The Spirit of Aloha

The Spirit of Aloha dinner and show at the Luau Cove at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Resort is an experience usually found only in more, shall we say, tropical climes.

The evening starts with Antie Wini (the hostess) inviting all of the neighborhood for a celebration for a local girl that has been away. Let the celebration begin.

An island themed feast is served with bountiful island flavored foods piled high on the tables. Grab a plate and dig in.

Dinner ends with a flaming volcano dessert (maybe it's not flaming).

The show after dinner is starts with hula lessons. You can join in the festivities. The night ends with and incredible Fire Dancer.

Word of warning - The dinner and show are cancelled when the temperature falls below 50 degrees.

Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 5:15pm and 8:00pm.

Luau Cove

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is presented twice nightly at Luau Cove. Luau Cove is a covered, open air, theater designed and built just for the dinner and show. It's located on the beach at the Polynesian Resort on the path to the Wedding Chapel and the Grand Floridian.

Luau Cove has a three category seating arrangement. You can select the category you prefer. Below is a layout of the two level theater with the three categories shown. Prices are based on the category you are seated in.

Seating Chart for the Spirit of Aloha

Category One - These are the best tables, the "front row" seats. Prices are $59.99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $30.99 for children (ages 3-10).

Category Two - These tables have a good view. Prices are $54.99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $26.99 for children (ages 3-9).

Category Three - The "cheap" seats. Views are not the best, you might have an obstructed view of the stage. Prices are $50.99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $25.99 for children (ages 3-9).

Discounts - Sometimes discounts are available for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members or Disney Visa Card holders. It never hurts to ask.

Disney Dining Plan - The Disney Dining Plan can be used for the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. It applies to category 2 and 3 only. TWO table service credits are required.

The Food

Dinner is served family-style, which means it is brought to the table in large serving dishes and you share dip your meal out of the dishes. There are three courses.

Starters -

• Tropical Mixed Greens Salad with a Mango Poppy Seed Dressing
• Pineapple-Coconut Bread
• Fresh Sweet Pineapple

Main Course -

• Island Barbecued Pork Ribs
• Lanai Roasted Chicken
• Polynesian Rice
• Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

Dessert

• Kilauea Volcano Delight - a chocolate mousse served with a raspberry sauce.

Beverages

The included beverages are all you can drink. They include Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Tea (hot or cold), Coffee, Milk, Pink Lemonade, Bud and Bud Light Draft Beer, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Other tropical cocktails are available for purchase.

About the food - a whole lot of people go to the the dinner show expecting a real luau. This is not a real luau. There aren't any of the traditional dishes you would have at a real luau.

The Entertainment

The "show" is divided into three parts. The first is a short story about a girl coming back to her Island roots. It's kinda corny, but it gives some historical background information about Island cultures.

During dinner you get a chance to learn how to do the hula. Traditional dances are taught to any guest that wants to participate. Bring a camera and join in the fun.

After dinner there is traditional dancing and music. The dancers perform traditional dances of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. There is music performed by a live band. The dancers bring the dances to life.

The evening is capped off by the Fire Knife Dancer. This is the highlight of the evening. The performance is an incredible combination of comedy, athleticism and grace. (Check out the video above.)

Reservations

Reservations can be made 90 days prior to show date by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Full payment is due at the time the reservation is made. The category 1 tables fill up first so call early for the best seats.

During the busier times of the year this show will be sold out.

Dad's Bottom Line

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is a bit of a disappointment. Most people expect traditional Luau food for these prices. It's a shame that Disney has missed the boat on this one.

The hula dancing is great, the Fire Knife Dancer is incredible. The food is bountiful and tasty, but the overall experience could be much better.

Go for the show.

The Polynesian Resort (home of Spirit of Aloha)
Dad's Disney World home page