Luau vs Mediaeval Times

[Pat_Elliott]

I'm not quite sure where to put this, since it's part Disney attraction, part Orlando attraction, part Disney resort. I'll leave it to the moderators to move it if I've errored.

I went tothe Polynesian Luau in 1981 as a High School senior and have not since been to a dinner theatre. Since we've done about everything else there is to do in Orlando, we've decided to attend one of the shows while we're down in June. Considerations at the moment: my wife doesn't particularly care for beef or pork, and leans more towards chicken. Also, we were considering the Al Capone show (DW loves italian), but have received several pieces of negative feedback.

So we're thinking of either the Luau or Mediaeval Times. Anyone want to venture an opinion on which of these is the bigger bang for the buck? And how far in advanced should either be booked if going in June? Also, if there's something better out there, I'm All Ears (copyright infringement pardons to Deb Willis).

Pat

 

[WDSearcher]

Well ... you're really comparing apples to oranges here. The only thing they really have in common is that you get dinner, and there's a show. Past that ...

The Luau is a more passive experience. It's outdoors, there's Polynesian music and dancing, and cultural performances, and it's a pretty relaxed show. Your food is served family style, and I believe you can request special meals if you give enough notice.

Medieval Times is in a castle, you sit at long tables and are served by a wench, you have no utensils with which to eat, and there are jousting competitions, magicians, and falconry going on during your meal. There are horses (and the accompanying sawdust and horse smells) throughout the show.

So ... I guess the "bang for your buck" would depend on what kind of experience appeals to you most. The Luau has changed considerably since you saw it last, so it won't be the same show you remember. Keep that in mind. Medieval Times is more participatory, louder, with sawdust flying and people cheering and toasting the winners. Both shows are fun -- and I've enjoyed both, but I've noticed that Medieval Times seems to be more fun if you're with a group. You don't see a lot of couples there. You really have to get into the spirit of things and be ready to cheer your knight to victory while tearing apart a chicken with your bare hands. The Luau is definitely more laid-back.

Haven't heard much about Capone's, except that they've changed hands lately and have a new show. No reviews as to whether the show is good or bad.

 

[mad4themouse]

We did the Medieval Times dinner July of 2003. During the meal, you are playing the role of spectator at a medieval tournament. There are six knights and the spectators are divided and seated according to the knight that you are to cheer for.

We enjoyed the show very much as it was "something different" to do in Orlando. There was a very rowdy (but not disrespectful) group of young guys a couple of rows behind us. They got our whole section cheering loudly for our knight. This added to my DS10's enjoyment immensely, even though our knight did not win the tournament.

The food is good but not great. The real attraction is the show. They start you off with a vegetable soup served in a bowl with a handle. They follow with bread, potato, roasted chicken and a green vegetable. DD12 is a vegetarian and they offered her a cold fruit and cheese platter instead or a plate of roasted vegetables. She chose the cold platter and enjoyed it very much. Children are served soda and the adults may choose beer. Mixed drinks are also available for an additional fee. If asked, your server will provide eating utensils. Dessert is an apple torte.

If you go, arrive well in advance of your dinner reservation. It takes a while for the line to move and for them to seat everyone in the dining hall. There is a medieval village for you to tour if you arrive early enough and of course, plenty of gift shoppes.

We have not done the luau, specifically because the children could be finicky when they were younger (and b/c DD12 decided to go vegetarian the year we first began going to WDW). I'm still hoping that DH will want to go when we are empty-nesters.

 

[nativetxn]

I'm going to move this over to our restaurants board for you.

Katholyn

 

[ga9497]

I would lean towards the luau for a couple of reasons.

1. it's a brand new show
2. We have a Mideval Times restaurant/show in NJ but nothing like the luau.

The luau does offer chicken.