Polynesian Luau or Ohana Restaurant????

[teambuffy]

We would like to have dinner at the Polynesian on our first night at WDW. Should we go to the Luau or just the Ohana restaurant?

I have two kids: boy, 12 and girl, 7. Can we see the fireworks from either of these shows?



Thanks!

 

[Kae]

Ohana. I just have not seen very many good reviews about the Luau. I like Ohana alot.

Kae

 

[KMH1]

We just spent five days at the Poly and ate at Ohana (our absolute favorite restaurant on Disney property) and tried the luau for the first time.

I definitely recommend Ohana...the food is scrumptious and there are cute activities for kids (coconut races and hula hooping).

The luau had decent food and the 3rd act of the show was great, but your kids might be bored for the first 2 acts.

You won't see the Electric Water Pagent or the fireworks from Luau Cove, but you might catch them from Ohana depending on how late you eat. I believe the Water Pagent goes by at 9 p.m. and the fireworks are at 10 p.m.

 

[BabyMo]

I would also have to say Ohanas. The food is all-you-can eat and they have fun activities for the kids. Plus, they have pineapple and caramel sauce for dessert.

 

[propchick]

You might also give Kona Cafe a try. It's much more peaceful than Ohana, and it's a better bet for shy kids. (My nephew freaked out over the screaming, running, goofiness of Ohana.)

One caveat for anyone taking kids to Kona -- they will swing your kids past the dessert display, and show them this completely disgusting ice cream/cotton candy thing, complete with a "Hey, wouldn't you like Mom or Dad to order this for you!" kind of pitch. It's very very unworthy of this otherwise great restaurant, so be sure to prepare your kids. (Nephew came through with a disdainful, "I don't like ice cream" before turning up his nose and walking away, lol.)

 

[Alice28]

We loved 'Ohana. We were able to have a window seat with a marvelous, most perfect view of the castle. We were able to watch the fireworks and it was magical. The food was great as well (esp those wontons!!!) and our 5 year old loved the hula hoop contest and the coconut races.

I have only seen so-so reviews of the luau on these boards. From what I understand, if you have ever been to an authentic luau in Hawaii or the S. Pacific, you will be esp. disappointed.

 

[dinkadoo76]

I did the Luau back in the 80's & was not impressed. The food was not that great, but the show was ok. I don't think it was worth the price. Ohana on the other hand, is a wonderful treat for all ages. The all you can eat dinner has always been good & the games for the kids are really cute. If you can, get a PS for a time near the fireworks. What a lovely view of the castle & fireworks.

 

[teambuffy]

If we go to the Ohana for dinner, what time should I make the reservation for in order to see the fireworks?

P.S. We'll be there from 8/14 to 8/20

Thanks!

 

[BraveMom3]

I'm curious to know this, too. I'm going to take my family to Ohanas for the first time next June, and would love a window seat to see the fireworks. Is there a trick to getting a seat by the window?

 

[Alice28]

Regarding the fireworks...first we found out when the fireworks were going to happen at the MK. I found this out by looking at the www.disneyworld.com site and looking up park hours and events. Then, I called and got our PS for 6:30, as the fireworks were set to go off at 7:00. We checked in at 6:10 or so, and asked for a window seat- we said we could be seated earlier or later, but we really wanted the window seat. The hostess was a little snotty and said you get what you get; my husband glanced around and there were MAYBE 10 tables that were occupied in the restaurant. He said "Again, you can seat us right now, or we will wait longer..." She said the same thing. So he said "May I see your manager please?" The color drained from her face and the other host said, "Oh, sir, we don't need to do that..we have plenty of seating tonight- we can easily accomodate your request." And, 5 minutes later, wa-la, a PERFECT table for 8, in the left corner of the restaurant, practically straight across from the castle. Beautiful!

 

[teambuffy]

Alice -- Thanks so much for your response. I didn't know about the Park hours section of the WDW website! That will be so helpful for all our planning.

We only have a week and 3 days to go and so much to do!

I just booked our town car today. We are so excited. This is our first trip with our two kids 7 and 12.

 

[Alice28]

Teambuffy- you'll have a fabulous time! And you'll love the towncar- we did that for our last trip and we felt so classy. No waiting around for a shuttle van that you share with other people. Have FUN!