Why Disney's beloved Spirit Of Aloha dinner show has been shut down
William Smith
Updated on April 03, 2026
Disney World’s Spirit Of Aloha dinner show is now permanently closed after it was temporarily shut due to Covid in 2020, but what’s the reason behind it?
Say Aloha (goodbye) to Disney Florida’s Spirit Of Aloha dinner show.
The Polynesian-themed restaurant had been temporarily shut since March 2020 due to the resort’s Covid closure, but now it’s been confirmed that the much-loved luau will not be returning.
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What is the Spirit Of Aloha dinner show?
Described by Disney as an “enchanting luau with Polynesian dancing and an all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast,” the dinner show welcomed guests to nights filled with dancing from Tahiti, music, and even fire-knife performances.
Located at the open-air theatre at Luau Cove, diners could enjoy Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, and their Pau Hana Punch served in a coconut.
The Disney classic was definitely a getaway from the everyday scenes, so no wonder Twitter is heartbroken.
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GOODBYE COUSIN JEREMY. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is permanently closed. This one stings a lot. So many great family memories. The grounds will make way for new DVC villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
— Carly Caramanna (@CarlyCaramanna) March 15, 2022
Noooooooo. It was just so classic. Not to mention a pretty good value being that it was so much food + 🍻 🍷 unlimited. They also offered corn dog nuggets ha
— Carly Caramanna (@CarlyCaramanna) March 15, 2022
Shame on Disney for another bad move, ridding of the Spirit of Aloha, a dinner show that was always sold out. Not only was it beautiful and enriched in the culture of the Polynesian countries but also a Disney classic. Disney keeps breaking my heart 😞💔
— Scarlett Batz (@_queenscarlita_) March 15, 2022
Why is it shutting down?
Back in September 2021, there were rumours that the park wouldn’t be bringing the experience back due to low-profit margins.
Now, WDWNT has stated that the Spirit Of Aloha is cancelled to make room for the Polynesian Village Resort’s new vacation club villas.
Tikiman’s Unofficial Polynesian Resort Page shared via Facebook that cast members were notified the show would not be returning yesterday (15 March), and over the years, Tikiman has speculated that a new DVC building would materialise.
In May 2012, they spotted site balloons to estimate the height of the new villa and heard the news about a five-story T-shaped building a month later.
Disney Vacation Club to honour Spirit Of Aloha
Disney Vacation Club is aiming for a 2024 opening for their new Polynesian Village Resort tower.
The press release claims that the villa will be “honouring the past, while furthering the resort story” and will sit on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, where the Luau Cove currently resides.
There are plans for new recreation offerings and dining options, so hopefully, they’ll bring back a dinner show.
Looking at the concept image, the exterior looks modern and luxurious, though we think the complex could embody more Polynesian designs.
What do you think?
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is expanding its Vacation Club blueprint by adding more villas. Built in a new multi-story complex that takes over the space currently occupied by Disney's Spirit of Aloha dinner show which will not be returning #WaltDisneyWorld
— wdwfan (@wdwtony) March 15, 2022
