Ohana or Kona on a romantic day?

[DaisyMaisie]

We are going to mk on a mvmcp day and will stay to see the castle lights and then head over to Polynesian. We will eat there and then watch the fireworks from the beach.

Should we choose Kona or Ohana? I know neither is particularly romantic but as long as they don't ruin the mood and the food is good...

Kona seems a little boring for this evening, but with Ohana I am really concerned that ukelele lady will be really annoying. How loud is she? We enjoy watching kids have fun long as it isn't total bedlam.

Opinions?

Thanks so much

Michelle

 

[Nadjalu]

Ohana is LOUD and the entertainment can be VERY unromantic. While we love Ohana's food we never go with the intent of trying to relax or be romantic. Just not the right environment for either. Just being honest.

 

[DisneyMamato4]

I would say Kona. We ate at both on our last trip and enjoyed both of them but O'hana just doesn't scream romance to me. Food flying at you from every direction, kids playing games, I love it for family dinners but not if it was just DH and myself.

We really enjoyed Kona too and I think you could easily create your own pace there a little better.

 

[DaniB]

In that case I would say Kona Cafe. The kids were fine! I hardly noticed the noise of the coconut race and parade around the restaurant. But that lady... OMG! She drove me nuts! LOUD, way too cheery, and LOUD!

 

[Disney DieHard]

Hello Michelle!

So, we have Ohana VS. Kona in a romantic match up, huh? Hmm, let's see ... (cracks knuckles)

Everyone PLEASE keep in mind that what follows are just MY OPINIONS!​

I think overall Ohana wins in the romance department. Both restaurants can be loud but Ohana is more closed in and confined where Kona is open to the whole hotel. So, not only do you have whatever noise may be generated by the restaurant but also the noise of everyone walking around upstairs, in the lounge and bar, and throngs of people getting off the monorail and coming in. True that Ohana is basically right around the corner from Kona but it is more closed in and offers a little bit of a buffer.

With Kona there is no buffer, there is no entertainment, and in MY OPINION is a glorified cafe ... which is what it basically is when you look at it.

Now you said that you wanted to eat and then go watch the fireworks on the beach ... now, you could do that but you do also have the option of being able to watch it from Ohana. Try to book a time that is before the fireworks but takes into consideration wait time and back-up. I'd say book a time 1 hour prior to the fireworks ... when you check-in request a table by the front windows ... yes, it is not guaranteed but give them a little extra time and see what they can do ... since it sounds like there is only two of you it shouldn't be a problem as most 2-tables are by the windows anyway.

Once firework time hits, the lights are dimmed and they pipe in the music from the Magic Kingdom and you can sit at your table, eating yummy food, and watching the Wishes fireworks!

As far as being annoyed ... well, that depends on you and where your threshold is ... as everyone is different. FOR EXAMPLE! Some people are annoyed by Lipoa (That is the ukelele woman's name) and the singing ... but for me that adds to the atmosphere and it IS a Hawaiian themed place after-all. On the other hand ... I HATE HATE HATE when Mommy & Daddy at another table are letting little Johnny or Suzie stare right in your face as you're trying to eat ... THAT raises my blood pressure through the roof!!! Some people tell me it doesn't bother them and say "well, that's just kids" ... no, that is unacceptable ... and I promise you that THEY wouldn't like it if I were to stare in THEIR faces as they were trying to eat! CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN ... even though you are on vacation you are STILL A PARENT ... SO ACT LIKE IT!

Ooo, sorry ... little tangent there!

Anyway, the fact is that Disney World isn't really for romantic couples ... I don't say that as a knock against you ... I just say it because that is how it is. Listen, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ohana but I wish they'd knock-off the coconut races, limbo, and nonsense like that with the kids at 8 o'clock or so to give a little more adult type atmosphere.

Should you get one of the 2-person window tables you will have a buffer against the kids rather than being right next to the walkway. I think with every restaurant you need to be able to tune a little bit out. Oh, BTW, the ukulele woman is not 100% constant through the night ... she comes on and does a bit for the kids then goes away and they put the slow, quiet, Hawaiian music back on.

ANYWAY ... out of those two I pick Ohana for romance. Better food, more atmosphere, I personally think it's a little quieter and secluded, and you have the bonus of being able to see the fireworks from your table. My family and I LOVE Ohana and go at least once, but usually twice, every vacation ... it's a great place!

I hope this helps ... if you have any questions or concerns about what I went over ... or something I missed PLEASE ask!!! I am always willing to help people with whatever they may need!

Take Care & Be Safe!!!

Frank
Disney DieHard

 

[Angel Ariel]

It's not one of the restaurants you mentioned - but if you're looking to have a romantic dinner and see the fireworks, what about Narcoosee's? I would think that restaurant would hit both needs.

If it's really just between Ohana and Kona, personally I would choose Kona. Yes it's more open to the hotel, but IMO the Ohana atmosphere would be too much for a romantic dinner.

 

[DaisyMaisie]

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me such detailed answers. Looking back I probably should have said "magical" instead of traditional "romantic."

But, you guys painted such a clear picture that I can definitely give my hubby some clear options.

: )

Michelle

 

[GatorMama]

Hello Michelle!

So, we have Ohana VS. Kona in a romantic match up, huh? Hmm, let's see ... (cracks knuckles)

Everyone PLEASE keep in mind that what follows are just MY OPINIONS!​

I think overall Ohana wins in the romance department. Both restaurants can be loud but Ohana is more closed in and confined where Kona is open to the whole hotel. So, not only do you have whatever noise may be generated by the restaurant but also the noise of everyone walking around upstairs, in the lounge and bar, and throngs of people getting off the monorail and coming in. True that Ohana is basically right around the corner from Kona but it is more closed in and offers a little bit of a buffer.

With Kona there is no buffer, there is no entertainment, and in MY OPINION is a glorified cafe ... which is what it basically is when you look at it.

Now you said that you wanted to eat and then go watch the fireworks on the beach ... now, you could do that but you do also have the option of being able to watch it from Ohana. Try to book a time that is before the fireworks but takes into consideration wait time and back-up. I'd say book a time 1 hour prior to the fireworks ... when you check-in request a table by the front windows ... yes, it is not guaranteed but give them a little extra time and see what they can do ... since it sounds like there is only two of you it shouldn't be a problem as most 2-tables are by the windows anyway.

Once firework time hits, the lights are dimmed and they pipe in the music from the Magic Kingdom and you can sit at your table, eating yummy food, and watching the Wishes fireworks!

As far as being annoyed ... well, that depends on you and where your threshold is ... as everyone is different. FOR EXAMPLE! Some people are annoyed by Lipoa (That is the ukelele woman's name) and the singing ... but for me that adds to the atmosphere and it IS a Hawaiian themed place after-all. On the other hand ... I HATE HATE HATE when Mommy & Daddy at another table are letting little Johnny or Suzie stare right in your face as you're trying to eat ... THAT raises my blood pressure through the roof!!! Some people tell me it doesn't bother them and say "well, that's just kids" ... no, that is unacceptable ... and I promise you that THEY wouldn't like it if I were to stare in THEIR faces as they were trying to eat! CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN ... even though you are on vacation you are STILL A PARENT ... SO ACT LIKE IT!

Ooo, sorry ... little tangent there!

Anyway, the fact is that Disney World isn't really for romantic couples ... I don't say that as a knock against you ... I just say it because that is how it is. Listen, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ohana but I wish they'd knock-off the coconut races, limbo, and nonsense like that with the kids at 8 o'clock or so to give a little more adult type atmosphere.

Should you get one of the 2-person window tables you will have a buffer against the kids rather than being right next to the walkway. I think with every restaurant you need to be able to tune a little bit out. Oh, BTW, the ukulele woman is not 100% constant through the night ... she comes on and does a bit for the kids then goes away and they put the slow, quiet, Hawaiian music back on.

ANYWAY ... out of those two I pick Ohana for romance. Better food, more atmosphere, I personally think it's a little quieter and secluded, and you have the bonus of being able to see the fireworks from your table. My family and I LOVE Ohana and go at least once, but usually twice, every vacation ... it's a great place!

I hope this helps ... if you have any questions or concerns about what I went over ... or something I missed PLEASE ask!!! I am always willing to help people with whatever they may need!

Take Care & Be Safe!!!

Frank
Disney DieHard

If you hadn't hounded on it so much, I'd have thought you were kidding. A young child looking at you bothers you THAT much?? Unless they're staring AND pointing or staring and laughing or starind and yelling profanities, I just do not see how a child looking at you should bother you that much. And I don't see how that is unacceptable... unless the child is older (AT LEAST 8 and out of the "curious about everyone and everything" stage).

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Ohana gets my vote. It is just a neat place & I love their food.

Kona doesn't do anything for me. I just don't like the way the restaurant is open to the lobby.

 

[mousegear]

Ohana is fun and good food but definitely far away from romantic. It's loud and entertaining.

For romantic, I'll choose Kona.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

ohana is a great meal... but i'm not even sure i'd call it magical. it's a must do... but not for that.

have you thought about the grand floridian cafe? you could even do narcoossee's and they pipe in the music for the fireworks. that would be a little more romantic/magical.

i can't agree with others that disney isn't romantic, we are 2 adults that go 2 or 3 times per year and you just have to know where to go and what to expect.

 

[Disney DieHard]

I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT! You can NEVER express an opinion without somebody jumping all over you for it!!! There's always somebody who gets all hiney hurt because you say that kids can be annoying!


Dear Gator,

Yes, it does bother me because it's rude! You wait all that time for a table in Crystal Palace ... you happen to get seated by a window and you have some kid who is staring through the window watching you chew! OR you are at Ohana, the fireworks come on and you have a dozen kids banging into your chair and pushing you out of the way so they can watch the fireworks! It's not right! My 2 sisters and I never acted that way and none of my nieces and nephews act like that!

I'm tired of the "They're just kids" line! That doesn't give them a free pass to do what they feel like and being on vacation doesn't relieve parents of their jobs as parents!

And before somebody uses another tired line on me ... "Well maybe you shouldn't go to Disney where there are so many kids if you hate them so much!" First, I don't HATE kids ... come on, find a different way to attack me! Second, how about YOU, as the PARENT, CONTROL your kids! How about realizing that you and your kids aren't the only ones there and that the rest of us are paying a ton of money to be there as well!

It doesn't RUIN the whole day or the vacation okay! We still go EVERY YEAR because we love it! But it does bother me that SOME parents ... NOT ALL ... seem to have no consideration for others! What happened to telling your kids to "sit down" or "turn around" or "stop screaming"??? Have we become so politically correct nowadays that you can't say anything like that anymore? Have we reached the point where parents are more interested in being their kid's friends rather than actual parents???

My final example is this! My sister is mentally & physically handicapped and she is in a wheelchair which my father pushes. So we're walking up Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, on the sidewalk I might add, when out of nowhere a little ... I don't know ... maybe 5 or 6 year old boy comes flying across the street and slams into my sister's wheelchair! Is there any consideration for my sister, father, or the chair ... NO! Mom runs over grabs the kid and gives MY FATHER a dirty look and walks away with out any type of apology! Is THAT acceptable?

Like John Stossel says "Gimme a break!"

Frank
Disney DieHard

 

[disneybex]

Hello Michelle!

So, we have Ohana VS. Kona in a romantic match up, huh? Hmm, let's see ... (cracks knuckles)

Everyone PLEASE keep in mind that what follows are just MY OPINIONS!​

I think overall Ohana wins in the romance department. Both restaurants can be loud but Ohana is more closed in and confined where Kona is open to the whole hotel. So, not only do you have whatever noise may be generated by the restaurant but also the noise of everyone walking around upstairs, in the lounge and bar, and throngs of people getting off the monorail and coming in. True that Ohana is basically right around the corner from Kona but it is more closed in and offers a little bit of a buffer.

With Kona there is no buffer, there is no entertainment, and in MY OPINION is a glorified cafe ... which is what it basically is when you look at it.

Now you said that you wanted to eat and then go watch the fireworks on the beach ... now, you could do that but you do also have the option of being able to watch it from Ohana. Try to book a time that is before the fireworks but takes into consideration wait time and back-up. I'd say book a time 1 hour prior to the fireworks ... when you check-in request a table by the front windows ... yes, it is not guaranteed but give them a little extra time and see what they can do ... since it sounds like there is only two of you it shouldn't be a problem as most 2-tables are by the windows anyway.

Once firework time hits, the lights are dimmed and they pipe in the music from the Magic Kingdom and you can sit at your table, eating yummy food, and watching the Wishes fireworks!

As far as being annoyed ... well, that depends on you and where your threshold is ... as everyone is different. FOR EXAMPLE! Some people are annoyed by Lipoa (That is the ukelele woman's name) and the singing ... but for me that adds to the atmosphere and it IS a Hawaiian themed place after-all. On the other hand ... I HATE HATE HATE when Mommy & Daddy at another table are letting little Johnny or Suzie stare right in your face as you're trying to eat ... THAT raises my blood pressure through the roof!!! Some people tell me it doesn't bother them and say "well, that's just kids" ... no, that is unacceptable ... and I promise you that THEY wouldn't like it if I were to stare in THEIR faces as they were trying to eat! CONTROL YOUR CHILDREN ... even though you are on vacation you are STILL A PARENT ... SO ACT LIKE IT!

Ooo, sorry ... little tangent there!
d

LOL My fiancee is exactly the same - he hates kids staring but we didn't find it an issue in the restaurants, more on the buses, I don't see the problem but he finds it the rudest thing going

I spoke to a colleague who says its a very english thing not to stare - she's French and says staring isn't something they were told not to do as kids. It was only when she visited a penpal in England that it was brought up.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I would say Ohana is more magical, with the Hawaiian music and chance of a lagoon view. Ohana is no Jiko in terms of ambiance, but it's better than Kona which doesn't really have any distinctive atmosphere.

 

[Disney DieHard]

I agree Donald!

BTW, it sounds like you went, so did we, ... what was your impression of Jiko?

Thanks!

Frank
Disney DieHard

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I agree Donald!

BTW, it sounds like you went, so did we, ... what was your impression of Jiko?

Thanks!

Frank
Disney DieHard

Jiko's actually my third favorite signature restaurant (behind Artist Point and California Grill). I think the dining room is really beautiful with the blue and orange tones, and it's quieter than most Disney restaurants which I think is nice. My family is actually South African, so the things I love most about Jiko are the authentic South African dishes (such as peri peri chicken and malva pudding). In fact, I wish the menu were slightly more authentic instead of just being "African fusion," but I appreciate how the menu tries to incorporate interesting spices and flavors.

Jiko would definitely be my pic for romance at WDW. It's a lot quieter than Cali Grill, Narcoossee's, and Flying Fish, it has a great selection of South African wines, and you can explore the beautiful lodge at night. None of the restaurants at Poly scream romance to me (my choice would be to get a pineapple dole whip from Captain Cooks and then walk to the beach).

 

[GatorMama]

I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT, I KNEW IT! You can NEVER express an opinion without somebody jumping all over you for it!!! There's always somebody who gets all hiney hurt because you say that kids can be annoying!


Dear Gator,

Yes, it does bother me because it's rude! You wait all that time for a table in Crystal Palace ... you happen to get seated by a window and you have some kid who is staring through the window watching you chew! OR you are at Ohana, the fireworks come on and you have a dozen kids banging into your chair and pushing you out of the way so they can watch the fireworks! It's not right! My 2 sisters and I never acted that way and none of my nieces and nephews act like that!

I'm tired of the "They're just kids" line! That doesn't give them a free pass to do what they feel like and being on vacation doesn't relieve parents of their jobs as parents!

And before somebody uses another tired line on me ... "Well maybe you shouldn't go to Disney where there are so many kids if you hate them so much!" First, I don't HATE kids ... come on, find a different way to attack me! Second, how about YOU, as the PARENT, CONTROL your kids! How about realizing that you and your kids aren't the only ones there and that the rest of us are paying a ton of money to be there as well!

It doesn't RUIN the whole day or the vacation okay! We still go EVERY YEAR because we love it! But it does bother me that SOME parents ... NOT ALL ... seem to have no consideration for others! What happened to telling your kids to "sit down" or "turn around" or "stop screaming"??? Have we become so politically correct nowadays that you can't say anything like that anymore? Have we reached the point where parents are more interested in being their kid's friends rather than actual parents???

My final example is this! My sister is mentally & physically handicapped and she is in a wheelchair which my father pushes. So we're walking up Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, on the sidewalk I might add, when out of nowhere a little ... I don't know ... maybe 5 or 6 year old boy comes flying across the street and slams into my sister's wheelchair! Is there any consideration for my sister, father, or the chair ... NO! Mom runs over grabs the kid and gives MY FATHER a dirty look and walks away with out any type of apology! Is THAT acceptable?

Like John Stossel says "Gimme a break!"

Frank
Disney DieHard

I bolded everything that I agree is poor behavior and shouldn't be tolerated... but looking at other people is not one of those things. I'm just honestly surprised to find out that people think that children looking at them is rude. (How are they supposed examine differences in others? It's people watching and it's just human curiosity) I think children should be expected to walk (not run) in public spaces, stay with their families, keep seated when appropriate and refrain from making rude comments (or be quickly corrected if they're too young to "get it" yet)... but I have just never heard of someone being so pissed off that a child was looking at them. I'm just totally baffled.

 

[psac]

Went solo with my wife a couple of years back, and we had one of those window seats with the MK view. It was nice, and we weren't there at the fireworks time, so we didn't have people climbing over us. In terms of the singing and kids games, it was cute. Didn't mind at all. No kids staring at us, either.

However, we would never eat in Ohana again. This is purely personal opinion, but the food just isn't good. Kona has much much better cooks, at least comparing the one time at Ohana and two times at Kona.

 

[Disney DieHard]

TO DONALD:

Just curious ... Prior to Jiko had you experienced any other type of African cuisine? When my family and I went to Boma and Jiko it was our first time and I was surprised at the food ... I was expecting something with a lot of spice and kick to it and it seemed to be bland. What was your reaction?

TO PSAC:

OH! OH! (Grabs chest) Food better at Kona? Wouldn't eat at Ohana again!?!

LOL, I'm just joshin' ya Psac! I'm sorry to hear that you didn't like Ohana! See, my family and, myself in particular, LOVE Ohana so much that I blink and rub my eyes when others say they don't like it. I AM SOOOO biased toward Ohana and my past posts prove it.

To each his own ... but I am glad to see you liked Kona though! If you don't mind my asking ... the food at Ohana ... you didn't like the taste or did it have something to do with not being prepared properly ... just wondering because there have been times when the steak practically came out moo-ing!

Take care all!!!

Frank
Disney DieHard

 

[pooch]

TO DONALD:

Just curious ... Prior to Jiko had you experienced any other type of African cuisine? When my family and I went to Boma and Jiko it was our first time and I was surprised at the food ... I was expecting something with a lot of spice and kick to it and it seemed to be bland. What was your reaction?

TO PSAC:

OH! OH! (Grabs chest) Food better at Kona? Wouldn't eat at Ohana again!?!

LOL, I'm just joshin' ya Psac! I'm sorry to hear that you didn't like Ohana! See, my family and, myself in particular, LOVE Ohana so much that I blink and rub my eyes when others say they don't like it. I AM SOOOO biased toward Ohana and my past posts prove it.

To each his own ... but I am glad to see you liked Kona though! If you don't mind my asking ... the food at Ohana ... you didn't like the taste or did it have something to do with not being prepared properly ... just wondering because there have been times when the steak practically came out moo-ing!

Take care all!!!

Frank
Disney DieHard

I truly dislike (other people's) kids and crowds so where do I go every year? Disney of course!!! And I agree with PSAC - would never go back to 'Ohana. Well, never is a long time but its not on the list any time soon. Waiter practically threw what we thought was pretty bad food at us, Polynesian lady was nerve-grating and yes, too many kids not being properly supervised by their parents. Kona, on the other hand, is much quieter and the food was really good. On the down side, service there is not the best but at least they aren't running around with deadly weapons (those skewers ) in their hands!!!