Torch-Lighting Ceremony at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

If there is one thing I have really learned to appreciate during our annual visits to Walt Disney World, it is the plethora of opportunities for free family entertainment.  We were able to enjoy another of these great opportunities during our recent trip and I just had to share it with you.

Dinner at ‘Ohana, at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, has traditionally been my family’s sending song. We always have a wonderful family dinner at ‘Ohana  on the Friday night after Thanksgiving and enjoy some of THE best food to be had at Disney.  Hint: if you are planning to make a dining reservation for ‘Ohana, do it EARLY as it is one of the first table service restaurants to book up.

This year I decided to book our ADR for an earlier time than usual. I wanted to give us time to view the torch-lighting ceremony before our meal, so I reserved our ADR for 6:30pm.  We arrived about 5:45 and soon after we got there, the beautiful Lipoa, an entertainer at Ohana, gathered us together and took us down to the lobby to await the start of the ceremony.

She gave each of us a lei and talked with us about why we were visiting, how we were enjoying our time at Disney and commented on how handsome and strong my sons are. If you’re reading, Lipoa, thank you again. She was very welcoming to us and to all of the other “cousins” waiting for the show (although I just kept thinking how cute her dress was and wondering where she got it).

Right at 6:00pm, Chief Machuttie positioned himself just inside the Great Ceremonial House. He blew into his conch shell to create a trumpet-like sound in order to announce the commencement of the torch-lighting ceremony and then asked everyone to follow him outside.

Two other cast members cordoned off an area near the entrance and Lipoa took her place behind two large drums. She began a Polynesian chant while rhythmically beating the drums and a moment later, Chief Machuttie returned with a large baton with fire blazing at both ends.

He performed traditional fire-knife ceremonial dancing and then began lighting several torches. He continued with more twirling and fire-eating. It was quite impressive, although hard for me to capture with appropriate lighting on my camera.

One can’t help but notice how gorgeous the landscape is at the entrance to the Polynesian. Waterfalls and beautiful foliage are just the right view for this show, which welcomes the evening. The event lasts maybe five to seven minutes and is a really nice way to start off your last night, or any night for that matter.

If you happen to be in the area of the Polynesian around 6:00 weeknights, check out this show. You will be glad you did. This is one of the extra themed events that Disney offers that just make everything a little more special. For me, anything my family can enjoy all together is very special to me!

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