Just back, bitterly disappointed in Ohana's.

[Cafeen]

You know, in reading this, along with several other reviews and comments. I'm thinking the biggest issue with Disney Dining is consistency. That, coupled with the highly subjective nature of dining in general and we have next to zero baseline to compare.

Myself, I've experienced bad meals at both Maya Grill, 1900 PF Breakfast, and CRT breakfast. Others sing the praises. It's just interesting that there are such extremes on both sides at the same restaurant for the same time frame.

So, since most people only have one shot at the place, one "off night" or bad server, and things go out the window. While others have gone there once or twice and hit a good night or a good server, so it's the best place ever.

Most of this is just ramblings though . I do agree with the 'Ohana hype (or, the "not getting it"), but I also don't like most of the food offered, so that may play a huge part of it .

At any rate, I just find it interesting that most every restaurant has such wide swings day to day in terms of quality and service. (As a note, the 3 locations (covering 4 meals) above were the only ones that I actually felt were bad, at Maya Grill I've done 4 times, twice in 2009 were great, twice in 2010 were bad.)

 

[RobynBirdMom]

We've done O'hana twice now, and both times the service was sub-par. Though 2 years apart, the experiences were somewhat similar - rushed service, and we got skipped with the steak both times. (This might not be a big issue for some, but we don't eat pork so this left us even fewer options.) Our most recent visit was in March - just me and my 3 children, 2 of which are "Disney adults". While we were still waiting for the rest of the skewers to come around (we'd had shrimp and chicken), our server brought a very tiny, dried out portion of the bread pudding and a big bowl of ice cream "for the kids". It was a late ressie, and this occured while we were watching Wishes out the window (the only redeeming factor for that visit was the great spot we were seated!). I wasn't sure if they'd simply run out of the bread pudding or what, because our server never actually came back (he'd dropped the check when he brought dessert). We ended up just leaving cash on the table after waiting 20 minutes for him to come around again. I think the other factor is that I have issues with having to peel/devein the shrimp (bad experience as a kid nearly scarred me for life - I didn't eat shrimp again until I was nearly 30!). My youngest ds doesn't mind and ate quite a bit, but I was limited to chicken for the entree, and it was pretty dry. We also would have liked more noodles, but our server never brought them after we requested them. Our first Ohana experience was much the same, minus the disappointing dessert situation. I think the only reason we gave it a second chance was the fabulous dessert and all the great reviews, which made us think we just hit it on an off night the first time.
I won't say we'd never go back, but we're definitely skipping it this trip and probably the next, as there are so many other restaurants we want to try.

 

[kokotg]

we've eaten there four times, and had mixed experiences. One bad, one great, two okay. But for some reason we keep coming back. Maybe they put something in that wing sauce....

 

[Colleen27]

You know, in reading this, along with several other reviews and comments. I'm thinking the biggest issue with Disney Dining is consistency. That, coupled with the highly subjective nature of dining in general and we have next to zero baseline to compare.

Consistency and staffing. A LOT of complaints about Disney dining are the sort of problems you'd expect with overextended servers, such as not getting the food to the tables while it is hot, not getting drink refills promptly, and not clearing plates as the meal goes on. Pair that with the observations of unused sections in otherwise full restaurants and it really sounds like Disney has cut restaurant staffing below the point where you start to lose quality/efficiency.

I'm another that just doesn't get the Ohana hype. We felt the meal was very rushed - the meat coming out practically on the heels of the appetizers (before I'd even made myself an appetizer plate because of the few minutes I spent helping the kids with theirs) kind of gave a feeling of "hurry up and eat". That, along with the overall noise level which I know my toddler wouldn't tolerate and the fact that the menu does less than nothing for me since I'm not a big meat eater and prefer my shrimp already peeled, makes it an experience I don't plan to repeat.

 

[momtoccc]

Hmmmm... this is making me second guess this for our upcoming trip. I went once a very long time ago (1995?) Haven't been back since and I thought 8yo dd would like it but it is just going to be the 2 of us...

I would really like to try Boma... maybe I should consider that...

 

[waynesgirl]

We've done O'hana twice now, and both times the service was sub-par. Though 2 years apart, the experiences were somewhat similar - rushed service, and we got skipped with the steak both times. (This might not be a big issue for some, but we don't eat pork so this left us even fewer options.) Our most recent visit was in March - just me and my 3 children, 2 of which are "Disney adults". While we were still waiting for the rest of the skewers to come around (we'd had shrimp and chicken), our server brought a very tiny, dried out portion of the bread pudding and a big bowl of ice cream "for the kids". It was a late ressie, and this occured while we were watching Wishes out the window (the only redeeming factor for that visit was the great spot we were seated!). I wasn't sure if they'd simply run out of the bread pudding or what, because our server never actually came back (he'd dropped the check when he brought dessert). We ended up just leaving cash on the table after waiting 20 minutes for him to come around again. I think the other factor is that I have issues with having to peel/devein the shrimp (bad experience as a kid nearly scarred me for life - I didn't eat shrimp again until I was nearly 30!). My youngest ds doesn't mind and ate quite a bit, but I was limited to chicken for the entree, and it was pretty dry. We also would have liked more noodles, but our server never brought them after we requested them. Our first Ohana experience was much the same, minus the disappointing dessert situation. I think the only reason we gave it a second chance was the fabulous dessert and all the great reviews, which made us think we just hit it on an off night the first time.
I won't say we'd never go back, but we're definitely skipping it this trip and probably the next, as there are so many other restaurants we want to try.

Consistency and staffing. A LOT of complaints about Disney dining are the sort of problems you'd expect with overextended servers, such as not getting the food to the tables while it is hot, not getting drink refills promptly, and not clearing plates as the meal goes on. Pair that with the observations of unused sections in otherwise full restaurants and it really sounds like Disney has cut restaurant staffing below the point where you start to lose quality/efficiency.

I'm another that just doesn't get the Ohana hype. We felt the meal was very rushed - the meat coming out practically on the heels of the appetizers (before I'd even made myself an appetizer plate because of the few minutes I spent helping the kids with theirs) kind of gave a feeling of "hurry up and eat". That, along with the overall noise level which I know my toddler wouldn't tolerate and the fact that the menu does less than nothing for me since I'm not a big meat eater and prefer my shrimp already peeled, makes it an experience I don't plan to repeat.

I won't even go into my late ressie too much but...it was our anniversary. The hostess CM lied and didn't care that she did, even busted in the lie. Stood at the bar 2 different times for about 10 minutes each and the bartender never even gave us the "finger" (meaning gimme 1 sec and I'll be with you) because he was too worried about the 21 year old crowd doing shots. However, as a former server and bartender, you missed a heckuva tip from me buddy, guaranteed. They gave the window seat for 2 to another couple, after telling us it wasn't available and had the gall to sit us next to it and the couple didn't have a reservation that they sat there- meanwhile a family of 6 who had 6:30PM ressies were still sitting there (the couple was- their kids were running around and blocking the mediocre view we had) at 9:45PM. So, I really have no love for O'hana's anyway.

I felt the opposite of hurry up and eat. The server- bless her sweet heart- really tried to make it a special experience for us after seeing me livid for the attitude from the CM Hostess and bartender. The food was dry and it was like the last morsels in the kitchen so she tried to make sure we had lots of extra bread (which was my DH's favorite part of the meal) and brought us lots of anniversary cupcakes and didn't rush us to finish. She apologized over and over for the sub-par food and I could tell she really tried to make sure that we got the best of what was left in the kitchen. She packed up extra bread in a box for us and taped it- we packed it in the suitcase as we left the next day-and it was still fresh so I made my DH a nice ham sandwich with it. I will not go back but that server made my night so, being OOP, she got a nice tip and a little extra in cash for going out of her way when she could have been aloof to us like everyone else.

 

[skater]

Reading through this thread is making me very nervous about taking my parents there next week. I am remembering the awful breakfast last year and wondering if its going to be just as bad.

 

[DisneyFive]

Bummer, especially since it sounds like it was supposed to be your last great meal of your trip to finish things off. I would have complained too, and I'm not one to normally complain about stuff like that.

Dan

 

[patsal]

Experienced the same thing about 5 years ago and have not been back since. We find oursleves seeking out places that do not accept the DDP and have had a much more successful dining experience.

 

[DEA]

I don't know guys, I'm not a big fan of disney restaurants, I think their are mediocre at best so I was not going to complain but any time my 2 teenage sons think the meal sucks (they basically inhale any thing that they can cover with ketchup) its bad.

This is the first time I've asked to speak to a manager and refused to pay for any meal I've eaten

First off, it doesn't sound like you actually ate your meal. That sounds like incredibly bad service. If the food is sitting waiting for pickup, it might explain the food temperature.

Now, on to the general point about Disney restaurants: I would disagree that the restaurants are mediocre at best. I have had some excellent meals at some of the Disney restaurants: Citricos, Flying Fish, Tusker House, Jiko, Tangerine Cafe, Sanaa, Chefs de France, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Sunshine Seasons, for example. I've had good meals at several other locations: Teppan Edo, Columbia Harbor House, Akershus, and FlameTree BBQ, for instance. And, then, I've had terrible meals at Tony's, ABC Commissary, and 'Ohana. And, to be fair, I have had a couple of just fine meals at 'Ohana.

Any restaurant can give you a bad experience. I had a half a dozen decent meals at various Applebee's restaurants before they served me raw chicken in a salad, for example. Disney restaurants, I think, do pretty well overall. The value proposition is seldom a bargain, but the preparation and taste is, I think, pretty good.

 

[RFrank9504]

I agree you did the right thing. If Disney wants to say they are standard for vacation resorts and parks, they need to hear this kind of feedback to keep it that way!

In the last few years we have noticed a HUGE decline in the restaurants at WDW. Thats why we almost never buy the DDP. I know they are good-but not great. At home almost nobody on here-no matter what they admit-would ever pay for food in a restaurant what they shell out for food at Disney. And I would never wait 90 mins for a meal. You are a good sport. I would have called a manager and walked out in 45. I've left restaurants in NY waiting 25 mins just for a server to come and say "I'll be right with you to take a drink order." ummm 25 mins no thanks. I have a water bottle in my car.

 

[Dizneydaz]

So glad to hear you stuck to your guns and spoke to the manager. I am always surprised when I read bad reviews (service, etc.) and they don't complain. I don't care if I'm at WDW or anywhere else, if I get bad service, bad food, etc. I expect it to be made right.

Luckily we haven't had too many bad experiences while at WDW. 2 years ago for the first time we actually returned a meal. It was steak (not filet) at Konas. My DM could barely chew it. She got another meal. We have dined at Kona's many times and this was the first non-filet we had ordered.

We ate at 'Ohanas once, for dinner. While we didn't have the service problem you had we still didn't enjoy it. We (group of 3) were seated at a table for 8 with no one else. We were too far away from the action for DD (then about 7) to take part. And the worst part was the skewers. Most of it was tough, and some wasn't hot. We were on the DDP so I didn't complain, but I would if it happened again. We have had breakfast at 'Ohanas 3 times and have always enjoyed it.

 

[Laketravis]

We went for both breakfast and dinner on our last trip (December).

Needless to say, Ohana's isn't on our list of ADR's this year.

 

[richkorn]

Boy, am I so disappointed. We had dinner Wednesday night at Ohana's, it was our last dinner at the world and it was a disaster.

Check in was fine, we were seated within 10 minutes of check in. that was the best part of the night.

After we were seated and got our loaf of bread, which was good, it took 25 minutes for us to see our server for drinks. Ok no problem, place is packed. 25 minutes later out come our wings and dumplings. stone cold. well of course now we are very hungry so we suffer through them. 20 minutes later out comes the brocolli and noodles, they are also cold. STOP!! now I'm a bit peeved, so I flag down a random server to speak with a manager. while waiting our server finally shows up and we explain that we don't like cold food. so another 20 minutes later out comes some hot stuff. well by now its 7:45ish (we had a 6:15 reservations) and we're a little worried we'll miss wishes at this speed. also manager never stops by.

Since server is not removing any old plates, sitting on our table, we've got pans full of cold wings, dumplings and brocolli with the new platters. It's now ~8:10 pm and I've had it. I tell my husband and kids to head over to MK and I'll stay and speak with the manager. no way am I paying 30 bucks a head for this. Let me ask, is it supposed to take 90 minutes before the food gets to you? We haven't even gotten our skewers yet?

Resolution: We did not have to pay for the meal and was offered an adr for next day (thursday) but of course we couldn't (nor would we would have) make use of it as it was our last day.

I don't know guys, I'm not a big fan of disney restaurants, I think their are mediocre at best so I was not going to complain but any time my 2 teenage sons think the meal sucks (they basically inhale any thing that they can cover with ketchup) its bad.

This is the first time I've asked to speak to a manager and refused to pay for any meal I've eaten

Thanks for the heads up. We loved 'Ohana in 2005 (it was my favorite) and I haven't been able to get an ADR for when we're going in Nov-Dec so i booked a nice 6:10PM at Kona. I'm definitely keeping the Kona and forgetting about trying to get 'Ohana.

 

[eliza61]

First off, it doesn't sound like you actually ate your meal. That sounds like incredibly bad service. If the food is sitting waiting for pickup, it might explain the food temperature.

Now, on to the general point about Disney restaurants: I would disagree that the restaurants are mediocre at best. I have had some excellent meals at some of the Disney restaurants: Citricos, Flying Fish, Tusker House, Jiko, Tangerine Cafe, Sanaa, Chefs de France, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Sunshine Seasons, for example. I've had good meals at several other locations: Teppan Edo, Columbia Harbor House, Akershus, and FlameTree BBQ, for instance. And, then, I've had terrible meals at Tony's, ABC Commissary, and 'Ohana. And, to be fair, I have had a couple of just fine meals at 'Ohana.
.

Sure we did. We ate every serving that came to our table. We had the appertizers and the brocolli/noodle plate. All were served ice cold. The only course left was the actual "meat" skewers. We called it quites after 90 minutes because we just found it intolerable.

Cold food, in my opinion is BAD food. I guess for me, I don't "seperate" my dining experiences into parts. If my service is horrendous it's very hard to enjoy my meal. So whether it's the serving staff or the cook who's flubbed up really is a moot point in my opinion. When I go to a restaurant I go with the expectations of a certain degree of service and good food.

My assessment is really just an opinion, lately after many years of eating at the world the food is mediocre at best and not at all consistent. I too use to have great meals and the only one that I would describe as great in the last 3 years has been Via Napoli. Not terrible but nothing to rave about and then adding bad service on top does nothing to reevaluate my opinion.
I haven't tried Jiko, Akerush or Sanna only because we haven't been interested in teh menu and only now have my kids been willing to be a bit more adventerous.

I will say and I want to reiterate that:

1) this was the only time I've ever in my 12+ years of going ever refuse to pay for a meal and
2) The manager, Joe (forgot his last name) was wonderful in assisting us and I think he was genuinely sorry that he would not get the chance to correct our dissatisfaction.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Sorry you had to join the 'ohana stinks club. we are all reluctant members

We put it on our never list 3 years ago, after 3 bad trips. Service was just horrible and we won't be back. Too bad too, there used to be a time when 'ohana was an awesome place and dependable

 

[Tomader]

I agree with you on Ohana. I have not been happy the last couple visits. The dessert was the best part of the meal. I even think the place is a little dirty.

 

[dvcterry]

I have to agree. We had an unpleasant breakfast and hesitate to return.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Yikes! That sounds awful. So sorry that happened to you. I am sooo glad you refused to pay. That kind of experience is unacceptable.

 

[Owlpost23]

The crummiest thing about Ohana' is that it SOUNDS so good! The concept is great,but the one time we ate there,the service was horribly hohum,and the food was tepid at best.The skewers were cold,and the shrimp,which we loved the marinade they were in,were a shloopy mess to peel.Very disappointing,