MK to 'Ohana

[TiffanyA]

I have a 5:05PM reservation at 'Ohana. We will be in Magic Kingdom and I've read that I should leave anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes ahead of time.

That's a big gap.

In your opinion, which is more correct?

And what's the recommended mode of transportation: boat or monorail (or some other transportation I haven't thought of.) Boat since the monorail is flaky? Monorail since it drops you off right there?

I'm hoping we'll have time to go back to MK afterwards to see HEA, but there will be a baby in the party, so we're playing it by ear.

Thank you!

 

[Tigerlulu]

It's never taken me more than 20-30 min to make that trip. If the boat is at the dock and looks about ready to go, I grab that. It's just a choice I make at the moment based on which looks easier. Yes it's a gamble but it works for me.

To clarify, it's never taken me 20-30 min from leaving the front gate of MK. If you are in the park, you need to account for that time.

 

[Jedimike]

Agree with PP. As you walk out of MK on your way to the monorail, if the boat is sitting there waiting for you, go ahead and grab it. If it isn't there, grab the monorail. I'd say plan on being at the entrance to MK 30 minutes ahead of your reservation. If you are a couple minutes late, they'll still honor your reservation.

 

[LSUmiss]

Agree with the 2 pps. And Ohana notoriously runs behind.

 

[TiffanyA]

Even at 5:05PM? I've heard that the later it gets, the dicier it gets, but I somehow though that started around 6:30...

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Agree with the PPs - sort of a game time decision for me based on weather and conditions. If I see a boat loading, I'll jump on it. If not, I'll use the resort monorail. Since you'll have a baby with you (and presumably a stroller), the monorail is going to be a bit easier for you.

The boat stops at GF first then you have the walk from the marina inside/upstairs to Ohana (not a long walk, but still some ground to cover).

The monorail puts you right there on the second floor, so super easy.

Just pay attention to weather and crowds - a random exodus from the parks due to a storm could muck up what 'should' be a relatively quick trip.

Good luck!

 

[Disneylover99]

I'd probably leave the MK at least an hour before my ADR. Things can happen with transportation and it stresses me to rush. Plus I like to wander the grounds of the Poly, check out the gift shop, etc...before I check in for dinner.

 

[DisneyOma]

I'm one to always get someplace early, and it usually works well at WDW when we do. To be honest though, I've never had them take us right in at our ADR time. For 'Ohana, I'd leave MK at least a half hour before the ADR, maybe even 40 minutes, get to the Poly early, check in at 'Ohana, then get a cocktail.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I agree with the others. If the boat is there, jump on. If not, head to the monorail. Also, if it's chilly at all, I would take monorail regardless. When it's cold, the boat feels even colder! I would be at either mode of transportation at least 45 minutes ahead of time to allow for boat/monorail wait times. Plus, the Poly is so lovely. I find it fun to poke around a little before an ADR.

 

[Tomh]

I generally will begin the trip from MK an hour before my ADR. That doesn't mean I am at the gates an hour out, I start my walk out of the park an hour ahead. That way, I am relatively certain I will make it to 'Ohana 20 minutes prior to my ADR to check in, and I won't be in a rush to get there. If we get there early, there are always shops to check out, or nice seats to relax in for a while, and by that time of the day, relaxing for 20 minutes is not unwelcome

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

Even at 5:05PM? I've heard that the later it gets, the dicier it gets, but I somehow though that started around 6:30...

At 5:05 the line to check in at the podium will be wrapped around the upper lobby...

 

[TiffanyA]

At 5:05 the line to check in at the podium will be wrapped around the upper lobby...

Yikes! Ok then, thanks for the warning!

 

[TiffanyA]

Thanks all for the advice. With a baby and a big group (8), I'm sure I'd be smart to err of the side of caution. I'll try to start hustling everybody to the park exit about an hour, hour and fifteen ahead of time and hope to be at the gates about 40-45 minutes ahead of time. We'll probably take the monorail.