'Ohana Restaurant description seems odd to me!

[Eeyore2003]

No, they are not alike at all. If you go on the side of 1900 Park Fair and keep going all the way to the back and a little to the left, you will reach the Grand Floridian Cafe. It's done in a Victorian decor with lace curtains and lovely flowers. It's not a buffet. Our favorite is the Chocolate Ganache Fondue dessert. YUM!!! We've eaten here for all meals and have had different main dishes all the time, all very good and well prepared.

We have eaten at all the other's on your list except Tony's and of those I would pick either Chef Mickey or Kona, but personally, we like the Grand Floridian Cafe better than any of the ones on your list for a nice TS. Chef Mickey is our favorite character meal, it just depends on what kind of meal you want.

We've eaten at the Grand Floridian Cafe before a party once, but just to get you more confused , our "routine" for parties, is to eat a very early dinner in the park and start rides right after. We really think a good time to get rides in is as the park "transitions" between park and party. Park crowds are dwindling and party crowds are not quite there yet.

Our "party" routine is to get to the park at 4:00, which is when they start passing out wrist bands. Eat at "The Plaza" restaurant, our favorite at MK, and then start going on rides and doing party things. That's usually around 5:00- 5:30. We keep doing rides through the first parade, watch fireworks and then grab a snack from the Main Street Bakery later sometime while we wait for the second parade. We've also watched the first parade and taken a break then too. Just depends on how we felt and how late we wanted to stay.

The problem with eating at some of the resort restaurants is not being able to make a reservation before 5:00 and then you end up not getting to the party until 6:00 - 6:30 which is pretty much "with" the crowd.

And then there's the bottom line.... it all depend on the night and how many people have tickets that night!!! Hope I didn't confuse you too much!!!

 

[BabyPiglet]

I loved it.

 

[LisaNJ25]

Its DIsney... I dont think I had a quiet meal anywhere lol

We love Ohanas... I like the heck.. skip the skewers.. I would just got for the appitizers.

Here are my kids there a week and a half ago.

 

[WillCAD]

I just ran across this in the menu section of this site.....Seems pretty odd to me!

What are your thoughts? I was actually going to book an ADR there for a special dinner with my parents! After this review, I don't think I will. Or, is something not quite right????

COPIED FROM MENU DESCRIPTION PAGE......"Ohana is the wildly popular restaurant on the second floor of Disney's Polynesian Resort that does not deserve the reputation it has. The large room overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and a pool. What was once a view of the Magic Kingdom is now mostly blocked by the large volcano structure poolside. Appetizers are served family style and entrees are served from large skewers. The food quality varies from mediocre to poor. There is relentless Hawaiian 'lounge act' type entertainment that includes singing, ukulele playing, limbo contests and races where children push coconuts around the restaurant, all on hardwood floors. The noise level is extremely loud and the ambience is best described as chaotic. 'Ohana has a large and loyal following who obviously see something we don't."

That review is subjective garbage. It's all gross exaggeration based entirely on opinions of someone who obviously doesn't know how to rate a place on its own merits.

'Ohana is wildly popular. And it is actually on the second floor of the Polynesian.

It most certainly does deserve the reputation it has, or it wouldn't have it. Just because the reviewer didn't care for it doesn't mean it's not good.

The MK view is not MOSTLY blocked. But it is partially blocked.

Fod quality every time I've eaten at 'Ohana has been excellent to mediocre; I've never gotten a poor meal there. And even the mediocre stuff was not the whole meal, just some dishes, while the rest of the meal was excellent.

The "relentless" lounge act is actually a pleasant, soothing ukelele serenade, with perodic games like hula hoop contests and coconut races for the kids. I find it charming and relaxing.

The noise level is no higher than any casual TS restaurant at WDW. It's higher than California Grill or Victoria and Alberts, but lower than the buffet-style places like Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's.

Chaotic? My sweet aunt fanny! 'Ohana is a relaxing, laid-back place with a quiet charm and an South Seas ambiance that puts you into the middle of paradise.

And yes, 'Ohana does have a large and loyal following, obviously including me.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well-when we last ate there (which was the only time) we found the place to be really loud. A screaming woman "MC" who was urging kids to roll coconuts, making men sing about Catsup, etc etc. Then a childrens hula hoop contest and a childs "parade" around the restaurant.
Not our kind of place by any means--and to think it replaced Papeete Bay
I will say tho that the food was pretty good and plentiful.

 

[ElizabethB]

To each his own -- we went because it was wildly popular and got great reviews on these boards. We were disappointed. Poor quality food and relentlessly loud "entertainment". Most definitely not our kind of place.

 

[yearbook50]

That description pretty much sums up how we feel about 'Ohana too. I think it's very overrated on this DIS. We thought the atmosphere was chaotic, & the food was mediocre at best. Then again, I think Le Cellier & Boma are overrated on the DIS. Naturally, that's JMO for what it's worth.

I completely agree, and if you don't like one of them...people get attitudes about it.

 

[Blue Skies]

That review is subjective garbage. It's all gross exaggeration based entirely on opinions of someone who obviously doesn't know how to rate a place on its own merits.

You need to listen to Kevin Klose's dining reviews on this site's podcast. Kevin is very knowledgeable and his reviews are excellent!

He had some interesting things to say about 'Ohana's (the 4/24/07 show) - and after eating there two weeks ago - I agree with him completely! We will not be returning there any time soon.

 

[DisneyKevin]

That review is subjective garbage. It's all gross exaggeration based entirely on opinions of someone who obviously doesn't know how to rate a place on its own merits.

'Ohana is wildly popular. And it is actually on the second floor of the Polynesian.

It most certainly does deserve the reputation it has, or it wouldn't have it. Just because the reviewer didn't care for it doesn't mean it's not good.

The MK view is not MOSTLY blocked. But it is partially blocked.

Fod quality every time I've eaten at 'Ohana has been excellent to mediocre; I've never gotten a poor meal there. And even the mediocre stuff was not the whole meal, just some dishes, while the rest of the meal was excellent.

The "relentless" lounge act is actually a pleasant, soothing ukelele serenade, with perodic games like hula hoop contests and coconut races for the kids. I find it charming and relaxing.

The noise level is no higher than any casual TS restaurant at WDW. It's higher than California Grill or Victoria and Alberts, but lower than the buffet-style places like Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey's.

Chaotic? My sweet aunt fanny! 'Ohana is a relaxing, laid-back place with a quiet charm and an South Seas ambiance that puts you into the middle of paradise.

And yes, 'Ohana does have a large and loyal following, obviously including me.

I am the author of the quote in question and just like that which is quoted above....it is strictly opinion.

I have always stated that my reviews are opinions and that everyone should make their own decisions.

I will firmly stand by my review and my opinion. The food is better at Applebees and the "soothing ukelele serenade" is awful.

Again...my opinion...but thats what I get paid to do.

Kevin

 

[Mick&Min2001]

I am the author of the quote in question and just like that which is quoted above....it is strictly opinion.

I have always stated that my reviews are opinions and that everyone should make their own decisions.

I will firmly stand by my review and my opinion. The food is better at Applebees and the "soothing ukelele serenade" is awful.

Again...my opinion...but thats what I get paid to do.

Kevin

Why is this the only restaurant that I can tell where you chose to share your "opinion" and all others seem to just be descriptions?

 

[i3utterfli82]

What I don't get is why an opinion is even posted on that page. Those menus are supposed to be an information resource and clearly the opinion is not necessary in that spot but rather should be under a review section, or under a post on the board. That page should just have a basic description of Ohana so that guests who have not visited could go and make their own opinions about the place rather than relying on yours. I also think a disclaimer needs to be add that this is only the opinion of so and so.

 

[WillCAD]

I am the author of the quote in question and just like that which is quoted above....it is strictly opinion.

I have always stated that my reviews are opinions and that everyone should make their own decisions.

I will firmly stand by my review and my opinion. The food is better at Applebees and the "soothing ukelele serenade" is awful.

Again...my opinion...but thats what I get paid to do.

Kevin

You're entitled to your opinion, but I disagree with most of your review.

If you really think the food at Applebees is better than 'Ohana, you either went to 'Ohana on the worst night ever, or the Applebees in your neighborhood are 10 times better than those in my neighborhood.

If you don't like the ukelele serenade, well, to each his own. But it's certainly not a "lounge act", nor is it loud. The singer is miced up, so maybe you were sitting too close to one of the speakers; on most of my visits to 'Ohana I have barely heard the singer, and the ukelele is only audible when the performer is on my side of the dining room.

All reviews are subjective, of course. And all reviewers natually tend to state their opinions as fact without qualifying them as opinions. But when I write a review I state my observations first, then my opinions about what I observed later, and I stay clear of emotional adjectives like "awful" or "fabulous" in the observations portion, saving them instead for the opinion portion of the review.

My opinion - 'Ohana is mostly fabulous, although there have been times when I have been less than thrilled with the service, or some part of the meal.

 

[Aristomommy]

'Ohana is a must for our family. Since we are there to eat, we really enjoy the food first of all. It is a family restaurant, so it's bound to be lively. I like the entertainment they provide for the kids, it keeps them occupied while DH and I can relax after a busy day. Best of all, we time our ADR to fireworks and it is a great experience. Last time we got the first preview of Hallowishes, which was very entertaining to the kids. Not sure why the place has gotten so many negative reviews lately. But then again, we always go to Scifi dine-in and enjoy ourselves too.

 

[DisneyKevin]

My review and opinion is posted where it is at the request of the owner of this website. Eventually, there will other examples of this.

WillCAD, I will quote from your last post...

"All reviews are subjective, of course. And all reviewers natually tend to state their opinions as fact without qualifying them as opinions. But when I write a review I state my observations first, then my opinions about what I observed later, and I stay clear of emotional adjectives like "awful" or "fabulous" in the observations portion, saving them instead for the opinion portion of the review."

You then make the statement "But it's certainly not a "lounge act", nor is it loud." Is this observation, fact or opinion? I'm thinking this has to be called opinion as everyone could have a different idea of what constitues loud or "lounge act". I think a woman in a tight flowered dress strumming a ukelele, singing "Fools Rush In" and yelling into her Janet Jackson headset for everyone to "KISS ON THE LIPS" while I am eating dinner falls pretty squarely into the realm of "lounge act". Again, my opinion, but as my friend Bob says.....I'm stickin with it.

In addition, thank you for feeling that I am entitled to my opinion as I, in return, feel you are entitled to yours.

That being said, I will repeat that I stand by my opinion and review.

The "entertainment" was awful and the food over cooked, dry, cold and sloppily served. And yes.....the Applebees I go to is much better and only 4 miles from Disney.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Nom]

I have to agree with Kevin (and not just because I love his reviews on the podcast either!)- I have been going to Ohana's for years and years. And it used to be incredible. But it really is not anymore. It's jammed, way too loud, and they have stripped the menu of what used to make it really unique. The pineapple with caramel, the sweet potatoe bread, the salmon- all gone. The food that is left is now hit or miss, when it always used to be very reliable.

To me, it's an example of a place that used to be an incredible hidden jem, then word got around and it became super popular. Over time, disney began to strip away its variety and quality, because they knew that they could, and people would keep coming. So now it is a shell of what it used to be, which is very sad.

Unfortunately, this is a pattern that I see all over disney property again and again. as long as people keep accepting the declining standards, and keep on coming (often based on a nostalgic vision of what the place used to be), disney will keep on reducing their standards. It's sad.

eta: and this year is the first year I am putting my money where my mouth is- this is the first year since the mid-90s that I don't have a reservation for Ohana for my oct trip. I'm just not putting up with the decline in standards anymore.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I like Ohana. Ohana has overall good food, I especially love the chicken wings, potatoes, and bread pudding. The only thing I found to be below average was the sausage on skewers. The entertainment wasn't too chaotic, but I wasn't in the main room, I was off in a side room, though I do believe I had a view of Cinderella Castle. If you want a quieter meal, request a room out of the main room with the fire pit. Ohana also has awesome drinks. The best on Disney property IMO. The service is just average though, not bad, and nothing to keep me from returning, but definatly not that Disney-quality service I've had else where on property.

 

[Rustysmom]

I kind of agree with Kevin. We ate there a little over a week ago for the first time and it was OK, but I don't know if I'd go back.

They put us in the back so we couldn't see what was going on, but we could hear it. The lady who was doing the entertainment sounded like she was a little too happy, like off in la la land. It would have been nice if she walked around the whole restaurant more than the one time they paraded around. We felt totally left out. My kids probably would have participated in the hula lessons or races if they were able to see them going on, but they didn't want to take a walk to where they were. IMO they should do some activities in the other room too.

The food was just ok. I wasn't impressed with the fried wontons and the chicken wings were just ok. I barely got to taste the shrimp because my DS is a shrimp addict and ate most of them and the waitress never came around so I could ask for more, and by that time the meat was coming. We got a lot of the meat on the skewers, but there's only so much of that that you can eat. Nobody liked the dessert too much either.

I'm glad I tried it at least once though and maybe in a few years we'll try it again, especially if they still have the free dining.

 

[christinou]

I also have to agree with Kevin's review, we use to enjoy the restaurant, the last time we went, we felt rushed, the entertainment was fairly lousy, the service awful, and the food just OK, except for the potatoes which were amazing. We will not go back. But truth be told, I actually feel this way about a lot of Disney restaurant now a day.

 

[moviegirl11]

What I don't get is why an opinion is even posted on that page. Those menus are supposed to be an information resource and clearly the opinion is not necessary in that spot but rather should be under a review section, or under a post on the board. That page should just have a basic description of Ohana so that guests who have not visited could go and make their own opinions about the place rather than relying on yours. I also think a disclaimer needs to be add that this is only the opinion of so and so.

I think putting general opinions in the menus is a good idea. I dont have kids (yet) and the information in the menu helped me decide NOT to eat there. The menu for Ohana looks very tasty and that alone would've been enough for us to choose to eat there. The information about kids running all over the place is what made us decide to choose another restaurant. Its not that we dont like kids but since its just the two of us, we prefer a quieter atmosphere for most dinners. When we have kids we will definitely take them to Ohana (or ohana-type restaurants).

So I guess I'm saying I like the reviews/opinions. Kevin's dislike of the restaurant isnt what stood out to me nearly as much as the description of the atmosphere. I think as long as the reviewers are explaining WHY they dont like the restaurant, the opinions are just as helpful as the menu selection in terms of giving people an idea of what they can expect from each place.

 

[GinnyFavers]

I think the review in the original post is dead on.