'Ohana - is it really worth it?

[jf256]

TLDR: Have food allergies is Ohana without bread pudding /pot stickers worth the $55 price tag?

My ADR reserve time isn't for a long time (visit on Feb 23). Long time lurker *due to cancellations, US entry limits etc* first-time visitor.

I am staying at:

Disney POFQ - With Dining Credit $72 a night (UK deal) for 5 Nights.
Universal - 1 Night
Swan Reserve - 5 Nights
Hilton Bonnet Creek - 5 Nights.

So we only have 60+5 all the rest are 60 days.

I want to visit Ohana - but I can't eat the pot stickers or the bread pudding. I am allergic to eggs. Is it really worth the stress (and cost) of getting a reservation or would a visit to Tambu Lounge be better? All the reviews rave about the bread pudding, and the vegan equivalent just looks a bit rubbish. Also, the reviews I have read recently don't have a lot of good things to say about the meat.

I was thinking I could get some noodles, and wings and my OH can share and get himself some bread pudding. Do this around 4 pm on one of our magic kingdom days and then pop back for the fireworks after? or before extra evening hours when we stay at the swan. The noodles are not on the menu anymore are they available still and if so does anyone know the current cost?

 

[Marthasor]

Even without allergies, 'Ohana is not worth the cost. The last time we went, the food was incredibly greasy and the service was terrible. For the cost, IMHO, you are much better off going to a regular or signature TS and just ordering what you can actually eat, a la carte. If you really want to eat at Poly, I would, as you suggest, go to Tambu Lounge or go to Trader Sam's early (I would be there by 2 pm to get your name on the list) and just do some apps. If you want better food on the monorail line, try Citricos or Steakhouse 71.

 

[Laurieannc]

Not worth it. The proteins have been awful the last two times we went. We used to love it there, but will not be returning anytime soon. I believe the noodles are available at Tambu Lounge on their "secret menu" but cannot confirm that 100%.

 

[kanerf]

Go to Steakhouse 71 instead. Much better food, though a rather bland atmosphere.

 

[Her Dotness]

Disney restaurants generally do very well substituting for foods someone allergic can't have.

Have you looked at the official Disney 'Ohana menu?

Scroll down past the wines to the Allergy-Friendly menu which lists the dishes safe for egg allergies (and other common ones). The noodles show egg-safe so likely aren't the standard ones.

I'd guess you might get fresh fruit for dessert. That's what I'm often given since I'm gluten-dairy intolerant.

Mention your allergies to your server if you decide to eat there. They'll bring you the allergy-friendly menu, and you can also ask to speak with a chef who'll suggest what else they have you can eat.

You can't order individual dishes and pay per item. It's $55 per person no matter how much or how little you want to eat.

 

[gharter]

Years ago, we enjoyed O Hana, but have not been there for years as our last 2 meals were under whelming. Recent reviews have not really changed our mind.

 

[jf256]

Disney restaurants generally do very well substituting for foods someone allergic can't have.

Have you looked at the official Disney 'Ohana menu?

Scroll down past the wines to the Allergy-Friendly menu which lists the dishes safe for egg allergies (and other common ones). The noodles show egg-safe so likely aren't the standard ones.

I'd guess you might get fresh fruit for dessert. That's what I'm often given since I'm gluten-dairy intolerant.

Mention your allergies to your server if you decide to eat there. They'll bring you the allergy-friendly menu, and you can also ask to speak with a chef who'll suggest what else they have you can eat.

You can't order individual dishes and pay per item. It's $55 per person no matter how much or how little you want to eat.

Yeah I understand that - I would mention my allergy at the lounge.

I think they are vegan as is but would obviously check.. I don't think that is how the allergy menus always work - if they have something without egg in naturally (ie Udon, Soba, basically anything but egg noodles)- they wont just give you the 'allergy version' If that is the case it just makes me want to eat there even less.

My question was more - without the bread pudding and pot stickers is it worth it because the vegan options look like poor relations.

 

[jemtx]

Saw a YouTube review from Princess & the Bear of recent vegan offerings. Pretty detailed review. See if you can find it. It might help you decide.

 

[Her Dotness]

My question was more - without the bread pudding and pot stickers is it worth it because the vegan options look like poor relations.

Sorry to have insulted your intelligence. I obviously misconstrued your understanding of how Disney adapts to allergies.

I don't think anyone but you can determine worth it when you can't have the potstickers or bread pudding. If you'll feel unpleasantly deprived eating what Disney may substitute, then 'Ohana dinner isn't for you, IMO.

I'm more casual about worth it, I suppose, as I've paid $70-odd for nothing but Mickey gluten/dairy-free waffles, bacon, POG juice and coffee at the 1900 Park Fare breakfast buffet. That's all I wanted; I was fine with it.

 

[jf256]

Sorry to have insulted your intelligence. I obviously misconstrued your understanding of how Disney adapts to allergies.

I don't think anyone but you can determine worth it when you can't have the potstickers or bread pudding. If you'll feel unpleasantly deprived eating what Disney may substitute, then 'Ohana dinner isn't for you, IMO.

I'm more casual about worth it, I suppose, as I've paid $70-odd for nothing but Mickey gluten/dairy-free waffles, bacon, POG juice and coffee at the 1900 Park Fare breakfast buffet. That's all I Wawanted; I was fine with it

No insult at all - sorry if I was a bit abrupt.
Regarding the deprived bit - yeah I honestly think I would because most restaurants seem to have these really nice desserts - but 'ohanas seems like an afterthought which is a shame. But going to the lounge and only paying for a few little bits will be a bit better.

I think I have answered my own questions, to be honest.

IF it was nostalgic (obv not because we haven't been) or it wasn't such a difficult one to get I might consider it and if a slot happens to come up on the day and we are hungry - then we will go. But I think I will plan to go to the lounge... Maybe do a monorail lounge tour instead.

 

[PetePanMan]

Food is ok but always feel very rushed

 

[Her Dotness]

Oh, a lounge tour could be fun. The GF's Enchanted Rose is lovely.

If you do that and have time, take the boat from MK over to Wilderness Lodge. The outdoor lounge, Geyser Point, has pretty good food, though you'd likely be limited to a salad or fruit plate. Allergies suck!

GP is a great place to grab drinks and see the MK fireworks, though, and the boat ride to WL is peaceful and relaxing.

 

[Richie248]

Haven't been back to Ohana post Covid Closure but didn't find it worth it. Rushed service and food was just ok.

 

[leebee]

We've been to Ohana several times over the past 20 years. I didn't think the food was "all that" but it was fun to be served on skewers, as much of whatever you wanted, and they had some fun activities for the kids. If the "show" part of Ohana isn't happening, I wouldn't spend the money. You'll get much better food (that is more in-line with your allergies) elsewhere.

 

[jf256]

We've been to Ohana several times over the past 20 years. I didn't think the food was "all that" but it was fun to be served on skewers, as much of whatever you wanted, and they had some fun activities for the kids. If the "show" part of Ohana isn't happening, I wouldn't spend the money. You'll get much better food (that is more in-line with your allergies) elsewhere.

We have been to loads of Brazilian Restaurants in the UK. https://fogobrazil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Evening-Menu.pdf This is the menu for the one in Liverpool which was the best we have ever gone to. Absolutely incredible and under £30 (With tax) per person.

I just don't think that Ohana is going to compare with that considering all the mixed reviews we keep getting and the 'experience' isn't anything new to us.

What I am consider doing instead is a progressive lounge / quick service dinner at the MK resorts - and going to sebastians for a night because they have plant based bread pudding.