DDP: Is The Luau Worth It?

[ssnelle]

We're having a tough time deciding whether or not to spend the 2 TS credits each on the LUAU. If we paid for it it would cost a little over $200 (I think with the price increase as of 1/1/07) for 2 adults and 3 kids. We do get a show and beer/wine, but comparing it to a restaurant like Le Cellier where our 1 TS each bill would be @ $189. Tough decision! Anyone with insight, has anyone been, was it worth it?????????

 

[moviegirl11]

I went to the Spirita of Aloha Luau last time I was in WDW a few years ago. It was fun and very family oriented. That said, its not on our list of things to do again. While it was a good time, once was enough. I remember the food being decent (nothing spectacular but tasty) and the show being fun.

Maybe someone with kids can give you a better review than mine. Basically what I'm saying is, having done it, it was a good time but there are a ton of other places we'd like to try. If you think your kids will get a kick out of it (the fire stuff is pretty cool), go for it.

 

[ssnelle]

Thank you for the feedback. We are doing it for our children (oh yeah, and my husband for the grass skirts). I am sure if we were not on the DDP we would not pay for it.

Anyone else been there recently who was on the DDP? Do you feel it is worth the 2 TS credits for each?

 

[Luv2trav]

In my opinion ABSOLUTELY NOT!! We went last May and it was a waste of 2 TS.. While my DS (4) loved the fire show the rest of it was OK and the food was just OK...

 

[disneypharm]

I went to the Spirita of Aloha Luau last time I was in WDW a few years ago. It was fun and very family oriented. That said, its not on our list of things to do again. While it was a good time, once was enough. I remember the food being decent (nothing spectacular but tasty) and the show being fun.

Maybe someone with kids can give you a better review than mine. Basically what I'm saying is, having done it, it was a good time but there are a ton of other places we'd like to try. If you think your kids will get a kick out of it (the fire stuff is pretty cool), go for it.

We had the same experience. We went to the Luau on Dec 2005 and really enjoyed it. However, the food was just ok. DD8 and DD6 got to dance on the stage with the dancers. It is also not on our list of things to do again.

 

[moviegirl11]

Yeah I wasnt sure if my memory was just fuzzy but while I dont remember leaving feeling it was a bad experience or not worth the money, I mostly just remember it as something we did and thats about it. The biggest memory I have of the experience was getting to see the Polynesian resort which was absolutely gorgeous.

 

[robind]

NO, NONO

We were 9 (7adults/2children) and the food was not that good, the show was okay but not worth the two credits.

 

[disgrits]

In my opinion ABSOLUTELY NOT!! We went last May and it was a waste of 2 TS.. While my DS (4) loved the fire show the rest of it was OK and the food was just OK...

NO, NONO

We were 9 (7adults/2children) and the food was not that good, the show was okay but not worth the two credits.

OUr experience was the same.......

The show was a little long. We would have just liked seeing the dancing, not the "story" part. The food was not the best either. If we had only used 1 TS, I would say it was worth it. We're glad we did it, (because we probably would've always wondered what it would be like) but we won't be doing it again.

 

[ssnelle]

My kids want to do this (3, 5, 7 yo) but I don't want to waste the 2 TS credits each. I would MUCH rather go out to eat twice rather than 2 TS for this one meal...anybody have any thing positive to say to make me feel better about this? I guess I need to talk my kids out of this...any help?!

 

[minnieandmickey]

In my opinion ABSOLUTELY NOT!! We went last May and it was a waste of 2 TS.. While my DS (4) loved the fire show the rest of it was OK and the food was just OK...

I am in total agreement with this post, so not worth it!

 

[kjs1976]

If I were you, I would find two character sit-down meals to replace the 2 TS tyou'd be using on the luau. Chef Mickey's never disappoints the kiddos (or adult kiddos!) for either meal. If that one is not already on your list, I'd consider it for sure. Ohana's is also a great choice. Dinner is fabulous with entertainment for all ages. Breakfast is very tasty with excellent character interaction! You'll be getting great meals, plus some fun for the kids so you'll get the most our of your credits.

 

[MaeDaisy]

Ssnelle, I LOVED the luau, and both of my kids did too (daughter 10, son 7). We had such a great time that we even bought the overpriced photo. Sure, the play is a little silly -- so what, who is expecting it to be Broadway? The dancing was very entertaining, and I am telling you, the food was my favorite meal of the whole trip!!! I can't figure out how people can say the food was bad or just so-so. Every single item on the menu was delicious! Well -- I didn't try the ribs, because I just don't like ribs and there was plenty enough chicken, rice, & veggies to fill me up. But my husband and my extremely picky son both gave them a big thumbs up.

As far as it being "worth it" on the DDP, we paid OOP for a dinner and a breakfast, and it turns out that we would have been a little bit ahead if we'd switched it and paid OOP for the luau and used DDP for the dinner and breakfast. Maybe $20 or $30. Even so, it was totally worth it to me.

If you want to go, or if they want to, I say go! You've seen the bad reviews so you'll be prepared if it's NOT all you were hoping for, but it was definitely a highlight for my family of 4.

 

[yesallmine]

We went with a very large party and I would never do it again . It was on a cold night--they cancel if its under 52 degrees i believe and it was quite uncomfortable. Even if it was warm I think it was way too long and just ok. The best part was the great hotel we were able to see but I would dine at Ohana and do that even if Ohana some debate isnt the most bang for the buck because it has a set dinner plan. We loved the Hoop de Doo but still dont know if I would want to use two credits.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Last August DH and I did the HDDR and the luau. Don't know why we did each just two weeks apart. Just worked out that way. Although the luau was for our anniversary.
Wer used DDE discount. I thought it was nice. The play was not so, as was the service. The food was good. The traditional dancing was high energy and amazing and we both really enjoyed it. Exceptionally talented Cast, as is the Disney entertainment tradition.
I would do it again, and we could at a discount. DH wrinkled his nose at that offer.
So, for full price I could see where someone may be disappointed.
We liked the luau better than HDDR.
Neither was bad by any means. They were good times. But neither are we in a hurry to return.

 

[ssnelle]

Thanks to all! My 7 year old is looking forward to it, so I guess I better go with the flow since we had already told him about it...oh well, thank you for ALL your feedback, good and bad reviews alike. Experience and knowledge are the best preparation...

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

My kids want to do this (3, 5, 7 yo) but I don't want to waste the 2 TS credits each. I would MUCH rather go out to eat twice rather than 2 TS for this one meal...anybody have any thing positive to say to make me feel better about this? I guess I need to talk my kids out of this...any help?!

We went for the first time during our last trip. Although I don't think it was awesome, it wasn't bad either. It was a little long, but if you can hold out for the fire thrower at the end, he was really good. My DS2 got a little bored during the first part.

Make sure your kids know that Lilo and Stitch are not in the show anymore...if they would have been, I think it would be better for the kids.

Also, call EARLY we called very early to book our ADRs and we were right in the front...GREAT SEATS. If you have seats in the back, I don't see how you can see anything at all.

The food was okay, not great, not bad, I wasn't expecting it to be great based on the reviews I read here.

I wouldn't say I won't ever do it again, but it definitely isn't a must do!

 

[karibritt01]

Do the Luau and enjoy it! Sounds as if this is something your kids really want to do. I am a big advocate of letting the kids help plan the vacation. Pick another restaurant for yourself, and let the kids have the luau. Drink it up, and the play won't be so corny! My kids really want to try it as well, so we will be there in June!

 

[ssnelle]

Thank you everyone, we are going to do it. Now lets hope it doesn't rain!