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Orlando's not a one-mouse town and this is the site that proves it! |
Makahiki Luau Prices: Adults $45.95, children (3 to 9) $29.95. Plus tax and tip. Park admission not required. At dusk, a ceremonial procession makes its way through the Waterfront in the SeaWorld park, heralding the approach of a Polynesian tribal chieftain. A warrior blows a conch shell to announce the arrival of the Grand Kahuna. A welcoming ceremony complete with dancing briefly enlivens the wharfside while the park’s visitors look on. Then, those who have ponied up for the luau are ushered into a spacious theater in the back of the nearby Seafire Grill restaurant where they are transported to the lush South Seas. Giant tikis flank the raised semicircular stage and family-style tables radiate outwards to give everyone a good view. The show, which begins as the crowd settles in, is hosted by the Grand Kahuna himself, a sumo-sized mountain of a man, with the assistance of a guitar and ukulele trio singing songs of the island from the authentic to the hokey commercial variety. Most of the show is given over to the dancers, four bare-chested men and four lissome young women who constantly reappear in new and ever more colorful costumes to evoke a variety of styles and moods. The sets change along with the costumes and the wide variety of colorful backdrops makes this one of the most scenically lavish luaus I’ve seen. The dancing is never less than enchanting and in the war chant numbers rather exciting. What’s more, the dancing never veers towards the offensive, making this a perfectly G-rated show. The Grand Kahuna proves a charming host and the evening’s highlight comes when he recounts the Hawaiian foundation myth about how Sky Father and Earth Mother peopled the islands with their children, providing them with beautiful plants and animals to keep them happy. The story reaches its climax with a Fire Dance finale that is literally incendiary, as a dancer wearing nothing but a loincloth twirls a flaming baton and rests the burning ends on his tongue and the soles of his feet. All of this, our host explains, to illustrate “the light of life that shines in the sky and in every one of us.” The sentiment is typical of the gentle spirit of this show, which is apparently a family affair. At one point, the Grand Kahuna introduces his son and daughter, charming youngsters who seem to be having just as much fun as the audience. The show ends with a hip hop updating of “Aloha Oi” that is cheerfully infectious. The food may not be quite as good as the show, but there is plenty of it, all served family style. First comes a selection of fresh fruit. Among the three entrees, the mahi-mahi in piña colada sauce is a standout. The sweet and sour chicken and BBQ spareribs are okay, as are the mixed steamed vegetables. Dessert is a “lava cake with peanut butter drizzle” accompanied by coffee. The admission price includes the meal, one complimentary cocktail, and complimentary soft drinks, coffee, or unlimited iced tea. For the drinkers in the crowd, a cash bar is available. Didn't find what you were looking for? Try a Google search.
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