Hello and welcome to planDisney, Maria. I always love seeing a fellow North Carolinian stop by with a question.
I'm excited to see that you've gotten a dinner reservation at
'Ohana. It's such a fan favorite restaurant and I am so glad it is opening back up once again. Your reservation is pretty late and the complimentary transportation probably won't be able to get you back to Disney's Pop Century Resort after your meal. I think that driving your personal vehicle to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a great idea. You'll absolutely be able to park there, for free, with your dining reservation.
When you arrive at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, you'll be stopped in your vehicle at the security guard shack. They'll ask to verify your dining reservation. This can be a scan of your MagicBand of Keys to the World Card. If you don't have either of these, they will be able to look up your dining reservation on their system. You might also be asked to present a valid form of identification so be sure to have your driver's license handy. Once they verify your dining reservation, the security guard will direct you on where would be best to park. I actually drive my personal vehicle all over the Walt Disney World property. It's easy peasy.
I'm so glad that some of the staple menu items are returning for dinner at 'Ohana. I can't wait to enjoy the chicken wings and potstickers once again. I'm also really excited to try some of the new offerings like shrimp casserole. It sounds interesting that's for sure! Whatever you do, be sure to leave room for the bread pudding at the end of your meal. Oh, chef's kiss, it's the best!
If you enjoy cocktails, I suggest heading over to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to enjoy one before your meal. One of my favorite spots to have an adult beverage is at the
Tambu Lounge which is upstairs right next to 'Ohana. You'll find several cocktails with a Polynesian flare but my favorite has got to be the Lapu Lapu served up in a hollowed-out pineapple. Here's a tip - if you'd like a second-round, save your pineapple. You can ask for a refill for a fraction of the price and then you just pour it in the pineapple yourself!
I hope you have a wonderful meal at 'Ohana on your upcoming vacation. If you have any other questions before your trip,
come back and ask me. I'm happy to help. Enjoy!