'Ohana?

JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Before you start thinking, "Is he kidding? Why is he even asking?", hear me out.

I just snagged an ADR for 'Ohana in April as soon as I saw it. I hear it is a must-do, especially for families with young children. Except in my case, I'm traveling with my 73 year old parents.

What do you think? Still do or too distracting because of the kids, considering my parents' age?
 
disney4life2008

disney4life2008

Well-Known Member
99% of the people will dare anyone to speak against Ohana. With that said, Ohana is a wonderful dining experience that I say should be experienced at least once. Do not get thrown off by the kids interaction - they have some hula dancing but it is not the entire make up of the dining experience. I usually tune out the kids when I dine there. There is a woman performer and she is the entertainment - singing and walks around. She sometimes hands out leis but I did not receive any on my bday. In the past everyone got a lei but now I think jus the kids get them.
 
HouCuseChickie

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
I'm assuming you mean 'Ohana dinner? vs. the character breakfast?

As for dinner, we've done it a few times and I think it's fine for people of all ages. We've always had a man handling the "entertainment," but I think there are several "cousins" who can fill this role. We took my parents for the first time back in Sept (they are in their 60s) and they loved it. My mom and I got up for the birthday recognition portion and ultimately everyone enjoyed the endless parade of food. And while they do have some kid activities (coconut races are very popular), it doesn't dominate the meal. One of the times we dined there, we ate in the area off to the side and you could barely tell anything game-like was even going on. Enjoy! :)
 
JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
HouCuseChickie said:
I'm assuming you mean 'Ohana dinner? vs. the character breakfast?

As for dinner, we've done it a few times and I think it's fine for people of all ages. We've always had a man handling the "entertainment," but I think there are several "cousins" who can fill this role. We took my parents for the first time back in Sept (they are in their 60s) and they loved it. My mom and I got up for the birthday recognition portion and ultimately everyone enjoyed the endless parade of food. And while they do have some kid activities (coconut races are very popular), it doesn't dominate the meal. One of the times we dined there, we ate in the area off to the side and you could barely tell anything game-like was even going on. Enjoy! :)
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Yep! Dinner. Thanks!
 
bethymouse

bethymouse

Well-Known Member
Tell the CM it's your birthday and be surprised.;)
'Ohana food is delicious. It can be loud, and overwhelming ( so much food) for our elderly loved ones. But, still a must do!:cat:
 
JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
bethymouse said:
Tell the CM it's your birthday and be surprised.;)
'Ohana food is delicious. It can be loud, and overwhelming ( so much food) for our elderly loved ones. But, still a must do!:cat:
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Cool. We're going around my birthday too. I think I'll milk every ADR for all it's worth whether a day before, during, or a day after. This ADR will be a day after. (We're going to CG the day before, and LeCellier on my birthday.)
 
disneyfan1995

disneyfan1995

Well-Known Member
While they do have activities for kids, it is also equally as adult friendly as it is for kids! Definitely keep the reservation as it will be 100% worth it!!
 
Millerworld

Millerworld

Well-Known Member
We thought Ohana was alright. There is so much hype around it though, it can be hard to live up to some people's expectations. It has decent food and is a fun experience. I prefer the Kona Cafe when dining at the Poly. We ate there for the first time last trip and it was awesome. It really depends on what a person likes, so check out the menus and enjoy!
 
DisneyJunkie

DisneyJunkie

Well-Known Member
JohnD said:
Before you start thinking, "Is he kidding? Why is he even asking?", hear me out. I just snagged an ADR for 'Ohana in April as soon as I saw it. I hear it is a must-do, especially for families with young children. Except in my case, I'm traveling with my 73 year old parents.What do you think? Still do or too distracting because of the kids, considering my parents' age?
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For me, I could eat at 'Ohana on every vacation. The food is usually delicious and fresh (provided your dinner isn't after 8 pm, as one time we ate then and it wasn't up to standard), and if you have children in your party there is plenty there to keep them entertained and happy. There's a great view across Seven Seas Lagoon to Cinderella Castle, and overall there's a great atmosphere there. My one wish, however, would be that they dump the nasty bread pudding for dessert and go back to the pineapple and caramel sauce.
 
Mukta

Mukta

Well-Known Member
I went with adults only in September of this year. I didn't find it especially loud or distracting. I think you and your parents will be fine.

I had low expectations of food quality and I was pleasantly surprised. I usually have lots of pictures of my food, but this was the one place I didn't capture too many pictures because I was shoveling food into my mouth with my hands. Well, the chicken wings and shrimp can make your hands messy! :)
 
Phonedave

Phonedave

Well-Known Member
The parade goes around the center, so ask if they can seat you near the windows if you want to be a bit removed from the kids stuff.


I guess I am a 1% -er (go me) as I will speak against 'Ohana. It used to be good (not great, just good) but last time we were there my kids said to me "Dad, we don't need to come here anymore.". That was maybe 4 years ago. Maybe it's back, I don't know.

-dave
 
Ariel484

Ariel484

Well-Known Member
My husband and I consider it one of our top 3 of "regular" (non-Signature) table service meals. It's a fun atmosphere (but not insanely crazy) and the food is great. Just remember that the meal is a marathon, not a sprint...as in, don't stuff yourself on the first few courses alone. ;)
 
JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Phonedave said:
The parade goes around the center, so ask if they can seat you near the windows if you want to be a bit removed from the kids stuff.


I guess I am a 1% -er (go me) as I will speak against 'Ohana. It used to be good (not great, just good) but last time we were there my kids said to me "Dad, we don't need to come here anymore.". That was maybe 4 years ago. Maybe it's back, I don't know.

-dave
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Good advice about picking tables near the windows. I understand what some are saying about food quality and food at Kona may be better. But I also picked Ohana because of atmosphere. Now, whether my 73 year old parents think it's too much, that's another question. It's a one-of-a-kind experience, which is why I picked it. Besides, I think they would enjoy returning to the Poly (we're also going to the Contemporary 2 nights earlier).
 
luv

luv

Well-Known Member
I am forty years younger than your parents and would prefer Kona to 'Ohana. You know your parents best, though. :)

Eta: thirty years younger. Losing the ability to do basic subtraction in my old age, lol.
 
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JohnD

JohnD

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
luv said:
I am forty years younger than your parents and would prefer Kona to 'Ohana. You know your parents best, though. :)
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Loved Kona's breakfast. Haven't had their dinner. Regardless, never been to 'Ohana. Therefore, I made the ADR. Dinner only -- no character breakfast! I'll talk to them and ask if they are okay with it. We can change as long as 1 day or more out.
 

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