A Walt Disney World vacation would not be complete for our family without an evening dining at the ever-popular ‘Ohana restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. We first visited this gem in 2010 and it has since become a staple for every trip that has followed. We also have a serious soft spot in our hearts for the Polynesian itself, so we love any excuse to be able to visit the resort!
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort sits on a white sand beach overlooking Seven Seas Lagoon, with the most magical view of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The moment you arrive you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the idyllic islands of the South Pacific. Lush vegetation, tropical décor, and lovely waterfalls cover the grounds, the design of the buildings housing the guest rooms, shopping, and dining resemble the style of traditional Polynesian dwellings, and the peaceful rhythms of native Hawaiian music can be heard playing all day in and around the resort. The Polynesian is one of the original hotels that opened alongside Walt Disney World in 1971, so there is a wonderful element of nostalgia always present as well. Every inch of the resort is stunning and so full of charm and this same delightful spirit extends easily to its restaurants, including our beloved ‘Ohana.
‘Ohana is open daily for breakfast and dinner and, while each offers a different experience, they are both guaranteed to sate your appetite and put a smile on your face. Lilo and Stitch (along with a few of their friends) welcome guests every morning for an all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast of Mickey waffles, eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, and various pastries, served family-style.
And every evening ‘Ohana reopens to invite guests to enjoy a Polynesian-inspired feast. And what a feast it is! Dinner begins with the restaurant’s signature pineapple-coconut bread and a mixed green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. The second round of appetizers – honey-coriander chicken wings, pork dumplings in a garlic-chili sauce, an assortment of roasted vegetables, and ‘Ohana’s famous lo mein noodles – makes its way to the table next. And before long, the real stars of the show arrive – wood-fire grilled teriyaki beef, spicy peel-and-eat shrimp, and grilled chicken with Polynesian-inspired chimichurri sauce. The portions are plentiful and the servers will happily continue bringing as much food as you’d like until you’ve had your fill. To end the evening, be sure to leave some room to indulge in the perfect complement to this amazing meal – ‘Ohana bread pudding!
‘Ohana bread pudding is not your average bread pudding. On the contrary, this dreamy dessert embraces the flavors of Hawaiian cuisine and takes the traditional bread and custard mixture to the next level with the addition of pineapple and coconut. The pudding arrives fresh from the oven and is topped with vanilla ice cream and a warm bananas foster sauce that is OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious. (I would seriously consider eating this sauce by the spoonful and all on its own if I could!) All of the flavors in this fabulous dessert work wonderfully together and make for a truly perfect ending to one of our favorite dinners in all of Walt Disney World.
For a little taste of some of this goodness that awaits you at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, look no further than the recipe below to make your own ‘Ohana bread pudding at home. And if a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort is on your horizon, be sure to consider making a dining reservation for ‘Ohana – your taste buds and belly will be forever grateful!
‘OHANA BREAD PUDDING
INGREDIENTS
Bread Pudding:
- 12 Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 5 eggs
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 8 oz. canned crushed pineapple, drained
Bananas Foster Sauce:
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ brown sugar
- ½ sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp. rum extract
- 2 to 3 bananas, sliced
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut Hawaiian rolls into cubes and place them in a 9×9 square baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together the remainder of the ingredients for the bread pudding. Pour this egg mixture over the cubed rolls, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes so that the bread has time to soak in most of the liquid.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the center is set.
- When the pudding is done, place the corn syrup, butter, and both sugars in a saucepan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium. Bring to a low boil and then slowly stir in the heavy cream. Continue cooking until the caramel reaches a full rolling boil, then remove from heat and add the rum extract and sliced bananas.
- To serve, cut the bread pudding into desired portions, place a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream on top of each, and generously drizzle the warm bananas foster sauce over everything and enjoy!
Recipe Source: Faith, Food and Family
