'Ohana or the Wave for first night dinner?

[ems_mom]

My DH and I are staying at BLT and are not going to a park on arrival day. We have made several WDW trips but haven't been to either restaurant...yet. I know 'Ohana is very popular but the Wave has gotten good reviews as well. I am leaning toward Ohana's because it seems to be almost a WDW rite of passage experience, but I do have doubts.

In May of this year, my DSis and I stopped in the bar at the Poly (excellent service and drinks) but 'Ohana's dining and check-in area seemed very disorganized and loud. Even more troubling were the dirty un-cleared tables and the dirty floor. And the atmosphere and decor seemed more buffet than upscale.

So, are the food and experience worth the wait, the noise, and the dining environment?

 

[Belle5]

Been to the Wave twice. Been to 'Ohana many times. I like the food at the Wave much more. The service is also much better. However, 'Ohana might be better for the opening night excitement, if that's what you're looking for... The Wave is a somewhat long, leisurely meal that might be something you have more patience for once you have been rested up from your traveling.

 

[pooch]

The Wave all the way. Hated 'Ohana, loud, disorganized, meh food, bad service and that annoying Polynesian act!!!! Sorry, I know this is sacreligious but would never set foot in there again!! Now the bar next door is horse of a different color!!!!

 

[ancestry]

We really enjoyed both restaurants, although they are not comparable to each other. It depends on what you are looking for exactly.

As someone else noted The Wave is a lot more quiet and subdued and focuses on healthy entrees. Ohana's is the exact opposite - loud, kids running around, and lots of meat!

If you want more upscale (as your post seems to indicate) then definitely do The Wave.

 

[tinkandpan]

If you want quieter, more upscale food and service- the Wave all the way.

 

[USAswimmer626]

We dine at both The Wave and Ohana on our trips, the order doesn't bother us. We do have The Wave booked for our first night this trip.

 

[HollVoll]

We loved Ohanas, but it is a LONG meal and you will have to wait in line a while to be seated (most likely). Haven't tried Wave, but if time is a consideration I thought you might want to know.

 

[disney_princess_85]

'Ohana. I found everything at The Wave really boring: the food, the atmosphere and the service.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

We almost always eat at Ohana our first night....it has such a festive atmosphere and really starts the mood right for the beginning of our vacation. Don't let the appearance of disorganization fool you, we've never had a problem getting in close to our ADR ressie...and personally have never seen it "dirty"...sure there are uncleaned tables now & then, but that's just until the server cleans them, and that's pretty quickly, because there is ALWAYS someone else that's waiting for the table!

 

[cmpdw4me]

We ate at both last trip and The Wave was our very 1st meal on property together, so it has a special place in our hearts. I would have to say, it's a better meal by far. Ohana is a great family FUN meal,but nothing really "Special" about it.

 

[Belle599]

Easy decision, go to the Wave. Food is fresh and amazing, service is top-notch and upscale/quieter atmosphere (and the price is right!). The Wave is a must for me each trip! Enjoy!

 

[B-Ride]

'Ohana. I found everything at The Wave really boring: the food, the atmosphere and the service.

Sounds like you had the same meal we did.

As others have warned though, 'Ohana is loud. For us that is part of the fun.

The Wave does have the advantage of being close but a visit to the Poly is worth the trip. You can even catch the fireworks from the beach.

 

[SnwflkCts]

Still hard to decide, right?

'Ohana: It is as others said fun ... festive ... loud. Like lots of hustle and bustle? Like lots of food? Like a tropical drink? Then it is for you. Of course staying at the Polynesian we get to soak up the atmosphere alot, so we don't have to do the restaurant to see the beauty of the resort. One other advantage -- depending on your timing you can watch Wishes from the beach!

The Wave: Want a quieter place, more space between your and your fellow diners; no coconut races? Want a little more grown up food and ambiance -- go with The Wave. The Contemporary is great to visit too. I found the menu interesting and the noise level more bearable than other WDW restaurants. We loved it and will go back there too.

They are so different from one another - difficult to choose. Don't second guess. Select one and love it for what it offers. You can always come back and try the other!

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi ems_mom,
They are different experiences and different food. I personally feel that The Wave has better food. With that being said Ohana is a lot of fun and the food is still good.

On your first night I think the experience of Ohana would be a great way to kick off the Disney vacation. I would go to The Wave later in the trip as a more laid back meal. I would say to try both but to start with Ohana.

Whatever you choose you really can't go wrong. Have a great trip.

 

[ems_mom]

Thanks for all your advice! I think we may keep our 'Ohana reservation so we can see for ourselves if it lives up to its hype and I can more easily get a reservation for the Wave later in the week.

 

[Incrediblypixar]

I would recommend Ohana's (but have not been to the Wave yet). You will be welcomed as a cousin and treated like royalty. Some of the best food I've eaten anywhere. Not to mention the drink selections.

 

[sotoalf]

It depends what you want on your first night. The Wave is a regular sit-down meal; 'Ohana will leave you exhausted like an August afternoon at the Magic Kingdom. If you like the idea of the wait staff assaulting you constantly with food, and don't mind crowd noise and lots of children all over the place, by all means check out 'Ohana.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Ohana is my DHs favorite place to eat....I think it's because he enjoys be assaulted by food.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

We are already so excited too be at WDW and then Ohana just really kicks off the trip with a fun and festive dinner....

I usually plan for a time close too wishes at MK...Then they turn down the lights and pipe in the music and you can watch it right from your table. We love it..

Our DD loves the coconut races and hula hoop contest...I know it is loud and busy, but it is still a fun atmosphere...

I love all the food they bring..The salad is yummy and the pot stickers are so good......Everything is pretty yummy. A few times some of the meat was a bit dry..I guess it just depends on how long they are over that open fire? Most of the time it is really good. The dessert is really yummy with the vanilla ice cream and carmel sauce....Yum...

In October we are eating on our first night and then in December we are eating there on our last night since we are staying at the Poly...Can not wait!

After dinner we go sit on the beach and watch the little lighted water parade on the lagoon that come by the Poly....always a fun way too start our trip.

You should go too Ohana at some point in your trip....

 

[hughjulia]

We have tried both, and like both.

To a certain extent everything said both good and bad is true.

I don't know if you are traveling with children, but if you are Ohana is definitely an experience. Part of what makes the dinner is watching your kids participate in the fun. It is a great way to start a Disney vacation because it just sets a tone for the rest of the trip.

If you are not traveling with kids, then the Wave is a more relaxing setting. Our kids had a difficult time sitting still at the Wave, and its the sort of restaurant where if they do act up it is more noticeable. However, for a couple traveling alone, the Wave would be a wonderful date night.