Was this experience at Ohana typical?

[erinch]

We have only tried 'Ohana once, in 2001.

It was a terrible experience in the service area, which ruined it for us. Our server was horrid; very, very, very rushed.

We have a food allergic son in the family, and I had done everything properly twice over in noting the allergy on the ressie, calling ahead a week ahead, and then that morning. She refused to bring a chef to the table, and really resented having her spiel interrupted to deal with what he could and could not eat. We dealt with that with a manager, and followed up with guest relations, and I'm not asking about the poor allergy management in this post.

I am asking about the rest of the experience. We were there at not peak time dining hours, towards the front of the serving hours. Our server had the appetizers out long before she took drink orders. So long before that by the time the drinks arrived, the appetizers were cold. In fact, the "main dishes" arrived before the drinks. Given the amount of food, we were looking forward to lingering a bit and having a leisurely meal, but they seemed EXTREMELY anxious to turn the table around. Our experience/server was the worst, but we observed other tables with other servers also seeming rushed.

My DS, DD and myself would like to give it another shot, it's 4 years later, and we certainly missed the "magic." My DH declared it one of the worst/rushed meals he's ever had, and said that he's not willing to set himself up for another blood pressure raising experience of being so rushed.

So....I said I'd let the DIS'ers weigh in with recent experiences about pacing, and attempts to have a meal that feels like dining, as opposed to rushing.

THANKS!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

No, this was very unusual. Recently I was at Breakfast at 'Ohana and a friends parents each had different allergies. There was no problems; the chef came out and discussed with them what they could have from the buffet but he also prepared a special entree for each of them.

Even more recently I was there in a group of six, with two small boys (3 & 5). We asked for a different table than where they originally wanted to seat us and that was easily done. The service was very good and we did not feel rushed at all.

 

[CamColt]

I think an experience like that can happen anywhere. I understand your reluctance to go back as I probably wouldnt after that. However if you enjoyed the food and would like to give the experience another chance, Ive seen many glowing reports about Ohana.

We have eaten there twice...with our peanut allergic son and have had great experiences. The Chef came out and let us know what was safe. They also got our kids kids meals since they didnt like the food. We were never rushed and have really enjoyed the food there.

Good luck if you give it another try and be sure to let us know how it goes.

 

[Leota]

We've only eaten there once & our experience was nothing at all like yours. We had very good service, never felt rushed at all. The pacing of the courses was perfect.
I think you got a bad server. Unfortunatley that happens from time to time at any restaurant. It is not what I would call typical for any WDW restaurant.

 

[wfloyd]

Dw and I eat there quite a bit (5-6 times a year) and I would have to say that your experience is unusual. We have had servers that were excellent and when others would be compared to them, they would come up short. We love the place and take others there to get them "hooked" on it as well.

 

[Aimee K]

We ate at Ohana's at the end of February. Our service was fantastic. The food was good. And, at the height of the dinner hour (7:15), we were very relaxed in our pace. While we didn't have any food allergies, our server was quick to notice my picky eater picking at her turkey. He asked her if chicken nuggets or mac and cheese might taste better. She said yes, and he came back with both. Very attentive!

Aimee K

 

[Doctor P]

Service at Ohana was some of the best we have ever had at any Disney restaurant. Much like a Disney cruise, we had two servers who had different responsibilities for our meal. Yes, the appetizers came quickly and before our drinks, but our drinks came fairly quickly. Water was there immediately. With due respect, I would never consider waiting until all the drinks came before I started in on food that had been served on the table. Also, you could have asked for the appetizers to be replaced (and I am sure they would have done it without batting an eyelash) if you were so concerned that they were cold after your drinks arrived.

 

[erinch]

Hi DoctorP--

Not to get a "thing" going, but of course we sent the cold appetizers back . But by that time, we were refusing the main food until we got another round of hot appetizers.

I watch what I eat and gain just looking at food, so don't like to launch into a "round" with no beverage, because I only dare "sample" if there are several courses.

Our server was well and truly miffed at having to replace some of the appetizers, and having to take away the skewers until we had received both appetizer and beverage (we didn't even get water until almost 20 minutes after the food arrived.)

We dealt with the manager appropriately at the time, and with guest relations after with the abysmal food allergy care (a very rare screw-up on Disney's part.)

Again, my question was whether this "cousin" was a-typical and needed a day off or something, and whether I can honestly assure my DH that if he gives it another try he's likely NOT to be rushed and to feel like he's "dined."

I appreciate all the "good" stories.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

While I can't say that O'Hana has the best food going, I can say that I always have had such a good time there that I keep going back -- with and without the kids. Fortunately, I've had nothing but excellent service when visiting O'Hana.

 

[Doctor P]

erinch,

Thanks for clarifying. Sorry you had a bad experience, but, as you can tell, it might be worth giving it another chance.

 

[psupple]

I have to say that my DH and I didn't have a good experience at Ohana's in October 2004. Maybe it's because we were only a group of 2 (seems like families have better experiences), but we were there during the fireworks (peak time?) and were seated at a small table that barely fit the appetizer tray and drinks.

The food was terrible, especially the main course. The meats and shrimp were all over cooked and dry. Our waiter didn't stop by to check on us for 15-20 minutes after the first serving was given, so we didn't really have an opportunity to tell him about the overcooked food. At that point, we were so unimpressed that we just said we were full and got the check.

Pam

 

[gigi1313]

We have eaten there twice...with our peanut allergic son and have had great experiences. The Chef came out and let us know what was safe. They also got our kids kids meals since they didnt like the food. We were never rushed and have really enjoyed the food there.

Good luck if you give it another try and be sure to let us know how it goes.

my ds is also peanut/tree nut allergic and we have wanted to go to 'ohana for dinner but have been reluctant due to the peanut sauce they serve, etc... ergo, your experience is good news for me...THANK YOU!

 

[monami7]

We absolutly love Ohana and I don't even eat meat. I think you should try it again. I took my whole family during our magical gathering this year and they had such a great time half of them went back for a second meal before the trip was over.

 

[monami7]

also we have been both as a couple and with a big group. The food does come quick and it keeps coming. That is part of it's charm. My BIL ate so much we were all in amazement, my point is it may come all at once but this is the style they serve in. And you can always get more.

 

[denman007]

We didn't have any problems with service last Sept. However, the food was horrible! The shrimp were black, the meats were so over cooked - dry and bland.

The best part of the meal was the appetizers.

We got up after the kid events and left.

I don't have any urge to return. I've crossed Ohana's off my list.

My top 3 are now...

Cape May
Boma
Canada

 

[Tinkerbell10403]

My boyfriend and I went last November. We didn't have a reservation but luckily we only had to wait for a bit. We got a romantic seat by the window facing Cinderella's Castle and the food and experience...espeically the ambiance was exquisite!! I fell in love with this restaurant and will definately be eating there again!

 

[Doctor P]

denman,

The shrimp are supposed to be blackish--they are encrusted with a chili pepper rub that is very dark in color. When the outside is removed (very, very messy) the shrimp inside are to die for based on our experience.

 

[sportears]

We've stayed at the polynesian 5 times in the last 8 years. We ate at Ohana's only once however. That was enough. The service was just ok and the food was very average. There are very few restaurants at DW that aren't very very good. We've tried a great number of them and have found only 4 that we'd never go back to. Ohana's is one.

 

[Bayshore Bandit]

We've always loved Ohana's and never had a sub-par experience.

It is a must-do every year for us.

 

[Johnfish]

I ahave to chime in with my experience. This was our first Disney dining experience. We were there in August 2004 (2 days before hurricane Charlie). My son and I were a party of 2 and we arrived at 8:30. We were seated at a table for two at a window facing the castle and everything was great! The appetizers were wonderful and the main dishes were excellent and just as desert was being served Wishes started. It was a truly Magical experience for both of us. This will be our first stop on our next trip in November.

John