Spirit of Aloha?

[always dreamin']

Can anyone give me information for the Spirit of Aloha at the Poly? I'm trying to find a nice place to eat dinner for my sisters birthday (this is her first trip to Disney...so I want to make it special). She LOVES Hawaii (probably as much as I love Disney!), so I thought this would be a neat place to go and do. There will be 10 of us: 5 adults, and 5 children (1,3,5,10, 11) Any reviews, suggestions would be great. Thanks!

 

[scottsalisbury]

I had my 40th b'day at the Poly Luau / Spirit . They ask all birthday participants up to the stage. After hearing I am Jody and I am 5, and I am Bobby and i am 7, i said i am Scott and I am 40 .... and the crowd went wild....

 

[JennyDrake]

Thus far on the rec.arts.dis.parks newsgroups it has been receiving very bad reviews.

 

[dianna112198]

We went to the Spirit of Aloha on 8/19. I definately think the old luau was much better. The food is excellent thought. You start off with a salad drizzled with the best dressing I have ever had in my life ( it had somewhat of a citrus flavor). You also get Pineapple and bread with dried coconut on the outside (Oh it is sooo good) For dinner you get really good ribs and chicken and you also get a heaping pile of rice with veggies. The for dessert you get a custard-like "volcano" with either chocolate or raspberry in the middle). The food was awesome. The show was a dissappointment (especially if you are used to the old luau).There aren't as many traditional dances performed, but instead there is a storyline. Basically a pretty , uhhh..corny... love story. Also, you used to be able to get your picture taken with the cast members when the show is over, but I don't think you can do that anymore. But it is still a wonderful experience and I would definately recommend going there. If your sister loves Hawaii then she will love eating at the Polynesian!

 

[MarkMichaels]

We never made the original show, but went to this one in March and our family loved it. The show was good, the traditional dance part near the end was great, and we loved the food. I would highly recommend reserving early as we were right up front which was great. Some of the outer tables would not have had as good of view. We reserved almost a year in advance. Also, it was recommended to us to see the late show as its better in the dark and I would probably agree.

Mark

 

[magicmouse2]

I have booked this and got my girls hula costumes from the disney store to wear. They are really looking forward to it. I have never thought about the food much but dont you get all you can eat/ drink ? What kind of alcoholic beverages are served ? DH will need a tipple to get him in the mood. We have never seen a Luau before and are looking forward to it.

 

[goofy4tink]

WE did the Luau last Thursday, the 21st. I booked it, I think, in late May/early June. We picked up our tickets on Tuesday afternoon. We were seated one table from the front. Great seats. I think it might matter more when you actually pick up your tickets than when you book. We saw people that actually bought tickets that night at the show and they were waaaay in the back.
WE liked the show. The food was plentiful. They offered soda, lemonade, beer and wine with dinner. Mixed drinks were extra. They kept bringing me glasses of wine!!! Loved the bread and salad. Found the actual meal to be somewhat blah. Chicken was just so-so. Ribs were okay. Kids got mac and cheese, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets.
Would we do it again? Probably not. But we did have fun. I also had heard that a picture taking was available but that didn't happen.

 

[Diamond_Girls]

We were there last Wednesday the 20th with husband and 2 daughters. Everyone loved it. Husband and I went last year and saw the old show. I think I liked the old show better, but the new show is better for the kids.

I got my reservation in late December and we got the front row of tables...! We picked up the tickets at ASmu when we checked it on August 16... last year when we went, I made the reservation about 2 months in advance, picked up the tickets that evening and ended up on the front of the back level (where you take a step up). I'm not sure what it all means in terms of making reservations...

 

[always dreamin']

I'm just not sure about doing the Spirit of Aloha. I have heard so many mixed reviews and most not very favorable. The price is just too expensive to be iffy on the idea. I have made reservations (just last week for November) but I'm not sure about this. Does anyone have a good idea on where to take a 38 year old for a somewhat surprise birthday celebration?