By: Tangled Diva
On our most recent trip to Disney because of the timing of our departure flight, we were going to end up with an unused table service meal. Because we had the extra meal and my son, Bryce (6), loves live entertainment, we decided to splurge and try the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at the Polynesian Resort. It took two of our table service meals, but since we had an extra one it was no big deal. My son’s favorite place to eat in Disney is O’Hana’s, and we had heard that the food was very similar.
When we arrived at the Polynesian we checked in and waited in the lobby area until they started seating us. There was a threat of rain, so they waited until the last minute to take us to the luau area (NOTE: They cancel if it does rain). Luckily, it only sprinkled a little, and, even though it is outdoors, the audience is under a pavilion, so we stayed dry. We arrived at the luau, and my son could not wait for the action to start.
It was our first day in Disney, and between the flight, checking in at the resort, and squeezing in a park
before dinner, we never ate so we were starving! Luckily, when we got to the table the first course was already awaiting us. My son is a pretty picky eater, but he loves pineapples, so we were in luck. Our waiter came as we were scarfing down the food and took our drink order. Note that beer and wine are included in the ticket price, so this could be a HUGE plus depending on whether or not you drink. Mixed drinks are not included. Our second course was brought to the table shortly after our drinks. Let me preface this with the fact that I am not a big pork fan, but, oh my gosh, that was the best part of the meal. Below is a picture of our food (minus the pork which came in a bowl on the side). It was all so delicious and there was very little of it left when we were done!! Everything on the plate was amazing, but the pork was definitely the best. Also, keep in mind that it is all-you-can-eat, so you can ask for more of anything at any time. My son caught wind of this and definitely took advantage of it.
After we had started on the second course (about 30-40 minutes after being seated), the show started. It was filled with acting (somewhat cheesy), hula dancing, and, my Bryce’s favorite, fire twirling. They did the show in segments with about two-three breaks between each segment. I have to admit, the show was unnecessarily long–the entire show was 2 1/2 hours long. But, while my husband and I didn’t care for the show part of it at all, my son absolutely LOVED it. He still asks about it and wants to go back. I should mention here that my son has ADHD, so anything to keep his attention that long is quite a feat.
During one of the many breaks, our dessert was delivered. It was a delicious pineapple bread pudding with warm caramel sauce. My husband and I (Bryce is not a sweet eater, and didn’t care for it) quickly devoured the entire thing. And, I admit, I contemplated picking up the plate and licking the rest of the caramel sauce off of it.
Other than the fire twirler my son’s favorite part of the luau was the bread. He loves the bread at O’Hana’s, and, luckily, it is the same bread just smaller rolls. I am pretty sure he ate 7 pieces himself.
One of the biggest perks of the night for my son came from a kind young man at the table sitting next to us. They had ordered some concoction that is served in a decorated coconut. After he finished his drink, he gave the coconut to Bryce. It doubles as a bank, so Bryce has enjoyed using it to save for our next Disney trip.
In summary, it was worth giving up two meals for us because our son absolutely loved it. If you want to hear him tell you just how much, click here! So, if you are going with young kids who love live entertainment, you may want to consider it. But, I would not recommend it for adults only–unless you are strictly going for the unlimited beer and wine in which case you may get your money’s worth even with the price of tickets being so high. If you want that type cuisine but without the high price, go to O’Hana’s instead.
PROS:
- Bryce (son) absolutely loved it and is dying to go back.
- Food was wonderful (not as good as O’Hana’s but very good).
- For guests at 21 and up, beer and wine are also included in the ticket price. Mixed drinks are not.
CONS:
- VERY pricey – Two table service meals if you are on the dining plan. If you are not using your meal plan tickets are $59 – $74 for adults, $30 – $40 for kids depending on where you sit.
- The show itself is definitely not up to Disney par.
- Show is unnecessarily long (2 1/2 hours).
