Luau

[PolyFish]

Hey!

We are currently planning a trip for 2007 and were thinking that instead of doing the Character Breakfasts that we would do the Luau. My question(s) is/are that:

1. Do you need to get their early to get a seat or does it matter?
2. Is it fun?
3. Is it worth the money?


Thanks!

Poly

 

[PolyFish]

Hi!

Just bumping this up because it's really important that we know if we really want to spend $50.22 for 4 people.


Thanks!

Poly (Fish)

 

[NYDisGuy]

1. Do you need to get their early to get a seat or does it matter?

There are alot of myths but none of them are true. You have to get there about 30-45 minutes early which you will be told when you book it. Beware though that you might get a back table or a distorted view which will make it difficult to see all the acts.

2. Is it fun?
They pull up the kids to show them how to hula, they include the audience in a couple of skits, and the waiters are very friendly(some are not but not everywhere is perfect).

3. Is it worth the money?
That depends on your tastes. You might have to sit with two other families at a long table. You will be served a huge plate of food that your family shares and drinks are not included in that 50.22. However the shows are great and I always have a good time going there (been doing it for 7 years, soon 8). Heres a tip if your going to do it: Watch the weather channel for the 7 day forecast and if it looks like rain the day of the luau, try calling and pushing it back a day, sometimes they will let you do it but the rain kind of ruins the experience.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I believe that drinks ARE included. I just checked Deb's to make sure and it even lists beer and wine as being included.

I was told to be there 30 minutes before the show but will be there earlier if it is first come first seated.

I was also told that if it rains the show is cancelled.

This would be our first time to check out this show. I like to try new things. Doubt it would be something I would do if not on the Free Dining though and would probably not go again but worth a try. I might be surprised.

Slightly Goofy

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

PolyFish, if you would like something a bit similar (show only no food included but FREE with your park admission) you might give the Lion King show at AK a try. It has the fire dancer (fabulous) and the music, dancers and scenery is fantastic.

If you have small children with you they might well enjoy this show a lot more than the luau and then you could eat at Boma's or even the Rainforest Cafe (the kids would love it but it is very LOUD) for much less money.

We used to go to the show over at Frontierland instead of shelling out the big bucks for Hoop de Doo.

I am not cheap, just thrifty. We shell out the money for Cirque and think it well spent. It is all in what you like.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[NYDisGuy]

I believe that drinks ARE included. I just checked Deb's to make sure and it even lists beer and wine as being included.

I was told to be there 30 minutes before the show but will be there earlier if it is first come first seated.

I was also told that if it rains the show is cancelled.

This would be our first time to check out this show. I like to try new things. Doubt it would be something I would do if not on the Free Dining though and would probably not go again but worth a try. I might be surprised.

Slightly Goofy

Drinks are included if they are soft drinks and waters/beer/wine, but if you want to go "polynesian style" and order hawaiin drinks or if your kids want those ice cubes then you have to pay.

And if it rains the show is not cancelled. They dont go on the stage, they use the little overhang they have to perform. If there is thunder/lightning then the show will be delayed.

And it is not first come first seated. They have a pre-arranged seating arrangement which is based on the best ways of fitting people in their table area. And they ask you to check in that early so they can take a picture of your family which they later try to sell to you and so you can tell the hostess that you arrived.

 

[PolyFish]

Thank you very much for this information!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi NYDisGuy! I believe I read on the boards once that the earlier you made your ADR's the better the seat you would be assigned? Do you know anything about this?

I have read many people who complained that the show was cancelled because of the weather. I would not want to sit out in the rain nor would I want the poor entertainers to risk their lives by doing so. Hope the show is on schedule as we HAVE to go to the beach to see the EWP. Is is my duty.

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[NYDisGuy]

Hello SlightlyGoofy,

The reason why people always say the earlier you make the reservation the better the seat is because about 7-10 years ago you were able to request for preferred seating and the first 10 or so families that did this got front row. Since they changed the show to the Spirit of Aloha you can no longer request front seating and they assign families to tables based on the size of the party to best fit the waiters and waitresses and the space that they have.

Think of the Luau as a pool. If there is thunder and lightning and they believe that it will be like that all night they will take everyone out and either A) refund the money or b) reschedule to a later date if they have room. If it is just rain then the show will go on but you will not get the full experience. They have a small overhang where the drummers and acoustics are and the dancers will go back there to perform. Also the fire dancer may not come out, once he did, once he didnt when i was there.

 

[tink too]

I'm glad we came across this thread - we've booked for our trip in October!

Thanks for the great info!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

NYDisGuy, thanks for the info. I had hoped that because I made my ADR far in advance we might be up front but I am willing to go along with whatever. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don't but it is always fun being at DW either way.

This is where we are planning on eating our very first night of our 20 night stay. I thought it would start things off on the right foot.

Slightly Goofy

 

[ilovemickeymost]

I had made ressies a while back, as well as Cindy's Castle. The trip was a surprise for DD & wasn't sure which, she'd rather do (she's 12yo). We decided we'd do Cindy's & cancel the Luau. I completely forgot to do cancel, so we were stuck going or lose our money. Woke up day of luau to down poors. It rained all day. I even called & was told to show up. So, DD & I dragged our feet to the Poly. The weather finally cleared up. (all the seats & the stage are under cover, so no one will get wet.) Checked in & waited to be taken to our seats. From what we could tell each family had their own table. The long ones have been replaced w/ smaller tables. We were exhausted @ not at all looking forward to this experience. I had read mixed reviews, so wasn't sure. Let me just say, WOW. The food was pretty good! Appitizer is sliced pineapple (very sweet & yummy), bread & salad. It was great, I could have eaten the entire tray myself. Main course, was pinepple rice. Kinda like fried rice (very good), sauteed veggies ( yum) BBQ pork (a little dry) & BBQ chicken (yum). & dessert was drk choc pudding w/ cake. I liked it, DD did not. Our waiter was very good about bringing the next glass of wine ( I had 3). The beginning of the show was a little corney, but then it was amazing. One of the gentleman ate fire. The cast is very easy on the eyes. DD even made a comment. If you've been to Hawaii, you might not be impressed. But, we plan on going back again.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

ilovemickeymost, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate hearing that you had a good time in spite of the weather. The fire dancer is what I am looking forward to. With the beer for DH and the chocolate cake for myself the food sounds like we will enjoy ourselves. I am hoping for good weather though because I cannot drive there and the thought of taking a bus to the TTC and then to our resort makes me almost willing to spring for a cab.

We also want to see Wishes and the EWP from the beach so good weather is very important. We have loads of days to maneuver in so it will work out probably. Some of the best things in life have happened to me by accident.

Slightly Goofy

 

[PolyFish]

Hi,

Thank you all for posting such helpful information. We love the Polynesian resort and last time when we stayed there we could hear the Luau.

Thanks!

Fish