Ohana Means Family: Our Lilo & Stitch Dinner & a Movie Night 🌺

In this house, we are all about a themed dinner + Disney movie night combo. It’s one of our favorite traditions, and we try to do it at least once a month. This time? We went full island vibes for a Lilo & Stitch night—because Lennon has officially entered her Stitch era after watching the new live-action version. And naturally, we had to go back and watch the OG.

 On the Menu: A Taste of Hawaii (Stormy Night Edition)

We had big plans to fire up the Blackstone, but Mother Nature had other ideas. So we pivoted—Disney style—and brought the island flavors indoors.

 Baked Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken

We used our favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce, added a splash of pineapple juice for that sweet island twist, and baked it to juicy perfection in the oven. So simple and so dang good.

 Candied Pineapple Rings

These were a fun little extra—lightly caramelized in a skillet with brown sugar. Sticky, sweet, and a total hit with my tiny food critic.

 Cilantro Lime Rice

Snagged this one from Target (#momwin). We love the Good & Gather brand—it’s quick, delicious, and full of flavor with zero effort.

 Mini Chocolate Bundt Cakes

Thank you, Publix bakery! These were the perfect easy dessert—rich, chocolatey, and required zero cleanup 

 Ocean Water (Sonic-Inspired, Fath-Approved)

We made our own version with:

Coconut water
A splash of Sprite
A little pineapple juice
Dye-free blue food coloring
Shark gummies for a themed touch 

It was bubbly, tropical, and so fun for Lennon. Definitely a repeat drink!

 

 The Main Event

Once dinner was served, we snuggled up and hit play on the original Lilo & Stitch—because nothing beats the OG. Lennon was completely locked in, and I may or may not have teared up during the “ohana means family” part (every. time.).

 Why We Keep Doing These

Themed movie nights give us a reason to pause, be intentional, and make memories as a family. They’re fun, low-stress, and something Lennon looks forward to just as much as I do. Plus, when the meal feels like part of the movie? That’s  core memory  magic right there.

Save this idea for your next family night, and if you give it a try—tag me or leave a comment! I’d love to hear how it goes or help you plan your own themed movie dinner night. Up next for us? Maybe Moana… or Stitch 2. We’ll see what the tiny boss requests. 

Until then, mahalo for being here and remember—ohana means nobody gets left behind