What to do to pass the time while waiting at 'Ohana?

[steg]

After learning here that there can be long wait times during peak mealtimes at 'Ohana, does anyone have any suggestions on how to pass the time? My initial thought is the tambu lounge, but is it within range of being able to know when your table is ready, or even on the same floor?

I'm not familiar with the layout Poly as I haven't stayed there in more than 20 years.

Also what's the waiting procedure? Do you get a beeper/buzzer for when your table is ready or do they have someone yelling out names?

 

[KingdomHeartsFan]

Tambu Lounge is right next to 'Ohana and that is where I usually wait. Also you might be able to go to Trader Sam's since it is just down stairs from the restaurant.

 

[RafikiTiki21]

You get a buzzer, which works all in the main central area of the Poly. There are two shops and Tambu lounge to get drinks, with seating, while you wait.

Not sure if the signal would work all the way into Trader Sams, you'd have to ask but I wouldn't think so.

 

[HelenParr]

It's fun lobby enough to explore - even just within the buzzer range. We've grabbed a "to go" drink from Tambu and just wandered a bit. Or if there are empty comfy chairs, you can just chill taking in the very Disney atmosphere.

 

[steg]

It's fun lobby enough to explore - even just within the buzzer range. We've grabbed a "to go" drink from Tambu and just wandered a bit. Or if there are empty comfy chairs, you can just chill taking in the very Disney atmosphere.

Can you get all drinks "to go"? Do they just use a plastic cup so you can take it with you without risk of glass breakage?

 

[Candycane83]

We did some pin trading at the shop while waiting. (this was back in 2012)

 

[HelenParr]

Can you get all drinks "to go"? Do they just use a plastic cup so you can take it with you without risk of glass breakage?

I have to admit, I've not tried ALL the drinks yet. YMMV on the stylized fruit-filled drinks and glass they need to use. But so far, anything I've ordered to go they've been able to make. This is true at a number of WDW lounges. If you say "to go" they will put it in plastic. But if you get a regular drink in a regular glass, and you have paid, at Tambu they don't care if you wander away. (Related: We often get drinks in glass at Mizners or Citricos to take to the lobby at GF to listen to the orchestra or pianist.)

 

[steg]

We often get drinks in glass at Mizners or Citricos to take to the lobby at GF to listen to the orchestra or pianist.

Thank you for giving me another idea for what to do if we happen to head over early for our Victoria and Albert's reservation!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you for giving me another idea for what to do if we happen to head over early for our Victoria and Albert's reservation!

Oh, plan on going early!!! The lobby is such a nice place to relax and enjoy the music. I do not remember Mizners opening before 4 PM, but I have gotten a cocktail from the outdoor patio and relaxed inside just enjoying the Grand Pianist as little Princesses danced around the "ballroom". The Grand orchestra is later in the afternoon and is a wonderful treat.

Upstairs there is a lounge that I seldom see anyone using, and if you venture outside there is a large veranda that is pretty much empty. I know that a lot of people find the Grand to be a stuffy place, but for me, it was just the opposite. It reminds me of visiting my aunts house when I was a little girl. Old fashioned comfy furniture, flowers and Victorian "stuff" that is just so welcoming.

 

[Nancyg56]

Tambu Lounge is right next to 'Ohana and that is where I usually wait. Also you might be able to go to Trader Sam's since it is just down stairs from the restaurant.

If I can find a seat in the evening I like to relax with a cocktail just outside the lounge. The rest of the family wanders to the shops and the lobby.

I think that late afternoon the Tambu lounge is such a welcomed respite from the Disney Fun and Sun. It is cool, dim and inviting, and sitting at the bar with a cold glass of wine is nice.

 

[steg]

Oh, plan on going early!!! The lobby is such a nice place to relax and enjoy the music. I do not remember Mizners opening before 4 PM, but I have gotten a cocktail from the outdoor patio and relaxed inside just enjoying the Grand Pianist as little Princesses danced around the "ballroom". The Grand orchestra is later in the afternoon and is a wonderful treat.

Upstairs there is a lounge that I seldom see anyone using, and if you venture outside there is a large veranda that is pretty much empty. I know that a lot of people find the Grand to be a stuffy place, but for me, it was just the opposite. It reminds me of visiting my aunts house when I was a little girl. Old fashioned comfy furniture, flowers and Victorian "stuff" that is just so welcoming.

Our Victoria and Albert's reservation is at 6, if we got drinks at Mizner's around 5 would the 525 orchestra showing be enough time to head up to Victoria and Albert's?

 

[Nancyg56]

Our Victoria and Albert's reservation is at 6, if we got drinks at Mizner's around 5 would the 525 orchestra showing be enough time to head up to Victoria and Albert's?

I believe so. Also, when we were there in August the Grand Pianist was back in the evening. This is one lovely place to pass some time together, and I envy your V&A reservation!! We have not yet been able to justify the cost of that meal, we travel with the whole bunch of us and fo better or for worse, we are that 'Ohana thing! No one gets left behind or forgotten!! Between you and me, I bet a buck the rest of the family would Love it if DH and I went, but DH woudl spend the entire night thinking the others would be missing something that they actually have no interest in! LOL!

Enjoy your special night!