Dining at Walt Disney World: ‘Ohana

Dining is a favorite thing of mine to do at Walt Disney World, or any world for that matter, but there is one particular place that draws me in every visit, without fail – ‘Ohana. Located on the second floor of the Polynesian Resort, this open fire pit dining experience is not to be missed.

Servers bring to your table, starters of pork fried dumplings, coriander chicken wings, with varied dipping sauces: sweet and sour, chimichurri, and an extremely interesting peanut sauce (I didn’t quite know what to make of a dipping sauce tasting a little like peanut butter), and mixed greens with a Honey-Lime dressing, which I may just lose my table manners and DRINK if you turn your head long enough.  Quickly following the appetizers will appear the skewers, which are prepared over an open oak fire.  They are loaded full of mesquite turkey, Asian bar-b-q pork loin, sirloin steak, and shrimp – all you can eat of each.  Accompanying these grilled delights are broccoli and green peas, and Thai noodles.  But the best of the best will arrive at the end of the meal…..bread pudding ala mode with a warm bananas foster sauce (I may also drink this if you look away).  The server will bring a large one to share, but my family almost drew straws to see if one of us could devour the entire thing alone.  How does the story end? I allowed them a couple of bites, I’m not THAT mean!

At any rate, this is an awesome place to feast.  I must confess, My Boyz (my husband and teenage son) are in heaven here.  They are true carnivores, and large skewers of meat bring out the cavemen in them both.   My only complaint with ‘Ohana is they no longer serve the Maui Scalloped Potatoes, those things were scrumptious; but the rest of the spread more than makes up for my potato mourning.

This restaurant is a great place for children. They’ll have a blast learning the hula, participating in a coconut/broom race, as well as a round of limbo.  With that said, it can get very loud, but it’s loads of fun, so if you’re looking for candlelight and romance, this is not your place.  But if your goal is a great time for the kiddos and a full belly when you leave, ‘Ohana is perfect.  I’ve never left hungry or disappointed, and I guarantee, if you give ‘Ohana a chance, you won’t either!

Other ‘Ohana Facts:

• ‘Ohana is Hawaiian for “family”.
• ‘Ohana offers character dining breakfast with Lilo & Stitch.
• ‘Ohana offers a full bar of select wines and tropical alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Prices are $15-$35.99, per person; Disney dining plan is accepted here.

Ears to ya, DeAnna

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DeAnna, along with her husband and teen-age son, lives in Wiggins, Mississippi, and has a passion for all things Disney. She is always eager to share the knowledge she has gained from her many trips to Walt Disney World, and has helped numerous people in their vacation planning to realize it’s not an unattainable dream. Her must-dos on every trip are Pirates of the Caribbean, Rockin’ Roller Coaster & a stolen moment of quiet with her “Boyz” (as she affectionately calls them) having a pastry from Boulangerie in Epcot World Showcase’s France. Disney is so much a part of her life, that she & her husband were married in front of Cinderella’s Castle, and she says it doesn’t get any more magical than that………