Luau Questions

[Moxiepup]

Hi there. I'm new to the boards and am enjoying all the good info on this forum! I'm planning a trip to Disney and Universal in late April. I would like to take in a Luau dinner show, and was wondering how Disney's Spirit of Aloha and Universal's Wantilan Luau compare? Entertainment and food at each? I would love to hear of any experiences that anyone has had that have been to either one, or both of these. Thanks!

 

[Allie B]

Hi there. I'm new to the boards and am enjoying all the good info on this forum! I'm planning a trip to Disney and Universal in late April. I would like to take in a Luau dinner show, and was wondering how Disney's Spirit of Aloha and Universal's Wantilan Luau compare? Entertainment and food at each?

We're arriving on a Sunday, then have parkhopper tickets for 4 days at Disney, before we switch over to Universal on Friday. I was wondering if we would be able to use Disney transportation to get to the Polynesian on the day we arrive, even though our park tickets don't start until the next day? Just wondering if taking the bus from The Caribbean Beach Resort, where we're staying, to the MK, then hopping on the monorail to the Polynesian would be doable. (And then reversing the process to get back to the resort.) If not, are there other transportation options? I know there's always Uber...

I would love to be able to do the luau on our first night, not only to set the mood for the trip, but also so we don't have to worry too much about stopping what we're doing at a park, in order to make dinner. We have already made sit down dinner reservations at 50's Prime Time Cafe and then The Biergarten on Monday and Thursday, so doing the luau on the day we arrive and are looking for something to do would be perfect.

Thanks for any help!

Edit to adjust for the fact that the 23 doesn't look available anyway! So that would leave us Tuesday, when we have park tickets anyway. That being said, any advantages to an early, vs, later show?

We did this same thing last year. Took the bus to MK then rode the monorail to the Poly. Riding the monorail is just fun! Also could take the small boat that runs from MK over to the Poly for the luau.

 

[Moxiepup]

Thanks! About what time should we leave the MK to get checked into the Polynesian for the 8:15 show?

 

[Allie B]

I'd say

Thanks! About what time should we leave the MK to get checked into the Polynesian for the 8:15 show?

730-745 to give yourself plenty of time. You may also want to walk around the poly and check it out. It's very nice.

 

[Moxiepup]

Good to know, thanks! Might check out Trader's Sam's Grog Grotto while we're at it.

 

[ChimCher-ee]

I'm going to do the same thing, in July. A question-- could you take water transportation instead of Monorail from MK to the Poly? If so, which would you prefer?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I would like to take in a Luau dinner show, and was wondering how Disney's Spirit of Aloha and Universal's Wantilan Luau compare?

1) If you want the Luau, go to Universal.
2) The Disney Luau is not worth its cost, let alone the tittle of Luau.

***********************************************************************
Our Ratings of Poly Luau: (*rev 06/14/2017*)
. . . food price value: C ("D" if using if DDP)
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: C
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: C (performance)
.
NOTE1: The Luau plays upon the traditional Hawaiian or Pacific luau. However, the "play" is silly at best and sub-par when compared to any authentic luau. If you never plan upon attending a true luau, then this would suffice. If you have done a real luau or will in the future, leave
this unattended. As for the food: salad was OK - bread was OK - chicken sub-average - ribs were good - rice and veggies were flavorless. Overall, not worth the cash price or 2-TS coupons. As for DDP, strictly financially speaking, it is better to pay OOP than use two DDP-TD credits. If spending the money for Luau, you would be more pleased at the Hoop-Dee-Do-Review in Fort Wilderness.
.
NOTE2: Having seen luaus in Hawaii, my daughter actually fell asleep at the Disney luau.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We love Spirit Of Aloha. We go every year. Opinion subjective.