For those of us that LOVE Lilo and Stitch, we are well aware that’Ohana means family. When you dine at ‘Ohana located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort,you can expect to feel like one of the “family”. In fact you are toldthat you and everyone else in the restaurant are “cousins”.
Like everything Disney, the attention to detail is very evident inthis dining location. It is not just the decorating here but the centralpurpose that surrounds what you are at ‘Ohana to do. This restaurant wasdesigned to bring people together. Everything from the way the food is servedto the activities that go on throughout the meal will allow for families to be broughttogether.
*This is a review of dinner at ‘Ohana.
Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Daily
Location: Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Reservations: Strongly Recommended
Prices: $34.99 Adults, $15.99 Children ages 3-9
Dinner served family style
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Relax and enjoy….
While reservations are a must at ‘Ohana, from the time of check into sitting you can expect to wait about 15-20 minutes on average. This is a hotdinner location; do not expect to do a walk up. While one may think thatwaiting would be an annoyance, think again. There is a ton to do while you are waiting.Feel free to enjoy a Hawaiian beverage, shopping or enjoy the cascadingwaterfalls in the Polynesian lobby area. Fortunately, you are given a buzzerwhen you check in. The buzzer will work throughout the top floor of the lobby,so browse away. :0)
The Ambiance….
The dining area boasts floor to ceiling windows which offer abeautiful view of the Magic Kingdom. In the middle of the restaurant is a hugeoak fire pit which is where you food is prepared for the evening. As you areescorted to your table your host/cousin will take you on a mini tour of therestaurant, with a quick stop at the bar to pick up your pineapple coconutbread…yuuuuummmy! Then a short trip past the fire pit where skewers ofshrimp, steak, chicken, pork and more are being prepared just for you. Yourtable is accented with large comfy chairs, perfect after a full day at theparks. Your server will greet you shortly after you are seated. He/she will beresponsible for getting your drinks and most of your food.
The fun…..
As you dine you will notice that there is entertainment…yay!!’Ohana has an entertainment director that is in charge of facilitating a funnight for you and your family. The fun includes (but not limited to):
- leis
- teaching hula lessons
- Pampering honeymoon and anniversary couples with a slow dance
- leading the restaurant in Hawaiian Happy Birthday
- Coconut races and hula hoop contests for the kids
- Hawaiian Songs on the ukulele
Time to eat…..
I have traveled with many first time visitors to ‘Ohana and theyalways say hands down that ‘Ohana is their favorite place to eat. Not only doyou get a plethora of food choices but the food is good!!! All of the food isPolynesian inspired and includes plates and bowls full of food. Do not worry,if you run out, just ask for more. The meal is served in courses asfollows:
Each course:
- Pineapple Coconut Bread aka Welcome Bread.
- Mixed greens salad with honey lime dressing. This is by far a favorite of my families. My husband does not even eat salad, but he eats this one. The dressing is fabulous!!
- Teriyaki lo mein noodles with vegetables and stir-fried broccoli. This broccoli is just stellar!!
- Honey-coriander chicken wings
- Pork Dumplings with sweet and sour sauce
As you dine on your delectable feast your “cousin”comes around with skewers of grilled meat!! One meat comes to your table at atime. No worries though…it is quick. :0)
- Asian BBQ pork loin
- marinated sirloin steak
- peel and eat shrimp
Photo Courtesy of
Last and certainly not least is the dessert. You must try thedessert!! ‘Ohana bread pudding a la mode with banana foster sauce…this issucculent. Many are too full to enjoy it but pace yourself to allow time toenjoy this….you will not be sorry.
My rating:
I give ‘Ohana a 9 out of 10. While thisrestaurant makes for a wonderful family gathering over a perfect feast, I oftenfeel a bit rushed and unattended to by my “cousin”. A few tipsto remember when planning to dine at ‘Ohana:
- Make a late night reservation around fireworks time…you will be able to watch them as you enjoy your meal.
- Be sure to make a reservation as walk-ups to this location rarely get a table.
- Entertainers change on various nights some are better than others.
* Visit allears.net forthe complete menu.
I would like to thank Jamie at http://www.onlywdworld.com/ for providing me with fantastic photos!!!
See ya real soon!
Kelly
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