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During our first day in Walt Disney World, we had our first dinner show experience with Spirit of Aloha. After our lunch in Disney Springs, we checked-in our room at the Coronado Springs Resort. We unloaded our things off our rental vehicle then drove to the Polynesian Village Resort. It’s our first experience of a Hawaiian luau and dinner show in Disney World.
Reserving a Spot
A dinner show usually takes 2 table service credit per person from the Disney Dining Plan or Deluxe Dining Plan. Otherwise it will set you back at least $60.00 per person.
If you are planning to attend one of these dinner shows, it is suggested that you book in advance as soon as you can. Dinner shows like the Spirit of Aloha fills up very quickly. We reserved our seats 180 days in advance of our arrival.
There are three categories of seating available. Category 1 will put you dead center of everything with the best views in the house. It also would require out-of-pocket payment when booking.
Category 2 or 3 seats are available for those who plan to use their dining plan credits. We were fortunate enough to have booked early enough to get front tables in Category 2.
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Seats, Walt Disney World. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World.
Getting There
Allot time to get to the Luau Cove, which is where the dinner show is held. It’s a long walk from the lobby of the Polynesian Village Resort.
Spirit of Aloha Location. Map courtesy of Walt Disney World.
It was also starting to rain by the time that we were walking to the Luau Cove. There aren’t any covered pathways on the way there. So, if, like us, your family decides to go to Walt Disney World in September, better pack some umbrellas or raincoats.
Getting In
We finally arrived in the cove. There is a table that you have to check-in. Disney recommends getting your show tickets from your hotel lobby. Having been in a hurry to make it in time, we forgot to do so. It was not an issue–thank goodness! I really did not want to walk all the way back to the lobby during rainfall. The hosts were able to look up our reservation. After which, we were escorted to our seats.
The Atmosphere
Spirit of Aloha stage
Having gone there during September, it was a pretty humid afternoon for us. It felt like we were in the tropics!
Everyone is dressed down to their best Hawaiian garb. Some were given welcome leis made out of orchids.
The show is definitely fun-filled and highly energetic as the premise is a send-off party for one of the local girls. Auntie Wini is the host and she introduces Polynesian traditions to the girl (and the audience).
The Service
There’s really not much interaction with the wait staff as the food is served family banquet style. They are, however, attentive when you needed a drink refill.
The Show
Spirit of Aloha hosts invite birthday celebrants to dance with them.
It was a good 2 hour show featuring different Polynesian dances and songs while you enjoy your dinner. We could probably skip the story/skit part of it which I can’t even recall what was going on in the stage.
Our favorite part was the fire dancer and the interactive parts of the show where the audience were asked to participate.
The Food
Banquet style dinner in Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.
The banquet is served on the table. No need to decide from a menu except for the beverages.
Guests who are at least 21 years of age can enjoy beer and wine with their meals. My husband sure did have some of that. For an additional charge, you can have a fruity cocktail, a tropical rum punch served in a hand-carved coconut keepsake. Soft drinks, lemonade, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
Platters of Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted chicken, and a vegetable medley are served. There was also fresh salad with mixed greens and ginger-lime dressing. The dessert was a good indulgence of pineapple-coconut guava cake with chocolate crunch.
Polynesian ribs, roasted chicken and a vegetable medley
Fresh salad with mixed greens and ginger-lime dressing.
Pineapple Coconut Guava Cake served in Spirit of Aloha.
Mini corn dogs with tater tots, cheese pizza, and either grilled chicken or fish of the day with a side of rice and green beans are also available for picky little eaters.
Bottomline
It was an interesting dining experience. We recommend trying it at least once. For its cost and quality of food you are getting, you would probably get a better value somewhere else for your Table Service credits or even out-of-pocket costs of at least $60 per person.
For more info, you can visit the Spirit of Aloha’s website.
1 comment
It’s been about 10 years since we gave the Spirit of Aloha luau a go; for years we were regulars! Thanks for the thorough update. Aloha!