DH and I decided long before our trip that we would need a night away. My parents said they would be happy to watch the children, so.....they wanted to do the Luau (we ARE staying at the Poly, right!) and DH and I went to California Grill (that will be my next review). FYI....DS9 is helping me write the review
Here is some general info about the Luau:
WHEN IS IT? There are two shows every Tuesday through Saturday at 5:15 and 8:00 p.m. The shows last approximately two hours.
PRICING/SEATING: The Spirit of Aloha dinner show has tiered pricing. Reservations may be made 90 days in advance.
Category 1 Adults (10 and up) $61.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $31.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge
Category 2 Adults (10 and up) $56.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $27.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge
Category 3 Adults (10 and up) $52.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $26.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge
Category 1 is located in the lower level, in the center and nearest the stage so you will be as close to the performers as possible. You won't miss a moment of the excitement with these wonderful seats. You'll feel as though you are one of the Polynesian dancers.
Category 2 offers tables in the lower level that are located on either the left or right side of the stage OR upper level tables that are located directly behind the Category 1 seating. All of these seats will give you and your family a great view of the entire stage area and you won't miss a thing!
Category 3 offers tables in the lower level that are located to the extreme far right or left of the stage, OR the majority of the upper level tables. You will still have a good view of the stage and be able to enjoy all of the excitement of the authentic Polynesian dancing.
Discounts are sometimes available so inquire for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members and Disney Visa Card Holders... you never know!
Disney Dining Plan: The Dining Plan can be used for the Spirit of Aloha, for Categories 2 and 3 seating only. TWO table service credits will be deducted for these shows.
RESERVATIONS -- Reservations may be made 90 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. Tables are assigned in the order in which reservations are made. Shows can sell out during regular and busy times of the year. Payment in full will be required for the Spirit of Aloha at the time of booking. As long as you cancel up to 48 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund.
The show many be cancelled due to weather.
Special Meals - If you have special dietary needs, be sure to make that clear when you make your reservation. You should be given a phone number to call at least 48 hours in advance to make arrangements for your meal.
WHERE IS IT? The show is held at Luau Cove at the Polynesian Resort. Once inside follow signs tho the Luau Cove.
Transportation: The Polynesian is a Magic Kingdom monorail resort. You can access the Polynesian from any Disney theme park as well as
Downtown Disney. Be sure to allow plenty of travel time
Before we booked the Luau, we were well aware of the good AND bad reviews. There seems to be many mixed feelings about the show.
My family did the 8pm show....5:15pm was a little early for us. We were usually just returning from the pool at 5pm!! On their way over to Luau Cove, my parents passed the marina and got this pic.
DS9 thought it was neat that the CMs put a "Mickey" on the boat. Apparently this boat was getting ready to go out for the Fireworks Cruise....something I would love to do!
Make sure you arrive early! Look at the crowd....long line! I believe they arrived around 7:30pm.
When you are closer to Luau Cove, they will give each member of the party a lei (when we returned home from vacation, we had 21 leis!!!! any suggestions about what to do with them??) They will then take a picture of your party (this is on photopass, too)
DS3 decided that he would wear his lei on his head.....not sure why????
As you read above in the Luau info, if you are on the
DDP then it's two TSs and you can only sit in Cat 2 or 3. My parents said that their seats were not bad at all....could have been a little better, but no complaints. They were able to see everything.
The plates were very Hawaiian, leaf shaped pewter plates and serving pieces. They immediately bring out the appetizer type food:
Pineapple-coconut bread- Yummy!!
Mixed greens with mango poppy seed dressing
Fresh pineapple
The main course was very good and plenty of it!!!
Bar-b-q pork ribs
Roasted chicken
Polynesian rice
Seasonal vegetables
While they were eating, people were perfoming on the stage. DS9 said that the performers were super cool!
DS9 was extremely impressed with the fire dancers. In fact, he still talks about it.
The dessert was brought out on big platters with an erupting volcano in the middle (I'm assuming it was done by dry ice)
Again, the dessert was displayed on beautiful pewter platters.
The name of the desert was Kilauea Volcano Delight....very chocolatey.
DD4 fell asleep after dinner! DS3....wide awake!!
So.....the big question....
Would they return to the Luau? And was it worth the money?
My father says he would not go back...wasn't terrible, but wasn't great. He did say the food and service was good, though. He just thought some of the "acts" were a bit cheesy.
My mother says she thought it was good...not nearly as good as HDDR, but okay. She was glad that they experienced it for the kids because all the children seemed to really like it. She also said that she had been wanting to do it for years and finally did....probably wouldn't go back.
DS9 had a blast. Although he didn't eat much, (he had been nibbling in the CL lounge) he said the food was really good. He really, really, really, liked the performance, especially the fire dancers. He also said that he would love to go back with us next time we go to WDW.
I think overall, my parents were glad that they experienced it at least once. Their feelings were like this...."since we're staying at the Poly, we might as well try it."
Stay tuned for California Grill!!!!