'Ohana Dinner Dining Advice with Children

[Lisa F]

I'm not certain what they cost - I don't think we were charged $21 for macaroni and cheese the one time we got it. But I can't guarantee that as I don't usually pay attention.

I just think instead of worrying about the cost, eat somewhere cheaper or don't take the kids with you.

or don't worry about the cost. Heck to be honest I never eat $50 (with tax and tip) worth of food at any of these AYCTE places. I figure I am paying for experience, atmosphere, being in WDW etc. I don't think too much about any one expense, just budget for the entire vacation and go for it. If it's $21 a kid figure you'd spend around $10 to feed them elsewhere. Over $25 you won't go somewhere you want to when already spending thousands on a vacation? I would not worry about it and just go and enjoy and order them some food they like

 

[Hopefully]

I'm not certain what they cost - I don't think we were charged $21 for macaroni and cheese the one time we got it. But I can't guarantee that as I don't usually pay attention.

I just think instead of worrying about the cost, eat somewhere cheaper or don't take the kids with you.

Please don't make a statement that you are not sure of. Your comment was stated as a fact and it is incorrect. It is very misleading and could lead the OP to make a bad decision. We're all here to help each other.

 

[Lisa F]

Please don't make a statement that you are not sure of. Your comment was stated as a fact and it is incorrect. It is very misleading and could lead the OP to make a bad decision. We're all here to help each other.

well it's a discussion. I'm guessing at the time the statement was made the poster was pretty sure and only started to rethink it after people were questioning it.

 

[Roxyfire]

I was NOT giving wrong information - I was giving you the information from MY experiences. Perhaps we had s nice server, but we weren't charged full price for the mac and cheese.

I don't have a real little one but if I did I would certainly ask based on your story. Policies change all the time too! Servers can sometime take some license and if you save a customer money they sometimes tip you a little more in return (I've seen it myself). Considering the inconsistencies of Disney in so many other areas it's not far fetched to see something like this. All one can do is ask, it doesn't hurt.

 

[k8Davies]

I'm really happy to hear that they can do off menu stuff for kids, as I'm really excited about going and getting all the yummy stuff on the menu for me.

Although my son currently 2 (but will be 3 when we go on the trip) has some problems with food, so if I can get something I know he'll definitely eat as well as giving him some new stuff to try off my plate (as you never know we might add to the list of food he'll eat) it will make it worth every penny.

Disney food is expensive though, so on our trip we will be mixing trips to Ohana's and Cali Grill with off site trips to Denny's and Outback steakhouse.

But being from the UK Denny's and Outback are a bit of a novelty for us, oh and we get a car thrown in with our package so we might as well use it.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

You can't adjust prices at 'Ohana. It is a fixed price family style restaurant. You'll be billed for anyone who sits at the table and is 3 years old or older, no matter how much or how little each person eats.

As noted, they do have the alternate childrens' selections, but there won't be any adjustment in price should the child choose that menu.

 

[DrunkJam]

I know it's expensive, (and the price is the price) but I just wanted to say that, for my older child (who was my only child when we were last at disney, O'hana was the run away BEST choice while we were there.
He is autistic, and he needs his food to be the way he needs it to be. No excess sauce, no mixed up stuff, separate vegetables. The kids menus at WDW did not often used to offer ANY of this (oh the places did work with us but, just to plain turn up and KNOW...)
He ate more here than anywhere else. meat, vegetables, noodles. This is not adventurous food, people, it was the simplicity of it that made it a hit, and the cost, to us, was worth the relax of knowing that he was getting something safe, nutritious and that he loved (he doesn't eat fries, or breaded food - like chicken nuggets, or burgers etc)
Not helpful, maybe, but, I just wanted to add that the value is sometimes there anyway.

 

[Regan117]

I don't have a real little one but if I did I would certainly ask based on your story. Policies change all the time too! Servers can sometime take some license and if you save a customer money they sometimes tip you a little more in return (I've seen it myself). Considering the inconsistencies of Disney in so many other areas it's not far fetched to see something like this. All one can do is ask, it doesn't hurt.

I have found that servers tend to take it upon themselves in instances such as these. We've had servers at Whispering Canyon bring us an extra skillet and a whole plate full of waffles for our 3-year-old, because our twins were 2 at the time and she wanted to make sure we had enough food. We were only charged for one child's breakfast. At CRT, the server brought us another basket of pastries and more fruit for the kids. We weren't charged more for it. So while it isn't something you can rely on, it is worth asking. And I think the OP's bigger issue here was less the cost and more the fact that his kids might not eat that kind of food for that cost. As long as there's something for the kids to eat, OP might be ok with it.

 

[dmea10]

Again I reiterate, they DO offer selections for children. Just ask because they aren't on any official menu.

We went there quite a few years ago with my three kids. My oldest is an extremely picky eater and she did not want anything that they served us. I was fine with paying for her anyway. I am not one to complain or try to get a deal. The waiter noticed that she was not eating and offered her chicken fingers. I still expected to pay for her meal plus the chicken fingers but they ended up taking off the charge for her. It was very nice of them.

 

[Nancyg56]

I don't have a real little one but if I did I would certainly ask based on your story. Policies change all the time too! Servers can sometime take some license and if you save a customer money they sometimes tip you a little more in return (I've seen it myself). Considering the inconsistencies of Disney in so many other areas it's not far fetched to see something like this. All one can do is ask, it doesn't hurt.

The CM's may do this from time to time, but the instances are extremely rare. So rare in fact that we have more folks sharing that they had family members with feeding tubes and were charged than stories that people's bills adjusted due to a child not eating enough to justify the cost. You are right, it never hurts to ask, but people need to realize that they are more likely to be charged full price then not. Best to be prepared to pay.

 

[Lisa F]

The CM's may do this from time to time, but the instances are extremely rare. So rare in fact that we have more folks sharing that they had family members with feeding tubes and were charged than stories that people's bills adjusted due to a child not eating enough to justify the cost. You are right, it never hurts to ask, but people need to realize that they are more likely to be charged full price then not. Best to be prepared to pay.

Totally agree with Nancy here. While these stories are nice for the person who was the recipient of the comp, in actuality the CMs are probably NOT allowed to be doing that and could get in a lot of trouble for doing so without managerial approval. They are probably either either genuinely nice people who feels bad for someone who isn't really eating, or they figure it will do nothing but help their tip to comp some kid food. But I think if it were disney's policy to allow servers to comp at their own discretion it would get out of hand while servers used this as a tool to increase their tips. I would think a manager would have discretion to comp a meal but would have to justify it in some way. I would never expect it or demand it and would expect to be playing by the rules. I think when it happens it is truly a case of a CM taking it upon themselves... let's not be cynical and say it's to make some magic for someone. But planning your vacation based on that will lead to disappointment when it doesn't happen.

 

[Nancyg56]

Totally agree with Nancy here. While these stories are nice for the person who was the recipient of the comp, in actuality the CMs are probably NOT allowed to be doing that and could get in a lot of trouble for doing so without managerial approval. They are probably either either genuinely nice people who feels bad for someone who isn't really eating, or they figure it will do nothing but help their tip to comp some kid food. But I think if it were disney's policy to allow servers to comp at their own discretion it would get out of hand while servers used this as a tool to increase their tips. I would think a manager would have discretion to comp a meal but would have to justify it in some way. I would never expect it or demand it and would expect to be playing by the rules. I think when it happens it is truly a case of a CM taking it upon themselves... let's not be cynical and say it's to make some magic for someone. But planning your vacation based on that will lead to disappointment when it doesn't happen.

Most likely the server had the manager's approval when these special exceptions were granted, and I bet that in the majority of these exceptions, the guest never asked. It was just one nice pixie dust thing. I cannot imagine a server jeopardizing their job for a one time maybe increase in tip. I sure cannot justify trying to save that money knowing that if I press, a server could lose their job.

I get unnerved when I see posts ( not on this thread) that make it look like all of these gifts that CM's offer are not extras. This morning on another board, Maybe DIS on FB,?? anyway, a poster was mad that when she emailed asking for special things gifted to her Mom on a special occasion, the response was suggestions where she could manage the extras. She told us she wanted buttons, towel animals, and extra toiletries provided in the room before Mom checked in. Someone then suggested she call to complain. Seriously???? You noted the occasion on the reservation. Odds are good a nice button would be given upon checkin. If Mom wants more shampoo, she just needs to ask, and those animals she wanted??? This is the reason we seldom ever see them.

 

[lilmakattack]

You may be surprised! My kids have been going to Ohana since they were 6 & 2. It's their favorite restaurant! They're 10 & 6 now and always request it. My little guy does not sit well at many restaurants either but the unlimited shrimp and the other food make them both very happy. And if they don't like it, they'll bring a big bowl of chicken strips and fries. So I'd suggest giving it a try and hopefully everyone will enjoy it.

 

[Lisa F]

Most likely the server had the manager's approval when these special exceptions were granted, and I bet that in the majority of these exceptions, the guest never asked. It was just one nice pixie dust thing. I cannot imagine a server jeopardizing their job for a one time maybe increase in tip. I sure cannot justify trying to save that money knowing that if I press, a server could lose their job.

I get unnerved when I see posts ( not on this thread) that make it look like all of these gifts that CM's offer are not extras. This morning on another board, Maybe DIS on FB,?? anyway, a poster was mad that when she emailed asking for special things gifted to her Mom on a special occasion, the response was suggestions where she could manage the extras. She told us she wanted buttons, towel animals, and extra toiletries provided in the room before Mom checked in. Someone then suggested she call to complain. Seriously???? You noted the occasion on the reservation. Odds are good a nice button would be given upon checkin. If Mom wants more shampoo, she just needs to ask, and those animals she wanted??? This is the reason we seldom ever see them.

yeah I do think the boards do more harm than good when someone comes back raving about some special treatment they got. I mean I understand why, I would be over the moon and raving about it too lol. But I think that people who have not been around a while get their expectations way up and can't help but be disappointed if it doesn't happen for them.

 

[scrappinginontario]

This thread is another case of a new user asking a controversial question and then never coming back to respond to responses they have received.

I think we best just step back as they don't seem to want our input after all.

 

[Lisa F]

This thread is another case of a new user asking a controversial question and then never coming back to respond to responses they have received.

I think we best just step back as they don't seem to want our input after all.

I don't agree. I will often search back to see if my question has already been answered. Sometimes I just want new opinions so I will just ask it. But I think discussions are good, not just for the OP but for all of the people reading it. If some lurker reads this and doesn't ask about it and goes in with expectations appropriately set that is one less person who is going 1) have a bad time and 2) come back and complain about it.

 

[Nancyg56]

I don't agree. I will often search back to see if my question has already been answered. Sometimes I just want new opinions so I will just ask it. But I think discussions are good, not just for the OP but for all of the people reading it. If some lurker reads this and doesn't ask about it and goes in with expectations appropriately set that is one less person who is going 1) have a bad time and 2) come back and complain about it.

Absolutely. Once the question has been asked, I think that a discussion is in order. No one has gotten testy, and I think that the reinforcement here will help others who hear all of the lovely things that have been granted to guests are many times out of the norm. Yes, guests are often gifted with free dinners, upgrades, extra people allowed in on an ADR< etc....but we cannot go in expecting that we will have the same gift. Best be prepared for the worst so no one is upset while on vacation.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'm really happy to hear that they can do off menu stuff for kids, as I'm really excited about going and getting all the yummy stuff on the menu for me.

Although my son currently 2 (but will be 3 when we go on the trip) has some problems with food, so if I can get something I know he'll definitely eat as well as giving him some new stuff to try off my plate (as you never know we might add to the list of food he'll eat) it will make it worth every penny.

Disney food is expensive though, so on our trip we will be mixing trips to Ohana's and Cali Grill with off site trips to Denny's and Outback steakhouse.

But being from the UK Denny's and Outback are a bit of a novelty for us, oh and we get a car thrown in with our package so we might as well use it.

OT, but have you tried IHOP? I see you like Denny's. In our opinion, IHOP is better. It's a bit more expensive, but we think it's more than worth the difference in price. Just a thought.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I have found that servers tend to take it upon themselves in instances such as these. We've had servers at Whispering Canyon bring us an extra skillet and a whole plate full of waffles for our 3-year-old, because our twins were 2 at the time and she wanted to make sure we had enough food. We were only charged for one child's breakfast. At CRT, the server brought us another basket of pastries and more fruit for the kids. We weren't charged more for it. So while it isn't something you can rely on, it is worth asking. And I think the OP's bigger issue here was less the cost and more the fact that his kids might not eat that kind of food for that cost. As long as there's something for the kids to eat, OP might be ok with it.

All you care to eat restaurants & buffets at WDW don't charge for 2 yr. olds. That's the normal policy.

 

[k8Davies]

OT, but have you tried IHOP? I see you like Denny's. In our opinion, IHOP is better. It's a bit more expensive, but we think it's more than worth the difference in price. Just a thought.

Thanks for the advice I'll keep my eye out for an IHOP and I'll give it a go as the DH and I adore America Pancakes, They started doing them over here in some restaurants, but they are not the same.

I need a short stake with Maple Syrup and that white butter or it's not a proper holiday.