Hi there Phil! Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel with another great question.
Your question made me smile, reminiscing about the Walt Disney World vacations I have spent with extended family. We also enjoy kicking off our vacation with an arrival night celebratory dinner. Many happy memories!
Let me begin by saying you can't go wrong with either choice. Both locations serve an all-you-care-to-enjoy feast with delicious food and are good choices for large parties. (Please keep in mind your party may be split and seated at nearby tables, rather than a single table for 14 Guests.)
'Ohana is located at my
favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotel,
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. I just love walking around the lush, tropical grounds. I could make a meal of the
Mixed Greens Salad, Teriyaki Noodles, and Stir-fried Vegetables, not to mention the delicious oak-fired meats! Oh, and let's not forget the amazing 'Ohana Bread Pudding with banana caramel sauce for dessert! Dinner here is equal parts relaxing and animated, with island-style music and fun games for the kids.
As much as I love 'Ohana, my recommendation would be the
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner show, probably because for me, it is a nostalgic reminder of my first Disney vacation many years ago! I think the All-American feast will appeal to a broad range of palates, and the fun shenanigans and corny vaudeville show will keep both children and adults entertained. (At either location, be sure to ask your server for kid-friendly options if the littles in your group aren't keen on the menu selection.)
One thing you may wish to consider in making your final choice is cost. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is priced a bit higher than 'Ohana and includes beer, wine, and sangria for guests 21 and over as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Gratuity is included in the ticket cost. If using a
Disney Dining Plan, 2 Table-Service entitlements are required per person. At 'Ohana, non-alcoholic beverages are included and gratuity is additional (an automatic 18% gratuity is billed for parties of 6 or more.) This dining location requires 1 Table-Service entitlement per person on the Disney Dining Plan. Guests 21 and over may choose an alcoholic beverage when redeeming a Disney Dining Plan entitlement.
I hope that helps! Please feel free to stop by the Moms Panel again for more recommendations or with any additional questions you may have.
Anne Marie