Feel Like Family at 'Ohana

Shaina Brainard1.1.19Ukuleles, leis, and pineapples abound at ‘Ohana restaurant, located in Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Like many of the restaurants on Disney property, ‘Ohana features not only a delicious cuisine but fully-immersive theming. Enjoying an evening at ‘Ohana is as much about the experience as it is about the meal.Upon entering the restaurant, the host will explain that “‘Ohana” means “family” in the Hawaiian culture and while dining in the restaurant, you will be treated as such. You will pass the kitchen on the way to your table where you will see delicious pineapple-coconut bread being pulled from the oven. The host will bring a loaf with you to the table to kick-off your meal. The bread is served warm with delicious creamy butter. The drink menu at ‘Ohana is vast, featuring the signature Lapu-Lapu, a rum-based beverage served in a full pineapple. The beverage is potent but delicious, so drink slowly.Next, a bowl of salad will arrive at the table to share. Meals at ‘Ohana are served family style, and if your bowl runs empty simply ask for more. The salad of mixed greens is topped with mandarin oranges and crispy wontons, served with a citrus-lime dressing. The salad is good, but certainly not the highlight of the meal. After enjoying bread and salad, a large bowl of appetizers is delivered, with the signature steamed dumplings, honey-coriander chicken wings, sautéed vegetables, and lo-mein noodles. All of the appetizers are all good, but the steamed dumplings stand out as the star, and could make up a full meal in itself.Be careful to not fill up too quickly because next is the main course: grilled shrimp, chicken, and steak served on large skewers accompanied by two dipping sauces. The steak is delicious, seasoned well and still tender. You can even request cook temperature, making sure to make everyone at the table happy. The shrimp and chicken were also good, but were a little smoky-flavored from the grill. The server is happy to serve as little or as much of each entrée and will return to the table if more is desired.Make sure to save room, because dessert is the grand finale, warm banana bread pudding with caramel sauce, topped with vanilla ice cream. This is possibly one of the best desserts on Disney property. The flavor is sweet but because it is accompanied perfectly by the vanilla ice cream, it is not too heavy. It is hard to stop eating this dessert, despite being incredibly satisfied. And for the children uninterested in bread pudding, Rice Krispy Treats with Mickey sprinkles are made available.So much of the experience of ‘Ohana is not the food, but the entertainment. Enjoy live ukulele music playing classic tunes. Learn the Hawaiian language from your “auntie” and “uncle.” Children will enjoy taking hula dance lessons, or participating in coconut races, in which they push a coconut across the floor with a small broom. Because ‘Ohana has a spectacular view overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom, if your reservation is at the right time, you may even be lucky enough to have a view of the fireworks over Cinderella Castle. The restaurant pipes in the “Happily Ever After” music making it truly a magical experience.‘Ohana is a family-favorite, located conveniently on the monorail, making it an easy stop on the way to or from Magic Kingdom Park. ‘Ohana also has fun character breakfast, featuring Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto. The characters are available to meet and interact with, while enjoying a family-style meal, featuring classic breakfast favorites with Hawaiian flare.If on Disney’s Dining Plan both breakfast and dinner are one table-service credit, making it an excellent use of a dining credit both for the food and experience. ‘Ohana reservations are often elusive making it important to make reservations at 180 days out if possible.I would love to help you experience ‘Ohana on your next Walt Disney World vacation! Contact me, or your Wishes Family Travel concierge agent to start planning! Email me at shaina@wishesfamilytravel.com, and follow me at www.facebook.com/shainabrainard.wft for more Disney information and travel tips!