After you've been together a while, it can be easy to fall into a rut. My husband and I love spending time together, but with our individual workloads and a special care schedule for our son, we needed something different to spark some reconnection. Enter the Loews Royal Pacific Resort's Wantilan Luau at Universal Orlando. This tropical escape sat on my must-do list for years, and thanks to an unexpected invitation from Loews Hotels, we were able to experience it for ourselves.
You may be surprised to know that we can experience a variety of luaus in Orlando. However, the luau at Royal Pacific is more than dinner and a show. It's a true escape. Here you can let go of everyday worries and routines, and embark on an enchanting evening together.
A Romantic Review of Wantilan Luau at Royal Pacific
Arriving Early Is Part of the Experience
We arrived around 5:15 p.m., which I highly recommend. That extra time gave us space actually to arrive, not just physically, but mentally too.
The lobby at Loews Royal Pacific Resort immediately sets the tone. Between the lush greenery, the tranquil water fountain, and the Balinese statues and elephants splashing in the water, it feels like stepping into a Pacific island escape before you even reach the luau itself. We slowed down, wandered a bit, and let the atmosphere do what it does best: calm you.
At 5:30 p.m., we headed downstairs to the outdoor ground level to check in for the luau. Eventbrite tickets were quickly scanned, and we were welcomed by a host inside a tiki-style thatched hut who walked us through what to expect for the evening.
Our son was with us, and I immediately appreciated how attentive and reassuring the staff was. She reviewed what foods would be safe for him, given his allergies, which instantly put me at ease and allowed us to relax instead of staying on high alert.
The Pavilion Opens at 6:00 p.m.
At 6:00 p.m., the Wantilan Pavilion opened, and we were shown to our table. The space itself is open and airy, and the buffet stretched out in front of us. At first, I convinced myself to rush to the buffet, and then I realized we had over 45 minutes to enjoy before the main show began.
After getting our son settled and our initial drinks in hand, we took turns helping ourselves to the spread. I started with the abundant salads. Soon, I eased back in my chair as the gentle sounds of acoustic live music played out before us.
We Actually Got to Reconnect
Even with our son there, something unexpected happened: we relaxed as a couple.
Our son was entertained, engaged, and comfortable, so much so that he didn’t need our constant attention. That alone felt like a gift. It gave my husband and me space to genuinely enjoy being together, which isn’t always easy to come by.
After checking in, each of us was given a lei, and guests gathered on the lawn where two performers from the show demonstrated skills that would later appear in the performance.
They invited guests to try the moves themselves, which turned into a surprisingly great icebreaker. We laughed at ourselves and stepped outside our comfort zones. It was a fun, low-pressure way to socialize and set the tone for the evening.
Later in the evening, audience members had the opportunity to take the stage if they so desired. My son and I jumped up to learn some hula moves before the main show began. It felt exhilarating to have that on-stage moment with my son and other families.
Once the main show began, I looked around and saw how much everyone in attendance was enjoying themselves. I looked over at my husband and loved seeing the smile on his face, while proudly wearing one of his many tropical motif button-up shirts.
Then the moment came when the talented performers looked to the audience for three male volunteers. I couldn't help but lovingly elbow my husband, and sure enough, he found his way on stage. What a treat! The main percussionist commanded everyone's attention as he showed off the prowess of Pacific Islander culture. Then he had the male volunteers show off their warrior side, including my husband.
The other two audience members made their families proud as they let go and had fun with their moment of fame.
I am proud of my husband for going for it and having fun. It impressed me and served as a lesson for our son about the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and living in the moment.
What's Included at Wantilan Luau
- Drinks, including beer, wine, and oh-so-strong Mai Tais
- Soft drinks like soda, lemonade, and fruit punch
- An endless buffet dinner
- The full Polynesian luau show
- Gratuity included
- Complimentary self-parking (discounted valet available)
Tickets are $99 for standard seating per adult (plus taxes & fees), $119 for premium seating (plus taxes & fees) – kids' tickets are $50 – $75.
Food, Drinks, and Music
The buffet at Wantilan Luau is expansive without feeling chaotic. The lomi lomi chicken salad and mixed native greens with hearts of palm and citrus were a bright and fresh way to start. Even the macadamia-crusted goat cheese with kimchi Napa cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms had a depth of flavor; I ended up mixing it into the salad greens and tomatoes.
While I skipped the chicken and beef options this time, the stars of my plate were unmistakable. The catch of the day—mahi mahi when we visited—was perfectly cooked and flaky, tasting fresh and clean. And the pit-roasted suckling pig, paired with a spiced rum–infused pineapple purée, was rich, tender, and exactly the kind of indulgence you hope for at a luau.
Alongside mini macadamia pies and classic pineapple upside-down cake, the dark chocolate haupia ended up being my surprise favorite dish with its silky texture and not-too-sweet flavor.
Beer, wine, mai tais, and soft drinks are all included. I opted for a non-alcoholic version of the Mai Tai, though I did try a few sips of the real thing, and its strength surprised me for being an included beverage. The included libation definitely added to the tropical escape atmosphere.
The Show
The show began right on time at 6:50 p.m. and ran until just about 8:00 p.m., and from the very first beat, it never let up. Rather than focusing on just one style, the show highlights multiple island nations and cultures, weaving together music and movement. Each transition brought a new energy, a new rhythm, and a new set of skills—and the performers handled those shifts effortlessly.
I was genuinely impressed by the performers’ versatility. Watching the same dancers move seamlessly between different styles and techniques made it clear how much training and talent go into this production. From powerful group numbers to moments that felt intimate and almost hypnotic, the pacing kept us fully engaged the entire time.
The fire dancing, in particular, was a showstopper, one of those moments where the entire audience goes quiet in awe.
After the final bow, all of the performers came back out to greet guests and take photos, which felt like a warm and personal way to end the evening. I highly recommend hanging back for a few minutes to get a photo with them.
After a relaxing and enthralling evening together, the group photo opportunity proved to be the perfect way to cap off the night, capturing how special the experience felt.
Wantilan Luau
Location: Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819
