My Ohana Story......

[traylorc]

I think the OP should def call the manager. Tomorrow! Do not let this go. They need to know that there is a huge problem at 'Ohana.

Is there really a huge problem at Ohana, or we talking about some isolated instances?

Here what tends to happen on the Disboards....someone posts about a bad experience at XYZ restaurant. Then a handful of other folks also post regarding their bad experiences. Let's keep in mind that Ohana serves thousands of folks over the course of a given year. While we do have a lot of folks on Disboards, realistically they represent a statistically small portion of the overall number of folks who dine at Ohana during any given timeframe.

In my opinion, there is a tendency to believe that XYZ restaurant has huge and/or systemic issues because of some bad experiences documented in a given thread. Personally, there is not a restaurant at Disney that you can go to where someone has not started a thread documenting how bad that restaurant is or documenting a very bad experience. We are talking about the hospitality industry, at the end of the day you can only hope that more folks are satisfied with their meals and/or experience than are not.

Ohana is not for everyone, some folks do not like the atmosphere and there is nothing wrong with that. If you have dined at Ohana and didn't like the food or service I can respect that. I have heard folks rave at great lengths about Le Cellier....personally I think the food is overpriced and the service is remarkably average. Doesn't mean there is a huge problem at Le Cellier, it simply means that restaurant is not for me.

I do believe the OP should pursue this further, because they deserve a better resolution than what has been provided. That being said, I'm not sure the instances documented in this thread represent a huge or systemic issue for Ohana or Disney for that matter.

My post is not meant to offend, attack or disrespect anyone's opinion. My intent was to simply add some context to this situation.

 

[turnlisa]

Cape May Cafe is a good all you can eat buffet. Flying Fish is an excellent signature restaurant - the food there is on a higher level. And expensive of course, but worth it. I agree with the PP who said their food is incredible!

Our ADR was "lost" here about a year ago. The manager put us on a list and then when we walked in was talking to someone and called them by our name. The person corrected them and said that their name was ... The waiter asked why the name for their table was different and the person said, "Oh, it must be a mistake." Still not sure if someone "stole" our ADR or if it was actually "lost" since we did give our confirmation number at check in.

We found the food to be awful and not worth the price. My DH just commented that we have had better seafood buffet at Big Boy.

 

[jerlove]

Is there really a huge problem at Ohana, or we talking about some isolated instances?

Here what tends to happen on the Disboards....someone posts about a bad experience at XYZ restaurant. Then a handful of other folks also post regarding their bad experiences. Let's keep in mind that Ohana serves thousands of folks over the course of a given year. While we do have a lot of folks on Disboards, realistically they represent a statistically small portion of the overall number of folks who dine at Ohana during any given timeframe.

In my opinion, there is a tendency to believe that XYZ restaurant has huge and/or systemic issues because of some bad experiences documented in a given thread. Personally, there is not a restaurant at Disney that you can go to where someone has not started a thread documenting how bad that restaurant is or documenting a very bad experience. We are talking about the hospitality industry, at the end of the day you can only hope that more folks are satisfied with their meals and/or experience than are not.

Ohana is not for everyone, some folks do not like the atmosphere and there is nothing wrong with that. If you have dined at Ohana and didn't like the food or service I can respect that. I have heard folks rave at great lengths about Le Cellier....personally I think the food is overpriced and the service is remarkably average. Doesn't mean there is a huge problem at Le Cellier, it simply means that restaurant is not for me.

I do believe the OP should pursue this further, because they deserve a better resolution than what has been provided. That being said, I'm not sure the instances documented in this thread represent a huge or systemic issue for Ohana or Disney for that matter.

My post is not meant to offend, attack or disrespect anyone's opinion. My intent was to simply add some context to this situation.

You are correct. I am the OP and I love Ohana and will go back. My reason for posting about this situation is due to the number of other folks I have seen on here with similar concerns. I do not want to discourage others from going I would just like others who have had concerns be sure to contact them so that they can make improvements at Ohana.

I have been out of town over the holidays and do plan on contacting the Manager by phone tomorrow to discuss further with him. I will be sure to update you all.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

I just changed our February ADR from 8:20pm to 8:40pm in hopes of making sure we have plenty of time to check in. MK closes at 8pm, so it seems reasonable enough to have 40 minutes to get there via monorail? I also booked at Cape May Cafe just in case dh wants to cancel the Ohana ressie altogether.

 

[Traveliz]

Is there really a huge problem at Ohana, or we talking about some isolated instances?Here what tends to happen on the Disboards....someone posts about a bad experience at XYZ restaurant. Then a handful of other folks also post regarding their bad experiences. Let's keep in mind that Ohana serves thousands of folks over the course of a given year. While we do have a lot of folks on Disboards, realistically they represent a statistically small portion of the overall number of folks who dine at Ohana during any given timeframe.

In my opinion, there is a tendency to believe that XYZ restaurant has huge and/or systemic issues because of some bad experiences documented in a given thread. Personally, there is not a restaurant at Disney that you can go to where someone has not started a thread documenting how bad that restaurant is or documenting a very bad experience. We are talking about the hospitality industry, at the end of the day you can only hope that more folks are satisfied with their meals and/or experience than are not.

Ohana is not for everyone, some folks do not like the atmosphere and there is nothing wrong with that. If you have dined at Ohana and didn't like the food or service I can respect that. I have heard folks rave at great lengths about Le Cellier....personally I think the food is overpriced and the service is remarkably average. Doesn't mean there is a huge problem at Le Cellier, it simply means that restaurant is not for me.

I do believe the OP should pursue this further, because they deserve a better resolution than what has been provided. That being said, I'm not sure the instances documented in this thread represent a huge or systemic issue for Ohana or Disney for that matter.

My post is not meant to offend, attack or disrespect anyone's opinion. My intent was to simply add some context to this situation.

I think there is a problem there and has been for years. I have never ever posted about my experiences there and have only gone twice...both times it was a huge hassle checking in with long waits. The only reason I returned was I was with others who love it.

Liz

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I just changed our February ADR from 8:20pm to 8:40pm in hopes of making sure we have plenty of time to check in. MK closes at 8pm, so it seems reasonable enough to have 40 minutes to get there via monorail? I also booked at Cape May Cafe just in case dh wants to cancel the Ohana ressie altogether.

Check the fireworks schedule. If MK closes at 8pm, the fireworks may be scheduled at 8pm which means you won't exit the park until 8:30pm or so... And at that time, the crowd exiting MK can crowd the monorail, boat and Ferry boat that goes to the Polynesian.

 

[beachclub]

being 2 adults only we have a long history with waiting, and waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for our table at ohanas. Each and every time
we have an ADR ( podium confirmed) for a specific time and end up waiting at least an extra hour past that time to be sat. We were even once flat out told that this happens cause ohanas only has big party tables and for a party of 2 to take a table for 4 or 6 they shun from doing that so we have to wait for one of the VERY FEW 2 tabletop tables.
If we didnt like the food too much we would stop going.
The Polynesian has a history of being the staple of the customer service atmosphere ( according to the book, Be our Guest) that is used as the baseline throughout disney.
But honestly they are the worst. Its not fair that they seat larger parties before smaller parties, Once we basically witnessed the waiting area empty to the dining area, being the only ones left waitiing.

we dont bother complaining to disney cause complaining never gets you anywhere....so we just get tanked at the bar before dinner (j/k)

 

[DisneyFamily123]

...But honestly they are the worst. Its not fair that they seat larger parties before smaller parties, Once we basically witnessed the waiting area empty to the dining area, being the only ones left waitiing.

we dont bother complaining to disney cause complaining never gets you anywhere....so we just get tanked at the bar before dinner (j/k)

Happened to us too. We should have grabbed carry out from Capt. Cooks, and had drinks from the bar... then ate it in the lobby outside Ohana's and made a mess. Then when they finally paged us, hand the pager back to them and say Nevermind.. you took too long, your food sucks, and we already ate. But we'll grab another drink from your bar before we leave!

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Check the fireworks schedule. If MK closes at 8pm, the fireworks may be scheduled at 8pm which means you won't exit the park until 8:30pm or so... And at that time, the crowd exiting MK can crowd the monorail, boat and Ferry boat that goes to the Polynesian.

Oh dear, I forgot about that! Where can I find the fireworks schedule. Perusing the website, but my brain is swiss cheese lately and I'm not seeing it.
Thanks for the reminder! That would have been a bummer.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Oh dear, I forgot about that! Where can I find the fireworks schedule. Perusing the website, but my brain is swiss cheese lately and I'm not seeing it.
Thanks for the reminder! That would have been a bummer.

Check the Disney Park Calendar, go to February and click on a day for more detail.. There are several days in February when the park closes at 8pm and Wishes fireworks is also at 8pm....

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/

 

[disneypolybride2008]

i've eaten there 10x and have never had a check-in problem. they're always nice as well. The first time we waited a LONG time but that was before we knew it was mandatory to have an adr!! Rookie mistake, lol. Sorry to hear about your frustrations but it was good that you were able to get your adr confirmation, you may have waited longer... you could have also went over to Kona, they seat fast w/o an adr too and they're now my favorite over Ohana.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

Check the Disney Park Calendar, go to February and click on a day for more detail.. There are several days in February when the park closes at 8pm and Wishes fireworks is also at 8pm....

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/

Thank you! Found it and bumped my ressie again up to 9:05pm. LOL

 

[beachclub]

isnt it crazy that they do this, Its the only sit down at wdw that has done this. makes me cringe thinking about it. grrrrr
and it sucks that theres not a thing you can do aside from just not eat there an viable option after the last time. This never fails each and every time we go. If you complain you get the blanket statement of thank you for pointing that out and thats about it, nothin will get done

Happened to us too. We should have grabbed carry out from Capt. Cooks, and had drinks from the bar... then ate it in the lobby outside Ohana's and made a mess. Then when they finally paged us, hand the pager back to them and say Nevermind.. you took too long, your food sucks, and we already ate. But we'll grab another drink from your bar before we leave!

 

[aes74]

Guys, I am really worried about this. We have ohana's ressies for next week at 7:10. I have three children one of them 2, and not sure we can wait an hour to eat. A year ago we had ressies at Kona's, and waited an hour and a half to get in. We are paying OOP for this, and so for my family it will be $150. I don't want to spend that much if it's not worth it. Really worried.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Guys, I am really worried about this. We have ohana's ressies for next week at 7:10. I have three children one of them 2, and not sure we can wait an hour to eat. A year ago we had ressies at Kona's, and waited an hour and a half to get in. We are paying OOP for this, and so for my family it will be $150. I don't want to spend that much if it's not worth it. Really worried.

My personal opinion is $150 is a lot for Ohana. And I'd pick another place, especially with young children. I'd pick a place in the park. Or any other place. Grand Floridian Cafe gets good reviews and not hard to get a reservation. Our DS liked the orchestra, piano player, finding the images of characters in the floor tiles, etc...

But if you want to try it... I would arrive 30 minutes early. Go check out the line to check-in. Just outside the restaurant, there's a podium... the line tends to run from there along Kona Cafe. If there's more than 10 people in line, or if you wait more than 5 minutes and the line's not moving... go straight to the checkin and ask for the manager. Tell him you read about the problems with checkin and express concern, get an honest answer about the wait time. If it's a problem that can't be solved... have a backup plan --- go to Capt Cook's downstairs and take dinner outside to eat (weather permitting?).

 

[mindyd]

We are eating here on the 25th and I am a little worried but am going to expect a long check in and hopefully it will go better.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Guys, I am really worried about this. We have ohana's ressies for next week at 7:10. I have three children one of them 2, and not sure we can wait an hour to eat. A year ago we had ressies at Kona's, and waited an hour and a half to get in. We are paying OOP for this, and so for my family it will be $150. I don't want to spend that much if it's not worth it. Really worried.

Personally, I think you are over-reacting and way overthinking this meal. After you get there and check-in and if you have to wait too long or your kids are getting upset, just leave. Go to your resort, grab something from the food court and get on with your night. I mean, your not on the dining plan and you don't have to worry about wasting your credits, so why on earth stress out about a meal. In all likelihood you will get checked in, get seated within 30 minutes and have a lovely meal.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Even if it is a long wait, if you really want to eat there... there's things to do while you wait. Anyone know how far you can go with those pagers?

If your reservation is earlier... there's a fun tiki torch lighting ceremony that happens at about 6pm in front of the resort (ask at the checkin desk to be sure). I understand it usually happens on nights when the Spirit of Aloha dinner show is happening. One of the show perfomers does fire jugglng and lights the tiki torches, with drumming too. It's only about 10-15 minutes long but really fun for the kids. I liked it too.

The gift shop on the 1st floor has some fun stuff - hawaiian themed, Lilo and Stitch stuff.

Take some photos. On the 1st floor (by the vacation club sales booth), there's a surf board with Stitch on it. Take a photo of the kids standing next to it. The lobby waterfall makes a nice photo background (straight ahead as you walk in the resort on the 1st floor).

Get a drink from the bar... I'm sure they would make a virgin drink for the kids.

Go to the check-in desk and ask for leis (they have boxes of them to give out, plenty).

If the pager will still work at a distance... walk by the pool to the beach and look at Cinderella Castle.

 

[aes74]

Thanks for the honest advice, all. I guess I have my husband on one side saying, "For $150 we could go to Shula's or Ruth's Chris and have a fantastic meal," whereas I am trying to explain to him that it is for the kids and it's an experience. Obviously though, the reports of poor service or dry meat, or servers not bringing enough food have me a bit worried. I wish there were some way you could make sure it's worth it, but obviously that's subjective and just a risk you have to take.

It does seem though, I am reading more negative reviews of Ohana's lately than ever before. Does that seem true to you as well?

 

[aes74]

Personally, I think you are over-reacting and way overthinking this meal. After you get there and check-in and if you have to wait too long or your kids are getting upset, just leave. Go to your resort, grab something from the food court and get on with your night. I mean, your not on the dining plan and you don't have to worry about wasting your credits, so why on earth stress out about a meal. In all likelihood you will get checked in, get seated within 30 minutes and have a lovely meal.

Princess Tiffany, your reply is kind of funny to me, because I DO tend to overthink things. I just want everything to be perfect!!!!! Is that so wrong!!!!??