Spirit of Aloha - viewing Wishes and transportation to Poly from other resorts - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Spirit of Aloha - viewing Wishes and transportation to Poly from other resorts
We are going to the Spirit of Aloha Luau on 9/22 for the 5:15 dinner show. Can't wait! I see that Wishes is happening at 8pm at MK that night. Is there an area at the Polynesian that you might be able to see some of the Wishes show? We aren't park-hopping and MK is not the park we are going to that day but I was thinking since we are "in the area" if we could spy the show from the Polynesian that would be awesome!
Also, we are staying at POR Riverside so for a 5:15 Luau reservation what would be our best bet in getting from Riverside to the Polynesian? Take a bus to Disney Springs then a resort bus or bus to Epcot then a resort bus? We are not renting a car.
Buses will probably be faster than my suggestion, but we prefer the monorail for getting from Epcot to the monorail resorts. A bus just can't match the scenery from the monorail, IMO, not to mention the quality of the ride.
I'd do bus to Epcot and hop the Epcot monorail to the TTC. Once you get there, you could get on the resort loop monorail with the Poly being the first stop, very short, pleasant ride. Or, you might walk from the TTC to the Poly if in the mood for more of an adventure and a short walk.
We don't care for the Poly so can't advise what might be good viewing areas there.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
I would just hop a bus from POR to Magic Kingdom and then take the monorail to the Polynesian.
A suggestion: The MK-GF-Poly boat might be faster than the monorail.
The monorail from the MK will stop at the CR and TTC before getting to the Poly and could require a lengthy wait at that time of day with lots of families going back to their resorts for dinner.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Wishes and the Electrical Water Pageant can be seen from any spot along the Poly beach but now with the addition of the bungalows the better views are on the far right of the bungalows or from along the beach in front of the Luau. The only direct front view was from Sunset Pointe but despite the small rise the view is somewhat obstructed by the bungalows. You can also view the show from the Terrace and from the TTC dock (you can walk the path from the Poly to here). Another option would be from the GF specifically the deck surrounding Narcoossee's or the beach near Gasparilla Grill.
My favorite place to watch Wishes is from the Poly beach! They pipe in the music so you'll be able to hear it with the fireworks. It can get busy and beach chairs are at a premium, so I would get there a bit earlier than you think. There is a lot of room on the beach to share, but my friend and I ended up sitting on the sand (ok for us, but not everyone's cup of tea).
I would also just take a bus to MK and then either take the monorail or boat across the water to the Poly (make sure you get on the Resort version of each, not the TTC one). Easy peasy! Have fun!
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Something to be aware of is that the resorts may station CM's at popular Wishes viewing sites such as the Poly's beach and check Magic Bands. If you're not staying at that resort, you won't be allowed into the viewing area.
Might not be a problem when you'll be at WDW during a not terribly busy time of year, but if there were a private event such as a wedding or anniversary party, you might find access to such in-demand viewing areas restricted.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Thanks everyone for all the information! And good to know about possible magic band checks too! Can't wait!
I doubt that there will be any band checks except if it is a holiday or very busy (July 4th, Christms, etc). It has been years since my last visit and things change all the time but as long as you are only there to view the Electrical Water Pageant & Wishes I do not think you will be disturbed. Hope your group likes the Luau.
As I indicated, probably planning to watch from Poly beach won't end in disappointment since the OP's trip isn't near a major holiday.
Just wanted them to be aware that's possible since despite the Poly's not being a major convention center, it might be booked by a company for a mini-convention which could cause MB checks.
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
i've watched wishes from the end of the dock at the GF. it'd be a quick monorail ride there from the poly--or you can walk (there's a running path you can follow.) i've never been checked for a band. in fact, i've only ever been totally alone watching wishes from the GF (though i was staying there, so even if they had checked it would have been fine--but they definitely didn't.)
the only good option from POR to poly is a taxi. you'll save at least an hour of your day. you can also use uber in WDW, which is the most cost effective option. you'll pay maybe $8.
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