REVIEW: Wonderful Noodles, Abysmal Shrimp Casserole, and Surprisingly Good Changes Come with New Dinner Menu at Reopened ‘Ohana in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort finally reopened after being closed for more than a year. We reviewed their all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast, but have been waiting all day to get a taste of the famous ‘Ohana noodles at dinner. The menu also boasts some new items, so let’s see how the new fare fared:

Arrival

All-You-Care-To-Enjoy ‘Ohana Dinner

The dinner menu at ‘Ohana has been revamped and features a few new items. Dinner is $55 per adult and $33 per child.

‘Ohana Coconut-Papaya Scones and Cheddar-Bacon Biscuits with Honey Butter

As much as I loved the coconut bread of old, the new biscuits are awesome. The cheddar-bacon biscuits have jalapeño that isn’t advertised. They are spicy, and packed with cheese and Smokey bacon flavor. The coconut papaya scones are great, too, with a hint of both tastes present in the soft rolls.

Mixed Greens Salad

The mixed green salad was a tremendous improvement. The citrus dressing was refreshing, and the almond-sesame brittle puts each bite over the top.

Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings

The wings are unaltered. They are well-doused in sweet, tangy sauce and tender on the bone.

‘Ohana Dinner Skillet

Woodfire-grilled Teriyaki Beef, Island Shrimp Casserole with Herbed Breadcrumbs, Roasted Eight-way Chicken with Polynesian-inspired Chimichurri Sauce, Kielbasa Sausage, ‘Ohana Noodles, Roasted Broccolini

The kielbasa was excellent, packed with juicy flavor followed by a nice spicy kick on the backend. A pleasant addition to the lineup.

The chicken seemed as if it would be a downgrade, but it was large, tender, and juicy pieces covered in chimichurri. It’s at least a lateral move, but we really enjoyed it. Again, we would love it if the sauces for the meats were still there; it would be nice to have the option.

Teriyaki Beef

The teriyaki beef came in its own skillet. It’s practically the same as before, but we still miss the sauces that used to be provided. It’s still a little tough, but full of flavor and well cooked to a medium-ish preparation.

‘Ohana Noodles

The noodles were worth fighting for. They’re as good as ever, even if they are a simple dish. This comfort food offers soft noodles covered in an oily accompaniment that will please anyone at the table. It’s so good, you’ll need to ask for another skillet with just noodles.

Island Shrimp Casserole

The ‘Ohana shrimp casserole is an embarrassment. The shrimp is flavorless; it just tastes like watery cheese and breadcrumb seasoning.

Pork Dumplings Tossed In Garlic-Chili Sauce

The pork dumplings are unaltered as well. They are juicy with a flavorful sauce accompaniment.

‘Ohana Bread Pudding À la mode with Homemade Caramel Sauce

The bread pudding is back and as good as ever. Warm, soft bread covered in ice cream and a delicious, sweet caramel sauce. It’s a strong reason to return, despite the shrimp scandal.

All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Plant-based Dinner

Dinner is the same price as the standard dinner: $55 per adult and $33 per child.

Hummus with Wonton Chips

The vegan appetizer is the “Poly Chip” that comes with the beloved nachos at Capt. Cook’s, which isn’t a bad thing. They’re salty, crunchy, and have a pleasant flavor, as does the hummus. I would ask for this whether you have dietary needs or not.

Mixed Greens Salad

This is the same salad that comes with the standard dinner.

‘Ohana Plant-based Dinner Skillet 

‘Ohana Noodles, Roasted Broccolini, Pineapple-Barbecued Jack Fruit, Polynesian-inspired Chimichurri “Chicken,” “Sausage”

The broccolini was overcooked and hard. The vegan sausage, however, is pretty decent. It’s better than any meat sausage at counter-serve restaurants. The pineapple-barbequed jack fruit is strange, but we didn’t have any vegans dining so we assume it tastes off since we’re comparing it to meat. Still, we probably wouldn’t highly recommend eating here if you are vegan, at least for this price. The value may not be there.

Doughnut with Coconut Milk Frozen Dessert

Sadly, they ran out of vegan doughnuts, but the coconut milk “ice cream” was really good! Its consistency was closer to whipped cream rather than ice cream, and the hint of coconut flavor was great.

Cocktails

Lapu Lapu – $18

Plantation Original Dark Rum and Tropical Fruit Juices served in a fresh pineapple and topped with Gosling’s 151 Rum

Backscratcher – $13

Bacardí Superior Rum, Plantation Original Dark Rum, and Guava-Passion Fruit Juice topped with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and a Bamboo Backscratcher

Of course, no trip to ‘Ohana is complete without a Lapu Lapu and a Backscratcher. They’re essential parts of the meal!

Overall

‘Ohana isn’t ruined or worse than before. The shrimp casserole is a horrid downgrade, but we enjoyed the majority of the menu changes. It is worth noting that the charm of the restaurant has taken a hit without the service via skewer, so hopefully, that returns someday, but we still love ‘Ohana and will return (hopefully to peel and eat shrimp).

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