ZegarraFam
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2020
Hi all. Just wondering what people's opinions are on the Luau at Aulani. It seems a bit pricey. How does it compare to other luaus on the island as far as food and entertainment. Thanks!
Completely agree. I think having the drink options was nice as well.I did VIP for Aulani’s luau and enjoyed it. The food was better than most luau food and it was easy for them to accommodate dietary restrictions. Be warned that the story line for the luau is different from other luaus. I’ve also attended the Paradise Cove luau next door, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Keep in mind that you will pay $100+ to attend most luaus in Hawaii. Don’t go for the food, go for the experience.
I am very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your luau experience... We were there the same night as you (May 14), and we 100% loved it. I think what you have said in your post is very important information for anyone -- do not go to this luau (or any luau, for that matter) if all you are looking for is a good meal. If you don't care that much about the show, you certainly can get much better food for a much cheaper price elsewhere. However, speaking for myself I thought the food quality was quite good and I certainly did not leave hungry. Also, we finally had to waive our server away as she tried to refill our drinks for the ump-teenth time! It sounds like you may have grabed the short straw in terms of your server, as well...I would tell you to skip the Luau at Aulani. We just went on May 14th. We paid the 180 plus tax, so effectively 200 dollars per person with a party of 7. This is my opinion.
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So, I would not waste my time or money unless you are there for the show. It was a very good show but not 200 dollars good. I am a DVC member and love Disney. I understand Covid is making changes everywhere but paying more for a lot less is not a good thing.
I hope this helps someone or a family deciding if it was worth it. As for me it was a real big NO.
Wait till they go back to what it used to be like before doing the Luau. I was heartbroken from my experience.
How is the food being served there now? We did priority seating pre-covid, so ours came pre-plated. We didn’t have any issues with getting seconds (in generous portions) of what we wanted, unlike what happened to you @Larry. That’s the thing I detest about family-style and unfortunately his experience mirrors experiences we’ve had often at those types of meals. Which is why I’m so dreading if Disney goes to those over buffets. Glad you enjoyed their show; we did too!Just got back--Aulani luau wasn't available so we walked (2 blocks) to Paradise Cove which we really enjoyed! There are 2 pre-show activities--hula and pig pit--as well as lots of pre-show live music. We opted for the mid-tier which included a lei greeting, center seating, and $16 gift cards to use for drinks, photos, or purchase items in their gift shop (we used them for the photo package--very reasonable at $20). If you wanted to go basic tier-the seating is still very good but on the side, and you can still purchase fresh flower leis in their gift shop for $8, if you wish. Loved the dancers, fire dancers and their Aunty emcee. An enjoyable evening within walking distance from Aulani. Last note: tickets say check in is at 5--but you can arrive any time between 5 and 5:30 and not miss a thing. We arrived at 5:20 and there were absolutely no lines to enter, get a family photo on their lovely beach, or for drinks.
When was this? I was there in January 2020 in VIP seating and we got our food from the buffet.We did priority seating pre-covid, so ours came pre-plated.
Regarding food at Paradise Cove, the only difference during covid with the upper tier and lower tiers is that the plated portions are delivered to the upper tier and the lower tiers do go to the buffet area in an orderly distanced fashion to pick up their pre-plated bento boxes--one warm and one cold. Good food and good sampling. Not like Makahiki but good! Process took 5 min tops and seconds were available. Also during covid, separate tables for 4 are set up 6 feet apart. We are a party of 5 so 3 people at 1 table and 2 at another. Masks were worn except when seated at your table while eating and during photo shoot.How is the food being served there now? We did priority seating pre-covid, so ours came pre-plated. We didn’t have any issues with getting seconds (in generous portions) of what we wanted, unlike what happened to you @Larry. That’s the thing I detest about family-style and unfortunately his experience mirrors experiences we’ve had often at those types of meals. Which is why I’m so dreading if Disney goes to those over buffets. Glad you enjoyed their show; we did too!
Box at the back? Big drink?We were there in 2017. We were in the seating right at the stage. I remember there being other priority seating in that box at the back; maybe it had buffet? The only thing I had to walk up for was my big drink.
VIP also gets better leis, better seating, and unlimited alcohol.The only difference during covid with the upper tier and lower tiers is that the plated portions are delivered to the upper tier and the lower tiers do go to the buffet area in an orderly distanced fashion to pick up their pre-plated bento boxes--one warm and one cold.
There is box seating at the back for some tier—farther from the stage but up higher, so you’re not looking around people to see the stage. I had to walk up to the window past the buffet to get my big mai tai in the souvenir glass. It was a ticket or one of the “$x” vouchers with the highest tier. I was determined to sit right up front and I could literally see the sweat running off the fire knife guy. Worth every penny.Box at the back? Big drink?