For those of us who LOVE Lilo and Stitch, we know very well that ‘Ohana means family. When you dine at an ‘Ohana’ located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, you can expect to feel like one of the ‘family’. In fact, you and everyone else in the restaurant are told they are “paternal”.
Like all things Disney, the attention to detail is evident in this dining room. Not only this fear but what surrounds the middle of making ‘Ohana. This restaurant wanted to bring people together. Everything from the way the food is served to the activities that take place throughout the party allows families to come together.
*This is a review of dinner at ‘Ohana.
Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Daily
Location: DisneyPolynesian Resort
Exceptions: Strongly recommended
Prices: $34.99 Adults, $15.99 Children ages 3-9
Dinner served family style
Relax and enjoy….
While reservations are a must at ‘Ohana, from check-in time you can expect to wait about 15-20 minutes to be seated on average. This dinner is a hot place; don’t expect to walk up. While you may think that waiting will be a hassle, think again. There is a ton to do while you wait. Feel free to enjoy Hawaiian drinks, shopping or enjoy the waterfall slide in the Polynesian lobby area. Fortunately, the buzzer is when you ask in. The bomber will make it through the top floor of the lobby, so run through it. :0)
Atmosphere…
The dining area boasts floor to ceiling windows that offer a beautiful view of the Magic Kingdom. In the center of the restaurant is a large oak fire pit, which is where food is prepared for the evening. . Once you’re escorted to your table, your host/cousin will take you on a mini-restaurant tour with a quick stop for your pineapple coconut bread…take off yuuuuummmy! Then a short walk past the fire pit where skewers of shrimp, steak, chicken, pork and more are prepared just for you. Your table is accented with large chairs, perfect after a full day in the park. Your servant will greet you shortly after you are seated. He will be responsible for getting your drinks and most of your food.
joke…..
As you eat, you will notice that the entertainment is… yay!! Ohana has a hospitality director who takes care of arranging a fun night for you and your family. Fun includes (but is not limited to):
‘¢laws
“Teaching hula lessons”
“Pampering wedding and anniversary couples with a slow dance”
restaurant in Hawaiian happy birthday
Coconut races and competitions for kids hula
“Hawaiian Songs on the Ukulele”
Time to eat…..
I’ve traveled with many first time visitors to ‘Ohana and they always say that it’s their favorite ‘Ohana to visit to eat Not only do you get fullchoices of food but it’s good!!! All food is Polynesian inspired and includes bowls and bowls full of food. Don’t worry, if you run, ask for more. Dinner is served by turns in this way;
Each course;
‘¢Pineapple Coconut Bread aka Welcome Bread.
salad greens with honey-lime dressing. This is by far my family’s favorite. Neither my husband will eat the salad, but he eats this. Cultivar is fabulous!
¢Teriyaki lo mein noodles stir-fried with vegetables and cauliflower. This cauliflower is stellar!!
honey-coriander chicken wings
Pork Dumplings with Sweet and Sour Sauce
To make dinner in your delicious party, your “cousin” around skewers grilled meat!! One piece of food comes to your table at a time. Not to worry though…it’s quick. :0)
Asian BBQ pork loin
Marinated sirloin steak
I eat shrimp and peel them
The last and certainly not the least table. You must try it on the table!! Ohana bread bottle a la mode with banana foster sauce… this is succulent. Many are too full to enjoy it, but make yourself to enjoy this time….you won’t regret it.
My rating:
I give Dono ‘Ohana a 9 out of 10. While this restaurant brings the family together for the perfect feast, I often feel a little rushed and without my “cousin” name. Some tips to remember when to “Ohana dining”:
¢ Make a late night reservation around the fireworks time… you will be able to watch them while enjoying your meal.
‘See that the proceedings at this place rarely get a table reservation.
¢ Some people change better than others on different nights of the party.
* Visit allears.net for the complete menu.
See the real ya soon!
Kelly
