Should we skip Ohana?

[jandmmom]

Hi all,
I am finished with my ADRs for our trip in June, but I just want to check back through to make sure that I made the "right" decisions. I have heard that Ohana is one of the best places to go, but my mom really wants to do the Luau (she hasn't been back to WDW in over 20 years & we did it the 1st time when I was a kid). Since that uses 2 of our credits, we don't have any left for Ohana.

Some background - 4 adults & 2 kids. 3 of the adults are vegetarians. We are staying at the Poly for that part of our trip & will be on the Club level.

Is it the atmosphere that people love? Or moreso the food?

Will we miss a great Poly experience by NOT going?

Thanks!

 

[JimmyV]

You're going to get responses that are polar opposites. As for me, I'd skip it, especially with vegetarians. If you feel that you need to add in another Poly dinner, I would consider Kona. The food at Ohana appeals to many, but when I spend that amount of money for dinner, I prefer an "a la minute" meal instead of mass produced food. But as I said, others really enjoy it. Not my thing.

 

[juliemcalister]

If your mom wants to go to SOA for sentimental reasons then you shouldn't give 'Ohana a second thought. Even for a lot of carnivores it's a huge disappointment. It does seem like they churn out the food as fast as possible and when we were there little care was given to taste, doneness and presentation. The atmosphere is utter chaos and my DS 9 at the time thought the lady leading the entertainment was ridiculous. I would feel horrible if I talked someone out of something they deemed important and wasted our time at 'Ohana.

 

[OhThePain]

I say skip 'Ohana. 3/4 of the adults can't eat the food that is served since its mostly beef and poultry, which isn't really good in the first place (not to mention how bad the appitizers and sides are). I have no idea what they offer vegetarians. The service is awful. The woman who talks throughout the meal is more obnoxious than entertaining. We gave it a couple of chances but won't be going back anytime soon. Even a window seat with a view of Wishes couldn't improve the overall expereince of our meal last time.

I am not a big fan of SoA, either. However, if it's your moms first trip back in 20 years and she really wants to go, I say go for it. Make sure you let it be known on your ADR's (especially for any of the places that serve family style) that you have vegetarians in your party.

 

[LuvLDM]

Ohana's is a fun restaurant that serves mediocre food, I would skip it.

 

[jandmmom]

Thanks everyone! This makes me feel confident in my decision I have a friend who won't go to WDW without eating at Ohana, so I just wanted to get some more opinions. He's a major carnivore and junk food guy though...lol

 

[mdinme]

Ohana ='s carnivore. The food is good, atmosphere very good. Skip it, but I'd skip the luau too, ick.

 

[jandmmom]

Ohana ='s carnivore. The food is good, atmosphere very good. Skip it, but I'd skip the luau too, ick.

I would probably skip the luau, but my mom is really excited about it. We went with my dad 20 years ago & he has passed away. I think my mom will love it for the memories.

 

[goofy4prez]

Ohana's is a fun restaurant that serves mediocre food, I would skip it.

This is your personal opinion. Not flaming you, but I'd rather see reasons why someone likes or dislikes a place based on their experience, especially when telling someone to skip it. Doing so is more helpful for the person seeking advice and opinions... My personal opinion: Fun restaurant that serves good food and is a meat lovers paradise and is non stop. In most cases, I would not skip it.

Thanks everyone! This makes me feel confident in my decision I have a friend who won't go to WDW without eating at Ohana, so I just wanted to get some more opinions. He's a major carnivore and junk food guy though...lol

You have to love a major carnivore. I love skewer after skewer of meat being placed on my table. But in your case, I agree, take your mother to the Luau and have a great time.

 

[princssdisnygina]

We thought Ohana was ok. I think there are better breakfasts out there... however, it is convenient if staying at the Poly, which is why we did it this past year. BUT... I would not do the luau. I agree... ick. If I was doing a dinner show... I would choose the Hoop Dee Doo. I don't think you would be missing anything Polynesian by not doing either! just being there makes you feel all the good vibes!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

We've always loved 'Ohana for breakfast and dinner. With that being said, it is definitely geared toward meat eaters. If you've got 3 vegetarians going, I would eat somewhere else. I know your mom is sentimental and all but I would also not do the Luau. It's 2 TS credits and I've heard it's not all that good. By using 2 TS credits, you're paying for the entertainment not the food. I have yet to see a good review of the Luau food. If I'm paying that much I want the food AND the entertainment to be good. Not just one or the other.

Someone suggested Kona and we really like it. We have ADR's for April and can't wait to go back. I'm just bummed that they took the Coconut Kiki Tart off the dessert menu at Kona! I loved it! Maybe they will bring it back by then.

 

[ElizabethB]

I would do the luau over 'Ohana any day. We ate once at 'Ohana years ago and swore it off then. People seem pretty polarized on 'Ohana. For us, once was more than enough.

We've done the luau and actually enjoyed it (unlike many on these boards). The food was quite tasty, it includes beer and wine, and the dancers in the show are excellent.

We did have a front row table, and that really helped in our enjoyment of it.

For what it's worth, we've done both the luau and HDDR with my parents -- and they liked HDDR better. But, either dinner show is fun and for sentimental reasons, the luau may be the best choice for you.

 

[pilferk]

Hi all,
I am finished with my ADRs for our trip in June, but I just want to check back through to make sure that I made the "right" decisions. I have heard that Ohana is one of the best places to go, but my mom really wants to do the Luau (she hasn't been back to WDW in over 20 years & we did it the 1st time when I was a kid). Since that uses 2 of our credits, we don't have any left for Ohana.

Some background - 4 adults & 2 kids. 3 of the adults are vegetarians. We are staying at the Poly for that part of our trip & will be on the Club level.

Is it the atmosphere that people love? Or moreso the food?

Will we miss a great Poly experience by NOT going?

Thanks!

IMHO:

I love the place. We like the food, the kids love the "games", and the atmosphere is neat.

That being said, if 1/2 of your party (and most of the adults) are vegetarians....I'd skip it. There's a LOT of meat served as part of the meal...the wings, the grilled meats, etc. If you want a Poly dinner that can satisfy all the members of your party...I'd try Kona Cafe.

 

[CathieArms]

Especially considering that y'all are vegetarians, I'd skip it. If you weren't vegetarians, then I might encourage you to do it; but most of the meal is a variety of meats with very few veggies.

 

[LuvLDM]

This is your personal opinion. Not flaming you, but I'd rather see reasons why someone likes or dislikes a place based on their experience, especially when telling someone to skip it. Doing so is more helpful for the person seeking advice and opinions... My personal opinion: Fun restaurant that serves good food and is a meat lovers paradise and is non stop. In most cases, I would not skip it.

Ummm, yeah, that is my personal opinion, which is what the Op was asking for.
My reason for suggesting she skip it was clear, I think the food is mediocre.

 

[Alabama Minnie]

It is ALOT of "yummy" meat. Only bread, salad, veggies and noodles left + that GREAT dessert.
I think everyone should try things at least once and make up their minds for themselves.
We LOVED Ohana, Kona and the POLY, but others do not.

 

[tigger536]

I love it - I think the food is great (particularly the chicken wings). But I'm a carnivore. Not the spot for vegetarians. The veggie sides are only so so.

Although the veggie options are limited there to, I think the luau is better for your needs - your mom will love it! That said, I do not like the luau food. But you are going more for the memories. On food alone, I'd choose Ohana (or Kona) in a heartbeat. Let them know you are veggies when you make the ADR and when you check in - they will might do a special meal for you. (I know that ohana has done this for ppl in the past - maybe the luau will too).

Have fun with your mom!

 

[goofy4prez]

Ummm, yeah, that is my personal opinion, which is what the Op was asking for.
My reason for suggesting she skip it was clear, I think the food is mediocre.

Yes, it is your personal opinion, which I would love to hear about even if different or the same as mine.

Your reason for suggesting to skip it is not clear, calling the food mediocre without a reason is rather cloudy. An example of clear would be, " I think Ohana is mediocre because the food is somewhat dry, or I dislike peeling shrimp" or the chicken wings are fatty." Now that would be a clear reason why to call it mediocre.

It's like saying, I don't like Toyota's because they are mediocre autos. Or I don't like Fords, they stink. What would make it clear is why you feel that way. Again, I'm really not trying to flame or criticise you and if you took it that way I apologize. It was not my intent. It just helps to understand why someone has a negative or positive opinion of a place when making a decision.

 

[stinksmom]

We love Ohana. Not necessarily the meat but the potstickers, noodles, salad and wings. I'm not a vegetarian but don't eat a lot of meat and this meal is great for me. We love the atmosphere too.

As far as vegetarians go, we had dinner with friends last year and they had two daughters that were vegetarians and their son had a beef and egg allergy. The chef made some amazing dishes for them - they didn't have to just eat the stuff they were serving everyone else and make do. They love going there because the chef is so great there!

 

[bluejasmine]

Ive been to a few luaus and its never really about the food, its normally about the show. Both in WDW and in Hawaii..

We love Ohanas but we are careful to tell server that we would like our meats no so overcooked. It can get loud with the coconut races and the hoola hoop contest but I think the ambiance, food and the guy walking around singing with the ukele makes it wonderful!

I think for your moms sake I would do the luau, it will be a nice evening, try Ohana another night or another trip but its a must do atleast once! Also they do have vegetarian entress as well..