O'Hana: Not for couples.

[DepCor0311]

I have been to O'hana many times and have always enjoyed it. That being said, after this last trip I will never go back. It was just DGF and I. Now let me start by saying, that I fully understand that O'hana is a family restaurant. I fully understand that WDW is a family vacation destination. When I go to WDW I expect to see kids, and HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM WITH CHILDREN. (so put away the flame throwers). HOWEVER, I think the problem started with the seating. It seems that the tables for two seem to be located around the central aisle. The larger, family tables seemed to be in the center of the restaurant, and by the windows. So we, and at least three other childless couples were seated near the aisle. We were in the actual dining area for approximately an hour, and there were two childrens activities in that hour. Each time, the parade of children (one time doing a hula, and one time doing the deadly Hawaiian Marracca dance... more on that later) was directly in front of our table. This caused the parental paparazzi to form a solid crowd tightly packed around our table...bumping, rubbing, and flashing away. Hey, I know you love your kids....snap away, but do you need to be in my lap to do it? Thats why they invented the zoom. Anyway...
During the delightfully deadly Hawaiian Marracca dance, which Disney may have called something else, we had all the same photographers at out table, but this time the restaurant staff gave the kids marraccas to play with, you know the LOUD shaking mexican (not hawaiian) music things...So the parade ensued...and when it was over, the marracca collection point was literally at our table. One lovely little lad got tired of waiting to turn in his marracca, so he threw it, at our table. He hit DGF's Seabreeze Glass, and of course it shattered...into all of our food. The CMs were mildly apologetic, and replaced everything, but the general attitude was "oh well, thats what happens when you give kids sugar and marraccas."
So with that, I will graciously leave the restaurant that I once enjoyed to the kids. There are many other places to eat at WDW, so I will go there. It seems that with WDW being the #1 honeymoon destination, and with many older, childless couples choosing it as a place to visit, they would at least arrange the seating so that families could play with their kids (as they should) and adults could enjoy their time. It is with a sad "Aloha" that I bid goodbye to O'hana.

 

[disneypharm]

I have been to O'hana many times and have always enjoyed it. That being said, after this last trip I will never go back. It was just DGF and I. Now let me start by saying, that I fully understand that O'hana is a family restaurant. I fully understand that WDW is a family vacation destination. When I go to WDW I expect to see kids, and HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM WITH CHILDREN. (so put away the flame throwers). HOWEVER, I think the problem started with the seating. It seems that the tables for two seem to be located around the central aisle. The larger, family tables seemed to be in the center of the restaurant, and by the windows. So we, and at least three other childless couples were seated near the aisle. We were in the actual dining area for approximately an hour, and there were two childrens activities in that hour. Each time, the parade of children (one time doing a hula, and one time doing the deadly Hawaiian Marracca dance... more on that later) was directly in front of our table. This caused the parental paparazzi to form a solid crowd tightly packed around our table...bumping, rubbing, and flashing away. Hey, I know you love your kids....snap away, but do you need to be in my lap to do it? Thats why they invented the zoom. Anyway...
During the delightfully deadly Hawaiian Marracca dance, which Disny may have called something else. We had all the same photographers at out table, but this time the restaurant staff gave the kids marraccas to play with, you know the LOUD shaking mexican (not hawaiian) music things...So the parade ensued...and when it was over, the marracca collection point was literally at our table. One lovely little lad got tired of waiting to turn in his marracca, so he threw it, at our table. He hit DGF's Seabreeze Glass, and of course it shattered...into all of our food. The CMs were mildly apologetic, and replaced everything, but the general attitude was "oh well, thats what happens when you give kids sugar and marraccas."
So with that, I will graciously leave the restaurant that I once enjoyed to the kids. There are many other places to eat at WDW, so I will go there. It seems that with WDW being the #1 honeymoon destination, and with many older, childless couples choosing it as a place to visit, they would at least arrange the seating so that families could play with their kids (as they should) and adults could enjoy their time. It is with a sad "Aloha" that I bid goodbye to O'hana.

We were there from 9/20 to 9/27 and probably saw you and your DGF in the middle of the restaurant!!! I understand what you are saying; I was one of those parental paparazzi blocking your view . I actually went back to our table and told DH that I feel bad for couples with no kids sitting in the middle with all the dancing kids (including ours). That was a strange set up! Let me say that I apologize for bumping, rubbing, and flashing . I think that Ohana should move the family tables to the middle instead. It really makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on their kids and makes it easier for childless couples to have a semi-peaceful dinner.

 

[Laurafoster]

I agree, we went there as a table of 4 Adults, and were seated on a table of 6 also right by the aisle. During one of the activities some of the parents actually turned around and turned the spare chairs at our table round so that they could sit and watch their kids - not even considering us!

Whilst their are some abnoxious parents out there i do think that they are in the minority and most parents would be like the above poster and feel awkward having to stand around tables of couples who are obviously not impressed. I think Disney should definately re consider the way it seats people in the restaurant!

 

[MrsJ Henry]

DH and I are pretty sure we sat at the same table as the OP last time we were there. We felt the SAME way. We were not unhappy with the children and families as much as we were that the seating was terrible. First off I don't think there should be tables in that one area so close to where the races start.There are too many families trying to take pictures etc... and we had them huddled all around our table. There was no where else for them to be though. I would have liked a little more consideration though. We were bumped,our table was leaned on by a couple people and it was generally uncomfortable.
We were anxious to just get out.
Good to know that others have felt the same way.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

Dh and I have had a similar experience: small table, right in the middle of all the action, poor service, etc. O'hana is so much fun when we take the kids, but we won't return again if its just the two of us.

 

[sandym718]

I'm a mom to 2 young children - 2 and 4. This would have driven my NUTS, though!! You paid for your meal/experience same as anyone else - to have people clambering all over your table - no fun! Sounds like they need to rearrange the seating, or do the activities in another area altogether!!

Sandy

 

[Uncleromulus]

We went to O'hana just once and learned then it is NOT a good restaurant for couples. Never been back since--too many other good spots to eat.
And we had nothing like the experience you had--just the over-all "din" was enough for us. And we were pretty much out of the way, in back of that "Fire-pit" where they cook the food.

 

[canwegosoon]

Sorry you had a bad time. There are sevral restaurants that I will not go to since I consider them more of couples restaurants, and since I always have my kids with me...no, can do. Personally I think you are doing the right thing..this doesn't seem like the place for you(under the present configuration). Trust me-there are days when WCC is not the place for me...and I need a quiet relaxing restaurant that is a family spot(look for me at the Plaza on those days).

Perhaps also with the free dining that added something to the mix, also poss. trying later dining might be helpful(eg 8pm), since I know many kids can't wait that long.

Hoping your have better future dining experiences.

 

[disney queen]

wow!! that is an uncomfortable situation. i have to agree w/uncle. been there and done that. while we were seated on the center aisle, we decided this indeed is a great restaurant for families.

 

[pbnjrockette]

Glad for the heads-up. We will be staying at the Polynesian and now will plan not to eat at Ohana's. Love kids, have 2 of my own..but prefer to eat with a little peace!

Any suggestions for more "mature" dining experiences? (And 8pm or later dining is not for us...love to eat early and enjoy our meal and leave the later hours for other things.)

 

[disney queen]

at the poly, why not try the kona? or, ride the monorail to other resorts for a nice dining experience. artist point at WL is one of the best. we are w/you....dine early and have a fun evening in the parks or at DTD shopping. pbnrockette, if you could give us some more details as to resort, park, or DTD dining more suggestions will be helpful.

 

[LoraJ]

We had the same experience there. Luckily it was only briefly annoying. The hoola hoop thing was annoying. We had to get up and move because the kids were too close to us.

The coconut race was funny though.

 

[MimiofOlivia]

That is very disapointing to hear. I had planned for DH and I to eat at Ohana for the first time mainly due to reviews of the menu and the ability to watch Wishes from our table. Since tables for 2 are located in the middle of the action, it doesn't sound very relaxing or romantic. The noise from the kids activities doesn't bother me, I just don't want to be in the middle of it.

 

[DepCor0311]

Let me say that I apologize for bumping, rubbing, and flashing .

disneypharm- There is no need for apology. I don't think it is the parent's fault...You obviously want to see your kids have fun, no worries there. Like I said, the staff should consider where families vs couples sit.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

We went last December right at opening for dinner. We were seated by the window with a lovely view. They did one dance (I think) and there were no kids around us. I think it's all in where you are seated. My husband and I have no kids and don't like situations like the one listed in the OP. So from only my point of view, it's cool for couples as long as you get a good seat

 

[Syrreal]

I am really sorry you had such a tough experience. I understand that they try to entertain the kids but am also not a bug fan of the running around the restaurant thing. (And being hit by a coconut in the ankle is really NO fun at all)

That being said, I wouldn't give up on Ohanas just yet. They do have tables for 2 and 4 by the windows. DH and I usually request them when we check in. They are pretty safe from the child-parade. We are actually going there this trip as well.

And a larger group isn't immune from the parade of kids and parentrazzi. We were a group of 8 sitting at a larger table that was also right by the aisle.

 

[JJClemson]

That is very disapointing to hear. I had planned for DH and I to eat at Ohana for the first time mainly due to reviews of the menu and the ability to watch Wishes from our table. Since tables for 2 are located in the middle of the action, it doesn't sound very relaxing or romantic. The noise from the kids activities doesn't bother me, I just don't want to be in the middle of it.

You should definitely still eat at 'Ohana! I completely agree w/ OP and would have been annoyed if this was my experience. However, it is such a yummy, fun restaurant! I am even having my rehearsal dinner there next summer. I went w/ my mom this past August and we were seated at a four-top and not in the middle of the chaos. There is a chance you may be seated near a window

 

[sjw4870]

When I go to Ohana without kids I always ask to be seated in the "back" room. I tend to go later (after 8pm) and on my list visit, I know they had the activities going on in the main room, but I don't think they even paraded through the room. It was relatively quiet where I was.

 

[Nancyg56]

I can see your point. We had the opposite problem. We were the family with one child who was seated by the window. Lovely table, and nice because we had a great view of the fireworks, but I did not understand why we were seated so far away from the kids activities. It was awkward because we needed to be in the area in order for her to participate, but you cannot help but feel intrusive when there are others attempting to have a nice meal.

 

[Madhatter266]

We were there last winter -myself, DH, and teenage DS. We were seated by the windows. When it came time for the hula lessons, one parent wanted to be farther away from the hula line (to take a picture)-so he backed up against our table. Funny thing - he leaned so far backward that his backside made one of the plates (with food) on the table tilt and flip up against him. When he moved he still had "remnants" of our dinner on his pants!