Ohana requests

[tjknitz]

We are dining at Ohana (our family tradition resturant when visiting WDW) on our anniversary. I've read a few reviews where people say to request a window seat facing the MK, or put in a 'special occasion' like an anniversary dinner, etc. How do you go about doing this? Is this something you request when you check in? Also, is there a way to list a special occasion on the reservation (like an anniversary)? Does Ohana do anything special for people celebrating something special?

 

[ErinsMommy]

You can certainly request to be seated in a particular area when you arrive, however when your name is called to be seated, you can't say you want to wait for that particular area and you must take whatever seating they gave you.

At time of reservation, they'll ask if your celebrating anything special. They're not obligated to do anything more than saying "Happy birthday, anniversary, etc." If you want something special though, you can always order a special cake/dessert or something like that though.

 

[Hopefully]

I believe that currently the only way to have a special event listed now is to call the dining line.
They may or may not do anything from confetti on the table, perhaps a cupcake and candle or just a "Happy Anniversary". They very well may do nothing at all. There are hundreds if not thousands of folks celebrating something. It becomes impossible to do something "special" for everyone everyday

 

[figment_jii]

As others have said, there is really no way to guarantee that you'll get a specific table at any of the WDW restaurants. You can try noting that you have a special event on your reservation (as Hopefully said, you'll have to call Dining and have it added to the reservation). I would also make sure to wear an Anniversary button and mention it when you check-in (they will often ask if you're celebrating something). However, given that there are so many people celebrating something (anniversaries, birthdays, milestones, etc.), it's hard for a restaurant to honor everyone's special requests. So, to avoid disappointment, I wouldn't go to 'Ohana (or any WDW restaurant) expecting that they'll do something for your anniversary. If they do, then it's like getting a little Pixie Dust at your meal!

 

[jenjersnap]

We have eaten at 'Ohana several times while celebrating a birthday or anniversary, it is one of the few restaurants that never did anything (a cupcake is the most common thing)..except the server acknowledging with a "Happy Birthday" and the entertainer strolling around announcing to the room those of us celebrating. Sometimes we have had a window tables, other times not. I wouldn't expect anything more. Order a cake if you want to make sure you celebrate. Still a fun place to spend a birthday or anniversary.

You will have to call to get your special occasion noted on your reservation.

 

[tinkerbesh]

Every time we've eaten dinner there the performer asked if there was anyone celebrating a birthday & then later asked for anniversary. Each time those people got to come down center and say how old or how many years into the microphone, people applauded, and then he sang a song. I think it was the traditional bday song & I can't remember what for anniversary. Maybe I Can't Help Falling in Love? Always too busy dancing with DH to remember.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

TABLE SEATING AND LOCATION REQUESTS "411":

1) The new system at WDW for TS eateries is:
. . . you check-in at podium with a SEATER
. . . the SEATER enters you info - name, party size, DDP/TIW/etc, allergy issues
. . . if not staying on-site, they get a phone number, in case you try to walk out without paying
. . . the ASSIGNER locates an empty table and enters it into the his/her handheld computer (much like an iPad)
. . . the assignment is transmitted to the podium SEATER
. . . the SEATER prints our the seating slip and escorts you to the assigned table
. . . the SEATER does not have the option of changing the assigned table, because you wish an open table
. . . the assignment slip is left on the table for the SERVER to view and review
. . . if you see a slip on your table that is handwritten, that means the computer system is down and everything is manual
2) The ASSIGNER has specific duties and responsibilities
. . . the table is re-set from the prior dining guest by the SERVER
. . . the ASSIGNER adjusts the seating, and pushes tables together if more seats are needed
. . . the tables assigned per SERVER must conform to the union contract (example: 4-tables)
. . . the tables must be spread out among the SERVERS on duty to make sure all have a relatively equal shot at tips
. . . at times, there are open tables all over the eatery, but the ASSIGNER cannot use them for the above reasons
. . . most frequently, this happens at the opening of the eatery when all the SERVERS have not reported, so tables cannot be used
. . . at smaller eateries, the SERVER at the podium may also be the ASSIGNER
. . . at larger and busier eateries, like character meals and buffets, the ASSIGNER walks around looking for tables to assign
. . . dinner shows, such as HDDR and LUAU have the tables assigned 8-days ahead of the show, so ASSIGNERS are not needed at the meal
3) Special location requests
. . . the new dining system allows the SEATER to input a quickie message to the ASSIGNER (example: window seat, high chair, etc)
. . . the ASSIGNER may or may not take into account location requests
. . . the location of the table is solely up to the discretion of the ASSIGNER
. . . even if there are tales open in other locations, the ASSIGNER has responsibilities, so the SEATER cannot overrule the ASSIGNER
4) Other Special Requests
. . . the SEATER can also input notes to the SERVER (example: birthday, anniversary)
. . . the SERVER will see the note on the seating ticket
.
NOTE1: If you are one of the first people into an eatery at the opening, or during non-busy periods, you may see more desirable tables. As you are being escorted to your table by the SEATER, you are free to ask for the different table. At the SEATER's discretion, they will ask you to wait while they check with the ASSIGNER. Although they may say, "Let me check." if they do not like you, they will fake talking and persuading the ASSIGNER. (At slower eateries where tables are assigned at the podium, the SEATER can switch your table on-the-fly, if they wish to do so for you.) Only the ASSIGNER can allow a seating change, even if the SEATER does ask nicely. So, be very nice to your podium person and the SEATER, and you might be able to pull off a great table location.

NOTE2: The words SEATER and ASSIGNER are the actual job titles of those functions, not just a description here of what they do.