Spirit of Aloha doesn't usually get a favorable reaction but our family thoroughly enjoyed it! We were in the higher priced seating and pretty much had a front row table, so I'm sure that helped. We enjoyed the food and the show! Would definitely do it again in the future when our daughter is older.
We did Spirit of Aloha on the dining plan. We had centre stage in the "upper level" and our seats were fantastic. Could see over everyone's heads no problem. Show was a bit "cheesy" but the kids liked it (especially the fire guy). I would say go but if you are paying out of pocket, , you don't need to pay for the best seating.
We went a little over two years ago (Nov 2011) and really enjoyed it. My family really enjoyed it and the service was great, our server went out of his way to help my son. My DH who can be a picky eater enjoyed the food. Would I go again soon, no however in a few years I would definitely go again.
We really enjoyed the show, service was great, and most of the food was great too. We went to a few very highly rated Luaus during our Hawaiian trips, and while Spirit of Aloha isn't exactly the same, we enjoyed it as much as some of the real luaus in Hawaii.
It is definitely something I think everyone should do at least once (as with everything else at WDW). I did find it a bit long, but also enjoyable, and frankly, I was there mostly for the food.