Should we do the luau at the Polynesian?

Hypermommy · Post by **Hypermommy** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 10:02 am

Hi there,

Trying to plan a trip for my mom (84yo) in December. I'm thinking she might like the luau at the Poly. Anyone been there? Pros/cons? Worth it? Thanks!

Jacca5660 · Post by **Jacca5660** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:08 am

It's KILLER!!

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:16 am

I hate to be a downer, but I'm going to give you my honest opinion - I voted no - I thought it was absolutely absymal, the food was horrible and it definitely was a huge waste of time - my kids even thought it was horrible (which I hated becuase I had totally fond memories of it as a kid myself). My best advice is to take the money you'd spend here and instead hit a Signature dining establishment such as California Grill or Jiko - way more bang for your buck and a much better experience.

Jacca5660 · Post by **Jacca5660** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:23 am

AKLRULZ wrote:I hate to be a downer, but I'm going to give you my honest opinion - I voted no - I thought it was absolutely absymal, the food was horrible and it definitely was a huge waste of time - my kids even thought it was horrible (which I hated becuase I had totally fond memories of it as a kid myself). My best advice is to take the money you'd spend here and instead hit a Signature dining establishment such as California Grill or Jiko - way more bang for your buck and a much better experience.

You must have a BAD night, my boys loved it!! The food was GREAT!

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:27 am

Jacca5660 wrote:
AKLRULZ wrote:I hate to be a downer, but I'm going to give you my honest opinion - I voted no - I thought it was absolutely absymal, the food was horrible and it definitely was a huge waste of time - my kids even thought it was horrible (which I hated becuase I had totally fond memories of it as a kid myself). My best advice is to take the money you'd spend here and instead hit a Signature dining establishment such as California Grill or Jiko - way more bang for your buck and a much better experience.
You must have a BAD night, my boys loved it!!

Perhaps it was a bad night - it overall doesn't get high reviews from most Disney guests, although it does remain popular in terms of reservations. Maybe my expectations were too high going in to it with such great childhood memories, too. Who knows? Just my personal opinion - others might really love it. We'd just assume in the future to do something like an Illuminations/Wishes Cruise or reserve a great dinner elsewhere.

Jacca5660 · Post by **Jacca5660** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:39 am

Try the Fantasmic diner show package at MGM! It's really super.

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:45 am

Yep!

Done it, both at Mama Melrose and Brown Derby - it's the best way to see Fantasmic and enjoy a great dinner. And if you're on the dining plan it's a great use of credits if you go w/ Mama's!

Hypermommy · Post by **Hypermommy** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 11:45 am

I just want to say that I appreciate everyone's opinions, both good and bad. It is a LOT of money so I'm trying to decide if it's something we want to do.

Unfortunately, MGM is not an option this time. Mom and I are only doing Epcot and then just 2 days. She's not into the "theme park" thing but I think she'll very much enjoy the World Showcase. But I was thinking of something to do on our "off" night and began to wonder if the luau would be worth doing. I'll be reading all opinions, good and bad, with much interest.

DisBeamer · Post by **DisBeamer** » Aug Sun 19, 2007 2:21 pm

My husband and I liked the Luau when we did it a few years ago (it was already Spirit of Aloha by that point, not the more 'classic' show). The food was good, I thought, but nothing to write home about. It did leave me with periodic cravings for the sweet bread though, which I'm happy to report they have at Kroger.

I'm wondering if your mom isn't so into the 'theme park thing' if she'd really enjoy it though, as it's kind of more aimed to be kid-friendly these days in terms of the story. (At least, from everything I read about the Spirit of Aloha show versus the old one that was more based around Polynesian culture - I never saw the original so I can't say from personal experience.) The current show did still include a fair bit of Polynesian dancing, including the fire dancing, which was pretty cool, but the story they had with the whole show was sorta lame, imho. It's still an interesting experience, and I as I said we enjoyed it, but not to the point I'd give it a rave review and really strongly recommend you guys go.

For about the same price (I think - depending on your tastes, lol) you could do a really killer dinner at California Grill or Artist Point. Or if you're craving the Polynesian theme and/or want to look around that resort, Kona or 'Ohana are great for dinner too.

Post by **rdeacon** » Aug Mon 20, 2007 2:05 pm

I though the Luau was cool. I would agree that the food was good but not the best i've ever had. Its was a cool experience.

If you are not sure since you are going to Epcot maybe you could pick a land she would like to eat at and have a nice site down meal.

Rich

JWG · Post by **JWG** » Aug Tue 21, 2007 8:53 pm

I would argue its the better of the various dinner show opportunities (certainly better than Hoop Dee Doo).

I thought the food was fabulous compared to any of the dinner shows or any of the buffet character meals.

Could you get better food for your dollar? Absolutely. Go to California Grill or pick any of the other signature restaurants at the world. If you're looking for a good show/dinner mix with better than average (I'd argue better than better than average) I think it worth it.

I wouldn't do it again because I thought the show was good but not good enough to pay $60 to see it a second time. But I disagree with those who didn't think the food was good. I think it was some of the best I've had less going to signature dining.

In Short: Looking for a superior meal? No, do signature dining.
Looking for a dinner/show combo? Absolutely.

SWHorn · Post by **SWHorn** » Aug Wed 22, 2007 2:56 am

I voted no...mainly for reasons stated above.

Honestly, I don't remember the food well enough, one way or the other. I'd go to Ohana for half the price.

I thought the show was bad. I was extremely bored.

secondstar · Post by **secondstar** » Aug Wed 22, 2007 5:33 pm

After doing the Hoop De Doo the previous trip and being very impressed, we decided to go to the Luau and honestly we were very disappointed. While we've booked the Hoop de Doo several times again (including this upcoming trip), we've never booked the luau again and probably won't go to another. It's not that good and I wasn't even impressed with the fare. Just my opinion.

EggSalad · Post by **EggSalad** » Aug Thu 23, 2007 8:49 pm

Oh I would definitely do the Luau!! For me the Luau is a tradition whenever we go down to Disney!!! It is so much fun!

Calypso · Post by **Calypso** » Aug Thu 30, 2007 12:34 pm

Don't do it if you are looking for a highlight of her trip. The Luau is entertaining at times, but the food is marginal. I went with my daughters and my parents and, while we had a good time, I think my 4 year old had the most fun. Although.... come to think of it ... they had unlimited pitchers of beer which my dad thought was pretty cool.

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Should we do the luau at the Polynesian?

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Should we do the luau at the Polynesian?