Today’s article is a guest post from Magical Memories Travel
Disney Vacation Specialist, Christina Moore.

In the Hawaiian culture, Ohana means family and the Ohana restaurant in the Polynesian Resort  completely grabs hold of this sentiment by bringing together Disney guests with delicious food, fun entertainment, and an unbeatable atmosphere!

Your Ohana experience,which is served family style, begins with a loaf of bread that, in appearance, seems quite plain.  However, as you soon as you indulge in your first bite, you immediately realize that this is definitely not the case.  This wonderful coconut bread, referred to as Ohana’s Welcome Bread, is extremely tasty, soft and the perfect beginning to your meal. Fair warning, you do not want to fill up on bread because there is much, much more to come!

Soon after the bread is served, your server brings a large mixed green salad with a honey lime dressing that is out of this world!  It is the perfect tang with the crunchy (yes, crunchy—not wilted) greens.  No sooner do you wipe the corners of your mouth, when the next course is delivered.  And although the entire meal is just fantastic—this upcoming course is my favorite!

The honey ginger chicken wings and pork dumplings could be a meal in themselves.  The chicken is tender, flavorful, and has the perfect combination of sweetness and spice.  The pork dumplings are served with a very tasty dipping sauce and are the highlight of the meal for me.  The pork and veggie filling is packed with flavor and the wonton wrappers are prepared perfectly, to avoid that chewy texture that you sometimes find in Asian-style restaurants.

At this point of your meal, you may be lucky enough to partake in some of the entertainment that adds to the wonderful atmosphere.  Children are encouraged to play games, such as limbo or coconut shell races, there are storytellers, and talented Hawaiian singers-usually adorned with a ukelele.  And, depending on the time of your dinner reservation, you may be lucky enough to witness Wishes Fireworks taking place at the neighboring Magic Kingdom.  They dim the lights and play the same music that is playing in Magic Kingdom.  This is a real treat!

Hopefully, the entertainment gave your stomach a rest, because at this point—we’re not even half way through the meal!  Hard to believe, isn’t it?!  Your server will now start bringing out the lo-mein noodles and steamed vegetables.  The lo-mein noodles are the perfect texture and taste great.   The steamed veggies consist of snow peas, broccoli, and shredded carrots and are cooked just right.  Now, let the overabundance of meat skewers begin!

The assortment of meat skewers are cooked on a 18 foot long oak burning fire pit.  You will be served Marinated Sirloin Steak, Spicy Grilled peel and eat shrimp, Asian BBQ Pork Loin, and Oak Grilled Chicken.  They also bring you a trio of sauces consisting of a peanut sauce, a mustard sauce, and a sweet and sour sauce.  They are all excellent–none of the meats are dried out, they are juicy and each one is seasoned perfectly.

At this point of the meal, you’re wondering if anyone will notice you loosening your belt and honestly, that might not be too bad of an idea because here comes dessert and is it ever yummy!  Your server brings a large serving of warm bread pudding with a banana and caramel sauce, a la mode.  The warmth of the bread pudding melts the ice cream which then seeps into the bread pudding, mixing with the caramel banana sauce creating Heaven on Earth!  This is one of those desserts where after every bite you just have to go on and on about how good it is.

You’ve completed your meal and you’re more than satisfied.  Your children had a wonderful time and you’re already talking about your next visit.  THAT is the sign of a fantastic restaurant and I highly recommend it!  Enjoy!!

Ohana is one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World so Advance Dining Reservations are highly recommended!

Christina Moore is a life-long Disney fan. She has been traveling to Walt Disney World since childhood and even honeymooned with Mickey! She and her husband enjoy frequent visits to Walt Disney World with their 2 children. Contact Christina at christina@magicalmemoriestravel.com or by phone at 1-888-908-7718 ext 110 or click here to request more information and find out how Christina can help you plan your next DIsney vacation!