Ohana for dinner?

[CharmedLife]

Does Ohana have characters at dinner, or just at breakfast? Are there other activities during dinner? I have DD5 and DS2 and am wondering if it's worth the hassle of getting to the Polynesian from Saratoga Springs for dinner if there's nothing "special" about it (we could easily eat at Downtown Disney if all we're getting is food)...

Thanks for your help!

 

[scoutsmom99]

They just have charchters at Breakfast, but at dinner they have coconut races and hula hooping for the kids. the prizes are gummy worms.

 

[Aimeedyan]

It's special in that there is a CM on a eukelelei that plays and sings Hawaiian songs, teaches Hawaiian words, and leads anyone who wants to participate in hula hoop contests and coconut races around the restaurant. It's loud, active, and a very family friendly environment. Also, many seats at 'Ohanas overlook the MK and you can view Wishes from it if you time your ADR right (and get a window seat). Or you can dine earlier and then watch from the beach, and see the water pageant.

=)

 

[wfloyd]

I would say it is definately worth it. Between the games for the kids and watching the fire pit workers, there is enough to do. Ohana's is probably our favorite place to eat at WDW so we do whatever it takes to get there for dinner.

 

[CharmedLife]

Thanks so much for all of the info - I think we will keep our ADR and have a new Disney experience!

Thanks again!

 

[lillygator]

You'll have a great time! The food and the view can't be beat!

 

[dreams4disney]

You will love it. We have been there two times for dinner and once for breakfast. It is favorite character breakfast.

 

[weeyore33]

this is our faavorite dinner at WDW we have been 3 times and love it, cant wait to go back! the food is delicious! the coconut races and hula hoop contest are great the kids have a blast!

 

[cdpa4d]

During our April/May 2005 trip this was by far our favorite meal. The atmosphere, food and service was outstanding! I can't say enough about the experience. I know not everyone gets the same experience, but from my experience it was exceptional. We are going back for our October 2005 trip.

Try and get a seat by the window with a view of the castle. It makes the experience even that much better!!

 

[CharmedLife]

Thanks again, everyone, for the great advice. We have a fairly early ADR so hopefully we'll be able to get a castle view. I'm sure my kids will LOVE the coconut races and hula hoop, probably won't even eat very much!

One last question - is this dinner a buffet or do you order off a menu?

 

[RichNKatHolly]

We are planning our first dinner there for Nov. I did not know about these games and things for the kids - now I'm very excited!!!

I believe it is not menu or buffet, but rather CMs with skewers of roasted meats and fish and family style sides. Sounds yummy AND fun!!

 

[vascubaguy]

Thanks again, everyone, for the great advice. We have a fairly early ADR so hopefully we'll be able to get a castle view. I'm sure my kids will LOVE the coconut races and hula hoop, probably won't even eat very much!

One last question - is this dinner a buffet or do you order off a menu?

The food is served "family style". So they bring out these big platters of food to your table for everyone to serve from. then they bring by these long skewers with various meats and serve those to you. It is all you can eat, but they don't have a buffet bar.

We had an awesome view of the MK, which was the best part about the whole experience. The food was ok. If you can get a seat by the windows and in view of the fire pit, it's better. We were over in the corner behind the fire pit so we didn't see any of the cooking or the hoolahooping/coconut racing. I would give it another try, but our service was not good at all. We went about 10-15 minutes without seeing our server (we all needed drink refills). And I advised her of my food allergies and she was going to have them fix some skewers away from the shrimp and bring it to me (that never happened, she would always come by and say she forgot to tell them).

I wish we had had a later ADR... I think it would have been nice to see Wishes from there after dinner.

Here are some pics from our dinner there:
All the sides: Rice, Green Beans, Salad, Wings, etc

Turkey and Steak Kabobs

Pineapple w/ Carmel Sauce

 

[CharmedLife]

Since it's family style, do I need to pay for my 2-year-old? I'm assuming not since I don't at any of the character meals.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Since it's family style, do I need to pay for my 2-year-old? I'm assuming not since I don't at any of the character meals.

I recently asked the same question and was told you do not have to pay for any child under 3 at these fixed price meals (buffets, etc.). I will still check my bill to make sure when we go though.