We did the preferred seating, which is the first two rows up front, however you still have to wait in the long line in the hot sun to get in. There's a lot of time to kill before anything actually starts. Every party gets their picture taken & they try to sell it to you for $20. They have some activities before the food is ready - drinks, alcoholic & non, which is nice for the kids, get a tattoo or flowers on your hair. They have vendors set up in the back selling their products. From 5-5:45 you're basically sitting in the hot sun - take a hat or umbrella. They did this whole story about the cliff & had some guys jump off & we waited about ten minutes for one of them to light these torches. As for food- they unearth the emu & it's interesting to see. The food is plentiful - pork, chicken, fish, steak, salad, veggies, rolls, poi. Dessert was underwhelming - little pieces of three different kinds of cake. The show started at 6:45-7. The hostess had an amazing voice & the dancers were great. We enjoyed the actual show. The fire dancer was excellent! I'd go back for the show part & slim down the rest. It's a bit commercialized at times but not unexpected while on vacation.