Polynesion or Contemporary?

[monzmom]

On our first night at WDW in January 2003, I'm planning on doing dinner at one fo the two restaurants: 'Ohana or Chef Mickey's. Which resort has the best view of the fireworks? I'm leaning towards 'Ohana because of better reviews on the restaurant. Any input would be appreciated. TIA! Donna

PS -- We're arriving on a Saturday, so I figured if we wanted to see the fireworks, we'd have to do it on our first day. D

 

[psutim]

Ohana is the way to go in my eyes. I am a longtime Disney visitor (over 22 times), and a recent College Grad who moved down in January...I've eaten virtually everywhere in the World...Ohana's family style dinner is excellent and the fireworks/atmosphere is great as well. Chef Mickey's is good...but as far as Fireworks AND Food, Ohana takes the cake.

 

[madonna31]

I don't even think you can see the fireworks from Chef Mickeys...


however, what I would do is eat at O'hanas (the food is AWESOME) then take the monorial over to the Contemporary, then go up to the 15th floor (where California Grill is) go past the restaurant to outside and see the fireworks from there - IMHO that is the BEST place to view is Fantasy in the Sky...

 

[WDWCRAZY32]

You can not see the fireworks from Chef Mickeys but you can go out on the balcony and watch. The best view I've ever had is during dinner at the Cailfornia Grill on top of the CR. Made PS time to coincide with the fireworks.

 

[doombuggy]

Ditto, about the Calif. Grill. The view from the deck up there is great. We also got to see the stuff going on at EPCOT from our table. It was a great resturant.

While I have stayed at the Poly, I have not eaten there since my first trip down (1974), so I have no advice there. Sounds like you should go there for dinner (based on recomendations from other posters) and breakfast at Chef Mickey's - this I have done & it's great!

 

[Brier Rose]

We love Chef Mickey's for dinner.To go on the first night of our trip is a tradition of ours. We have eaten there at least 10 times for dinner and about 15 times for breakfast , and LOVE both.
My vote would be do dinner at Chef Mickey's, then take the monerail over to the Poly anf sit on the beach and watch the fireworks.

 

[Brier Rose]

We love Chef Mickey's for dinner.To go on the first night of our trip is a tradition of ours. We have eaten there at least 10 times for dinner and about 15 times for breakfast , and LOVE both.
My vote would be do dinner at Chef Mickey's, then take the monerail over to the Poly and sit on the beach and watch the fireworks.

 

[Emilys_Dad]

You don't mention how many people you have or their ages.

If you have kids (or unusually immature adults like me), Chef Mickey's is a blast. It's raucus, there's music, napkin waving, characters (Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, and Goofy when we were there), and a pretty good buffet.

'Ohana, however, is more adult-oriented, although we arrested-development types enjoy watching the coconut races and hula-hoop contests. The menu is definitely more adult-oriented, but there are options for kids (some like the normal menu, or they can order off the Kona kid's menu). Plus, if you're there at the right time and are seated near a window, you can watch the fireworks from there.

Neither restaurant is a mistake, they're both good in their own way.

And in either case you can go to the beach at the Poly and watch the fireworks and the electric water parade.

Good luck and have fun!

Kevin