Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

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Spirit of Aloha Polynesian

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Held in an open air theater at Luau Cove, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (SoA) offers the sights, sounds, and tastes of Polynesia. Billed as a classic Hawaiian luau, guests are treated to a feast of traditional island fare as well as authentic dancing from various regions of Polynesia. This is certainly a not-to-be missed show!

If you are using the Disney Dining Plan (DDP), the dinner show will require 2 TS credits per person for Categories 2 and 3 only. For guests not using the DDP, tickets range from $73.99 to $58.99 per person for adults and $39.99 to $29.99 for children ages 3 to 9 depending on the seating category purchased. Categories are based on seating areas in the theater. Category 1 seating is located on the main floor and lower level. It offers a premium view and is also the closest to the performers. Category 2 also offers a small amount of main floor and lower level seating (located to the right and left of the Category 1 seating area). It also offers seating on the upper level with a direct view of the main floor and stage. Category 3 offers tables on both the lower and upper level that are to the extreme right and left of the stage. Shows are held Tuesday through Saturday with shows at 5:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Pre-payment for the dinner show is required and includes all tax and gratuity. Refunds are given if cancellations are made 48 hours before the show.

Planning Tips:


Ask about discounts

If you are a Tables in Wonderland cardholder, a 20% discount is currently available if you book the 8:00 p.m. dinner show. Other discounts for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Disney Visa Cardholders may be available at the time of booking. Just ask the cast member assisting you. It’s always worth asking. For example, a party of 5 adults in a Category 3 seating area would cost $314.95 with tax and gratuity. With a 20% discount it is $251.96. That’s a savings of $62.99 which is the cost of 1 ticket!

Make ADRs 180 days in advance

Disney dining reservations, including dinner shows, can be made 180 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. When reserving dinner shows, table assignments are given in the order in which tickets were purchased. It pays to book as early as possible in order to get the best view. Shows also frequently sell out during both regular and busy times of year. However, it is possible to get reservations at the last minute, if there are cancellations or if the show is not full. This is particularly true during value season at Disney World.

Arrange for special dietary meals

If you have special dietary needs, you need to contact the dinner show catering kitchen at least 48 hours in advance to make meal arrangements. Unlike regular TS locations, guests must contact the kitchen in order to make such arrangements, as they prepare large amounts of food each night. For example, arranging for a gluten free & dairy free meal means slight modifications and includes special gluten free & dairy free rolls.

Spirit of Aloha Dietary Plate at the Polynesian

Watch the weather

Another important thing to remember is that Disney may cancel the show due to weather. This typically happens during extremely inclement weather, like severe thunderstorms or cold temperatures. It’s always worth checking with the resort, as they typically still run the show even during the rain. Because the theater is covered, guests will still get to enjoy the meal and some limited entertainment—though some of the show may not run because of the weather conditions.

Plan the late show in the summer

If you are planning on going to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show in the summer time, be prepared for warm weather. Florida is known for its high humidity and scorching temperatures. Even though the dinner theater is an open air venue, guests will be happy to know that there are many fans to help cool down the seating area. The best option is to attend the 8:00 p.m. dinner show. While still warm, it will be a much more pleasant show to watch with cooler temperatures. Plus, the fire dancing is even cooler in the dark!

Arrive early

Luau Cove is located at the side of the Polynesian Resort, closest to the Grand Floridian. While not a long walk, it is a bit of a distance from the main building, so it’s best to arrive early. Guests must pick up their tickets from the Concierge Desk in the main lobby of the resort and then may check-in up to 30 minutes early at Luau Cove. If you have a car, you can park directly at the resort. If you are using Disney Transportation, you can access the Polynesian from any Disney Theme Park. It is located on the Magic Kingdom Monorail Line. Give yourself plenty of time to travel to and from the resort.

Spirit of Aloha Stage Polynesian

Plan on meeting lots of “cousins”

Ohana means family, and here you will get to know a lot of your new family members. The theater is filled with long rows of tables. While you will be at your own table, you are seated in close proximity to other guests as the tables have small gaps between them. If you have specific needs, let a cast member know when you make your reservation.

Spirit of Aloha Theater Polynesian

Enjoy the food

While not 100% authentic, Spirit of Aloha definitely offers a variety of Hawaiian inspired fare–from Aloha pulled pork, BBQ pork ribs, and Jasmine rice with nori. You won’t go hungry with this tropical feast!  And don’t forget the famous pineapple-coconut bread. It’s a SoA favorite! Save room for dessert. You’ll want to enjoy the warm pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce. For children, PB&J sandwiches, hot dogs, and macaroni and cheese are also available on a limited kids menu.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Polynesian

Get a tropical drink

While soft drinks, beer and wine are already included in the price of your meal, you can also purchase a fruity cocktail (additional costs apply). The house specialty is Pele’s Fire Punch: The Volcano Goddess’ blend of Bacardi rum, Myers’ Original Dark Rum, Banana Liqueur, blackberry brandy, pineapple juice, and Grenadine served in an authentic, hand-carved monkey coconut. You keep the coconut! $14.95

Spirit of Aloha Drinks Polynesian

Enjoy the show

The most exciting part of the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is the show itself! From dancers, drummers, and even fire dancing, this show truly offers some great authentic Polynesian entertainment. True to Disney fashion, it does have a story line. Guests will be greeted by Auntie Wini who hosts a fun-filled luau as a going away party for Leilani, one of the local girls who is leaving for the “mainland.”  Once the luau gets going, you’ll be treated to dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. Don’t leave early because the best part is the ending!

Spirit of Aloha Show Polynesian

Overall, guests are sure to enjoy this fun-filled Hawaiian luau. From the food to the entertainment, there’s something for everybody. It’s a true Polynesian Resort classic and and a show that you and your family are sure to enjoy and remember for Disney trips to come. Make it a tradition or visit for a once in a lifetime experience. I recently went with my family for the first time, and we had a blast. It’s definitely a new family tradition for us!

Have you been to Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show? What tips do you recommend for making your experience even more magical?

When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at the Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW  where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.


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4 thoughts on “Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

  1. I think it depends on the time of year and the time of your dinner. We made the reservation for SoA only 1 week before the dinner show. Granted, we only had the option of category 2 or 3 for seating. So you never know 🙂

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