Spirit of Olaha Show Good or Bad?

[bookgirl]

We did it on our second trip back in 2011.

My mother's (70yrs) second favorite movie is Blue Hawaii and she loved it. My step dad liked it and I liked it. It was my birthday, my mom made me go up and participate in the birthday dance...I don't like participation, but I survived.

The food was okay, not gourmet but tasted good. The only caveat to that was that the dessert sucked. Really bad! However I did buy some extra alcoholic frou frou drink. It totally made up for the gelatinous volcano train wreck that was dessert.

The show is cheesey but so were Elvis movies.

We are contemplating HDDR. I'm not a fan of the concept. Probably because I'm from the Midwest and there is no novelty in bbq and country music. I mean let's face it I can get really good BBQ and Music at home. Being from the Midwest it's not like I see a whole lot of pacific islander entertainment so I was totally buying the show.

 

[TXDisneyFan1]

I've been to both SOA and HDDR shows and I highly recommend HDDR over SOA. Even if you have to do the early show...it is way more entertaining and the food is better.

My family loved HDDR so much, we are making it a permanent fixture for all future DW vacations.

I hope ya'll have a wonderful trip in November!

 

[Monykalyn]

We are contemplating HDDR. I'm not a fan of the concept. Probably because I'm from the Midwest and there is no novelty in bbq and country music. I mean let's face it I can get really good BBQ and Music at home. Being from the Midwest it's not like I see a whole lot of pacific islander entertainment so I was totally buying the show.[/QUOTE]

We did SOA just last friday We too are from Midwest and wanted something different; the dessert is now Pineapple bread pudding (pretty good) and sangria is included with meal; maybe because we had a storm in area but there was no audience participation in dancing. We enjoyed it and the food was good (not outstanding but pretty good) and the meats were all flavorful and moist (early show though). probably not something we would do again (unless DDP credits to use up) but it is something to experience

 

[3CW]

OP, we did it before and would do it again. The show was cheesy but cute, and the food was decent except for the dessert (which is now changed anyway). I have a feeling we'll be back at some point in the next few years.

We are contemplating HDDR. I'm not a fan of the concept. Probably because I'm from the Midwest and there is no novelty in bbq and country music. I mean let's face it I can get really good BBQ and Music at home. Being from the Midwest it's not like I see a whole lot of pacific islander entertainment so I was totally buying the show.

Yeah, this is our reason for avoiding HDDR as well. I live in yee-ha central and growing up, I spent enough vacation time in Branson, Dixie Stampede and other similar things. When I travel now, I'm looking for something different!

 

[North of Mouse]

We thought the meal and show were just so-so - don't plan to go back!

 

[sonofanarchy]

Food was OK. Show was dreadful until the end with the fire dancer.

As for HDDR, food was good. The old show was great. Haven't seen the new show yet, but from what I've seen on YouTube and read, it's not as good.

 

[smidgy]

I have to agree that Hoop de doo Revue is MUCH better! both the show and the food. oh, and the service.


also, the one thing that held me back from booking the luau was I know it can be cancelled due to weather. if you are on the dining plan, now, not only do you have to find a place to eat , but you have have 2 TS credits to use up. and now many places are booked.

I was told, you can use those 2 credits for room service. um, no, I'm not going to use up 2 credits to sit at the tiny table in my room !! lol

 

[Bluegrrl]

I would go to HDDR, it's really good. The music isn't "country", its folk/campground favorites like the Ballad of Davy Crockett, Clementine, and others. Plus it's not just BBQ, they also rotisserie chicken and other things. I have had better BBQ, but only at places that were specifically devoted to that (competitive BBQ places). I'm from the midwest too, and I have never felt like I'm going the "same thing". The show has altered a bit, but not for the bad. Just a few song change-ups (no more Dixie, there's another very pretty song instead).

The performers are all very talented and funny and it's clear that they love their jobs. There's some improv in the show, and lots of audience interaction. (people are chosen for the "spectacular" show at the end). Also, many of the waiters have been there for years - there is very little turnover, so that should let you know how much they love their work. And of course, at the end, there is still the washboard playing!

I personally don't think the Luau is worth it and you can still see the light parade from Fort Wilderness. If you want a good Luau, Universal or Sea World is the way to go. For awesome food, fun and memories, I would go HDDR all the way.

 

[smidgy]

the chicken is fried chicken at hoopde doo. the same as at Trail's end buffet. it's really good!!!

 

[sephorachick]

my husband liked it & I hated it. Here is my experience w/ pics:

http://yohoyohobloggerslifeforme.blogspot.com/2012/10/spirit-of-aloha-experience.html

 

[NYDisGuy]

The problem I have with SoA is that it used to be SOOOO much better when it was the Polynesian Luau. It was a carbon copy of the luaus they put on in Hawaii. They they Disneyfied it and everything got worse. The show is bad until the fire dancer, the wait staff are the veterans of Disney because tips are included so they tend to not care that much and the front desk CM's are the most unfriendly people on property. I would rather spend that kind of money at Cirque du Soleil and grab a popcorn, would be a better experience.

 

[JimmyV]

It's a "No" for me. Frankly, I find that even the "best" luaus in Hawaii are barely tolerable tourist traps and I am done with those. SoA is so far below those that I would never pay for it ever again. Did it for the kids and they were bored. For the price, we could have had a nice meal at bluezoo.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

I wouldn't waste the money. The show is ok but slow. The food is not the best-- yes there is lots of it but it isn't great or even memorable. Also, depending on when you go, it can be very hot and buggy (yes, I mean insects)!