Sanaa or 'Ohana?

[hawaiilife]

I have heard really mixed reviews about 'Ohana lately in regards to being rushed, poor food, and awful service. We have never been there for dinner and are considering it. I don't like to be rushed and I do value good service when I dine. Would you choose 'Ohana or Sanaa? Ambiance, service, and food are all very important to me. We have 3 kids 8, 4, and 6 months if that makes a difference. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[paradesintherain]

I don't think you would really go wrong with either... it's a little bit more of an effort to get to AKL, but I bet the kids would really love seeing the animals there! And the food at Sanaa is exceptionally good.

Recently, Sanaa has been a must-do while Ohana has fallen off the list, though not due to any poor service or experience.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

If those were the only two choices, I'd go with Sanaa. Ohana was the only one of our meals that we didn't enjoy on our trip this spring.

 

[pattyw]

I'd go with Sanaa. Better menu and I love to visit the animals after a meal!!

 

[Honeypot]

On our recent trip I had booked ‘Ohana and then started reading all the negative reviews. I had also changed our plans and the reservation was on a day where we were spending the afternoon at AK. I thought our kids (4 and 8) would like the animals, and it was more convenient so I switched to Sanaa. We all loved it. The food, ambience and service was all excellent and the kids liked watching the animals from our table and also outside after we finished eating. We would definitely go back!

 

[madalex]

Sanaa, hands down. That's partially because I think Sanaa is awesome - great food and service, beautiful theming, ability to see the animals nearby. That's also partially because Ohana holds absolutely no appeal to me.

 

[Spencer Wright]

I would recommend either. Sanaa would be an excellent way to wrap up an AK day!

 

[Arielfan98]

I have heard really mixed reviews about 'Ohana lately in regards to being rushed, poor food, and awful service. We have never been there for dinner and are considering it. I don't like to be rushed and I do value good service when I dine. Would you choose 'Ohana or Sanaa? Ambiance, service, and food are all very important to me. We have 3 kids 8, 4, and 6 months if that makes a difference. Thanks for any feedback.

I am going to try Sanaa on my August trip, but I have heard nothing but good things about it. I have gone to Ohana and I did receive poor service. While I do think it is important to try a restaurant at least once for yourself, I would go with Sanaa in this case because you noted you wanted good service. If you would like more in-depth details on my negative review on Ohana, please PM me.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Sanaa. Better food, atmosphere and service.

 

[kniquy]

I recently dined at both those restaurants in April. Ohana I was most excited about but ended up being the biggest disappointment. Just the 20-25 minute wait to get in started the evening off on the wrong foot. Sanna was a short 5-10 minute wait. So in your case with a 6 month old I know how vital a schedule can be.

The food at Ohana was decent, not horrible but for the money you are spending I was not impressed (we are a family of foodies). We didn't feel terribly rushed, but almost felt that they took too long at certain times and waiting for them to come back with a certain meat skewer could be awhile. The chicken was the best of the meats, the steak was a bit chewy and those that had the shimp thought is was ok but lacked flavor. The dessert was so-so. Nothing spectacular and everyone is stuck with the same food.

Sanna the food was typical Indian flare. We loved the bread service. My very picky 4DD loved the butter chicken. We were all able to order a variety of foods. One in my party ordered a steak (can't remember what cut) but it was very good and my son ordered fish which was a firmer white fish and loved it. Those were 2 dishes that were not over the top with Indian spices. So if your family likes Indian type food I feel you might be happier at Sanna. If you time it right you might be able to hit the campfire with smores out by the savanna - It is not free but might be a fun way to have dessert.

 

[rwdavis2]

The reviews of Ohana lately seem to indicate they are overbooked and/or understaffed. That leads to poor service and random food quality. The food there is nothing special. Sanaa has it beat on food, service, atmosphere and location.

 

[DisneyFive]

Both are good options. The menu may be a little more limited for your little ones at Sanaa. The animals at the lodge are awesome to see though. My problem with Sanaa is the time it takes out of your day just to get there and back to wherever you were. It's easily a 3+ hour adventure.

We would probably still pick 'Ohana. Love the food, the atmosphere, and the convenience.

Dan

 

[gharter]

It depends on if you like the type of food. Both are totally different styles.
We prefer Sanaa. The bread service is amazing!
We also love seeing the animals in the Savanna.

 

[Octoberbaby]

Ohana was always a favorite of mine, and I have been defending them over the last few years. As of April of this year, I am done defending them. It at one time was an OUTSTANDING meal. The best. I loved everything about it. Our last visit there was the last straw. I will not return for a while. As far as Sanaa goes, it gets WONDERFUL reviews. I loved the ambiance and the bread service. But, the foods are definitely seasoned differently, so if anyone in your group is picky be aware. They will accommodate you though. My son wanted a meatball with cheese melting on top ....They made it happen!