OHANA vs LUAU

[CtDisneyGuy33]

Seeing this site is so insightful, I figured I'd put this out there: We are headed down in October to WDW and we'd like to hit either Ohana or the Luau at the Poly. We've never done either but I've read reviews on both and although I was leaning towards the Luau, the reviews of Ohana are far better it seems. I realize the Luau is probably more of a show but we'd also like to have a great evening of food and drinks.

Thoughts on the two? One over another?

 

[meyeet]

We've never done the Luau but after doing Ohana for dinner last trip, it will be on our list every trip now. Food was great, entertainment for kids was fun, and we got to watch Wishes while we ate. I don't think you can go wrong with Ohana for dinner.

 

[nepalostparks]

If the food is as or more important than the entertainment, then Ohana is the better choice in my opinion.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

'Ohana is somewhere that we go nearly every trip. It's definitely a family favorite. The food is top notch, and the environment is fun. There is a Hawaiian woman who sings some songs, and does some activities throughout dinner. Although on our last trip she wasn't out very much, I'm not sure if they've cut back on her or if she wasn't feeling well?

I've never done the luau, but I've heard it going on from the beach many times. It sounds like a lot of fun as well, especially if you're looking for a full show during dinner.

 

[Pooh Lover]

I think you will get the most bang for your buck at Ohana. You may use the Disney Dining Plan at the Luau but 2 table service credits will be deducted for categories 2 and 3. If you are not on the DDP, there is quite a price difference between Ohana and the Luau and I have seen better food reviews for Ohana.

 

[jakeman]

Neither. Go to Kona.

 

[CtDisneyGuy33]

Wow, consensus is Ohana. As I am unfamiliar with it, can you see any of the firework shows from there?

Jake- I will have to look into that. I haven't really checked out Kona but I will. Thanks

 

[disney4life2008]

I have done both. The Luau is boring to me. The food is not good and if it rains you will be rained out. I am not big on eating outside. Without a shadow of doubt Ohana is where it is!!! I am planning a day trip later in the summer to Ohana/MK just to eat, lol. The food is absolutely amazing. The entertainment is fun (though cheesy) and the views of the castle and if you can get fireworks - OMG!

 

[ShookieJones]

I did the Lua many many years ago. I remember two things:

1. A guy in grass skirt risking his life whipping around a pole with flaming knives on the end.
2. My wife sound a sleep (in one of the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat in), snoring while said guy risked his life.

What I don't remember is the food. I love food. that should tell you something right there.

Ohana? Well I'll never forget the first time I tasted those vittles 8 some odd years ago!
Since then a dinner at Ohana has become a top 2-3 MUST DO for every trip to WDW!

That's my 2 cents.

 

[CtDisneyGuy33]

I did the Lua many many years ago. I remember two things:

1. A guy in grass skirt risking his life whipping around a pole with flaming knives on the end.
2. My wife sound a sleep (in one of the most uncomfortable chairs I've ever sat in), snoring while said guy risked his life.

What I don't remember is the food. I love food. that should tell you something right there.

Ohana? Well I'll never forget the first time I tasted those vittles 8 some odd years ago!
Since then a dinner at Ohana has become a top 2-3 MUST DO for every trip to WDW!

That's my 2 cents.

If your wife fell asleep during this and the food is unforgettable, I think its clearly off the list. Wow, if Ohana is a Must Do for every trip, then we will add it to ours in October. Thanks

 

[RedDad]

Ohana is also a must do for us. We've never done the luau, mainly because it gets poor reviews, and we've already been to a "real" luau. If you want a dinner show I'd recommend Hoop de Do. As for the fireworks, the best thing to do IMO is eat at Ohana, then head out to the Poly beach to watch Wishes. Its a great view!

 

[bethymouse]

'Ohana has the best pot stickers and sticky wings on property IMHO. The shrimp is endless and delicious w/ the dipping sauces!
Spirit of Aloha Show is nice. The food is BBQ, and the salad/bread is similar if not the same as 'Ohana. They bring out the dessert like a "volcano". There is all you care to drink wine and beer- that's a plus! The 1st part of the show is supposed to be funny, but it's kinda stupid if you ask me. But, the 2nd 1/2 has traditional Polynesian style dancing and is quite entertaining. If I had to choose, I'd choose 'Ohana since it's only a 1 credit TS meal.

 

[nepalostparks]

As for the fireworks, the best thing to do IMO is eat at Ohana, then head out to the Poly beach to watch Wishes. Its a great view!

I strongly second this, the Poly beach is a great place to see the fireworks. They also play the soundtrack from speakers near the beach, so you can hear it (albeit softly) as you watch the fireworks.

 

[zurgandfriend]

I have done both. The Luau is boring to me. The food is not good and if it rains you will be rained out. I am not big on eating outside. Without a shadow of doubt Ohana is where it is!!! I am planning a day trip later in the summer to Ohana/MK just to eat, lol. The food is absolutely amazing. The entertainment is fun (though cheesy) and the views of the castle and if you can get fireworks - OMG!

I have to agree the food is better at Ohana. Yes the luau is boring and long and we got rained out. My DS and I were bored but my DW was watching so we stayed, my DS kept saying "Dad do a rain dance or something," I'm half Native American. When it started to pore my DW looked At me and I just smiled. Got to keep her guessing.

 

[Worldlover71]

The food at the Luau last February was very dissapointing and bland. While the traditional dances were exceptional, I just can't say that it's worth the price (or 2 dining credits if you're on the meal plan.) Also, since we used the dining plan, we were seated all the way to the side which gave us a very poor view. We managed to enjoy ourselves but I would not do it again and cannot recommend it to others.

 

[JCtheparrothead]

Ohana hands down. That is all my 4 year old talks about because he is going for his birthday in September. Maybe i should just skip the parks and hang out there for the day.

 

[s&k'smom]

We went to the Luau November 2011, my family really enjoyed it, me I'm glad I went but could wait 10 years to go again. I will say the service was AMAZING they went out of there way for a request for my son. But for bang for your buck I would go with Ohana.

 

[disneyfan1995]

I've done both and I'd definitely recommend Ohana over the Spirit of Aloha (Luau). You can see Wishes from Ohana and I believe they play the music. At Spirit of Aloha (if you have the 8:15 showing) you can see it as you check in and wait to be seated, but they do not play any of the music to go along with the fireworks.

I had a bad experience with Spirit of Aloha so that's why I'd say Ohana is better. With Spirit of Aloha, we purchased Tier 1 seats and were seated all the way in the back of the Tier 1 section with a post obstructing half of the stage (which was really upsetting and irritating). The show felt like it dragged on for forever. They started it with some cheesy story and then about an hour or so later the actual luau started (which wasn't that great either to be honest). The food was just "meh" considering the selection was somewhat small. Overall, it isn't worth it for the price that they are charging.

With Ohana, the food is great as is the atmosphere. The food consists of a noodle appetizer, pot stickers (which were fantastic), a vegetable dish, and pineapple bread. The entree portion of the meal has chicken, pork, steak, and shrimp. Overall I think it's worth the price as opposed to Spirit of Aloha. I've returned to Ohana at least 4 times and it's always been perfect.

 

[disneygirl76]

Seeing this site is so insightful, I figured I'd put this out there: We are headed down in October to WDW and we'd like to hit either Ohana or the Luau at the Poly. We've never done either but I've read reviews on both and although I was leaning towards the Luau, the reviews of Ohana are far better it seems. I realize the Luau is probably more of a show but we'd also like to have a great evening of food and drinks.

Thoughts on the two? One over another?

I would choose Ohana. My DH and I were traveling to WDW last September and were considering Poly so looked into the Luau. And almost 90% of the people who responded to the thread said the Luau is just not worth it. I have been to Ohana for breakfast and dinner - dinner was a much better experience then breakfast. The pineapple bread - amazing!

 

[disney4life2008]

Ohana it is, lol. Can I come with you guys????