POG Juice Triumphs Over Noodles: Here’s Why My Family Prefers ‘Ohana Breakfast Over Dinner

‘Ohana is one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved dining experiences outside the theme parks. And while its dinner menu is iconic, legendary even, my family prefers ‘Ohana for breakfast over dinner. I can actually hear the collective sigh from all ‘Ohana noodle fans out there but hear me out- breakfast at Disney World’s ‘Ohana restaurant is a truly magical experience that offers guests a taste of Polynesian cuisine in a fun, inviting, and family friendly setting.

First off, let’s talk decor and atmosphere. Ohana’s decor is inspired by the islands of Hawaii, with tropical plants, bamboo accents, and colorful Hawaiian artwork adorning the walls. The open kitchen allows guests to watch as the talented chefs prepare their delicious breakfast dishes, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. The restaurant features floor to ceiling windows that rival any view in all of Walt Disney World. It’s breathtaking and worth dining there just to get those views. ‘Ohana is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal together.

One of the highlights of breakfast at ‘Ohana is the all-you-can-eat family-style meal, which includes a wide variety of traditional breakfast items with a Polynesian twist. Guests can indulge in fluffy pineapple-coconut bread, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, and bacon, as well as unique dishes like pineapple-coconut breakfast potatoes and Mickey-shaped waffles. The star of the show, however, is the famous ‘Ohana bread pudding, which is served with a decadent caramel sauce that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

The service at ‘Ohana is top-notch, with attentive and friendly cast members who go above and beyond to ensure that guests have an enjoyable dining experience. From the moment you are seated to the moment you leave, you are treated like a VIP, with staff constantly checking in to make sure that everything is to your liking. The restaurant is also accommodating to dietary restrictions, with options available for guests with food allergies or special dietary needs. Above all, and most importantly, you are never rushed at ‘Ohana. The last time we ate there, we had completed our meals, the characters had come and gone, and we just peacefully sat there enjoying the last of our coffee and pog juice admiring the breathtaking views.

However, if you’re dining at ‘Ohana for breakfast, chances are you’re not there for the food, service, or decor. You’re there to meet some of Disney’s most beloved characters. Guests can expect visits from Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, and Pluto, who make their way around the restaurant greeting families and posing for photos. For children, this interaction with their favorite characters adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the meal. I should also say that my family isn’t big on character dining. We find that at times it can be loud, overwhelming, and often times the kids end up overstimulated and are so distracted that they don’t really eat anything. ‘Ohana is perfect because the vibes are more laid back, it’s not as loud as other options (for example, Chef Mickey’s) and we found that 4 character meet and greets is the perfect number during meals. The kids look forward to character interactions as well as eat most of what’s on their plate. It’s a win/win for everyone.

THEME PARK MOM PRO TIP: Reservations are strongly recommended, although very hard to come by for ‘Ohana breakfast (and even ‘Ohana dinner). Every time we book a Disney family vacation, the first thing is head to the My Disney Experience app and search for ‘Ohana breakfast reservations. 9 times out of 10, there are none. However, I have been extremely lucky the past few times we’ve been there by scoring last minute reservations and it’s always within a 24-48 hour window before we are hoping to go. Guests are always canceling dining reservations at the last minute, and that is 100% the reason I have been able to snag one of ‘Ohana’s coveted dining reservations. Whether it’s ‘Ohana or another WDW dining location, never give up on checking using the app- even if it’s within hours of our arrival.

An ‘Ohana Adult Breakfast costs $49 and a child breakfast is $30, not including tax and gratuity. The catch with ‘Ohana is, characters only appear at breakfast, so be sure to remember that when making your reservation. To see their full menu, click here.

It’s a fine line to walk – balancing food quality and character experience and some restaurants do it better than others. ‘Ohana is one of those and we definitely recommend both the character breakfast and the non-character dinner.