Long wait at ohana's

[Tigger1221]

For those who have reservations and are worried. We have eaten at Ohanas at least once a year since 2005 and rarely had a long wait. On the day we were late because of the monorail being down I thought Ohanas did a great job handling it. I was upset and concerned on the boat over that we wouldn't be able to eat, they would cancel our reservation. There was a lady on the boat who was very mad a said she was going to get something for free out of situation and acting like they owed her something. This is NOT the approach I took. DH said this was Disney and how they handle situations like this is what they are known for, what makes them different. I stood in line to check in and apologized and said why we were late. They were nice and understanding. There was a lady in the waiting area who was telling people the wait was going to be very long and complaining to everyone. She even commented that she didn't think my DD could wait that long. DD was hungry so we fed her while we waited. She ended up falling asleep in the stroller and they let us bring in the stroller and put it where the highchair would go. We had an amazing and great dinner. They knew the monorail was down and were handling it the best they could. However fellow diners were not doing well and I think making it worse for some and the staff.

This past trip we had an early reservation at 5:30 and it worked out great. We left the park a little later than I had planned but things come up with an 11 month old. The monorail was working and we got there in plenty of time.

Transportation issues happen. You can't always plan for them no matter how many times you've been. I said earlier I wish that Disney had a better back up plan to the monorail. However I really think what they need is a monorail refurbishment. I know that's not really possible to take the monorail down for a length of time. Until they find a way to make it more reliable again I know not to count on it.

 

[larryz]

I guess I don't understand why parents with kids that age wouldn't say "This isn't working" after the first hour of waiting. If they were struggling to keep the kids entertained, it would only make sense to figure out a plan b rather than keep struggling for a meal that really isn't worth it. I don't know anyone locally or at Disney who would wait that long for a meal if something else (like the fireworks mentioned) was that much of a priority.

Agree. Sure, it's Ohana, but it's still only food, and I have trouble waiting more than 20 minutes for ANY restaurant food.

My course of action, after 30 minutes, would have been to get the ADR charge cleared from my credit card, and then truck off to another venue.

 

[WDSearcher]

Agree. Sure, it's Ohana, but it's still only food, and I have trouble waiting more than 20 minutes for ANY restaurant food.

My course of action, after 30 minutes, would have been to get the ADR charge cleared from my credit card, and then truck off to another venue.

But in this case, though, the people waiting were WDW newbies on their first trip. They may have been told by friends that they couldn't reschedule. They could have been told by the seating CM "just a few more minutes" a dozen times. They could have not known what their other options were, or even how to get from point A to point B. It's late, you're hungry, the kids are punchy -- sometimes it's just better to stay put.

In the end, the family sounds like they had a great meal and are not any worse the wear for their "ordeal". Next time -- should it ever happen again -- they'll know.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

Rude? Maybe. Judgmental, yes. You came on a board and complained and expected that people would automatically agree with you? Its a crappy situation but they could have done any number of things to make that situation better. There's plenty of other places to eat, I can't imagine anyone waiting at Disney or in the real world over 2 hours so that's their own fault, they could have asked for other options. You imply in your first post that it was a huge issue but then "Oh they had a good meal and the kids were great" so which is it?

 

[larryz]

But in this case, though, the people waiting were WDW newbies on their first trip. They may have been told by friends that they couldn't reschedule.

My rule applies whereever I'm eating, not just at WDW. 20 minutes without assurances, 30 minutes with.

They could have been told by the seating CM "just a few more minutes" a dozen times.

Sorry, United Airlines ruined it for service providers everywhere with their "20 minutes" promises...

They could have not known what their other options were, or even how to get from point A to point B. It's late, you're hungry, the kids are punchy -- sometimes it's just better to stay put.

Kona is just across the lobby, yes?

In the end, the family sounds like they had a great meal and are not any worse the wear for their "ordeal". Next time -- should it ever happen again -- they'll know.

I know they won't suffer any permanent harm, but... I'm late for my 6:50, I'm not in by 7:20, I won't be hanging around until 9:30.

 

[momtotwoteens]

Rude? Maybe. Judgmental, yes. You came on a board and complained and expected that people would automatically agree with you? Its a crappy situation but they could have done any number of things to make that situation better. There's plenty of other places to eat, I can't imagine anyone waiting at Disney or in the real world over 2 hours so that's their own fault, they could have asked for other options. You imply in your first post that it was a huge issue but then "Oh they had a good meal and the kids were great" so which is it?

It didn't sound like the OP was complaining at all to me. She was just saying she felt bad for her family.

 

[maxiesmom]

They were in MK and left there an hour before their reservation. I would say that's plenty of time.

Disney actually suggests you give your family 90 minutes to make it to your ADRs. It states that right on your reservation. Usually it is not necessary, but unfortunately this shows it can be. You don't follow that advice at your own risk.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

This is one reason that I don't look for ADRs at Ohana's for dinner.

Same reason I will never return. We arrived on time. but the line to check-in was so long, we didnt' get to the front until 20 minutes later. Then they marked us late as a walk-up (but didn't tell us that). We waited, waited, waited... I complained three times and they acted like they didn't care. This is the ONLY restaurant at Disney World I've ever had a problem. Never again. I just don't get the hype about Ohana.

I'd rather eat at Magic Kingdom and spend more time doing rides/entertainment there at the park.