Poly Luau vs Chef Mickey's PLEASE HELP

[naominpaul]

HELP! My 7 year old boy will be turning 8 on our trip to Disney the first week of January. We have gone to character meals in the past and shows off site and would like something special for his Big Day! Our first choice, the Garden Grill, is not an option because of renovations, so the hard choices started again. When I tried to make PS for the Luau I received a "warning" from the CM that it is an outdoor venue and can be cancelled for inclement weather. I completely understand this as we live in the southeast and have had unusually cold weather lately (and, can you believe it, SNOW!). So, I let that sway my decision and made PS for Chef Mickey's. Any suggestions? The DH REALLY wants to go to the Luau, but it's not his BD . I don't know what my son wants to do as this trip is a surprise! One more question, does the Luau do anything special for kid's birthdays? I know Chef Mickey's will do something. I'd love to hear from those with experiences from both and especially winter visits to the Luau, Thanks

 

[Angel1]

in December. It WAS kind of chilly, though the show went on.

We found the luau to be a huge disappointment. Lousy food and a not-great show. Seating was hit-or-miss, and we were stuck in the back. It was also quite expensive for my family of 5. We don't do it again.

Of those 2, I would definitely go with Chef Mickeys, esp for a boy.

Hoop De Doo might also be a good choice for a boy.

I think the meal in Ohanas was a lot more fun, with way better food, come to think of it!

 

[jcemom]

Well, not sure how much help I am as I haven't been to any of them, LOL. However, I would go with Chef Mickey's. I think it sounds like a really fun place for a birthday, plus, what IF the Luau were cancelled? It may not happen often, but it HAS happened. That would be SO disappointing, and I wouldn't want to take the chance.

Another thought...how about the Hoop De Doo Review?

 

[jcemom]

Hoop De Doo might also be a good choice for a boy.

Not only were we posting at the same time, but we think alike also, LOL!

 

[goofy4tink]

We have done the Luau and weren't all that crazy about it. And we were with a 9 y/o dd. We love Chef Mickey's tho. And my dd, at almost 11, loved HDDR. I think that if it were me, I would go with HDDR for a boy. The food wasn't great, but I found it to be better than the Luau's. Mention if you do book it that you are celebrating ds's birthday. Several people were recognized for having birthday's while we were there. In fact, my dd wants to celebrate her 13th b-day there.

 

[Muffy]

I would forgo the Luau and go to Chef Mickey's. The Luau is nothing special and the food is medocre at best. Chef Mickey's is alot of fun and the food is usually very good.

 

[debbiedoo]

Chef Mickey's has the vote here!! My daughter who is six loves this place!!

 

[naominpaul]

Thanks so much for responding! All of your posts have helped me tremendously. We will forego the Luau, DH will have to wait until another time. We may check out the Hoop Dee Doo Review. I had given that thought as well and I'm glad to hear it's receiving good reviews from you guys!

 

[jenjersnap]

We just did the Luau, CM and HDDR between 12/16 and 12/20. The luau was by a huge margin our least favorite! The food was awful and the show wasn't very good. Also, you're right, it is often canceled - our show was only the 2nd of the week to happen (you need to do the early one!) and we were on pins and needles not knowing until the last minute. They did call everyone who had a December bday on stage that night. The HDDR, OTOH, was our fave of the trip. Our 4 year old DS was put on stage. He had a blast as did we grown ups. I think it would be a perfect bday treat and, if you told the actors in the show, I do think they'd make a big deal of it and your DS. We liked CM too, it just wasn't an EVENT like HDDR, KWIM? I posted more in depth reviews last week, if you wanted to search for them. Have a wonderful trip whichever place you choose!

 

[luvey]

i vote for chef mickey! i went this summer for my 31st birthday
my 5 year old nephew was with us and he loved it. i loved it. we were there long enough to see the characters come to our table twice. the food was good -- and i am very picky about food -- i don't eat red meat or pork. oh i should note that we went for breakfast and then hit the magic kingdom afterwards. i know chef mickey does dinner, but i haven't heard great reviews about the dinner when i was doing my trip research.have your camera and autograph book ready if you go.

 

[gigi1313]

Thanks so much for responding! All of your posts have helped me tremendously. We will forego the Luau, DH will have to wait until another time. We may check out the Hoop Dee Doo Review. I had given that thought as well and I'm glad to hear it's receiving good reviews from you guys!

i have a 7.5 yo boy and he LOVED the HDDR... he was literally falling out of his chair in fits of laughter! i have never in all my life seen someone so genuinely thrilled and amused... the smile lasted for day... the humor is PERFECT for an 8 yo boy... i think it would be the absolute best choice for his bday!

oh, and the food was excellent... the bevs for mom and dad included in the price... waitstaff willing to get other selections from the buffet next door if children are not big fans of fried chicken and ribs... and the honey butter and hot bread is to die for! LOL!

ENJOY!

 

[wilderness01]

We also loved HDDR. Our kids were laughing out loud so hard it was fun to watch. The food was good as well. We love CM for breakfast. O'Hana's is another favorite. The Luau was a huge disappointment and waste of $. All 11 of us thought so. Have a great time with whatever you decide.

 

[naominpaul]

We have made a decision! We chose the Hoop De Doo Review for his birthday celebration. $ and time are certainly factors, so we will not do both. I'm very excited to see the kids' reactions to the HDDR! I bet the two BIG KIDS will enjoy it as well! Thanks for all the great advice!

 

[Majestic]

We did the Luau was GREAT for a show but the food was only "ok" to me. Very expensive for what you get but again, if you go in expecting a good show with something to eat as a bonus, you're all set. We loved it!! By the way, it rained pretty hard for us the day we did ours but the show went on and all eating areas are actually under cover so it's not like you get wet.

I see you chose the HDDR which I have heard is good too but we never went because most everyone I have heard from says it gets and stays pretty loud in there. Food offerings are probably pretty close to what they serve for the Luau.

Good luck and most importantly.....have a magical stay at WDW!!