Ohana Discussion

[catherines_mama]

I celebrated my birthday there a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing. We love the atmosphere, the food, the activitites, the food. LOL

It does seem crowded, but I was so absorbed in my family and our celebration and our time, I didn't even know anyone else was there.

I hope you enjoy it, it is a wonderful meal.

 

[MelanieC]

We love Ohana's - Sure wish they still had those yummy potatoes - omg they were to die for

I'm so glad the shrimp is back though - those and the peanut sauce - party in my mouth!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We love 'Ohana. I've been going every trip since '93 (I was 11!). The menu's changed from time to time but I just love the atmosphere. Sometimes the singing or where I'm seated (in the middle of the room/aisle) can be annoying or loud. My DBF and I just think it's such a romantic restaurant (minus the coconut races and stuff like that but the last couple of times we weren't there during them or we asked to sit off to the side and were far away from any noise).

Oh, and now that 'Ohana is so popular there's usually a wait past your ADR time. Last July we waited (along with many other people) 40 minutes after our ADR time. This was the only place this happened for that long. It was still worth the wait!

I wouldn't say I've ever been impressed with the service or some of the food (mostly the meats) but a lot of the other food (including the bread pudding and I am so not a bread pudding type of girl) and the atmosphere keeps me coming back.

 

[lovinwdw]

NeverlandClub23 - Is that a minpin in your siggy? I have one too!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

NeverlandClub23 - Is that a minpin in your siggy? I have one too!

Yes it is! They're the greatest dogs!

 

[ehrn]

We went in 03 and weren't too impressed, we're going to give it another try in Oct. I'm really looking forward to it and hope we enjoy it. Even the best restaurants can have an off night, or the server can be really disappointing or it just might not suit your personal taste despite wonderful reviews. I have heard that they kind of drop the food and rush you through your meal. I'm hoping I can be more assertive than I usually am and speak up if things like that happen. It's not usually my way so we'll see how that goes, lol.
Last trip we did the breakfast. It was ok. The characters were very personable. DH loved the juice, I enjoyed the fruit plate...everything else was basic breakfast and I'm not that big on breakfast foods. I like the atmosphere of the Poly and we are also trying Kona for the first time in Oct. Even if I don't love it, I'm certain that I won't go hungry and I'll still be super happy to not have to cook or do dishes, ha, ha!!
Hope everyone enjoys their Ohana experience!!

 

[M-I-C-K-E-Y]

When I think of 'Ohana, a famous Homer Simpson line usually comes to mind:

"How about Benihana where dinner IS the show"

What's better than wood-fired meats, cooked over an open fire, served hot and in great varieties? Actually, there's lots of meals that might be considered much better. However, if you're a grill fan, or a meat lover, then this is one of your best bets!

Getting back to the Homer reference, 'Ohana is just as much about the surroundings as it is about the food. Some hate it, citing too many kids, games, noise... Yes, there are quiet places to dine at Disney, but it IS Disney World. Kids and noise are expected, but in our experience 'Ohana isn't always that crazy (widely varied seating areas present different levels of action). To enjoy 'Ohana you really do have to embrace the theme and surroundings, and craving some quasi-Hawaiian atmosphere is a good idea as well.

For us, it's a tradition that dates back to 2003, when we made our way to the Polynesian soaked to the bone from a freak thunderstorm, and spent the entire meal dripping wet. Sometimes it's those unusual circumstances that make you bond with a certain place. 'Ohana will always be a special place for us, even if they switched to a Tonga Toast-only dinner menu!

 

[1gr8mouse]

For those of you that havent been to Ohana, here is the breakdown of what happens...
once your name is called someone takes you to your table via a pathway by the kitchen, they will show you some of the desserts you can order and some fun things for the kids.....the snowcone bucket etc., they will explain "ohana" to you. Everyone in the restaurant is related, you are all cousins. You are taught to say: "aloha cousin".

At your table you will usually have 2 servers, the main server who explains the meal, takes a drink order.....then his/her asst. will usually start bringing dishes for your table........after you eat salad, noodles, wings, dumplings they start bringing the meat on skewers.....it might not be your servers who stop by your table to give you meat.....if a server sees an empty plate they might stop by and offer you some of the meat from their skewer.......If you want more wings, noodles etc. ....tell them, they will give you more!!

Usually during your meal a person of hawaiian descent will come out with a guitar and sing a few songs, ask for birthdays, anniversaries, newly weds etc. He/she will sing to you and give you a lei. After that they will have a coconut race for the kids......on the wood portion of the floor (it makes a large loop around the rest.) all the kids will get a prize......the coconuts do go everywhere.....usually about 30-40 kids participate in the race! I have had coconuts roll across my feet under the table!!! I think they do this about every hour (not sure).

They will teach a hawiian dance and give everyone who participates a lei......

It does get hectic during dinner....if you are a fun person.....you will have fun!!....if you want a quiet evening.....this is not the place for you, you probably wont have a good time.......

I have had tough pieces of meat there before......some overcooked, some under cooked....relax it will be all right, they can bring you more!!!! Yes, I have felt rushed there before.....I do realize they have a tight schedule and they are trying to accomodate as many people as possible.....Also, your waitstaff are people too.....they have good & bad days just like you and I.

Have fun you are at the greatest place of all!!!!

 

[lovinwdw]

Yes it is! They're the greatest dogs!

They are!!! Jack (our minpin) is black and tan and I love him to pieces!!! Surprising enough, he's very tolerant of our 20 month old DS too.

 

[lunapnp]

1gr8mouse...Thank you so much for your review/information! It gave me a great insight to what the atmosphere is like. Also, I appreciate you reminding people that we all have our bad days...even restaurants! Sometimes we forget that...especially when we are paying such big $$$ for the food!