Ohana, Boathouse and Homecoming. Which 2 ?

mkburme

Mouseketeer
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Apr 26, 2011
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My DH and I are taking our good friends to WDW for Food and Wine in Oct. I have 2 dinner slots I need to fill. Our friends haven't been to WDW in a very long time and we want them to really enjoy the food that WDW has to offer. Which 2 of those 3 would you choose?
 
I haven't done Homecoming or Boathouse yet but I can tell you that 'Ohana is WONDERFUL! If you're doing the Disney dining plan, it's is only one table service credit, which is a great deal. It's one of those restaurants where honestly every course of food they bring you is delicious and they also have a live ukulele player and spectacular views of Magic Kingdom. Cannot recommend it enough.
 
Thanks! It's been over 15 years since we were at Ohana and I've heard that the food is so much better than it was then. We will be using a TIW card.
 
We've only been to 'Ohana once, in 2012. It's not a place we want to return. The food was fine but the atmosphere was chaotic and service is really inconsistent. We don't love the table being piled with all of the dishes, either. The place regularly runs behind, too, so take that into account with your friends unless you all like to eat at 4pm. 'Ohana is a one of those TS that gets a lot of conflicting reviews ;)

I would choose the other two based on the mostly positive reviews I've read. I'd like higher quality food and service when $50/person is the minimum.
 

I didn't eat at Ohana but I stayed at Poly during our Disneymoon last Sept. DH & I ordered room service and got a lot of the same items they offer at Ohana and I can't rave enough about those sticky wings! :p we also did Boathouse and I loved it! We're from New England so I was happy to get some seafood and the lobster roll certainly didn't disappoint. My DH got some sort of steak dish and really enjoyed it. It's a nice atmosphere and we were seated right by large french doors so we got a nice breeze off the water and were able to watch the amphicars go in and out.

We're going next month and I really wanted to get Homecoming but couldn't get a ressie for our party size. But they do offer take & go with a limited menu. You can at least get the Shine Cake and I'm a-okay with that! :laughing:
 
We haven't tried Homecomin' yet, but have dined at 'Ohana many times, and tried the Boathouse on Monday.

For food and service, the Boathouse wins, hands down. We had steamed clams, a selection of oysters from the raw bar, and some stone crab claws. Our waiter was beyond excellent, especially at describing and recommending which oysters we might like. The cocktails were also well crafted and delicious, and accompanied the fresh seafood perfectly. Atmosphere will vary greatly depending on where you are seated. We had a table on the veranda across from the over-the-water bar, which was relaxed and pleasant with a wonderful view, but a little chilly that night due to the stiff breeze coming off the lagoon. The inside area we passed through was much more bustling, chaotic and loud, but also out of the wind, which could be a advantage depending on the weather. We didn't order entrees from the menu, so I can't speak to the quality or preparation of those. This place is pricey, though, and not inclusive and all you care to eat like 'Ohana, so if you have big eaters that may be a consideration.

'Ohana is, well, 'Ohana! We've dined there more times than I can remember since 1999 (obviously we like it!) and never had a terrible experience. But some times were better than others, the food is decent but not exceptional, and the service is definitely spotty. Advantages are that the atmosphere is fun (but chaotic), servings are plentiful, and there are enough different dishes served that everyone should find something they like, especially the bread pudding. Also, the drinks from Tambu, and Trader Sam's if you stop there, are excellent and very conducive for having fun with friends. And if your group includes any carnivores with big appetites, this may be the place for you!

Both are good choices, you probably can't go wrong with either of these unless someone is having a bad night, which is perhaps more possible with 'Ohana than Boathouse. Good luck and have fun!
 
We thought homecoming was underwhelming. The fried chicken was decent, but at the end of the day it was still just fried chicken. I think there are better choices out there.
 
Go during the Food and Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin. It is held on a Friday and a Saturday. The price is about $100 pp.but they have small bites and samples from a very wide variety of restaurants and all the wine pours you could possibly drink. There is live music and it's not only a great dining experience but it's fun.
 
Kona is a solid choice if you want to visit the Poly. Boathouse over Homecomin IMO. If I were on an adult only trip I'd be looking for adult dining experiences.
 
Thanks! It's been over 15 years since we were at Ohana and I've heard that the food is so much better than it was then. We will be using a TIW card.
Funny i heard the opposite. I heard the food has gone downhill. Then again many people are saying that about a lot of places.

IMHO, I'd skip Ohana. Food quality is not good, at all. Slimy wings, dry meat, dry potstickers, noodles were mediocre. chicken was meh. Not at all worth it. And the "entertainment" wasnt entertaining at all.
 
I'd choose Homecoming and Boathouse without question. 'Ohana, while it may arguably be the quintessential Disney dining experience, isn't nearly as good an experience as either The Boathouse or Homecoming.

Steve
 
Go during the Food and Wine Classic at the Swan and Dolphin. It is held on a Friday and a Saturday. The price is about $100 pp.but they have small bites and samples from a very wide variety of restaurants and all the wine pours you could possibly drink. There is live music and it's not only a great dining experience but it's fun.
I would love to do this but I don't believe it will be going on while i'm there. We are going Oct 6-12
 





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