Six months ago, I posted an article about Spirit of Aloha — the dinner show at the Polynesian — probably being closed permanently. Sadly, this can now be confirmed. A staple from the very earliest points of Walt Disney World, the show was a celebration of Hawaiian culture, dance, and festivities. The Luau is now over and cast members who had desperately waited for a return are notified that the experience will not return.
In its place, new DVC Villas will be built.
Here’s my original reporting from September:
In fact, in a variety of different ways, it doesn’t appear that Disney is supporting the Luau. It doesn’t appear labeled on Google Earth or Maps, Disney has worked on pathing around much of the Seven Seas Lagoon EXCEPT near the Luau Cove building, and other people with connections (i.e. Martin) are saying it would not be a surprise for a DVC to go up.
Little things like the Luau are what made Disney special. While we watch these sorts of experiences disappear (I’m looking at you Hoop-de-Doo), some of the extra wonders of Disney World are saying goodbye. Will the average visitor notice? No. However, the overall package is diminished… and that will be felt, even if it is not something just anybody can articulate. Unfortunately, it seems to be the trend with Disney World these days.
I guess Luaus just don’t bring in thousands of dollars per guest like other offerings can.
Mahalo to the cast and aloha to all.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
