How long does it take to have dinner at Ohana?

[robinbutterfly]

We want to be back in MK by 7:00pm to see the Parade. We made reservations for Ohana at 5:00pm. Do you think we will have plenty of time to have a relaxing dinner and then head back to the MK and have time to find a spot etc. before the parade? How long does it usually take to eat at Ohana?
Thanks!

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Not sure this is the norm or not . . .We ate there Friday, July 22nd and had 9pm ressies (we were going to EMH after dinner) We checked in 15 min prior to our ressie time and we received a beeper. While we waited we went to the bar and had a couple drinks. We were seated at 9:45pm. They were really busy and apparently running behind. We left at 11:30pm. It's an all you can eat and DH had a couple helpings of the skewers of meat, but I think it was just slow because our waiter had several different tables to tend to and the service was really nothing to write home about . . .not sure if it's like that daily, or we just had a busy night.

 

[Cherinva]

The norm is about an hour or so after you are seated. I think you will be ok with your ADR time.

 

[TDC Nala]

You will have time for dinner but it certainly can't be guaranteed that it will be relaxing. You may have to wait to be seated and you may get slow service. You can always ask your server to expedite.

 

[robinbutterfly]

You will have time for dinner but it certainly can't be guaranteed that it will be relaxing. You may have to wait to be seated and you may get slow service. You can always ask your server to expedite.

Well doesn't it open at 5:00? Shouldn't the tables be empty?

 

[TDC Nala]

Well doesn't it open at 5:00? Shouldn't the tables be empty?

Just because the restaurant is opening does not guarantee that you will be seated quickly right at 5.

 

[Nadjalu]

The norm is about an hour or so after you are seated. I think you will be ok with your ADR time.

I disagree with this. We have eaten at OHana on every trip and have NEVER been done within an hour.
Usually it is an 1&1/2 to have a nice paced meal. This restaurant is not known for "speed" or quickness in anything. LOL
One 1 occasion it took a little over 2 hours to complete dinner. Very slow service that time.

I also have to comment on your timeframe...even if you were seated on time 5pm, you completed dinner in an hour. There is still travel time back to MK I assume by monorail that will add time. And to find a good spot for the parade....you need to be in it at least an hour before hand.
So your timeframe is WAY to close.

IMO, no way can you have a relaxing meal, enjoy it and be back for the parade. You will be watching that clock like crazy!!

 

[Hopefully]

I too think you need to count on 90 minutes after you sit, minimum. You should not be too backed up at 5. But there are many, many reports of people arriving at 4:45 to check in, only to find a long line (back passed Kona) to the podium to just check in. Lots of folks line up at opening hoping for a "walk up". This increases the wait time to check in.
Also they do "stagger" seating people a bit at opening, so that servers are not overwhelmed.
It is recommended that for the best view, you stake out your parade spot an hour ahead. So you will be tight if that is your goal.
Good Luck

 

[everythingALICE]

Not sure this is the norm or not . . .We ate there Friday, July 22nd and had 9pm ressies (we were going to EMH after dinner) We checked in 15 min prior to our ressie time and we received a beeper. While we waited we went to the bar and had a couple drinks. We were seated at 9:45pm. They were really busy and apparently running behind. We left at 11:30pm. It's an all you can eat and DH had a couple helpings of the skewers of meat, but I think it was just slow because our waiter had several different tables to tend to and the service was really nothing to write home about . . .not sure if it's like that daily, or we just had a busy night.

While it shouldn't be too bad with 5PM reservations, I have also had to wait at minimum half an hour past my ADR time. Again, it should not be as backed up just after opening, but at this restaurant sometimes it can take a while just to get to the front of the line to check in. As other PPs have said, the service is not the quickest on property. I would agree that if you are looking for a more relaxing dinner, then you should plan on closer to an hour and a half.

 

[kshattuck]

The whole thing with the 'Ohana dinner is that it comes out in stages. It's not all plopped on your table at once. So, it can definitely take at least an hour for the meal.

Not sure you would be able to eat, catch the monorail, get through the turnstiles at MK and find a parade-viewing spot with time to spare.

Is there a later parade that evening?

Good luck with whatever you decide and have fun!