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 told
that you and everyone else in the restaurant are "cousins".
Like everything Disney, the attention to detail is very evident in
this dining location. It is not just the decorating here but the central
purpose that surrounds what you are at 'Ohana to do. This restaurant was
designed to bring people together. Everything from the way the food is served
to the activities that go on throughout the meal will allow for families to be brought
together.
*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
While reservations are a must at 'Ohana, from the time of check in
to sitting you can expect to wait about 15-20 minutes on average. This is a hot
dinner location; do not expect to do a walk up. While one may think that
waiting 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 cascading
waterfalls in the Polynesian lobby area. Fortunately, you are given a buzzer
when 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 a
beautiful view of the Magic Kingdom. In the middle of the restaurant is a huge
oak fire pit which is where you food is prepared for the evening. As you are
escorted to your table your host/cousin will take you on a mini tour of the
restaurant, with a quick stop at the bar to pick up your pineapple coconut
bread...yuuuuummmy! Then a short trip past the fire pit where skewers of
shrimp, steak, chicken, pork and more are being prepared just for you. Your
table is accented with large comfy chairs, perfect after a full day at the
parks. Your server will greet you shortly after you are seated. He/she will be
responsible 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 fun
night 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 they
always say hands down that 'Ohana is their favorite place to eat. Not only do
you get a plethora of food choices but the food is good!!! All of the food is
Polynesian 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 as
follows:
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 a
time. 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 the
dessert!! 'Ohana bread pudding a la mode with banana foster sauce...this is
succulent. Many are too full to enjoy it but pace yourself to allow time to
enjoy this....you will not be sorry.
My rating:
I give 'Ohana a 9 out of 10. While this
restaurant makes for a wonderful family gathering over a perfect feast, I often
feel a bit rushed and unattended to by my "cousin". A few tips
to 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 for
the 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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