DVC Germaine's Luau Discount?

[gonzalj1]

I see in portable perks that DVC members are eligible for a discount at Germaine's Luau. My question is can I make my reservations before I arrive in Hawaii or do I need to go to the desk on site as mentioned?

Germaine’s Luau
One of Hawai‘i’s oldest lū‘aus with the true spirit of aloha, the ultimate in
Hawaiian-style fun. Book an adult ticket and get a child ticket for
Free ($52 value). Stop by the Holoholo Tours and Travels desk to redeem

 

[robinb]

I see in portable perks that DVC members are eligible for a discount at Germaine's Luau. My question is can I make my reservations before I arrive in Hawaii or do I need to go to the desk on site as mentioned?

Germaine’s Luau
One of Hawai‘i’s oldest lū‘aus with the true spirit of aloha, the ultimate in
Hawaiian-style fun. Book an adult ticket and get a child ticket for
Free ($52 value). Stop by the Holoholo Tours and Travels desk to redeem

EDITED! Whoops! I went to the Paradise Cove Luau near Aulani. NOT Germaine's. I changed all references in my post and now it doesn't make any sense. *sigh*

I have to say that while I completely adore luaus, the Paradise Cove Luau was the worst I have ever been to. The food was awful, the drinks were limited, small and watered down, and they charged extra for "premium" drinks. I felt completely nickle and dimed by Paradise Cove. I won't be back. If Disney still offers one, I would stick with that one as I seem to remember good reviews. Or, if you're not interested in alcohol I would see if you can book a tour (or drive) to the Polynesian Cultural Center for their show. They have the most fabulous dancers!

 

[jel0511]

EDITED! Whoops! I went to the Paradise Cove Luau near Aulani. NOT Germaine's. I changed all references in my post and now it doesn't make any sense. *sigh*

I have to say that while I completely adore luaus, the Paradise Cove Luau was the worst I have ever been to. The food was awful, the drinks were limited, small and watered down, and they charged extra for "premium" drinks. I felt completely nickle and dimed by Paradise Cove. I won't be back. If Disney still offers one, I would stick with that one as I seem to remember good reviews. Or, if you're not interested in alcohol I would see if you can book a tour (or drive) to the Polynesian Cultural Center for their show. They have the most fabulous dancers!

BTW Germaine's was just as bad IMO.... It was by far the worst evening we had during our stay at Aulani.....

 

[robinb]

We stayed at the Royal Hawaiian on our last trip (it was on my hotel "bucket list" ) and we watched their luau from the Mai Tai bar on the beach. It is VERY pricy, but the show was top notch. It's right on the beach and it has an open bar. http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining/ahaaina/

We watched it for free from the side and under the palm trees on the left

I think that we probably paid about $100-$125 in drinks and a light meal (burgers, wings, etc) for three of us at the Mai Tai bar. But we didn't get the whole Kalua Pork and Poi experience ... just the best mai tais on the planet.

Here's another view of the Mai Tai bar from above:

You can sit under the umbrellas on the edge to see the luau.

 

[floribr1]

We stayed at the Royal Hawaiian on our last trip (it was on my hotel "bucket list" ) and we watched their luau from the Mai Tai bar on the beach. It is VERY pricy, but the show was top notch. It's right on the beach and it has an open bar. http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining/ahaaina/

We watched it for free from the side and under the palm trees on the left

Now this looks like something I could be pursuaded to try. But it certainly is not a budget option...

 

[gonzalj1]

I appreciate everyone's opinion but can anyone answer my question?

 

[robinb]

I appreciate everyone's opinion but can anyone answer my question?

You can call Aulani and ask for the tour desk and ask them yourself.

 

[gonzalj1]

Bump

 

[robinb]

Bump

Really? It's 4:10 pm in Hawaii. Call them for free on your cell phone and get the information from the horse's mouth.

 

[gonzalj1]

Really? It's 4:10 pm in Hawaii. Call them for free on your cell phone and get the information from the horse's mouth.

Why are you so bothered by my post? Seems like you can skip right over it if you have nothing constructive to add.

Or are you one of those people who like to make sure everyone does things the way you do because that's the only right way after all?

This is what I love about this place. The friendly people who mind their own business. Everyone keeps to themselves and lets others be.

 

[robinb]

Why are you so bothered by my post? Seems like you can skip right over it if you have nothing constructive to add.

Or are you one of those people who like to make sure everyone does things the way you do because that's the only right way after all?

This is what I love about this place. The friendly people who mind their own business. Everyone keeps to themselves and lets others be.

If people 'minded their own business' then no one would answer a single post, LOL. By asking your question you made it everyone's business. Welcome to the internets!

It just seems silly to me to bump the tread in an attempt to get some second hand information that may or may not be correct when you vacation when it takes a 5-minute free phone call on your cell phone to the resort to know for sure. Obviously it was more time effective for you to pick on me (I'm not one of those 'friendly persons') instead of calling and getting the information you wanted.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Why are you so bothered by my post? Seems like you can skip right over it if you have nothing constructive to add.

Or are you one of those people who like to make sure everyone does things the way you do because that's the only right way after all?

This is what I love about this place. The friendly people who mind their own business. Everyone keeps to themselves and lets others be.

If you want to control all responses your only hope is to start your own message board

 

[Rizzo1]

I made my reservations online thru Sav-On Tours. It is definitely less thru Sav-On rather than thru Disney excursions (web page).Then, when I had to call to 'fix' an error I made, I spoke with the owner who was quite nice and helpful.
I had made my reservation for Germaine's, but for about $5.00 more, changed it to Paradise Cove. The reason I changed it is because I was asked 'Would you rather have a luau in Compton or in Santa Barbara?' Yep, that was very easy to answer.
We have never been to either one, so it will be a new experience for us. Then, even if it turns out to be a 'not so good luau', we will chalk it up to experience and not go there again...live and learn. Whichever you decide to book, be sure and enjoy yourselves.

 

[Rizzo1]

May I add one more thing... my co-worker went to Germaine's and loved it... she recommended it to me, as a matter of fact. She said she especilly loved the ride over - their MC/guide on the bus was hilarious, she said.
I am not trying to sway anyone either way or to any one luau, but before you book, please be sure and read the reviews.

 

[gonzalj1]

If people 'minded their own business' then no one would answer a single post, LOL. By asking your question you made it everyone's business. Welcome to the internets!

It just seems silly to me to bump the tread in an attempt to get some second hand information that may or may not be correct when you vacation when it takes a 5-minute free phone call on your cell phone to the resort to know for sure. Obviously it was more time effective for you to pick on me (I'm not one of those 'friendly persons') instead of calling and getting the information you wanted.

You're welcome to your opinion obviously. I just think its sad that you have little else to do than follow and comment on a post you have no interest in and nothing constructive to add. Guess there's not much to do in your town.

 

[robinb]

You're welcome to your opinion obviously. I just think its sad that you have little else to do than follow and comment on a post you have no interest in and nothing constructive to add. Guess there's not much to do in your town.

Oh ... snap . What were you saying about 'friendly people' again? Hmmm ... ...

 

[gonzalj1]

Oh ... snap . What were you saying about 'friendly people' again? Hmmm ... ...

Note to self - When traveling to Wisconsin remember - they have nothing exciting to do and don't understand sarcasm...

 

[JWG]

Germaine's and Paradise Cove both seem to have a discount for DVC members. You can book both directly through Member Services. They come through as an Aulani excursion. As with all Aulani reservations, when calling MS you'll get transferred to an Aulani booking specialist - who still has access to your DVC information, just certain people within MS must be trained on Aulani.

I called to book Germaine's, found out we could get Paradise Cove for a discount and booked that instead. We did choose the deluxe package, so we'll get our Mai Tai and 3 premium drinks as well as table served food vs. buffet. My decision was based on the location (walk from hotel), atmosphere (right on the ocean front) and experience (Paradise Cove as a bunch of activities prior to the luau event). I chose the deluxe package (which is not quite twice the regular package) for various reasons as well a) not a buffet amongst the masses b) includes the souveneir photo that gets taken whether you want them to or not, we usually end up buying them anyway c) includes 3 premium drinks d) doubt we'll be back to Hawaii anytime soon so making it a thing

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[gonzalj1]

Germaine's and Paradise Cove both seem to have a discount for DVC members. You can book both directly through Member Services. They come through as an Aulani excursion. As with all Aulani reservations, when calling MS you'll get transferred to an Aulani booking specialist - who still has access to your DVC information, just certain people within MS must be trained on Aulani.

I called to book Germaine's, found out we could get Paradise Cove for a discount and booked that instead. We did choose the deluxe package, so we'll get our Mai Tai and 3 premium drinks as well as table served food vs. buffet. My decision was based on the location (walk from hotel), atmosphere (right on the ocean front) and experience (Paradise Cove as a bunch of activities prior to the luau event). I chose the deluxe package (which is not quite twice the regular package) for various reasons as well a) not a buffet amongst the masses b) includes the souveneir photo that gets taken whether you want them to or not, we usually end up buying them anyway c) includes 3 premium drinks d) doubt we'll be back to Hawaii anytime soon so making it a thing

Good luck and enjoy!

Thanks for the info.

I found it on the Aulani site at a discount. Do you know if the DVC discount is over and above what is in the hotel site for PC?

 

[JWG]

Thanks for the info.

I found it on the Aulani site at a discount. Do you know if the DVC discount is over and above what is in the hotel site for PC?

I'm guessing it was the general Aulani discount. I think you could find better discounts through 3rd party touring sites (I saw one that had the price for the deluxe at about$120 for adults).

I've been reading reviews and I can't find a luau with all good. Paradise would have "show was great, food was bad" followed by "show was commercial and awful but the food was great!".