HDDR 08/05 -- Luau 08/12

[Luv2Roam]

Both were good of course. But I REALLY liked the luau far better than HDDR. I think which dinner/show others may like better between the two is a matter of personal choice.

I liked the food at the luau better. So did DH. But I don't think he considered either outstanding in any way.

I would do the luau again.
I would probably return to HDDR under specific circumstances. Seen it once, we don't have an urge to see the same show again. The food was good, but nothing to crave or can't be found elsewhere. I imagine the same food (if not better) is on the buffet next door at Trail's End.

The HDDR I was able to book August 4, for the August 5, 9:30 show.

The luau I booked way in advance.

The service was better at HDDR than the luau. Not to say the service was bad at the luau. But there were multiple mistakes. Just none of them big or worth mentioning. Just enough you know the service was not as it should have been.

The show at the luau is rather boring until they FINALLY get to the traditional dances. That was GREAT! I even like the drums.

The storyline and the non tradional dancing is not interesting. But the rest makes up for that.
The sound system was even hurtful to my ears, when some cast spoke. It was too loud. But then other cast was fine and so was the music.
I thought the luau food was really good.
I walked away very pleased, and would sometime attend the luau again, and recommend it to friends.
DH thought both the HDDR and luau was not worth the full price. (Which we did not pay.)
And he said he rather have a nice dinner at Flying Fish, or equitable restaurant, than go to the luau again.
But I give the luau a big thumbs up.
We had a ton of food left over. I wish I could have brought it home. We could have had another meal and still thrown some away with just what we had remaining.

It also rained a short time at the luau. Not surprisingly Disney is set up very well to keep the showing going, even if it is raining. Guests should be fine, unless it is raining as they are coming or going to and from the luau.

On a side note, DH is interested in an Afternoon Tea at the GF repeat!
Between the three, the tea is the winner with DH. That's nice. It is easier on the pocketbook and timetable too!

 

[Bibbidi]

Great review! I just posted a thread asking which one to attend with my DH and girls next May. Haven't done the luau since 1983! Which I realize was the "Old Show". Without spoiling the storyline, can you tell me what exactly happens before the traditional dance begins? Do you think younger kids would like it? I'm not so concerned about the food, I think we would be OK there whatever they served us.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Well, the storyline could use some zip.
I don't want to give too much away (not there is a lot to give ). Basically it is a family reunion of sorts, and we are the invited guests at the family luau. The storyline could be A LOT more interesting.
There is time for the kids to run around a little near the stage area between sets. Just enough time to get some energy worn off.
There were a lot of kids at the luau we attended, as it was the 5:30 show. But I did not see any crying or cranky. And guests of all ages seemed to enjoy it.
The kids seemed occupied with the lei each guest received.

 

[Tiki Room Fan]

DF and I did the luau last year (we called the day before for ressies and got a great table no problem ... we noticed they were sold out that night)

The show was okay, but not what we were expecting. I guess I saw that old Brady Bunch episode from Hawaii too many times or something! I would have preferred more of a luau and less of a stage show. We enjoyed it, but I wouldn't do it again.

The food was okay, I'm a vegetarian, DF isn't. They were great about bringing me this huge plate of rice with mixed veggies - so DF had all the rest of the food to himself which he barely made a dent in!

Our service was the best thing about the night. We had this really sweet, incredibly funny lady from Jamaica and we had a great repoire with her. She made sure the DF's beer glass was never empty (big plus for him!) LOL.

My parents went a few years ago, and their opinion was the same as ours. Okay show but not great.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Yeah, the storyline REALLY needs some punch to liven it up. Any duller you could fall asleep.
The traditional dancing is AMAZING! And it is VERY high energy. It is easy to see why such a small cast would not be able to keep up that energy level for a lengthy time.
The GREAT entertainment makes up for the dull, Brady Bunch of the 80's portion.

 

[Bibbidi]

Thank you for responding--and so quickly too! Sounds like it might be worth it for us anyway. The traditional dancers would be fun to watch and my kids would have a chance to run around a little bit.

 

[Tiki Room Fan]

oops sorry double post!

 

[Tiki Room Fan]

Thank you for responding--and so quickly too! Sounds like it might be worth it for us anyway. The traditional dancers would be fun to watch and my kids would have a chance to run around a little bit.

Your kids will probably really love the lei's they give everyone on the way in. I still have DF's and mine from last year.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Yeah -- they could get rid of the storyline and instead spend the first portion giving easy dance lessons to guests (kids and adults) and explain the hand movements and history behind the islands. That would be far more interesting than the gabby and dull storyline.

 

[Tiki Room Fan]

Here's a few photos I took last year. They didn't come out that great because the lighting wasn't too good for taking pictures.

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Thanks for the review. We are do both shows on our upcoming trip. We are looking forward to it!!