Entertainer at Poly - Lipoa No Longer at 'Ohanas

[suzannews]

Coconut races and teaching the hula will stay the same, just with a different entertainer. There are 2 or 3 gentlemen that will rotate through the week.

 

[jo-jo]

We were there about a month ago. We didn't see hula dancing, only the coconut race. As we were getting ready to leave they were starting another race, so I don't think it was an issue of bad timing.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

We were there about a month ago. We didn't see hula dancing, only the coconut race. As we were getting ready to leave they were starting another race, so I don't think it was an issue of bad timing.

We've been to 'Ohana (dinner) maybe five times. We've heard the ukulele players but never seen them, never had a host come to our table, never received any leis, and only once saw part of a coconut race (we have kids, they never participated). How often do these activities actually happen?

 

[suzannews]

We were there about a month ago. We didn't see hula dancing, only the coconut race. As we were getting ready to leave they were starting another race, so I don't think it was an issue of bad timing.

Hula dancing is usually later in the evening since most little kids want to do a coconut race.

 

[suzannews]

We've been to 'Ohana (dinner) maybe five times. We've heard the ukulele players but never seen them, never had a host come to our table, never received any leis, and only once saw part of a coconut race (we have kids, they never participated). How often do these activities actually happen?

Coconut races are usually once an hour. Later in the evening, there may be a hula lesson in it's place. When not on break, the entertainer walks around the restaurant for the rest of that hour slot.

 

[JuniorSkipper]

This is so sad

 

[DisneyHardin]

Always sad to see somebody lose her job, especially if she won't be replaced. Any reduction in workforce from an enormous company like Disney is lamentable.

But I won't miss Lipoa personally at 'Ohana. I'm fine with some entertainment with my dinner. Kids clearly like the antics. But I found her annoying. I guess that's just me.

I'm right there with you. I also found her very loud and annoying. The first time we ate there we were seated right on the aisle by where she was leading the kids games. We learned very quickly to request a table far away from there.

 

[baloo's girl]

bummer, We really enjoyed her every trip, since 2008. And our leis always smelled so good-must of been her perfume. She will be missed.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Coconut races are usually once an hour. Later in the evening, there may be a hula lesson in it's place. When not on break, the entertainer walks around the restaurant for the rest of that hour slot.

I've never seen any of that. Not sure why *shrug*

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This may be relevant from the current Disney Auditions calendar:

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

This is so sad - my family will be upset. We go to Ohana each trip and we love seeing her. We would talk and sing with her each time. What a sweetheart she is! She always made our time at Ohana feel so special. I will email them. Thanks for letting us know.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Live entertainment is considered expendable by current management. And yes they will claim it's the entertainer's choice but they are not being truthful.

An experienced employee cost more so they fire and replace with cheap. (That's how we got chainsaws in Epcot)

 

[JerseyJanice]

Too bad my ukulele and singing skills aren't what they used to be.

 

[GreyStr0ke]

Just an FYI. Lipoa is now in Concierge at the Polynesian.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

Just an FYI. Lipoa is now in Concierge at the Polynesian.

Yep, she's in the club level lounge right now

 

[NHLFAN]

Yep, she's in the club level lounge right now

It was great to see her yesterday and today in the Club Lounge and after spending a few minutes chatting with her, you can tell she really misses all the interaction with guests (cousins). She would be great as a hotel Greeter / Ambassador for guests entering the Ceremonial House but we really missed her entertainment when we ate at Ohana last night. We were there for 1.5 hrs and the male entertainer never made it over to our side of the restaurant.

 

[JerseyJanice]

So she is still employed by WDW, but not at Ohana? I guess they felt like it was time to change things up at Ohana.

 

[FlaMamaw]

We just returned last week, and ate at Ohana. The gentleman singing was VERY good. We never really enjoyed Lipoa- we preferred the gentleman who used to alternate with her. However, in speaking with the current performer, the other gentleman passed away from colon cancer, and Lipoa is now working in the concierge lounge. Any speculation on reasons why should be left just at that-SPECULATION. We don’t have any of the facts around this decision.

 

[jo-jo]

We were there a few weeks ago. The singer we had was good, but (am I'm guessing it's management choice) one coconut race,but no hula lessons, no "who is having a birthday", no limbo. I go for the kids to have fun. The food is good, but to me, the entertainment is part of the package.

 

[Allison]

We just returned last week, and ate at Ohana. The gentleman singing was VERY good. We never really enjoyed Lipoa- we preferred the gentleman who used to alternate with her. However, in speaking with the current performer, the other gentleman passed away from colon cancer, and Lipoa is now working in the concierge lounge. Any speculation on reasons why shoud be left just at that-SPECULATION. We don’t have any of the facts around this decision.

So why resurrect a thread that is a year old if you are concerned about speculation? This was dead and buried.