Ohana or Spirit of Aloha?

[Mushu's Twin]

We're currently planning our trip to Walt Disney World for this upcoming May (staying at Grand Floridian), and I'm trying to decide what to do for dinner the first night we get there. We've all been to Disney many times, but have never even visited the Polynesian Resort, so my idea was to eat the first night we get there for dinner. I keep going back and forth between the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (2nd seating) or dinner at Ohana. The current reservation we have is for Ohana at 8:20pm, but also to note that Wishes is playing at 9pm and I've heard you can see them from inside Ohana. There's a total of 7 of us, 5 adults and 2 kids (ages 8 and 10). Also, we are not on the dining plan and we're not concerned with the cost of either restaurant. If we did Spirit of Aloha it would be the Category 1 seating.

So which one would you suggest given the circumstances?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I would do Ohana, but with the caveat that with a party of 7 you may very well be seated in a part of the restaurant without a good view of Wishes. There are sections of the restaurant without any view.

My reasoning is that SOA is a fairly long show, and for a first night, I think the looser feel of Ohana, where you can get up, do coconut races or hula, etc. might be nice, especially depending on how you traveled.

 

[mindeola]

I enjoy Ohana much more than Spirit of Aloha. The experience is better and the food is better. The Luau is a one and done for us , but we could do Ohana over and over again.

 

[eastendlights]

'Ohana out of the two. Spirit of Aloha food is just abysmal, IMO. But, in all honesty, I would prefer Hoop Dee Doo above both if you have not been before. 'Ohana can be very inconsistent, food and service wise. I much prefer their breakfast-a good choice before spending a day at MK.

 

[SillyFamily]

We love O'hana its one of our favorite restaurants!!!!

 

[pauly's girl]

O'hana of the two!! Out of all 3 dinner shows the spirit of Aloha is our least favorite. We didnt' care for it or the food. For a dinner show I would recommend Hoop de doo... 100%! It's a must do favorite especially when we have a group!

 

[PolyRob]

Another vote here for 'Ohana! It is more laid back and the food is definitely superior to SOA! I did SOA when I stayed at Poly for the first time, but have been to 'Ohana my past three trips and have it also booked for March. Definitely a family favorite!

I also agree with previous posters that if you want a show, HDDR has better food and entertainment than SOA.

 

[Marthasor]

I, too, would do O'hana, but see if you can move it earlier so you can be out of the restaurant to see Wishes. There is no guarantee you will be seated at the window for dinner.

Spirit of Aloha is ok. Depending on where you sit, even in category 1, the sight lines can be pretty bad and the first act is really hokey. Honestly, I would never book a dinner show on a first night just in case you are delayed somehow and don't make it to the show. I'd rather take a hit on a $70 no-show fee than full price tix to SOA.

 

[PolyRob]

I'd rather take a hit on a $70 no-show fee than full price tix to SOA.

Excellent point!

 

[carlypaigesmom]

Ohana! We've done both and I didn't really enjoy spirit of aloha.

 

[Minnie Mouse2789]

LOVED ohanas banana bread pudding

 

[cassie58]

Ohana vote here as well! My cousins went on first trip this past fall with 2 kids staying at Poly, and did both, and were disappointed in SOA, but loved Ohana. My cousin remembered doing the Luau as a kid, so was excited, but thought the food was not good, and kids were not into it.

I agree with PP to try and move it earlier, keep checking for openings as it gets closer. Partially because they run late, and you may not feel like waiting till 9 to get seated, especially on your travel day, and since you can't guarantee you will be able to see from the restaurant as not all seats have views. Also, if you can eat by 7, you can head out to the beach to watch fireworks or to your hotel at the boat dock at GF, and then catch the Electrical Water Parade if you like.

 

[Meghan Sullivan]

I was trying to decide between these two as well. Thanks for the suggestions-O'hana it is!

 

[Disneypapa]

Another vote for Ohana. We've done both and unlike some of the other posters, I liked the show and meal at Spirit of Aloha. Also agree, that once you have done it (SOA), I would recommend doing something different.

 

[allsaintsatx]

One more vote for O'hana! It's so good! And it's a great introduction to the Polynesian if you've never been there. The Spirit show isn't in the resort proper, per se, it is it's own theatre a little separated from the longhouses, while O'hana is right on the 2nd floor in the Grand Ceremonial House.

And I wouldn't worry about Wishes too much. Can't you see that from the beach at the GF? We stayed at the Poly and saw Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant pretty much every single night! We didn't even try half the time! We were walking to our room, hey Wishes! Walking to the boat, hey Wishes! One night we ate at Capt Cook's and saw them going off so we just walked out, stood about 15 feet from the building, near the pool, and watched them again. I've never stayed at the GF but I assume they have a somewhat similar view?

They also play a nightly Disney movie on a portable movie screen in the common area between the pool and the Ceremonial House. Great shopping in there too!!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Ohana is my fav!

 

[Minnie Mouse2789]

Yes. You can. We saw Wishes from our room at the GF every night!