Homecomin’, Ohana or Cali Grill for kids bday?

[Jen81NYC]

We will unexpectedly be at the resorts this weekend instead of our DCL and it’s my 9yo’s birthday. He’s very sad to not be spending it in castaway cay but i have scrambled and added days to our post-cruise Poly stay and snagged three sat night ADRs: Homecomin’ at 5pm, Ohana at 8 and Cali grill at 8:20. We have no park res so we’re doing Topolino’s breakfast and then hanging by the pool that day. Does anyone have any insight re: which one I should keep? My 6.5yo son will also be with us. We will be staying at Poly for 7-8 nights and have park tickets starting on Monday, in case that’s relevant. First trip to Disney and i don’t know anything, lol.

Thanks!!!

 

[Her Dotness]

Unless your kids are accustomed to upscale dining, they might find Cali Grill offputting. Generally speaking, I think both food and atmosphere likely to appeal more to teens and adults.

'Ohana dinner has been getting rather bad reviews lately, although a good many of those seem to be from people who liked it pre-Covid and find the quality lacking now. Comparison can be a beast, unfairly at times.

Homecomin' is essential Florida homecooked food, so if regional fare appeals for something different, that may be your best bet.

You may find the All Ears menus helpful. https://allears.net/dining/menu/
They tend to be timely, showing when last updated. The official Disney ones are a sampling of seasonal fare that has been on menus but not necessarily what's current.

Btw, do be sure to ask for a birthday button and "I'm Celebrating" ones for everyone else when you check in at Poly. It can be fun to be wished a happy birthday by CMs and guests who notice your son's button (and sometimes gets a free cupcake with candle at restaurants).

 

[Smugpugmug]

I agree with Her Dotness about California Grill. I'm not sure if kids around your son's age would really enjoy the atmosphere. Plus it's a prefix menu and while I don't your how much your kids can eat, even as an adult I don't eat enough to justify the price.

I find Ohana to be SUPER hit or miss. I've gone where it was decent, but not outstanding and other times where the food was not great and I was practically rushed out of there so they can put another party at my table. As a kid I loved it and it was an absolute must do so I'm sure kids will enjoy the atmosphere too.

I would keep Homecoming. It's one of my favorite restaurants on property and it has food I'm confident your son will enjoy. It's southern "comfort food" and the portions are really big, even for an adult so you can take any leftovers back with you and enjoy them later.

 

[redboat45]

Homecomin'.

 

[k5xs]

While I agree with much that’s been said, the view from California Grill would impress even a child, especially if you can escort them out on the rooftop walkway. We just did a big family event there and the grandkids were over the moon with the view of Bay Lake and MK.

 

[CarolynFH]

I answered in your other thread - California Grill.

 

[prisjoyce]

Homecomin!

 

[MMSM]

We will unexpectedly be at the resorts this weekend instead of our DCL and it’s my 9yo’s birthday. He’s very sad to not be spending it in castaway cay but i have scrambled and added days to our post-cruise Poly stay and snagged three sat night ADRs: Homecomin’ at 5pm, Ohana at 8 and Cali grill at 8:20. We have no park res so we’re doing Topolino’s breakfast and then hanging by the pool that day. Does anyone have any insight re: which one I should keep? My 6.5yo son will also be with us. We will be staying at Poly for 7-8 nights and have park tickets starting on Monday, in case that’s relevant. First trip to Disney and i don’t know anything, lol.

Thanks!!!

Just ate Ohana tonight! I have a 14 and 17 year old son. We loved it! I have seen bad reviews and all we could get was a 3:40 reservation. However it worked great because we were never rushed it was not packed and now we have time to deal with our food coma. It was great.

 

[FCDub]

Why not ask the birthday boy? Unless it’s a surprise.

 

[Jen81NYC]

Update: thanks all so much for the input! I just snagged a 7:20 California grill reservation so that makes my decision for me, yay! Definitely a bit adult but it’s such a good time slot for both the kids and fireworks that I have to try it now!

 

[Sweettears]

I would make sure that you are comfortable with the price fixe cost and menu if they are still doing this. It can be quite pricey with limited selections.

Great meal and location but they don’t do a great job of for warning you when you make the ADR