Ohana or California Grill?

DisneyMarg

Member
We're visiting the week before Easter, and using the Magic Dining plan. We have all PS booked except one night, and I'm trying to decide what to do that night. We have Ohana reservations the last night - I thought it would be a good way to end. (We've never eaten at any resort - just in the parks). Now I'm wondering if we should use 2 TS meals and switch to California Grill for Wishes instead of Ohana and something else.

Having never done either - what would you guys recommend?

And, suggestions for the free night? Other TS PS's are at 50's Prime Time, Akershus (both family favorites), Ohana, Boma, and Cape May Cafe (for seafood loving son).
 

NTI2002

New Member
I've never eaten at California Grill. but I have been to Ohana's many many times. and it is my favorite restaurant on property. I say go there you will not be dissapointed
 
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ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy
O'hana O'hana O'hana O'hana O'hanaO'hana

I have had some bad experiences with California Grill and consider it to be the most overhyped restaurant on the property...JMHO.

O'hana is just a good all around experience. There are a lot of good resort restaurants, Whispering Canyon at WL, Narcoossee's and Citrico's at GF, many great ones in the Boardwalk area, also Concourse Steak and Chef Mickey's at Contemporary.

Glad you are trying some new things!
 
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DisneyJill

Well-Known Member
DisneyMarg said:
We're visiting the week before Easter, and using the Magic Dining plan. We have all PS booked except one night, and I'm trying to decide what to do that night. We have Ohana reservations the last night - I thought it would be a good way to end. (We've never eaten at any resort - just in the parks). Now I'm wondering if we should use 2 TS meals and switch to California Grill for Wishes instead of Ohana and something else.

Having never done either - what would you guys recommend?

And, suggestions for the free night? Other TS PS's are at 50's Prime Time, Akershus (both family favorites), Ohana, Boma, and Cape May Cafe (for seafood loving son).

If you have kids, I would say Ohana. So family friendly. Have you tried Whispering Canyon Cafe? One of my faves and great for families. :wave:
 
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Laura

22
Premium Member
I'd go with 'Ohana. You can watch Wishes from there as well, and it's a perfect straight on view too. Plus it only uses 1 voucher instead of 2.
 
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OrlandoGuy

New Member
Both are great places that I eat at a lot. As mentioned the CG is considered a more upscale/expensive restaurant that I have always found to be consistently great. Usually my wife and I go to the CG for special occasions. Ohana is as you know from experience a great all you can eat meatfest with a great family atmosphere. It's hard to pass up an Ohana night out but if you have never been to the CG, I think you should give it a try it is a must experience.<O:p</O:p<O:p</O:p<O:p</O:p
 
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darrin933

New Member
At The California Grill You Can Go Outside And Hear The Music With Wishes, But It Is Great To Be On The Beach At The Poly And Watch It, That Is Nice. If You Go Make Sure You Stop By The Tambu Lounge And See Walter The Bartender, He Can Make A Great Drink In A Coconut Shell! And Tell Him Darrin The Asbestos Guy From Cleveland Will Be There April 19th!!! Cant Wait!!!
 
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polynesiangirl

Well-Known Member
It depends on what you want: Ohana is family oriented, more casual, and served family-style. I've yet to hear a bad thing about it, and of course you can see the fireworks from there if you plan accordingly.

However, CG has always been a favorite of mine, yet it *is* more "fancy" and less kid-friendly. The cuisine is a little bit gourmet, too, which some love (i.e. ME! :) ) but can turn a lot of other people off. I do really adore watching the fireworks from there!

Either way you'll have a great meal, it all depends on what you would prefer style-wise. I personally would go for CG, but it's a matter of preference. :)
 
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calidisneygirl

New Member
Well, I have never eaten at Ohana (it is on our agenda for our trip this May), but I can whole heartedly endorse the California Grill. It is A LOT pricier than Ohana, but it is fabulous. My husband and I eat there at least once every year when we visit, and sometimes twice. My daughter is 6 and this will be her first trip to Cali Grill. We usually leave her at the Mouseketeer Clubhouse. Since you can only get to the balcony for fireworks, if you dine in the restaurant, it may be worth it because it is a spectacular view. If you do not have a car, remember to plan time to get to the resort by bus-- it can take awhile. With regards to your other choices we LOVE the Cape May and it allows for some nice walking after dinner at the Boardwalk or into Epcot. Enjoy your trip!
 
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evanssc

Member
ClemsonTigger said:
I have had some bad experiences with California Grill /QUOTE]

Could you expand on what these experiences were? I love Ohana and plan to eat there at least once on our next trip. I had also hoped to try CG for the first time while down there. Would like to know more about what you think of CG.
 
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mhead

Active Member
O'HANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :slurp:

love O'hana -CG was a BIG disappointment! :mad:
 
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Captain Hank

Well-Known Member
I've never been to Ohana, but I was very impressed with California Grill when I went there on my last trip. It had excellent food, very good service, and a great view of the property. We saw the finale of Illuminations from our table, which was towards the back of the restaraunt, then went out on the deck to watch Wishes. I'd definately recommend it for someone looking for a more formal dinner, possibly as a last-night thing (that's what we did). It's not overly family friendly, though.
 
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crazycalf

New Member
Ohana,
CA grill is overrated. If you want an expensive meal that you can see wishes from try Narcoose's, at the Grand Floridian.
I had a much better meal there than the CA Grill.
 
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jesserin

New Member
I love Ohana - and I love California Grill, But with everything you've listed - personally I would stick with Ohana as it only uses one dining feature and they really are both excellant restaurants... :) Enjoy your trip!
 
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wannabeBelle

Well-Known Member
I havent ever been to CG but at using two of your sit down meals points to eat there, are you willing to go out of pocket for one of the other nights?? I am not sure it would be worth it for me. Personally I love O'hanas. The atmosphere, the food, just everything is wonderful!!!! You will have a great time whichever one you choose though!! Belle
 
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ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy
evanssc said:
ClemsonTigger said:
I have had some bad experiences with California Grill /QUOTE]

Could you expand on what these experiences were? I love Ohana and plan to eat there at least once on our next trip. I had also hoped to try CG for the first time while down there. Would like to know more about what you think of CG.


See http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=51928 #10 for my rant
 
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DisneyMarg

Member
Original Poster
THANKS! Folks

Thanks so much for your good comments. We'll stick with Ohana since we are more laid back than gourmet and we've never been to either. We'll save CG for some special occasion when it's hubby and me.

Maybe Whispering Canyon Cafe for our other night....
 
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Buzzforprez

New Member
Go Ohana's. California Grill has strange (only my opinion) food and was quite pricey with small portions. Food was different but really good. Had the pumpkin ravioli. Atmosphere was odd. Maybe just the night we went as it was over crowded but there was no Disney feeling. Ohana's is loaded with atmosphere, decent price and great food. Have the backscratcher if you like 'em strong! :slurp:
 
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