Tell me about Ohana and watching the fireworks

[andychris14]

Okay, thanks to all of the advice from these boards I booked dinner at Ohana.
Tell me what to do next. Do we eat in the restaurant and watch the fireworks from the restaurant or go outside on the beach and watch them. We have reservations at either 6:35 or 7:10. (long story, short version:I made 2 reservations by mistake and am going to cancell one right now) Which one??Wishes is at 9pm that night. If we go outside on the beach, is it buggy? Would I be better off inside the restaurant. Thanks- I really appreciate all of your help!!!

 

[MsStinkerBelle]

I've watched the fireworks inside 'Ohana twice and frankly, I like it better there--especially if you have a table next to the window. The music for the show is piped in, they lower the lights, and it's truly magical.

You can go see it outside on the beach of course but if its hot outside, it's more comfortable watching the show inside. JMO!

 

[jdisnut]

I prefer the view from the beach. Unless you have a window table, it is difficult to see the fireworks from the restaurant. The sight lines aren't even that great from 'Ohana, no matter where you're sitting.

It is convenient and fun to enjoy Wishes while eating dinner. The restaurant dims the lights and pipes in the music, making for a magical experience. For someone who has seen Wishes plenty of times from Main Street, as I and many others on this board are fortunate enough to have done, watching from 'Ohana is a nice experience. But if you're concerned with the view, I suggest going to the beach.

 

[andychris14]

thank you for your opinions. Maybe we will see if we get a window table and take it from there.
Anyone else?

 

[AmongMadPeople]

How many people are you? Your meal isn't going to last long enough if you're a small party with those reservation times if Wishes is at 9.

I've said it before, but I'll sum up by saying don't get yourself too excited about watching Wishes. I think the Poly is too far away for a magical experience, the speakers are crackly, and you're more likely to not be by a window than to be by one. (I've never tried the beach, but I'd probably try that over hoping to see it from Ohana)

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

We have watched from the beach twice after dinner at O'Hanas. I didn't even know you could see them from inside the restaurant... we weren't seated near the windows, and frankly, I never even noticed windows at all??? O'hanas is a bit on the crowded side and I can't imagine "hanging around" after a meal to watch FW from inside. I would guess you would have to time the ADR just right and get really lucky with seating.

O'hanas is a long meal (plan at least a very full hour to eat, plus wait time). Last time, we strolled around the resort after dinner, then headed to the beach about 10 minutes before FW. It wasn't crowded at all. Got some drinks from the pool bar and the kids played in the sand-they hardly noticed the FW at all, but loved the beach!!! I saw a speaker right behind us, but could not hear any sound at all---didn't miss it though. Yes, the FW were distant, but still beautiful (and I didn't miss the crowds one bit!!!)

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I have never seen them from Ohana or the beach, but this October I plan on watching them from the beach. My ADRs are for 6:30. Then we will head to the beach to watch them. I'll be at MNSSHP the next night to watch HalloWishes up closer.

 

[andychris14]

We are a party of 8. I guess we will see if we have a window table if not go down to the beach. Thanks again for the advice!!!

 

[Plum Pirate]

We've seen the FW from both Ohana and the Poly beach. I just asked my kids which they preferred. DD11 recommends the beach because you can move around and see all the FWs. DD14 thought it was a closer call, and liked that the music was piped into the restaurant.

I enjoyed both. The one thing I did not like when watching from the restaurant was eating a big meal so late in the evening. But I really enjoyed the experience of watching the FW with the low lights and music. We asked for a FW table when we checked into the restaurant and were told it could be a long wait, which was fine with us. I can't recall how long we waited, but it was probably about 45 minutes past our reservation time of around 9pm (Wishes was at 10 that night). We did not get a window table, but I was surprised at how much we could see when the FW started.

When we watched from the beach several years ago, we got there early and bought a couple of drinks from the pool bar, found a place to sit and the kids played in the sand. We had a great view of the water parade (I don't know the proper name) before Wishes started. It was also lovely and we had no problems at all with insects.

Sorry this is a bit rambling - the bottom line is I think you will enjoy either experience. If you decide to watch from the restaurant, make sure you time it right and let the person know when you check in that you would like to enjoy the FW while dining.

 

[seadd67]

I think It would be great to see the FW from O'hannas, and I like the Idea with It Inside with the music( In my mind that really adds to the appeal) and asking for a FW window. We have ADR's for 8:05 and will ask for the window location too! I will make sure to eat real slow for that night, so we can take It all In.