Answers to your questions - Yes, Yes, Yes.
The Spirit of Aloha Show is 2 hours long. We went to the 5:15pm show and were out no later than 7:30pm. The water pageant lighted boat parade will pass by the Polynesian Resort at 9pm. Check the time for magic kingdom fireworks - probably around the same time -- the view of the fireworks from the Polynesian beach is wonderful.... Grab yourself a drink and relax on the beach. You can get drinks from the pool bar if open and from Ohana's in the great ceremonial house. Virgin frozen tropical drinks too.
More about Aloha -- I highly recommend this dinner show but you will get a lot of mixed reviews. I'm not sure why. The food was great - delicious ribs, baked chicken. The salad and coconut bread was delicious too. Lots of Bud beer and wine included. Tropical drinks for an extra charge. OK... the food was not Polynesian other than having roasted pinapple - but I guess they try to suit everyone's tastes. Alternatives for kids (hot dog, PBJ, etc.).
The show was very enjoyable with lots of dancing and audience participation. At one point, all children are invited to the stage to hula dance. It may be boring for some... just have another beer and wait for the next part! I was VERY disappointed that Lilo and Stitch were not part of the show -- I thought they were. OK.... I didn't cry and we saw Lilo and Stitch at Ohana's character breakfast but it would have been a nice addition. Oh.... and there is lots of "eye candy" for men and women.
From a marketing perspective, I guess this show tries to have a little something for everyone.
Tips ---
Book Category 1 seating at the earliest possible time to make a reservation (now 180 days). Within each category, the people who made their reservations the earliest get the better seating (up close). The other consideration with seating is the number in your party. Some of the seating was far back and the view would have been terrible. We were Category 1 and right up front! It made a difference. Seating is pre-assigned. Take this tip seriously. We went to Hoop Dee Doo, the category of seating there didn't seem to be as critical.
Get the photo. When you arrive, they will take your photo and bring it to your table to buy fro $32 incl. tax. Well worth it. It is a side by side of your photo with a photo of the cast from the show -- and the cast photo is great! Don't arrive at the last moment. Get there early and get the photo done before the crowd lines up, then take a walk around the Poly while you are waiting for the show to start.
Stay for the entire show! I saw some people leaving early and they missed the best part - the fire juggler. The fire juggler was awesome.
While there, check out the Polynesian's lobby. Nice waterfalls with great photo opportunities. In addition to the waterfall, the beach and tropical flowers at the Poly provide a nice backgrounds for photos.
I agree with getting a category 1 seat. Have a great trip!
