Now, where were we? Oh yeah. When we last left-off, we had gotten to the Polynesian with plenty of time to spare, so Judy and I had walked over to check out the Grand
Flooridian. We walked back (passing Pacific Islander volleyball players, as you may recall) and rejoined the rest of our crew in a line that had now formed with other guests waiting to be let in to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. (Which from this point forward I'll refer to as "the luau".) At about a quarter to 8pm they started letting us in, greeting us with a lei.
From there, we were shuffled up to the photographer for the group photo. I had forgotten that they do this, similar to the photograph that they take before entering Hoop-de-doo. After the photo, we still had to wait a little longer and we were led to an open spot outside of the dining area that was gradually starting to fill up with people. As I was standing there, a man came up and said, "Hey Glennbo!" He recognized me from my trip reports. It was funny because he said that he didn't want to be creepy or anything; he didn't want to be "that guy". I had to feel for him because I don't know how you would approach someone whose trip reports you've read either, other than just coming up and saying "Hey". Then he said, "I recognized you! I recognized
all of you!", with a hand sweeping toward the rest of my family. (Okay, you could've left that part out, I don't want Judy to get creeped-out! She's still trying to wrap her head around the Judy-sighting game.) He said that he just reads the DIS, doesn't post, but he liked my writing. I told him that he'll definitely get a mention in my next trip report (although even I didn't think that it would take so many months to get posted), and asked if he'd like to take a picture with me for it? No, he didn't want that, but was happy to talk with me and if I may say so, he seemed rather amazed that someone he'd seen on the internet was now here, live and in-person before him. Okay, I'm beating around the bush here out of humility...he seemed a little starstruck. I mean, in my mind, everyone
should be starstruck around me, but no one ever is, so this was new for me too. I thanked him for saying hello, I did sincerely appreciate that. Then he told us how much we'd like the luau and went off to rejoin his group.
After he walked away, my mom asked me where he knew me from. I just said, "Oh, an internet message board" and I think that confused her enough that she let it drop!
Then we were finally let in to the dining area, and led to our table. We had great seats! Front row, and just slightly left of center-stage. I guess that would be near what they'd call "stage right". I think these were close to where Dan’s (FauntleroyFan07) seats were the year before when someone a table further back had a major blow-up over being located behind a pole that wasn't really in the way.
We may have had to wait a little while to get in, but once seated we sure didn't have to wait at all for the first of the food to arrive. In fact, our bread, pineapple, and salad were already waiting for us. And you can see our great view of the stage.
This last picture reminds me that I neglected to make a note of our server's name. I slipped up there. But she did a nice job in keeping us supplied throughout the meal. Oh, and I remember that Lauren had to talk to her about her allergies...she had to make sure that she brought her rice without any peas in it.
Here's a better shot of our bread, pineapple, and salad. (Oops, I guess it's actually pineapple-coconut bread, and the salad is more properly described as mixed greens with mango-poppy seed dressing.)
And, I now know what to call the salad because I had my mom hold up the menu for me to take a picture. Cocktails for purchase on the left page, and the items included in the dinner service are on the right page.
Gram and Poppy.
The pewter leaf-design stand in the bottom of the picture just above is worth noting. There were a couple of them attached to each table (you can see them if you go back to the last few photos) and they were great for holding the buffet items that were brought to the table. But more importantly, because they were elevated a few inches it gave us more room on the table for our plates, silverware, glasses, etc. A great idea.
James discovers pineapple-coconut bread. Either that, or the world's biggest crouton.
Judy and girls.
The crowd.
The band gave us a little dinner music as we enjoyed our first course. I'm not sure if the band is called "The Papayas" or if that box is just a prop.
I told the kids not to fill up on salad "'cause that's where they get ya!" But meanwhile I had some salad, a couple of pieces of pineapple, and 3 slices of pineapple coconut bread. It's interesting -- the breads at the Polynesian (at the luau, Kona Café, and 'Ohana) are all very good but different from one another.
Then as we wrapped up our first course, the show started as this lady came out and talked to us. I want to say that she was "Aunty-something" but I may be getting confused with Aunty’s Beach House at Aulani. I have to say that she was a little too sappy, syrupy. I guess saccharine is the word I’m looking for. Cloyingly sweet. Sorry Aunty, but yeah I just met you so I’m not ready to call you "Aunty" just yet.
Then we met a couple more characters and something told me that by the end of the show the tomgirl was going to turn into a cute little thing who would win the affection of the big-dopey guy. But I don’t know, has Disney ever written a plotline like that before?
Then they threw in some Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride and some more actors/dancers.
I don't remember who this girl is, but the grin on the guy's face tells me that she just might give the tomgirl a run for her money.
Here, I think the guy is telling the tomgirl that he doesn't even know who that other girl is. "Your picture's in my wallet and I'm sitting on it. If that isn't love, then I don't know what is."
At 8:30, our entrees arrived. This is the only picture I took of the entrée platter because right after I took it this food got transferred to our plates and absolutely devoured!
I ended up eating 2 halves of chicken, 3 ribs, a mound of rice, and some veggies (broccoli, carrots, and sugar snap peas). Yeah, I was full. I wrote in my notes that the chicken and ribs were excellent, as were the bread and rice. I seemed to have left the veggies out, but I'm sure that was just an oversight.
Judy didn't like the free wine. She started with the Chardonnay, then switched to the Rosé, and finally went with water. I remember that I didn't like the free sangria at Hoop-de-doo either.
Then, there was more show to be had. I'll be honest, I don't remember the plot at all so feel free to make up your own as you go through the pictures. Heck, that's what I started doing a few paragraphs ago.
They invited all the little kids up onto the stage, which made for a nice photo opportunity.
continued in next post
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around here........... It is easy to see who the jealous ones are with their constant complaining from being so far behind!
Dixie.
(You know, I never knew when I'd use that Disboard smilie and I think I just found the perfect occasion!)
I'll do better than that -- I'll post right here, right now...hey, I'm about to put up a great big, 4-part mega-chapter on the luau. Get ready!
Congrats!
Yeah, I'm pretty much a sap.
Whooo HOOO !! 
