To Luau or not to Luau?

[minnie's mommy]

Okay everyone! What is your opinion on the Luau at the Poly? I really don't know much about it with its new Lilo and Stitch theme. Even though I stayed several times at the Poly, I have never been to the Luau. Is it a good show? I hear the food is not the greatest, but I am staying at the Poly again this summer and was wondering if it is worth taking my DKs. (ages 8, 5, and 3)
Thanks.

Polynesian 1979
Polynesian 1981
Polynesian 1983
Polynesian 1985
Grand Floridian 1991 Honeymoon
Grand Floridian 1992
Beach Club 1995
Port Orleans 2000
Off Site 2003
Polynesian 2004

 

[Synonymous]

I thought the food was pretty gross. If you've ever been to a banquet where they are serving a ton of people quickly, that's what you can expect at the Luaua. It's like a big assembly-line operation and the food certainly suffers for it.

The show is cute, that's about it. The "story" is lame, but the music's pretty good. They do a couple of songs from Lilo & Stitch, which is nice.

Full disclosure- my DD, 5 at the time, absolutely loved the show. DW enjoyed it more than I did.

 

[prncess674]

We never went when I was a kid but I really enjoyed the show as an adult. Don't go expecting world class food. We were 4 adults and really enjoyed ourselves. Get an adult beverage and you will be fine! If money is tight I would skip it though.

 

[jkovick]

Not worth the $$. The show is good but the food is NOT!! Unless someone has their heart set on it, I would have a nice dinner elsewhere. Have a great trip!

 

[cobbler]

I like the luau. Granted I have not been since the name change and whatever the new "story" or whatnot but I did enjoy it.

I have already made my ps for Dec of this year.

 

[Tinkerbelle739]

You know, I was really torn about this. Taking DH on a surprise trip in 2 weeks and I thought I would like to do the Luau. After reading the boards I decided to dine at O'Hana instead and go to SpectroMagic afterward and then see Wishes. The luau may be good, but its not THAT good. O'Hana, Spectromagic and Wishes, Oh my!!

Wishing everyone a "magical" day!

 

[jl3614]

I'd vote no.

Wait and take a second honeymoon to Hawaii, then do a real luau.

 

[sugermouse]

Go to Ohanas instead, the food is much better!!

 

[joats]

If it wasn't included in the honeymoon package and basically "free" I would have been steaming mad that I had to pay that much for it. I'm glad I saw it, but I certainly would not pay directly to do it.

 

[Bob NC]

It's a good show.

The food is basically of the same quality as any WDW buffet. Kinda like college cafeteria food.

 

[Synonymous]

I have to disagree. Some WDW buffets are excellent, such as Boma and Cape May Cafe. The luau food stinks.

 

[tinkerbeth]

Holy Cow! I am surprised by all these negative reviews...I'm now thinking of cancelling my ressie for August. It sounds like we could have more fun for less money somewhere else. It will be me, DH and DS2. Anyone want to convince me to still go??

 

[jarestel]

Originally posted by tinkerbeth
Holy Cow! I am surprised by all these negative reviews...I'm now thinking of cancelling my ressie for August. It sounds like we could have more fun for less money somewhere else. It will be me, DH and DS2. Anyone want to convince me to still go??

Well, preference is a funny thing. Two people can experience the same thing at the same time, one hates it, and the other loves it. We went last year with some friends, and I thought the luau was just "ok", but my friends thought it was great! If you're interested in the luau, give it a try and see for yourself.

 

[Synonymous]

True. My wife and daughter both enjoyed the Luau. I didn't.

 

[crazy4wdw]

We went in May '03 and I thought it was overpriced. We had three adults and one child and the cost was over $200. I did not care for the food as other posters have said. Also we were told to arrive 30 minutes prior to the show (our tickets were for the 8:00 show). I thought they wanted you to arrive early so everyone could be seated prior to the show - wrong! We first stood in line for a picture (extra cost) and then waited in another line. They did not start seating until 8:00 PM. We had stood in lines most of the day at the parks and here we were paying over $200 and waiting in another line.

 

[mom2alix]

We did the luau a couple of years ago and enjoyed it, but on this last trip we didn't want to spend the money and did Ohana instead. It was SO much better and DD really enjoyed it. Ohana provides better interaction with kids and the food was MUCH better.

 

[tinkerb]

I really enjoyed the luau...... I loved the atmosphere, the show and most of all the company of my two children...... and they really enjoyed it too......even though they are 22 and 20......hmmmmm....the food was good, even though i have seen lots of criticism of it...... and make sure when you get there that you find where they are taking pictures.... we missed that.... make a reservation, you should at least try it once......

 

[tiggersmom2]

Sorry to say this but IMHO the Luau is a big waste of money. The food is horrible and the show is just OK. Now 'Ohana on the other hand is wickedly good! Try it, you'll see!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

We did the Luau in 2002 & 2003 with different parties and everyone enjoyed the show. We all thought the food was very good. The ribs & chicken were what you would expect from a dinner show. I don't remember what the desert was called, but it was very good also. I would go ahead and do the show.

 

[stacilee]

IMHO if you are looking for a Polynesian experience, skip the luau, dine at Ohana's and take an evening stroll around the resort admire the tiki torches and the subtle music and wind you way down to the beach in time to watch the water parade.

If you are really intent on a dinner/show try the hoop-te-doo revue. Expensive, but well worth the $$ for a family with kids your children's ages. The show is corney but a hoot, the CM's really put their all into it. The food is not fancy, but it is tasty and they serve it family style and will refill anything you ask them to.