Is Ohana really that bad?

[Morganw42]

So, coming up on my 60 day window and I'm quite disheartened by the bad reviews on Ohana. Normally we are just a couple and the only time we'd been to Ohana was circa 2011. After years of reading fanatical reviews and of the paucity of ADRs we finally snagged a rez. It was probably the worst dining experience we've ever had at WDW, most of which I think was due to only being a two top. We were seated 45 mins after our ADR time at what can only being described as the worst table I've ever been seated at in. It was between the main dining area and the host stand with an aisle on one side and the busser's station on the other. Service was near nonexistent as the staff was more concerned with larger groups. The lack of attention also applied to the offers of food servings. We were passed over many times in favor of larger groups. The food, when we received any, was pretty good and we both agreed that we would really like to experience a good service there but doubt we'd ver get one as a party of two.

So, this year we're finally visiting at the same time as another couple and I thought it would be a great opportunity to give Ohana another try as a party of four, but I've been reading some really awful reviews from recent visits. Any suggestions on whether or not we should still give it a shot or suggestions on alternatives. We're in the MK that day and the Poly is our friends' DVC home resort so we'd like to stay in that area on that night.

Thanks,
Morgan

 

[jabrown40]

I wrote on another thread an extensive review. The food was the worst I've ever had at a Disney restaurant, and especially at that price point. We had horrible service as well, no one refilled our drinks, or offered extra anything. Beef overcooked, tasteless shrimp, cold noodles. Potstickers had no sauce. They've also changed the bread pudding, which was something I looked forward to trying. Interesting theory about a two top, you may be on to something! I understand the convenience, but honestly, it's a waste of money. It's also noisy, lots of kids, not even a great ambiance.

 

[sndral]

So, coming up on my 60 day window and I'm quite disheartened by the bad reviews on Ohana. Normally we are just a couple and the only time we'd been to Ohana was circa 2011. After years of reading fanatical reviews and of the paucity of ADRs we finally snagged a rez. It was probably the worst dining experience we've ever had at WDW, most of which I think was due to only being a two top. We were seated 45 mins after our ADR time at what can only being described as the worst table I've ever been seated at in. It was between the main dining area and the host stand with an aisle on one side and the busser's station on the other. Service was near nonexistent as the staff was more concerned with larger groups. The lack of attention also applied to the offers of food servings. We were passed over many times in favor of larger groups. The food, when we received any, was pretty good and we both agreed that we would really like to experience a good service there but doubt we'd ver get one as a party of two.

So, this year we're finally visiting at the same time as another couple and I thought it would be a great opportunity to give Ohana another try as a party of four, but I've been reading some really awful reviews from recent visits. Any suggestions on whether or not we should still give it a shot or suggestions on alternatives. We're in the MK that day and the Poly is our friends' DVC home resort so we'd like to stay in that area on that night.

Thanks,
Morgan

I don’t know that being a party of 4 will improve matters. We are usually a party of 3 or 4 and I finally deleted Ohana from my restaurant rotation after several times being seated in the area you describe surrounded by larger 8+ people parties. Always a long wait beyond ADR time & once seated servers too busy w/ the large party tables to get your food to you while it‘s warm & paradoxically rushing you to finish so they can turn the table & this was before the current downgrades on the menu. In a couple of years I’ll be on a family trip as a party of 12 or more including 5 youngsters who’d love the coconut races, so maybe if the food gets better we’ll try it as a ‘big’ party.

 

[bsmcneil]

Fwiw, I’ve never been to Ohana until I went today for breakfast. Absolutely perfection. I recognize the dinner is what most people are posting about - but the overall concerns around service, etc were not at all apparent to me today.

 

[Eastern]

As with most things at Disney, ymmv. 'Ohana was always our must do but we skipped it this year and are going to Kona instead. We can still get wings and potstickers there if we want them, and we can order what we like.

If you are not sure I recommend booking it now and possibly changing it later as more reviews come in.

 

[Mike1082]

Fwiw, I’ve never been to Ohana until I went today for breakfast. Absolutely perfection. I recognize the dinner is what most people are posting about - but the overall concerns around service, etc were not at all apparent to me today.

Same thing we experienced. I had cancelled a dinner ADR during Labor Day weekend after reading the recent reviews, and decided to do breakfast at a MUCH lower cost. The food and service was great!

 

[rangerxenos]

Ohana for dinner a few years back was a big disappointment. Food was barely warm, and our service was horrible. I keep saying I need to give it another chance, we'll see.

Breakfast, on the other hand, was very good. Also going back a few years, but service was great, and the characters were fun as well.

 

[Minniesgal]

For me it isn’t bad per say but hugely inconsistent. The rudest server I have ever met was there. I had had fab meals and ok meals it’s the inconsistency that puts me off going back

 

[CBMom01]

I’ve only been to Ohana for breakfast but have done it 4x. The food isn’t great and service is ok but that Lilo & Stitch breakfast was still one of our favorite things.

But, I love Kona grill for dinner. So that’s what we’re going to try to get for our Dec trip. Will probably skip the Ohana breakfast☹

 

[GAN]

A couple weeks ago we grabbed a couple bar seats and ordered off the menu. We had the wings, pot stickers, noodles, and bread pudding. It was two of us and the bill was less than 1 person in 'ohana -it was plenty of food. And we had a couple cocktails apiece. Service was great and the bar atmosphere was fun.

 

[TikiRob]

We've always wanted to go but never been. Have reservations for 10/1 to take a break from MK, but we'll try to keep our expectations low!

 

[tinkerhon]

I’ve only been to Ohana for breakfast but have done it 4x. The food isn’t great and service is ok but that Lilo & Stitch breakfast was still one of our favorite things.

But, I love Kona grill for dinner. So that’s what we’re going to try to get for our Dec trip. Will probably skip the Ohana breakfast☹

We went for two weeks in July, and "Kona" (dinner) was definitely our favorite meal ! Food and service were amazing !!

 

[Winnesota]

I feel like if it were actually terrible then it wouldn't still be so hard to get an ADR for it. And it's not like it's a character meal or super impressive atmosphere or anything that would make up for bad food or service. People with bad experiences are just more likely to talk about it.

 

[Octoberbaby]

We have always had a pretty good experience at Ohana, even with only two people. I usually try to book our reservation close to the time for fireworks and have only had to wait once past our reservation time. I believe that time was during Thanksgiving so they were very busy. Kona on the other hand is one of the few places I have received direct orders to never book again.

 

[Sandiz08]

Its not a gourmet meal by any means. A little bland and too sweet for our family but we enjoy spicier food. The ambience is what you pay for.

 

[CBMom01]

Its not a gourmet meal by any means. A little bland and too sweet for our family but we enjoy spicier food. The ambience is what you pay for.

Right. And to me That Poly is still the gold standard for that

 

[CBMom01]

We have always had a pretty good experience at Ohana, even with only two people. I usually try to book our reservation close to the time for fireworks and have only had to wait once past our reservation time. I believe that time was during Thanksgiving so they were very busy. Kona on the other hand is one of the few places I have received direct orders to never book again.

Kona does get crazy busy sometimes. That’s the only downside I’ve seen

 

[Aimeedyan]

We had a really mediocre breakfast last week (on my birthday, which maybe made it worst?) but we haven't tried dinner again since reopening. I have a reservation coming up but can't decide if we want to spend that much, esp after our breakfast.

Even pre-Covid, 'Ohana was incredibly divisive.

 

[CBMom01]

We had a really mediocre breakfast last week (on my birthday, which maybe made it worst?) but we haven't tried dinner again since reopening. I have a reservation coming up but can't decide if we want to spend that much, esp after our breakfast.

Even pre-Covid, 'Ohana was incredibly divisive.

I gorge myself on the pineapple bread but there’s no denying that the meal itself isn’t the reason spend the time and $$.

Without Lilo & Stitch and the kid parade I see no reason to go

 

[ElizaDoesDisney]

A couple weeks ago we grabbed a couple bar seats and ordered off the menu. We had the wings, pot stickers, noodles, and bread pudding. It was two of us and the bill was less than 1 person in 'ohana -it was plenty of food. And we had a couple cocktails apiece. Service was great and the bar atmosphere was fun.

Pardon my ignorance - but is that Tambu Tambu bar? That sounds like a wonderful way to approach it - especially for a couple or solo diner.