9 Unspoken Rules for Eating at ‘Ohana in Disney World

If you’ve ever heard about anyone discussing Disney World restaurants, you’ve probably heard ‘Ohana come up in conversation. But, there are a few things you’ve got to know about this restaurant beyond its menu and where you’ll find it if you truly want to dine at this popular restaurant!

Emma and Stitch at ‘Ohana Breakfast

While it’s true that this is certainly one of the most popular restaurants to choose while visiting Disney World, there’s more to this place than just securing your reservation here (but that is half the battle won). We’ve put together a list of unspoken rules for eating at ‘Ohana that you’ve probably not paid attention to…before now!

Before we get any further in conversation about this restaurant, there may be some of you out there scratching your heads going, “where?” ‘Ohana is named after the Hawaiian word for “family” and it features prominently in the movie Lilo and Stitch. In fact, they’re so closely associated that the breakfast meal here even features a few of the movie’s characters!

‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast

You’ll find this restaurant inside of the Great Ceremonial House of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, just up the stairs in the far back corner. They’re open for breakfast and dinner here, and it’s become a fan favorite choice of dining due to its all-you-care-to-enjoy family style meals for both meals.

‘Ohana

Inside the restaurant your server may refer to you as “cousin” keeping with the Polynesian culture, you might experience a bit of live music and singing, and if you’re timing your meal just right (and sitting in the right seats) you just might catch the nightly fireworks over Magic Kingdom from its gigantic windows!

‘Ohana Dining Room

But as popular as this restaurant is, there’s a few things we’ve learned about dining here over the years that nobody seems to be talking about. So, we’ve decided to fill you in on a few “rules” to help make your dining experience here as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Be prepared to get a little messy

The family-style arrangement for the menu does include the meats!

Back to Wood-Fire Grilled Perfection

While you might feel like this is the occasion to put on your best dressed clothes, you might want to hold off for this meal. Due to its unique open flame cooking style, the meats are often a bit messy thanks to the seasonings and glazes that are used to flavor them. If you happen to get a bit messy in your fingertips and forget, you could end up with that same sauce/seasoning/grease combo all over your formal outfits if you’re not careful.

Don’t think you can take the “all-you-care-to-enjoy” leftovers home with you

While there may be a possibility based on your dining time that your server is kind enough to allow you to take some of your food home with you in a take out box, these instances are few and far between now.

‘Ohana dinner spread

Just like with our first point, you don’t want to be that person that’s trying to shovel greasy, saucy noodles into your bag to lug around the Disney World parks with you in the blazing sun. That’s why there’s so much food offered to you during your meal — so you can eat until you’re content.

Bread Pudding

Oh, and don’t worry about the leftovers — they’re put to good use! They’re recycled and turned into fuel that’s used in the Disney World transportation so nothing ever goes to waste.

Don’t fill up on snacks before you dine here

This is definitely NOT a meal you need to pregame for. At its hefty price tag over $60 per adult, you would hope not at least. This family style meal is served to your table with as much of each offering as you like brought out on request.

Don’t pregame with snacks

If you eat before you arrive for all the courses here, you might not get through your entire meal and could end up making yourself sick. We’d suggest attempting this meal on an empty stomach if you’re concerned about getting your money’s worth out of it!

Get your fair share of POG juice!

This is really going to apply only to the breakfast meal time, but this is one of the few restaurants at Disney World where you can order the beloved POG juice (and it’s included with your meal price)!

POG Juice

POG stands for a mixture of pineapple, orange, and guava juice and has become a staple offering that folks have looked forward to for generations to try and we’d whole heartedly support loading up on as much of it as you can while dining here.

Be cautiously optimistic about getting fireworks viewing seating

A good rule of thumb for any dining reservation is when you make a seating request it is truly a request and never a guarantee. Think of it like an unexpected happening.

Large viewing windows

If you’re looking to dine here around the time that the nightly fireworks start at Magic Kingdom and are hopeful for a seat near the windows to see the best, well you may already be too late. For the best chance at getting window seating, know that folks tend to request these seats (and in most instances wait for a while) hours before the fireworks and they will be intentional about dragging out their dining time in hopes to stay seated through the show.

We wouldn’t recommend you count on a walk up here

Again, super popular restaurant where reservations are snatched within minutes months in advance. If you find yourself without a reservation, be sure to keep checking back in the My Disney Experience app and website as other people’s plans and vacations change.

Welcome to ‘Ohana!

If you truly find yourself still wanting a similar experience but without a reservation consider stopping by the adjoining Tambu Lounge to try out their menu. Often times, you’re able to order the noodles, chicken wings, and bread pudding so long as you’re willing to wait for a spot or arrive right when the lounge opens!

Make sure you’re it’s one of your first (if not THE first reservations you’re booking) at your opening

This is a VERY popular Disney World restaurant at both dining times so with that comes a high demand. Before you book your ADR (advance dining reservation) you’ll want to be sure you’re familiar with how that rolling reservation system works and how soon you’re able to make those reservations for your upcoming trip.

Breakfast spread at ‘Ohana

For those staying at a Disney World hotel, you can make reservations up to 60 days in advance of your check in date throughout your trip (up to 10 days worth) as early as 6AM est online and at 7AM est by phone. If you’re staying somewhere else or coming as a day guest, you can make these reservations up to 60 days in advance of the day you intend to dine at the same early times. However, know that your preferred times to dine may be taken already and in some cases you might find yourself dining at a super weird time of the day.

There’s a running controversy over which is the better meal time

With every popular Disney World restaurant comes its die-hard fans and this restaurant is no exception. While the public opinion about the restaurant overall has wavered in the past, there are those who are very loyal to either the breakfast or dinner menus.

Mickey!

Just know that both meals are equally as popular and you’ll more than likely enjoy the menus, atmosphere, and entertainment at either dining time. But, keep in mind that characters are ONLY available for breakfast dinings.

We’re constantly talking about ways to help you prepare for and make your trip to Disney World easier. Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for the latest tips, tricks, and more!

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