Poly Luau

[Safari Steve]

Just wanted to post that the new Luau show is currently in previews at Luau Cove at the Polynesian resort.

 

[IASW Rider]

Thanks, Steve - your updates and information are always so great and interesting! Are any of the elements of the original Luau show still present? Or is it a completely revised show? Thanks again!

 

[Cricket2]

Originally posted by Safari Steve
Just wanted to post that the new Luau show is currently in previews at Luau Cove at the Polynesian resort.

Can you shoot over there and film it for us real quick like?

Thanks buddy ! You are ok in my book

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

Thanks Steve!!! My wife will be thrilled!!! She ALWAYS wants to go, but I keep saying I'll go when they get a new show (I can only sit through the old one so many times)!!

Some details would be nice!!

Anyway, thanks again!

 

[lrodk]

I came across a review by C.W. of the new dinner show at the Poly. This review was posted on Deb Wills' site just the other day. You can also find some nice new pictures of "The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show" on her site using the following link:

http://wdwig.com/gall_res.htm#poly

Menu preview and prices can be found at this link:

http://wdwig.com/luau.htm#3

Quote:
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Spirit of Aloha - February 15th Review
Written by C.W.

I was lucky enough to attend the first ever performance of the new Disney's Spirit of Aloha dinner show on Saturday night. It was an enjoyable show, much better suited for kids, with passable food. I left happy, but missing the older show.

It's not just the show that has been rehabbed, but all of Luau Cove. In the entrance gardens, a new sign sports the new title, and new tiki torches light your way to the show. Inside the structure, guests sit at new tables, with new lights in the ceiling. The stage has been slightly redone, but most noticable are the new lighting and sound systems.

Appetizers are available immediately. They include vinagrette-dressed salad, sliced pineapple, and a Polynesian-style bread. Drink orders are taken, and selections include sodas, teas, Budweiser, Bud Light, and red and white wine. Some kind of tropical drink will be included later, but was not available during the preview.

The pre-show introduces us to Auntie Wini and her 'ohana, as they eagerly await the return of one of the locals. Leilani has been spending time on the mainland, and is to return to a grand Luau feast, where we have all been invited. We are introduced to about 4 main characters, as well as the band through two or three songs. These songs are very modern and upbeat, not traditional Polynesian. Leilani, very grown up, finally arrives and turns the head of all the young men. The pre-show ends with a rousing rendition of Lilo and Stich's "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride."

While the performers take a break, dinner is served. The menu seemed to be exactly the same as the original Polynesian Luau. Selections included Lanai Roasted Chicken, Polynesian Rice, Pork Ribs, and a vegetable mix. I was not a fan of the food of the original Luau, so I was not overly impressed by the menu. It was fine, but not exceptional.

The performers then return to the stage and celebrate any birthdays, honeymoons, or anniversarys by inviting the guests on stage. Birthday guests are taught the hula in front of the audience, and couples are invited to dance to the traditional Hawaiian Wedding Song. Auntie Mini then announces dessert with much fanfare from the servers. Platters of smoking volcanos are brought on stage, and guests are served both a chocolate and a white rasberry cake. Ok, but not fantastic.

After dessert the main show starts. It is much more of a traditional Luau, and most of the major acts and costumes from the original show are still presented. The Polynesian slap-dancers are a major favorite with the crowd. The poi-ball dance is still performed, with a finale in glow-in-the-dark blacklight. A Maori warrior still enters the stage and presents a guest with an offering of peace and friendship. The most popular with the audience was the fire-knife dancer. His act seemed much longer, faster, and more
intracately performed. My personal favorite was a solo hula performed by Leilani, which was beautiful and breathtaking.

What's a Luau without Elvis? The finale gets all the major characters together again to the tune of "Rock-A-Hula," and everyone lives happily ever after to another rendition of "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride."

The new show elements are very kid-friendly and I believe the Luau will be much more popular with kids than it has ever been. I didn't care for the new Auntie Wini/Leilani storyline, but enough of the old show elements remain so that it still seems very traditional. The food was average, but I would never have recommended the Luau for the food. In my opinion, the new Spirit of Aloha is still worth the hefty price of admission, just for the privilidge of watching the truly talented performers sing and dance the traditional Luau elements.
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[raidermatt]

Can anyone comment on the comparison of the Poly's Luau to a Hawaiian Luau? Ideally the new Poly Luau, but since its just in previews, a comparison with the old show would be ok too.

We haven't considered the Poly Luau to be a high priority for us because we've been fortunate enough to attend some Luaus in Hawaii and can't see the Poly version really beating those.

Thanks...

 

[KNWVIKING]

We've done the Luau only once,back in '95, and were so unimpressed with the food that we haven't been back. Based on Irodk's description I think we will give it another chance this May or Dec. The show was great, even got pulled up on stage, but it was a cold night and my youngest wasn't too happy.

 

[IASW Rider]

Thanks so much for all of the great information, lrodk!

 

[rwodonnell]

Does anyone know how long the show is? I saw the price was basically $50 for adults and $25 for kids, just trying to weigh out whether or not it's worth it, and whether my kids would make it through the show.