Why is 'Ohana dinner getting so expensive?!?

HeatherPage

<font color=darkcoral>Proud mommy, wife and WDW fa
Joined
Aug 17, 1999
Messages
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We still love it. We're still gonna do it - but with two adults and one child, with tax and tip it will be close to $100! Ugh!

Okay, I'll quit complaining now...
 
Unfortunately it's on par with all the other prices for that kind of Disney dining. It's also super hard to get a reservation for, so I agree- As long as the demand is there :)
 
I first ate at Ohana in August 2006 and the price was $28.99.

The last time I was at WDW, Oct 2009, the price was $32.99

The average rate of inflation from Aug 2006 to Oct 2009 is 6.08%

Based on that fact the price should be $30.76. So in reality, the real increase is only $2.23. Over 3 years, I don't think that is a bad increase at all!

Look at Disney resort rooms as an example. Coronado Springs cost $175 for a standard view room in regular season for 2010. Factor in that CSR costs $5 extra now and it makes the rate $170 for the purpose of looking at all moderate resorts.

In 2006 that same room would have cost $155. The rate of inflation remains, 6.08, which means that room should cost $164.42/night. The real increase is $5.58.

The price increases at Disney aren't outrageous. They are a product of 2 things:
1. Inflation
2. Supply & Demand
 

I actually think the price at O'hana is not bad considering what you are getting, unlimited meat! Meat is expensive. Now the prices for buffets, which are mostly starches, seems high to me.
 
I used to be able to eat my fill of meat and everything else they served there but since I got the lapband in 2008...can't really eat that way anymore (not Disney's fault, I know).

I wonder if I can order something ala cart and if they charge an additional "entertainment fee" if someone in the party doesn't eat but is only there for the atmosphere. Guess I need to go call or research it...

Ah well, disregard that last paragraph as I think I got my answer from other previous (heated and closed) threads on the matter...
 
I think that they were always expensive. ;)

But yes, I agree that supply and demand play a part. I'm hoping that as the economy improves that free dining won't be offered as often which hopefully will decrease demand and improve supply.
 
It is so awesome! the endless food, the entertainment for kids, the view of MK and atmosphere. it just remains a ever popular favorite! It's on our must do every trip.
 
I only eat the potstickers, grilled shrimp, and dessert but still think it's worth every penny (we've gone at least once a trip every time since '93). In fact I would pay even more if they did away with the coconut races, "activities", and loud singing and replaced it with nice instrumental "Hawaiian" music. I love going to eat there with my bf and being sat out of the way of everything :lovestruc. I've never had a very quick meal there (usually at least 2 hours) but I've never minded, it's usually one of the highlights of the trip.
 
I wonder if I can order something ala cart and if they charge an additional "entertainment fee" if someone in the party doesn't eat but is only there for the atmosphere. Guess I need to go call or research it...

I don't believe you can. You can eat as much or as little of the offerings as you want, but if you're at the table you'll be charged for the full meal.

In fact I would pay even more if they did away with the coconut races, "activities", and loud singing and replaced it with nice instrumental "Hawaiian" music.

If you can, try a late reservation. They stop the activites after 9 PM, maybe 9:30.
 
I first ate at Ohana in August 2006 and the price was $28.99.

The last time I was at WDW, Oct 2009, the price was $32.99

The average rate of inflation from Aug 2006 to Oct 2009 is 6.08%

Based on that fact the price should be $30.76. So in reality, the real increase is only $2.23. Over 3 years, I don't think that is a bad increase at all!

6.08% is the increase of the Consumer Price Index, which includes many different categories of goods and services. If you look at the data specifically for "Food away from home" in the South region, inflation in that timeframe was 12%. $28.99 + 12% = $32.47 -- even closer to the actual price charged in October 2009 ($32.99).
 
That's nothing. We have a local Brazilian Churrascaria here that charges $46.99 per person. There is more variety, and the food is better quality, but dinner for four there is $200!!!

I actually think 'Ohana is a bargain. If you want a nice plated meat entree at any of the signature dining locations, you'll pay at LEAST $28, and that's for chicken! Filets run around $40, and that' just the entree!

Looking at it another way:

-The "average" salad at WDW costs $6
-The "average" dessert at WDW costs $7
-The "average" appetizer runs around $7

6+7+7=20 $32.99-20= $12.99

So, essentially, you are paying $12.99 for: all the meats, the bread, and the veggies. Not bad, considering an "average" CS meal is around $12 with drink...
 
We still love it. We're still gonna do it - but with two adults and one child, with tax and tip it will be close to $100! Ugh!

The answer to your question is right there in your post....the price keeps going up, but you "still love it" and are "still gonna do it". If people were upset about the prices and stopped going, the prices would go down...but as long as people are willing to pay, there's no reason for Disney to drop them.


Lori
 
I actually think the price at O'hana is not bad considering what you are getting, unlimited meat! Meat is expensive.

I wouldn't say they have unlimited meat....We ate there in December and after asking my server many times for more meat, he gave me 3 shrimp and then pushed us into dessert and rushed us out of there. I enjoyed it the 1st time we went in 1999 but after this last visit, feeling rushed and not full, I think it was not worth the price compared to other restaurants we ate at on property which were less or the same amount of money and more filling.
 
The answer to your question is right there in your post....the price keeps going up, but you "still love it" and are "still gonna do it". If people were upset about the prices and stopped going, the prices would go down...but as long as people are willing to pay, there's no reason for Disney to drop them.
I agree. Personally, I'll only do dinner buffets now when I'm on the DDP, or maybe with TIW. Though I usually always have at least one of those, so it's really a moo point. But $33 is just too much for me to pay OOP.
 


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