Ohana or Luau?

[Merandab4]

Does anyone have anything to say about the "Polynesian Luau" at the Polynesian?
This is something I read about and really looked forward to doing, but I read reviews about it on allearsnet.com and some other sites and many, many people were disappointed with it. Evidentally the show has changed from what it was in the past. Many people also said that they prefered the "Hoop- Dee-Doo Musical Review" instead.

I am not interested in going to the "Hoop De Doo", but would consider going to Ohana at the Polynesia. I hear it also gives you some what of a Luau experience but for half the price. I thought about doing dinner here and than watching the fireworks from the beach afterwards.
The only thing that concerns me is the menu. from what I read, the food at the Luau looks like a tastier selection than Ohana.

Any suggestions? Do Luau (for about $50 per person), or do Ohana (about $23 per person)

 

[megan926]

The Luau is FANTASTIC! My fiancee and I are getting married in July @ Sunset Pointe....our "reception" will be @ O'hana though...BUT you can't go wrong with the luau...it is a blast!

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Well we looked at hosting our Rehearsal Dinner at the Luau but then decided to invite all our wedding guests and so that priced us out of the Luau for 45 guests I still haven't eaten there but it does look good fun.

'Ohanas is one of our favorite "moderate priced" restaurants. We have never been disappointed in the food and we love that you can eat all you want from those scrummy skewers. The appetizers that come out too are also good quality food and enjoyable, my FH loves the chicken wings I love the shrimp wontons

 

[twojo21]

my fiance & i went to the luau in november 2003. we left thirty minutes into the show & received a partial refund. the show was awful. i had gone in the past, but the show has changed so much & was very disappointing. another dinner show they have is mickey's backyard barbeque in the summer which we did enjoy. twojo

 

[chainkid]

I wouldn't do the luaou it was boring and the food was tasteless. Ohana had very good food.

 

[beacher]

We went to the luau in August '03 and I was bored, truthfully. The show is not much and the food was nothing great, either. We were staying at the Poly and had two wonderful dinners at Ohana's... better food, more charming service and frankly, the kids' games and family interactions provided better entertainment! HTH.

 

[Mymatisse]

When you eat at Ohana is it possible to get a table for just two? I know everything is served family style. We will be there on our honeymoon, and I really would like to try it, I don't want to have to sit with people I don't know.

 

[Merandab4]

Mymatisse,
I too will be honeymooning in Sept 04. If you don't mind me asking, When are you going, and where will you be staying?
Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

And I think you can get tables just for two. You do not have to sit with people you don't know. I think "family style" means that they bring the food to your table and you choose what you want, you are not served an individual entree. I think thats it. Anyone can correct me on that!

 

[Mymatisse]

Originally posted by Merandab4
Mymatisse,
I too will be honeymooning in Sept 04. If you don't mind me asking, When are you going, and where will you be staying?
Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

Congratulations to you too! I'm really looking forward to our trip. We will be staying Sept. 13th- 23rd, and will be splitting our stay. First five nights at the Beach club, and the second five nights at the Polynesian. I haven't stayed at either one yet so I can't wait to try something new

 

[beacher]

Tables for two are no problem - you might even get right next to the window for a great view of the fireworks!!

Cheers,

 

[liquidsky88]

We had our dinner rehearsal there. The entertainment was great...but the food was horrible. They don't really have much to pick from. I ended up leaving hungry as did most of our guests. If you're a picky eater, make sure to grab something before you leave. Otherwise the show was great!

 

[CA disney lover]

Originally posted by Merandab4
I think "family style" means that they bring the food to your table and you choose what you want, you are not served an individual entree.

That's pretty much it! Family style does refer to how your meal is served to you rather than how you are seated. There are plenty of tables for two available. But don't forget, Ohana means family! You'll have a wonderful time dining with the "cousins" and probably even catch a coconut race or two.

We took all of our family to Ohanas for our welcome dinner, and for the entire rest of our trip, whenever we passed the Poly for whatever reason, someone would sigh and say "Oh, remember Ohanas???" Definitely a winner!

 

[JC Butterfly]

I was at the "original" luau about three years ago and the "new" luau in October. They each have their charms.

The premise of this new luau is that a girl has wandered away from island life and now lives in the big city. She is coming home to visit her Aunt Winnie. Romance ensues of course. This is the first half of the show.

I really enjoyed the food! Chicken, ribs, fresh delicious pineapple. The desserts were amazing!

The second half of the show focuses more on traditional Polnesian dances and an incredible fire juggler, I loved watching that.

Also, about mid-way through they play the tradidional Hawaiian wedding song and they invite all newlyweds or couples celebrating an anniversary to come dance out on the floor. The lights are dim and it was a wonderful moment to share with my new husband. We don't like to be in the spotlight and there were about 15 other couples dancing so we were able to "hide" and it was just so much fun.

Also before the dinner they give you a lei and take your picture against a lavish backdrop. I think the picture was like $15 but it's one of my favorites from my honeymoon.

I would definitely do this experience again.

I ate at O'hanas for breakfast so I can't comment on their dinner menu but will say that Ohana means "family" and that is how you are treated from the moment you arrive. The setting for this restuarant is beautiful. If you are seated by the window you may overlook some lush gardens or you may see Bay Lake in the background, possibly even the castle. We really liked the food here and look forward to going back for dinner sometime.

Every night at around 9:00 there is the electric water pagent that can be viewed from any area on the beach (and possibly from Ohanas). It is a low-key display of lighted floats on the water.

I think either choice could be a good one!

Brenda