to kick off a Disney vacation than dinner at 'Ohana! If you time it right, you can catch the torch-lighting ceremony, the EWP and the fireworks from the beach.

 

[Three cats]

I've never been to 'Ohana so I can't comment of the food, but i'd say try it yourself and see. I've read reviews where everyone raves about a particular place and we ended up not liking it all all. On the other hand, we've tried other places that get bad reviews and thought they were great. Have a great trip

 

[EKW]

If you don't want to chance it, the little kids would really enjoy Whispering Canyon Cafe. It's not a buffet, but it is a hoot, especially if you have kids up to age 8 or 9.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

You won't find any restaurant without some negative reviews. 'Ohana is worth trying - you might find, like we did, that it is one of your favorites.

 

[grimley1968]

I've read mostly glowing reviews about Ohana. It's not my favorite, but not because of the quality of the food or the service. I just prefer a different style of food, but then I'm told I have strange tastes in food. My wife loved Ohana. Also, the two times I've eaten there I've had bad experiences with other guests, and no fault should be assigned to Ohana itself. Those experiences can happen anywhere; it's just my bad luck to happen in Ohana. Unfortunately, both occasions interfered with my enjoyment of the meal.

I think for a large group such as OPs, it could be a good choice. The way Ohana is set up is great for large groups. No one can complain you didn't get enough food there, either. If you don't like large amounts of meat, you might reconsider. If you do like large amounts of meat (Ron Swanson lovers unite!), it's hard to top Ohana.

 

[kanadar]

My family and I have been going to Disney World for about 15 years now. We have been to O'hana several times, with big groups with small groups and it has always been a good time with good food. When my sister and I were younger we did enjoy the entertainment they had for us. We went in December and really enjoyed the meal. Like people have said, if you want the food to come slower let them know. When we went the waitress asked us if we were ready for the main course before she had the servers come around to us which was nice. All of the food was delicious though. I could have eaten all of the noodles they bring out they were so good. But then I would have had no room for any of the other delicious food.

 

[Meihara]

I recently ate at Ohana on 2/7 and have to say we all very much enjoyed the meal! All the food was delicious and I didn't get the rushed feelings some people report to have had while eating there. The salad was delicious. The honey chicken wings were so freaking good, I could have just eaten those and been happy. Loved the dessert as well. Honestly, no restaurant is going to meet everyone's approval. I read some negative reviews about several of the restaurants that went to, but didn't agree with a single one. Everyone has different tastes, and I couldn't have been happier with my meal at Ohana. My family has already insisted it's a must do for us on our next trip.

 

[middlesista]

We have never been either but are planning on going to O'Hana. Have also read mixed reviewes, however we are intrigued enough to check it out. I read a trip report where the individual said that you should make sure that you let them know your preferences. For example - have read where folks complain meat is over cooked vs too rare. Simple let the CM know how you prefer your meat to be cooked was his suggestion and he also mentioned that sometimes the food comes too quickly - his suggestion was to just let them know to slow things down. Figure, it does not hurt to ask...

 

[Mommytwotwins]

You really should try it yourself. I read so many reviews of restaurants that people say they hated and would never go back and I try them and it was good and then sum that people love and I didnt care for,everybody has different tastes you just have to try it and see if you like it. We love Ohana's and we go every trip. There has been one time where we did have a not so great server but the food was still good.

 

[sissy1]

We ate at 'Ohanas for the first time on Mardi Gras at 6:45. We were seated right by the window and got to see the firework show at MK, it was beautiful. I also read many negative reviews about this restaurant and considered cancelling my ressie, which I happened to scoop up at the last minute, I am so glad I kept it, its now my absolute favorite place to eat. . We brought my grand daughter (7) and she enjoyed the limbo and the other activities that were included with the meal. 'Ohanas is now on my list every time we visit Disney!

 

[venessr]

I will forever suggest wilderness lodge for families/kids. Food is awesome, staff is incredible. it's an experience and a lot of fun

 

[mare1203]

You really need to try it for yourself.

Every restaurant on property will have some fair to mediocre reviews. Ohana, for the most part, does a great job and is entertaining for kids and good for groups. That being said, you should also look at the menu to ensure you like the offerings. If you're with a group of people who don't eat much meat, then it might not be right for your group.

Don't let a few mediocre reviews stop you from trying something that might be a great experience for you! Case in point, one of our least favorite meals, service, and overall experiences has been at the Whispering Canyon at the WL, but I don't think my experience should deter you from trying it if you want b/c many people really enjoy it.