Editor Pick
The Wantilan Luau: A Tropical Experience
- October 8, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Troobabiee7 from Brooklyn, New York
The Wantilan Luau is a truly fun and unique experience in the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. It's an authentic luau offering Hawaiian music, stories and cuisine. Located in a tropical cove amidst Royal Pacific's swaying palm trees and tropical lagoon, you really do forget you're in a theme park resort as the Polynesian festivities sweep you off to the South Seas. My family and I have experienced this luau three times, and it just keeps getting better.
The Wantilan Luau is a buffet dinner experience, guaranteeing everyone in your party will find several dishes to fit their tastes. For $55 for adults (and $30 for children) guests can enjoy salad with citrus dressing, Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Ginger-Soy Vinaigrette, Macadamia Crusted Goat Cheese Kim chi Napa Cabbage Slaw and Shiitake Mushroom, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Breast, Soy Marinated Beef Flank Steak with Fried Yucca, Sauteed Peppers and Onions, Toasted Coconut Jasmine Rice, a vegetable medley with toasted almonds, freshly baked bread and more. Peanut butter and jelly, chicken fingers, and macaroni and cheese are available for kids and picky eaters. The dessert buffet includes such indulgences as White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie, Chocolate Banana Cake and a tropical fruit salad, as well as a variety of coffees and teas. The food is top-notch, but beware if there are vegetarians in your party. My mother and I don't eat meat and we loved what was available to us, but didn't quite feel it was worth $55 each on food alone.
While the food here is great, it's complimented by the outstanding entertainment. Hula dancers, fire dancers and musicians stroll the grounds to give an up-close and personal performance for guests, before all convening on the main stage to tell a musical tale of Hawaiian folklore. All of the performers are actually from Hawaii, creating a truly authentic experience.
The Wantilan Luau takes place every Saturday night throughout the year, with addition performances on Tuesday and Friday nights in the summer. The luau is often compared to Disney's Spirit of Aloha Luau at the Polynesian Resort, but having tried both we've found that the Wantilan Luau is a much better experience. The menu is more extensive, the food is tastier, and the entertainment is a little more authentic. Even if you're not staying in a Universal Orlando resort, be sure to make the 15-minute drive up I4 to check out the luau. It's a unique and fun way to spend a night on your trip to Orlando.
From journal Universal Studios Resorts: Get Swept Away