8:00 Ohana ADR's too late....any suggestions

I just made ADR's for Ohana, but the only time they had left at such a short notice was 8:00pm. We love Ohana but would like to get back to the Magic Kingdom in time for the 9:00 parade and 10:00 fireworks. We will spend the day at the Magic Kingdom, would like to leave for dinner and come back in time for parade & fireworks. I would like to stay on the monorail line, or close if possible to make this easier for us. We do not like Character diners and try to stay away from buffets. Can you give me any other suggestions for table service, outside of the Magic Kingdom, but close enough to get back in time for 9:00 parade. Traveling with dd 9, ds 15 and dh.

Thank you!

I love the Grand Floridian Cafe. It usually has availability and it's close to the MK. Take the boat launch from the MK to the GF- GF is the first stop, then it goes on to the Polynesian and back to MK. Take the monorail back to the MK- the MK is the first monorail stop from the GF.

Or, if you wanted to stay Polynesian, you could try Kona Cafe. Contemporary has The Wave, which gets mixed reviews. Or you could boat over to Wilderness Lodge for Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Just to further complicate things for you: it is pretty much standard that Ohana ADRs run about 35-45 minutes late after about 7pm.

Have you considered The Plaza Restaurant? They have traditional burger/sandwich/salad fare and wonderful milk shakes. We use this as our MK restaurant on EMH nights and are very happy there.

Another vote for GF Cafe or the Wave. We like them better than Ohana.

We love Ohana but I don't think there is any way you could have a 8:00 PM ADR and be back to the MK by 9.
My other suggestions in order would be;
1) Grand Floridian Cafe - have always had good food here and most always can get ADR
2) Kona Cafe - might be unable to get as they are usually pretty busy
3) The Wave - have never tried it
4) Whispering Canyon Cafe - would not be on my list as the time to get to and from is quite long

If they're running behind on seating and you can linger you can watch the fireworks from your table at 'Ohana. That doesn't help you watch the parade but you can also watch the Electrical Water Pageant from your table as well :wave:

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Originally Posted by LudwigVonDrake

If they're running behind on seating and you can linger you can watch the fireworks from your table at 'Ohana. That doesn't help you watch the parade but you can also watch the Electrical Water Pageant from your table as well :wave:

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Only if you're seated in an area with a good view of this, which isn't all of 'Ohana. It can be hard to see well from lots of seats there.

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Originally Posted by SBETigg

Only if you're seated in an area with a good view of this, which isn't all of 'Ohana. It can be hard to see well from lots of seats there.

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Yeah, I agree -- I wouldn't count on seeing the fireworks from 'Ohana. The place is too big, and you really can only see Wishes from one cluster of windows in the corner. The view isn't all that spectacular from there, either, but it is a nice bonus if you happen to be eating when the show starts.

As far as a replacement, I'd start my search with either Kona Cafe or Grand Floridian Cafe. Both are nice restaurants with good food, and you can almost always get a last-minute reservation.

I'd suggest an EARLY dinner because you really need to allow yourself enough time to get back into MK, possibly fight crowds, and find a spot to wait for the parade.

Kona is a years long favorite of mine. I'd try for there. I'd try for, like, 5 or 6pm, at the latest.

If you eat nice and early, you can get a snack or dessert while you are waiting for the parade to start.