Dining at Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

When in Orlando, take a break from Mickey, Minnie and the other Disney characters and head out to a tropical oasis at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Dining at the Spirit of Aloha Show includes bounteous portions of fine food, island dancing, humorous entertainment and a daring fire-knife dance.

Face it; Florida is hot in June and sometimes a morning is all one can handle at a theme park. My son, his wife, her parents and my three granddaughters left the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon to cool off and nap. By 5:15 we were refreshed and ready to explore the grounds at the Polynesian.

I’d never visited this resort before and must say the flaming tiki torches add a festive ambiance to the manicured landscape. Lush jungle vegetation, coconut palms, koi ponds and sandy beaches dominate the property which abuts the Seven Seas Lagoon. If it sounds like a perfect Never-Never Land, you’re right. My inner child wanted the Lost Boys to pop out of the bushes.

We made our way down to the open air pavilion called the Luau Cove (ceiling fans over the covered dining area) after being presented with leis. Our hostess explained that all beverages, even wine and beer, were included in the price, ($60-75 for adults) but not the specialty drinks- which, of course, we ordered! How can you not drink a rum punch or margarita in an island paradise?

The appetizer tray was filled with delicious sesame noodles, mango slaw, mixed greens with a honey-lime vinaigrette, rolls and butter. I really liked those noodles. All is served family style and seconds are available, if requested.

The main course included Kalua pulled pork (cooked to the point the meat falls apart and sort of melts in your mouth) roasted rosemary-garlic chicken (which was nicely moist), barbecued ribs, sautéed fresh vegetables and Polynesian rice.

Children’s favorites like PB and Jelly sandwiches, hot dogs and macaroni-and-cheese are also available and wouldn’t you know, my granddaughters requested those. We all polished off the feast by indulging in warm pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce!

Between courses guests are entertained by a troupe of performers, island music, drumming and dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. The fire dancer is authentic, flawlessly performing a daring show-stopping routine.

Everyone in my group felt the Spirit of Aloha Show was a success: excellent food, drink and a family fun evening.

FYI- Those with a special dietary requests should inform the restaurant when making reservations. We found it necessary to make reservations at all Disney restaurants as far in advance as possible — up to 180 days ahead.

Disclosure- This dining experience was self funded. Opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.