The New 'Ohana menu? Blah!!!

[Peter Pirate]

We weren't happy about the menu change at 'Ohana but seeing so many good reviews and being open minded we thought we'd give it a chance.

The wonton exchange is deplorable. While those chips may be OK on their own, as a replacement for the original is a crime...It'd be like substituting filet mignon for hamburger.

The other food (the steak, pork & turkey) seemed less 'fresh' than the we were accustomed to. 'Ohana has gone through good and bad periods in the past and it seems the that in an effort to maximize profits they may be accepting lesser quality product once again (when will they learn?).

The service wasn't horrible but certainly wasn't good. It seemed rushed and disorganized.

The drinks are definately getting smaller but the price isn't.

The new potatos are just gross. I see no resemblence to what we would consider Polynesian cuisine in them.

The bread pudding desert IS very good but we miss the unusual and delicious pineapple and caramel...Couldn't they offer both?

In closing, 'Ohana may be acceptable but it certainly is a far cry from what it once was. I'm very hgappy we got to experience it many times during the good ole days.

 

[Peter Pirate]

I forgot to mention the utter confusion at the podium. This has been the case for a long time and it is quite frustrating to stand in line to check in then feel like you're intruding...

 

[kirbsam]

love hte new menu myself. the potatoes are awesome, and the bread pudding was the best.

 

[phyllis1966]

Maybe this is an effort to please people with less adventurous palates (although I really don't think fried rice is all that adventurous)?? How are those potatoes even remotely considered Polynesian fare?

I'm sad to see these changes and will probably not return to 'Ohana for dinner in the future.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We like the new menu. We miss some of the items they had before but then again there are items they had several years ago that we miss as well.

They have moved the podium a little and it looks like they added a second computer for checkin so maybe it can move a little faster.

 

[tinan]

We tried O'Hana's for the first time on Valentine's day. While we never got to experience O'Hana's when it was good, we agree with most negative comments. Our experience was very very very rushed, the pork and steak was undercooked, we didn't care for the shrimp or the very greasy wonton chips, and although we liked the taste of the potatoes we were surprised that they were among the selections. One of the chefs made his way around the dining room asking how everything was. I did tell him what we thought, but he mainly focused on everything being rushed. We won't be returned either.

The highlight of our dinner was being able to watch the MK fireworks with the music piped in.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I was in love with the old 'Ohana. I could not wait to get back there. I was nervous but undaunted when I saw the changes. I have to agree with yout analysis.

I think it's sad, because it was truly our favorite place. The meats were ok, the sausage was bland and terrible.

The stir fry was hard. I had eaten platefuls of the old seasoned green beans with onions and bacon. I've even made them at home now because this stirfry can't hold a candle to it.

The shrimp were tasty, but undeveined and unshelled. While I have no prejudice against peel and eat shrimp, having them hot and in a semi-sticky sauce made it very difficult.

The wonton chips I had were greasy and just didn't have any taste- plain wonton skins. The sauces were good, but just didn't complement the chips. The old shrimp and veggies wontons were so crispy and delicious and full of life compared to these things.

Wings and salad were still yummy, so that's what I ate. Oh, and the dessert. The dessert is a creamy bread pudding with a crispy top covered in ice cream and warm bananas foster sauce. It is absolutely delicious. The only improvement over the old 'Ohana. The other new items did nothing for me and I really felt that the overall quality of everything was noticeably declining.

I would love to go back to 'Ohana because of tradition, because I love the Poly, because of the atmosphere and huge gorgeous windows and that yummy dessert. But, come on now, more money and I basically ate a few shrimp, wings and a salad then dessert. Not worth it at all.

I want those old wontons back, the old green beans and definitely some fried rice or lo mein or something instead of those incongruous and mediocre potatoes.

 

[Caren]

The new potatos are just gross. I see no resemblence to what we would consider Polynesian cuisine in them.

You know, I had the same reaction to the potoatoes--just gross. We had potatoes that had been oiled, salted and peppered, and baked in a pan. Nothing special to them and they were horribly greasy. But then I read about people who LOVED the potatoes and apparently got something that involved cheese or cheese sauce. I'm wondering if they've changed their recipe recently and switched from cheesy scalloped potatoes to those greasy things.

 

[kjs1976]

WE LOVED THE POTATOS!!!!! As did our friend's who ate there a month before us. Tasted like something grandma would make! We just missed the appetizer lazy susan and the green beans. We loved it all. Guess we just go with the flow and know they will change things and it will either work or it won't. We're taking our family this summer and have recommended it to two other families who have also loved it.

 

[LauraAnn630]

The appetizer lazy susan and the green beans are not there anymore?

 

[zulaya]

Add me to the list of not returning until I see a better, more Polynesian menu and reports of better service. It sucks because 'Ohana was our traditional first dinner upon arriving at WDW. Now we have to find a new tradition.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I loved the potatoes and bread pudding. I didn't think any of the meats were dry, but I did think the sausage has a wierd taste to it. The wonton chips, were kind of stale tasting, and not at all crispy.

 

[kathy387]

We ate there last week and loved it! As a matter of fact, this has become one of our must do's! They were even turning people away who didn't have reservations. Our wonton chips weren't the least bit greasy and the potatoes were to die for. I could have made a meal just out of these along with the steak.

 

[Luthien]

We tried O'Hana for dinner during our December trip and I must say were very disappointed. It was probably the worst meal of the entire trip. Nobody really ate much of anything - including DS who would eat shrimp all day if you would let him. The only decent parts of the meal were the fruity "virgin" cocktails that the kids got, the entertainment (the kids did enjoy the coconut race and the hula lesson) and the bread pudding. This was the first time that everyone asked me not to go back to a Disney restaurant so we will not be returning for dinner.

Cheers
~Luthien

 

[richard_andmel]

I am really starting to think about not eating here this trip. It has always been a must for us, but I hate scalloped potatoes and the wonton and shrimp change doesn't appeal to me either.

 

[overplanner]

we were there sept 2005, and loved it, when did it change and what was replaced???

 

[PolyAddict]

ahh the green beans...we would inhale tons of these things. It will be our 1st time back since the change for Thanksgiving. It was always our special family tradition, the Poly, the castle, the windows, the green beans, did I mention the yummy green beans? I must say the only thing I hold out hope for is the bread pudding, but that is a selfish thing b/c no one else in my family eats it and they LOVED the pineapple. I hope we don't have to find another restaurant to replace it. We do love Kona to though. Here's to dreaming...

 

[beachesncream]

Is there still fried rice?

I have never been to Ohana and have heard in the past (before the menu change ) fantastic reviews. I therefore made a ADR for my next trip. Will I regret it? I have nothing to compare it too but I do know good food when I try it and your reviews are not doing it much justice and I am now re-thinking ... advice?

 

[kathy387]

yes, go ahead and try it for yourself! Different opinions, different people. You won't know for sure unless you actually try it yourself. We loved every bit of it and some people obviously do not like the new menu. I figure it'll just make it a little easier to get an adr! Example: Some people swear that Boma is the best on property, we've had 2 dinners and one breakfast there and had different experiences all three times. Same with LeCelliar. Both times at O'Hana tho were wonderful! You'll find pros and cons for every single restraunt on Disney property!