food IS a theme park
We’ve got a very important matter to discuss with you today!
Cinderella Castle and Main Street USA in Disney World
We know we’re always talking about our favorite foods at the Disney theme parks, BUT did you know many of our favorite snacks don’t even require a park ticket?!
‘Ohana means family, so we’re not leaving anyone behind and heading to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to chow down — TOGETHER!
‘Ohana Check-in
And since we’re looking to feed our whole crew, we’re heading back to ‘Ohana to fill up with their all-you-care-to-eat dinner. Our past few trips have varied wildly food-wise, even though the atmosphere is consistently spot-on. So we’re back to give the entrees another shot and find out if this restaurant is worth adding to your must do Walt Disney World list (and because you KNOW we can’t resist their bread pudding!).
On my last weekend trip to Walt Disney World, I decided on the out-of-the-way Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort as our dinner destination prior to attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the Magic Kingdom.
My family was looking for a place to relax and fill up on a good meal, and somewhere that we could get a last minute Advance Dining Reservation.
While this resort exudes comfort and a family-friendly atmosphere for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, we found the service equally welcoming for non-guests of the hotel. Since we had our own vehicle, transportation to the restaurant was simple. (And our teen son, who traveled from a theme park, had no trouble taking a bus there. He even got there early!) We used our MagicBand to show our reservation at the entrance gate and then proceeded to a parking area very close to the restaurant.
Entrance to the resort
Parking was very near the porte-cochère
Covered walkway
Nautical elements evoke a seaside atmosphere at the entrance to Olivia’s.
When I first heard about the new Disneyland Resort Premium Experiences, I thought, “Hmmmm… These could be very interesting and VERY fun!” So far there have been two offerings, The Mystical Spirits of the Blue Bayou Dinner and The Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast.
My friend and I recently treated ourselves to the Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast and it was an amazing experience. My visit took place during the Disney Holidays Season, so the Jungle Cruise was transformed into the Jingle Cruise. Hence, my festive outfit, which you’ll see later.
Jingle Cruise Entrance
Join us in welcoming back Guest Reviewer Katie Roth with a review of ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Note that this review was written before the most recent round of ‘Ohana Menu Changes. Currently the Chicken Skewer is not being served at the restaurant. Aloha!
I have been staying at the Polynesian for years, but I had never eaten at ‘Ohana until last year! I know, I know…utter blasphemy! I was psyched that my husband and I decided to take an impromptu trip to Disney World AND were able to score a dinner reservation at ‘Ohana.
I admit that it was I that brought my husband into the light of Disney, and I just love getting to share my favorite experiences and eats with him whenever we visit Walt Disney World. Knowing how much he loves grilled meat, I absolutely could not wait to eat here with him!
To help control our excitement, we went to Tambu Lounge to temper those jitters. My husband went all out and ordered the Lapu Lapu while I went with a pineapple mojito (regular mojito with fresh pineapple chunks added). We loved our drinks and were primed for dinner 😉
Lapu Lapu!
In my opinion, ‘Ohana’s location lends itself to be one of those ‘would have missed it if I didn’t know it was there’ restaurants. The location of the restaurant is on the upper terrace of the Great Ceremonial House lobby tucked away behind the Tambu Lounge. If you are in front of Kona Café then you have gone too far!
As I’ve seen in the past couple of years, the easiest way to spot ‘Ohana is by the long line of people checking in for their Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) or those hopeful souls asking about a walk-in reservation. When it comes to Disney food (particularly at ‘Ohana), never leave fate to chance.
Lately, I have been eating a lot less meat and more fish for health reasons. I informed the host at the check-in station that I would like a vegetarian/pescetarian meal to which he replied would be no problem. I have heard great things about the vegetarian offerings at ‘Ohana and couldn’t wait to try them out! Just remember, if you are going to make a special request like this, check in early and let them know.
Once you are checked in, you will be given a buzzer and told to wait by the Tambu Lounge for your “cousin” (server) to take you to your table. If this is your first time to the restaurant, they will take you on a [Read more…]
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