Is the Luau at the Poly any good?

[zachary5]

We will be visiting DW in August and it will be both my wedding anniversary and my DW's birthday. She mentioned that she wanted to do the Luau as she has never done one. Has anyone been there recently and is it any good? I have never gotten a good answer when I ask my friends or travel agent so I am counting on some good feedback from you fellow Disney veterans.

 

[Richyams]

Its been a while, but it is definitely worth doing once. The food aint all athat good, the show is very good. We did it once and are glad we did, we won't do it again.

We have been to the Hoop Dee Doo six or seven times and will keep going again and again.

 

[Lyncruiser1]

We just did it last month. Although we only booked it 3-4 weeks in advance, we had a very nice table in front (albeit on the side). The luau appeared to be sold out that night.

I was less than enthusiastice about going, but others in our group of ten really wanted to do it. It turned out that we enjoyed it immensely and thought it was worth every penny.

We did a very expensive luau (twice the cost of Disney's) last year in Maui. We all, without exception, thought the quality of the food and show at the Polynesian, as well as the theater sightlines, far surpassed the one in Maui, as well as other luaus we've done in Oahu.

Although the food is, not surprisingly, less authentic than in Hawaii (no poi!), it was fresh and tasty. The ribs were especially good. The pineapple bread was yummy. The only thing we didn't like was the dessert -- some kind of tropical fruit mousse thing served up with far more drama than it deserved.

As for the show, it has recently been revamped and we found it charming. The plot, while somewhat simplistic, is cute and does not distract from what you go to a luau for -- the spectacular dancing by very talented and beautiful performers. The show has dancing from islands in the Pacific as well as New Zealand. It has a great deal of variety and moves at a quick and fun pace. The kids loved the fire dance.

If you have children, they can learn the hula. And those celebrating anniversaries are given the opportunity to dance.

I hate to post this as the Luau has, I think, always been something of the poor stepsister of the Hoop de Do Revue. It has therefore been easy to book fairly last minute. Nonetheless, we found it one of the real highlights of our recent trip and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

 

[zachary5]

Thanks for the info. It will be our one night out alone as we plan on leaving the kids back in our room with the Fairy Godmother so we want to make sure we have a good time.

Do you recall if they serve alcohol besides beer and wine? I could probably go for a Mai Tai.

 

[Lyncruiser1]

Yes. They serve drinks besides wine and beer. They cost extra. My mother had a pina colada and said it was very good.

Since it's just the two of you, without kids, you may want to arrive early enough to enjoy a before-dinner mai tai in the bar. We didn't have time to do that, but the bar looked very nice. Tropical theming, quiet, romantic and kind of out of the way. I think you'll have a lovely time. Be prepared, however, that there will be plenty of children at the luau even though you left yours back at the hotel. And the tables seat ten so you will likely be seated with another party or two.

We went to the later show and I think that was the better choice. It was cooler by then and the knife/fire twirling was more dramatic since it was dark.

Enjoy!

 

[zachary5]

We are also going to the later show. Your idea to go early and have some drinks is a good idea. It'll give the right feeling to the evening if we start out with a few tropical drinks. A nice cool daiquiri or pina colada would definitely enhance the evening.

Is the food a buffet or sit down dinner?

 

[Lyncruiser1]

It is served family style. Very nicely done, however, with several places on each table where the food on large oval trays is placed. The food is attractively arranged and nicely garnished.

We asked for more ribs and our waiter brought us our own large bowl of them. So don't hesitate to ask for more of what you want. Our server was very friendly and seemed to be enjoying himself. The tip is included in the cost of the dinner.

Also, some people were dressed in Hawaiian print shirts and dresses, which further added to the festive feeling. Everyone gets an artificial flower lei.

My sister and her family had their photo taken at the Disney's Polynesian Luau sign and it turned out really cute. The package was about $27 or so for a couple of 8 by 10s, some wallets, fridge magnets, etc.

Hope this is helpful!

 

[baloo722]

I used to love the luau. we went in june, & i thought it was lousy. The food was about the same, but the show was like a bad saturday afternoon on nickelodian or disney...one of those cheesey pre-teen saved by the bell type of plots. VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!

 

[Amaris]

We went on our last vacation and loved it. The food, not that hot... but we really enjoyed the show and they pulled my ( then) four year old daughter up on stage and had her dancing I thought that was pretty cool! Also my dauughter burned her finger on something and they had a cool ice torch that an CM stood by and sprayed on her finger on request, ha ha!

 

[lucysdad]

We just went in June and I was not that impressed. We were told earlier this year that there was a change in the show and that Lilo and Stitch were going to be there, but they weren't. The show was alright. Frankly, the dances seemed a lot the same from island to island unless you are a Polynesian culture connoiseur. The fire dance guy was great though. The food was poor. The pineapple bread and salad were the best offerings of the night. The chicken was dry and the ribs fatty. I wouldn't go again, but I guess it was worth it for a once in a lifetime experience. If you are on a budget, I would pass on the luau.