“ALOHA,” my friends!
Actually, scratch that… I’d like to say “Aloha” to our family of DFB readers.
Why? Because today we’re talking about all things ‘Ohana! And if you’ve dined at this beloved Disney World restaurant– or if you’ve ever seen the movie Lilo & Stitch — you are likely familiar with this phase: “Ohana means FAMILY.”
That said, when we’re talking specifically about ‘Ohana, the popular all-you-care-to-enjoy Table Service restaurant in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, ‘Ohana often means even more to a lot of people… like our readers! They’ve been kind enough to share their stories of ‘Ohana with us through a conversation on Facebook, including their great and not-so-great experiences.
And we, in turn, are sharing their thoughts and stories with you here, so you can know what to expect and perhaps how to prepare for your first — or next! — visit to ‘Ohana.
Welcome to ‘Ohana
So pull up a chair, relax, and get ready to dig into the feast of information about what ‘Ohana, the restaurant, really means… .
‘Ohana Means Food… And LOTS of It!
‘Ohana serves an all-you-care-to-enjoy feast for both breakfast and dinner.
‘Ohana Breakfast Spread
In the mornings, your breakfast will start with Freshly Made Pineapple-Coconut Bread and fruit. And we’ll gladly tell you that the bread is a pretty fantastic way to start the day.
Pineapple-Coconut Breakfast Bread
But don’t just take our word for it. One of our readers says, “that breakfast sweet bread is life changing 😂 I can’t wait to go back.”
Seasonal fruit at ‘Ohana Breakfast
Next is the Breakfast Skillet packed with scrambled eggs, pork (Hawaiian-style ham with pineapple glaze and sausage links), Island-style fried potatoes, and warm biscuits.
Breakfast Skillet at ‘Ohana
And who could forget the Mickey AND Stitch Waffles?!
Mickey and Stitch Waffles with Syrup
And to wash it all down? The famous POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava) Juice!!
POG JUICE!!
The current cost for breakfast is $49.00 per adult and $30.00 per child ages 3-9.
Click HERE for our most recent review of BREAKFAST at ‘Ohana!
Dinner at ‘Ohana starts with ‘Ohana Coconut-Papaya Scones served with a sweet-and-salty honey butter (as opposed to the previous Signature ‘Ohana Bread. A bit of a “womp womp” — since change can be tough to take at ‘Ohana — but the scones really aren’t bad at all).
Scones
Next, guests receive a refreshing Mixed Greens Salad with a Citrus Vinaigrette dressing.
‘Ohana salad
Then it’s time for Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings, Pork Dumplings tossed in a garlic-chili sauce, and Roasted Broccolini.
Wings, Noodles, Dumplings, and Broccolini
Yes. WINGS. Behold…
WAAAAAANGS
This is all served with something that doesn’t sound like a particularly big deal, but is actually A REALLY HUGE GIGANTIC TOTALLY BIG DEAL: ‘Ohana Noodles!
Nooooodles
Now, the signature churrascaria-style service at ‘Ohana — whereby servers visit tables with skewers holding the meats and serving whichever you like — is suspended due to current health and safety measures. So the Main Course is served in a Skillet (or Skillets, rather) for the time being.
Peel-and-eat shrimp
But you won’t be missing any of the meal components, as the ‘Ohana Dinner Skillet is comprised of the same savory meats that used to pack those skewers: Wood-fire Grilled Teriyaki Beef, Spicy Peel-n-Eat Shrimp, and Grilled Chicken with Polynesian-inspired Chimichurri Sauce.
Grilled Chicken with Chimichurri sauce
And if you want seconds or thirds? Just ask your “cousin” (that’s what the servers are known as here at ‘Ohana)!
Wood-Fired Grilled Teriyaki Beef
But you haven’t really been to ‘Ohana until you’ve had DESSERT: ‘Ohana Bread Pudding served a la mode with a homemade caramel sauce.
‘Ohana Bread Pudding
(The mere mention sparked your craving, didn’t it? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.)
The current price for dinner is $62.00 per adult, and $40.00 per child. P.S. Plant-based and allergy-friendly options are also available for both meals — just tell your server.
Click HERE for our full review of DINNER at ‘Ohana!
Given all this, we can most definitely relate to a few of our readers who shared that their struggle at ‘Ohana is “Eating too much, and then eating some more when the bread pudding comes out. I didn’t even know I liked bread pudding! Then not learning from my mistake and repeating every visit.”
YES
Friend, WE HEAR YOU. And so does this reader who shares that “Eating way too much food is the only fail 😶 but both breakfast and dinner has been amazing for us everytime!”
I think the takeaway here is that maaaaaybe you’ll want to hold on that request for thirds of the shrimp or meats because you know that some ‘Ohana Bread Pudding is still on the way. Or maybe the takeaway is simply PACK THOSE STRETCHY PANTS. You’re meant to indulge and enjoy here, and we hope you love every minute of it!
‘Ohana Means “Character Breakfast”
The pals at the ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast are Lilo and Stitch, who are typically joined by Mickey (in his totally rad Hawaiian shirt!) and Pluto!
Mahalo, Lilo!
And it really is one of our very favorite Character Meal experiences. And — with rarely-seen characters like Lilo — it tops the list of many of our readers, too!
Experiment 626 at ‘Ohana during Breakfast
Click here to learn more about Character Dining at Disney World!
‘Ohana Can Mean Inconsistency
What was the most common topic regarding ‘Ohana among our readers? We’ll let them do the talking… .
Shrimp Casserole at ‘Ohana when it initially reopened got a fairly resounding “Nope” from many guests
“Went for breakfast… Was not impressed. Went for dinner the next day. Much better.”
“It was just very disappointing that our last experience didn’t hold up to our previous nights there.”
Pork Dumplings Tossed In Garlic-Chili Sauce
“Love ‘Ohana! However, the last time we visited our steak was well-done, which was a bummer!”
Wood-Fired Grilled Teriyaki Beef
After a not-great first visit, one reader shared: “Amazingly though when I planned the next trip, that’s the one meal the kids wanted to repeat. The second experience was much better.” And another after a similar first go: “Next trip around, it was our favorite. 🙂”
The shrimp has returned to its deliciously messy glory!
Yep. We’ve been there ourselves.
“Okay, ‘Ohana… which way’s it gonna go this time?”
If you’ve been a friend of DFB for any length of time, you’ve probably heard us say something like this more than a few times: “The most consistent thing about Disney World restaurants is that they’re inconsistent.” In fact, we made a DFB YouTube Video exploring that very topic, because this can apply not only to ‘Ohana, but just about any restaurant in Disney World.
We share possible reasons surrounding the issue, and also some things that we think might help you have the BEST experiences possible no matter where you dine. Check it out:
At ‘Ohana, Timing Can Mean EVERYTHING
Your visit to ‘Ohana may be completely affected by WHEN you dine. For instance, did you know that ‘Ohana can be a pretty great spot for Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing?
‘Ohana Windows
Huge windows facing Cinderella Castle are the major reason behind that, obviously. But they also pipe in the music when Disney Enchantment is showing! It’s a wonderful bonus to dining later in the evening.
Disney Enchantment… Not seen from ‘Ohana in this photo 😉
Of course, the flip side of this can also be true. Reservations can be hard to come by for such a popular spot, leading us to grab whatever we can get in regards to available times.
As an example: “The only thing we did wrong one year is that we got the reservation on the last day, later at night.. we were so tired and just full from the whole week .. we just didn’t enjoy it very much. Not the restaurant fault just bad timing.”
‘Ohana Reopening
Just something to keep in mind when scoping out what’s available for Advance Dining Reservations for your trip.
And, of course, dinner and the Character Breakfast are two different experiences entirely. One reader shared that they booked ‘Ohana “Thinking dinner was also a character meal. My 4 year old was not impressed.”
“What am I, Chopped Liver?!?”
Ouch! But that’s definitely an understandable assumption. So this is a friendly reminder that not all locations which offer Character Meals offer them for every meal. You can check out your options for Character Meals by mealtime here.
Click HERE to find your Character Meal options sorted by time of day!
‘Ohana Means FUN!
Meals at ‘Ohana are served with a side of FUN! And that’s not limited to the Disney Characters at breakfast. Sometimes, kids can burn off some energy during games like Coconut Races around the giant dining room during dinner.
Coconut Races
And our favorite strolling ukulele player provides live music during the evening meal. These touches make the meal even more memorable.
The Sounds of ‘Ohana
One reader said it quite well: “Uncle playing ukulele made it seem like home!”
“I Don’t Know What ‘Ohana Means Because I Can Never Get In.”
If you’ve ever tried to score a reservation at ‘Ohana, this next common reader experience will probably not come as a surprise to you… .
So close… but yet, so far
“Struggles? Getting a reservation! We’re going to be Disney resort guests in a month, and I tried for reservations 60 days out during the week, after failing to find one weekend reservation, and we still are empty handed.”
“Hi, it sure would be swell to dine at ‘Ohana! My name is spelled M-I-C-K… Yes, I’ll hold.”
“The only fail we’ve ever had is the failure to get a reservation.”
‘Ohana is most definitely on the list of hard-to-get Advance Dining Reservations, right up there with spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips to share if you just can’t seem to land anything on that ever-important 60 days out booking window (which we still suggest as your best bet, but surprises DO pop up)!
Click HERE to find LOTS of tips for getting those hard-to-snag rezzies!
P.S. You can always drown your sorrows at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto downstairs or with a Lapu Lapu at Tambu Lounge right next door if things don’t work out. There could be worse things. 😉
Lapu Lapu? Yes, Please, and Thank You!
PLUS, Tambu Lounge serves up a number of foods from ‘Ohana at the bar — including that. bread pudding — just ask your server.
And, YES…’Ohana Means Family
For many Disney World guests, ‘Ohana has become something of a home away from home.
Welcome to ‘Ohana! We hope you wore your stretchy pants…
“Once you’ve snagged [a reservation] and you’re there, it’s like coming home to a family that really knows how to cook and likes to see you eat!”
“I was finally able to make a reservation. It was worth the wait, food was delicious and the staff was very friendly.”
“No fails yet! We have been once for dinner… and once for breakfast recently. Both amazing experiences food & service were great.”
“We usually do dinner, tried breakfast not long ago and loved it. We actually have some of the most best memories there 💕 Cannot wait [to go] back!”
We can’t wait to go back, either! How about you? Remember, if you have something you’d like to share, we are always chatting on Facebook, sharing videos on Twitter and TikTok, and taking your votes on important snacking topics on Instagram. We’d love it if you join our Ohana and chime in anytime!
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I was shocked I got in, was super excited, even if peel-and-eat shrimp always means shrimp with no flavor (it’s all on the shells you take off) and was just so stoked no matter the changes. But like…really consider your timing. =/ We must have been last to sit for the night, so we were forgotten, ignored, rushed, and then stranded.
Just…if the only sitting left when you go to book is at the end of the night, save yourself the time and money and skip. Oh, and no boxes for the dessert they barely wanted to bring out?
While my waiter seemed completely disinterested in our table, another CM that might have been more of a busser? He gave me one of the coolest compliments ever after we chatted a little, so it’s not like I’m soured, just…yeah. (He thought maybe I was a CM, too, bc my vibe and knowledge and friendliness and I was like =O first trip, no!) I love the Poly and wish I could even afford to stay there. One of the CMs in Boutiki happens to be from my area and was like “oh, so nice to hear your accent!” Apparently one other one and nothing like our city.
I know I’m trying the food for the first time during a less-than-classic offering, but it was all good, just wish I’d gotten a chance to actually enjoy it. I’d go again if I can ever afford to!
I was just at Polynesian 10/21-28 and there’s still no in-room dining. Aka no Twilight Feast. Unless it’s changed in 3 days.
Something wrong with my comment?
Not at all, DJ Moves. I just hadn’t gotten to it yet!
We ate here on 10/30 around 4pm and were not impressed. The meats were overcooked, and they rushed us through the entire meal. Felt like they cared more about turning over tables to next customers than they did about anything else. For how expensive that was, the experience was the least favorite of our trip.
Also, wasn’t clear to us if we could get any of it to-go, as we ate so little of it and were staying at the Poly, so we had a fridge & microwave in our room. They gave us some to-go boxes but told us they had nothing to carry it in (no bags) and directed us to walk with our hands full of leftovers over to the gift shop and get a bag there. Rather awkward ending.
This is one of our family’s must-have reservations every time we go to Disney World. We have had great food and service every single time, and there have been many meals eaten here! I do recommend pacing yourself throughout the day to leave room for all of the food. One of our best experiences at ‘Ohana was our first time. We were seated for our late dinner reservation right in the middle of the large window. Imagine our surprise when the lights dimmed and the Magic Kingdom fireworks show was right outside our table! It was so magical!
Must be nice to get reservations at Ohana’s. We’ve only eaten there once as we can never get reservations there and Poly is our DVC home.
I have had many great meals at O’hana…. It was on our list on every visit and I used to recommend going there with great enthusiasm. But no so much in the past 3-4 years. Pricey. Menu changes, slow service and the inability to get a reservation have taken the shine off the apple for our family. When will the Spirit of Aloha dinner show return…?
The restaurants I usually go to are very consistent. The Brown Derby at DHS and Via Napoli at Epcot have been very consistent over the years.
Before Covid, my husband and I went for breakfast, what we got was good but waiting 45 minutes for more eggs is unreasonable. We rather go to Kona cafe where you get fantastic service.
My best friend and I were there in mid-September. This was one of a select few reservations I was so excited to get because I remembered having a GREAT experience there years earlier. I was sorely disappointed. After the hosts and hostesses were phenomenal, every other person with whom we interacted seemed rushed and thoroughly annoyed that were were there…at 7:30. Best part of the meal? Sitting by the window enjoying the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Oh, and the noodles were good. The rest of the food was mediocre at best. Nothing to write home about, which was really disappointing. I was more disappointed in the service than anything. After being treated to five-star service at Le Cellier, Be Our Guest, Liberty Tree Tavern and even the Jungle Skipper Canteen, I had high expectations for ‘Ohana. Nope nope nope. Could have had service like that (or better) back home in Dallas. Sadly, ‘Ohana will not be on the list for my Christmas trip or our trips in 2022.
We ate there in September, and it did not live up to our previous visits. All the entrees were overcooked, and the wait staff doesn’t wait until you are ready for the next course, they just foist it upon you. The apps and dessert are the only consistently great part of the meal, and you can get them all at Timbu Lounge! Next time we’ll save some money and just do that.
That’s my son at the front desk as the host! Thank you for the picture as I live in Missouri !!! We were just there last week at breakfast for my birthday and we all had great food and relaxing atmosphere!!
We ate here the 3rd week in September and as some have already stated, we were not impressed. The peel and eat shrimp was so overcooked that I couldn’t take the shells off, meats served were barely warm… however, the highlights were the bread pudding, wings and pot stickers. We also did not get any dipping sauces which were normally provided. We are hoping for (if ever) the normal “skewer” table service.
I would have to agree with the comments regarding poor service quality. That translates to poor management.(I was a general manager of a premier restaurant in southwest Florida) Management drives the staff. Our food was excellent. Very nice job chefs! We were there in September and very pleased with our visit. We waited roughly 10 minutes for a table. Helps to be known. My honest opinion is management needs to have a staff meeting and employee evaluations. Or get rid of management.
We love ‘Ohana for dinner but our breakfast there was underwhelming. The potatoes were burnt, they don’t give you anything to eat with the biscuits….no gravy or anything and I don’t remember jam or anything either, but I could be wrong. I asked about gravy and the CM said “We get that request a lot! But no, we don’t have it.” If you get that request a lot, LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR GUESTS WANT!
Our dinners there have all been great, though the first time we went, it took FOREVER before our server brought us anything or even took our drink order. I think we were sitting there for 15 minutes or so before he made it to our table, and apologized profusely. He turned out to be a great server, so who knows what the trouble was.
On our last trip, we reserved for a time around 30-45 minutes before the fireworks and requested a fireworks view table and said we were willing to wait for one to open. The CM informed me that 4 of their fireworks view tables were broken (really??) so they could not seat us at one. While we waited for our table to be ready, I heard another guest who had just arrived complaining about how unfair it was that they wouldn’t give her a fireworks view table considering they were there in plenty of time, and they’d better not give those tables to anyone else since they wouldn’t give one to her and she asked first. I didn’t bother to tell her that I had actually gotten there before her, as they obviously told her the same thing they told me, so I thought maybe they really did have some issues with those tables. Then I noticed people who came AFTER us were seated at those tables no problem. But, the food was good, the server was great and I was the only one seated with my back to the window, so the rest of the family could actually see the fireworks even though we weren’t right at the window, so I can’t really complain. It would have been nice to have a better view, but not everyone can get those tables, and really we went there for the food, not the fireworks viewing. It’s one of our favorite restaurants and it’s a must do for us every trip.
This has been on my to do list for years and we finally got to it on 1/19. We were lucky to snag an early diner reservation and it was on of the best Disney experience we have ever had. The food was amazing from beginning to end. I highly recommend and will be doing this again for sure.
After several years of visits and finally getting in for dinner, what a COLOSSAL disappointment. The service was rushed, most of the food was overcooked, and the server(s) didn’t ask once how things were. There was just a brief explanation at the beginning about what was going to happen, a prompt to remember to save room for the “main course” (dessert) and the food delivery began. While things started OK (and by OK I do mean so-so), the noodles were cooked to a VERY soft texture (mushy), the shrimp was overdone so badly that the meat stuck to the shells on one side, the chicken was essentially burnt, and the beef was bland and so chewy it was inedible. The meal was saved by a charming Ukulele player and some extraordinary bread pudding. When the server came tableside at the end to give us our bill, he asked “how was the main course?” and when I began to explain about the beef that none of us could eat, he smiled and interrupted and said “I was asking about the dessert, sir.” Yeah…. the dessert was great. $200 for bread pudding and a distant view of the fireworks. We discourage anyone from dining there and won’t be back unless someone else takes over management. Try Yak & Yeti, Via Napoli, Garden Grille, or Rose & Crown instead.
Ohana used to be our family’s favorite restaurant for dinner — the one that was reserved for dinner before we even bought park tickets! Since COVID, it is not as good as it used to be. The servers are uninterested and apologetic about the food. And the problem is not just in the way the food is presented, but the options that are offered. On our last visit, we were told that the bread type had changed 3 times in the last 10 days. The peanut sauce is not currently being made in house (also told by our served). The food in the skillets is not as hot or fresh as it should be (regardless of the skewer situation). And my husband, who is a pescatarian, paid $55 for some noodles and vegetables (he used to get delicious grilled salmon). Things just are not right at Ohana right now. I will try again in the future but it will be a while!