Anyone go to the Luau Recently? Need advice...

[Wendybird55]

Hi,

We're going to WDW Sept 3-10. 3 adults and 1 child (3 years old). We're on DDP. My 180 days is coming up and I'm working on my ADRs. Though food quality is important, more important is atmosphere and experience for my 3yro because no matter how good the food is, if you have a restless or unhappy child, the meal is not enjoyable.

I'm thinking of going to the Luau that it will be fun for my son. I went many, many, many years ago. I was reading the reviews on allearsnet and they were very mixed.

Some of my concerns...seating. On DDP you get catergory 2 or 3 and it's on a first come service based on ADRs. There were complaints on allears that the seats were terrible and they couldn't see the show even though they booked the first day they were able to. I'm concerned if the seats are bad, my son will lose interest fast or be frustrated that he can't see. Any experiences with this?

Waiting to be seated and such...how bad is it getting in, seated and settled. How antsy will a child get?

If you are on the DXDP can you get catergory 1 seating?

Is it worth if for a 3yro? Last year we did the backyard BBQ which I thought was fun, however my son fell asleep on the way over and missed half of it. He did enjoy playing in the playground nearby before we left.

Just wondering if the Luau will be worth it? Would O'hana be a better choice? My only concern about O'hana is that based on my son's current eating habits he probably won't eat any of the food unless I can get him a hot dog.

Thanks for your input....

 

[tami82]

im not sure of this. I had put in my information to see what category i could get for regular free dining and it said 2 & 3. I too was wondering if cat 2 is good because as you said there were mixed reviews.

 

[JDUCKY]

I can let ya know after Saturday.

As the PP stated, you can only get Category 2 or 3. I opted for 2 and want the lower level. It may off to the side some but it's closer to the front. Didn't want to risk getting stuck way in the back up top even if it is in the middle.

 

[jodywgirl]

We just went last september. I would get there early and check in then your little one can run around. We had good seats they were at the side but in front. I think there is enough going on that will keep your little one interested. You can also go to your concierge desk and get your tickets there so you don't have the extra step of signing up.

 

[Wendy5055]

Honestly, the Luau is pretty slow moving and boring according to my dd8 (show wise). The food is ok and they do have kids offerings. The seating is open air with a roof...think tiered style seating with tables in a half circle around the stage.

I think Ohanas would be a better option...JMHO

 

[Wendybird55]

Thanks Wendy5055...I am starting to lean towards Ohanas as well (If I can get and ADR - couldn't get on last year). I don't mind using 2 meal credits if it's for something worth it...but if DS gets ansty at the dinner show and doesn't want to stay it will either be a terrible evening (no matter how good the show is) or we will need to leave early and it's a waste of 2 credits...

 

[SuzieN]

Have you done the Hoop De Doo?? My kids loved it!! I, personally, found the Luau boring so I don't think it will really entertain your 3yo. I liked the food better at the Hoop De Doo too!

 

[Wendy5055]

Just a reminder...Ohanas dinner does not have characters...Lilo & Stitch are at breakfast. At dinner, they do have a parade and activities for children during the course of dinner. I am trying to get a ressie there myself...it sure is popular!!

Other good meals would be something like Crystal Palace (we have eaten here ever since our first visit when dd was 4 years old), Chef Mickey, Cape May Cafe Breakfast (we really enjoy this one and the characters are great!), Garden Grill and my dd8 Coral Reef year before last because she could watch the fish in the tank...I had arranged for a diver to hold up a greeting for her AND for a personalized menu (not sure if they do this anymore, but you can call the restaurant and check).

Lastly, my dd8 has really enjoyed the Hoop Dee Doo Review Dinner Show. Although it may be a little advanced for a 3 year old, it is full of laughs and action.

 

[OhThePain]

Have you done the Hoop De Doo?? My kids loved it!! I, personally, found the Luau boring so I don't think it will really entertain your 3yo. I liked the food better at the Hoop De Doo too!

I second the Hoop Dee Doo over the Luau. The show is much more entertaining and the food is great.

IMO, SOA is not worth the time, money or TS credits. The last time I was there I noticed that a lot of the younger kids were either asleep or just not paying attention.

 

[poly princess]

I went to luau in September and loved it! I was on deluxe dining plan and thought it well worth the 2 credits. The food was good (my husband thought it was GREAT and can not wait to go back), the seats were good too, no problems seeing here and the show it self was cute. I am not sure if its for a 3 year old, the reason why I say this is b/c most three years olds are not ready for the theater, movies and anything that is not instant stimulation. That being said there are few things I did notice kids did like when we were there. One of them being the volcano desserts (volcano cake that was smoking and brought out with such pizzaz), fire eating and fire throwing ect. I am old school, so if its something I wanted to seem I would go, and my kids didn't like too bad (I would bring toys to keep them happy), its not always about them and they need to learn life is not always instant stimulation. I don't think you'd need pay for your 3 year old to go, so you would not loose any $$. When kids are tired they sleep no matter where they are. I say grab a lei and go for it!!

 

[vicki_c]

I don't think you'd need pay for your 3 year old to go, so you would not loose any $$. When kids are tired they sleep no matter where they are. I say grab a lei and go for it!!

No, a 3 year old will be charged the regular child price. Only children 2 and younger don't pay.

We had fun @ the luau - our kids were decidely so-so on it - they were 8 and 10. I probably wouldn't take a 3 year old just due to the length of the show and that it's not highly kid-themed.