From: Rich_Koster@agwbbs.new-orleans.LA.US (Rich Koster)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: Disneyana - Polynesian Mass
Distribution: world
Date: 6 Oct 92 06:10:51 CST
Organization: The Amiga GateWay BBS * New Orleans, La.

We were on a tight schedule and had to be at the Contemporary Resort
by 9 AM to take a tour offered to our Disneyana convention group, so
we used our rental car to get from the Contemporary to the Mass at
the Polynesian resort, and back again.  We're glad we did,  because
people who took Disney transport arrived late for the 8 AM Mass, and
we might have been late for our tour if we hadn't used our car.  Some
arrived as much as 30 minutes late. Using the car, we left Mass when
it ended around 8:45 and then walked into the Contemporary a few
minutes before 9.
 
It takes 10 minutes to walk from the lobby at the Contemporary to
your car (parked in the self-park area), drive to the Polynesian and
park, and then walk to Luau Cove where Mass is held outdoors.  That's
walking at a good, brisk pace -- add about another 5 minutes if you
have small children or elderly people walking with you, or if you're
not in a hurry.
 
When we drove up to the Polynesian, a cast member at the carport told
us the best place to park for the Mass was in the self-parking 30
minute zone -- even though Mass is longer than 30 minutes.  This area
is directly in front of the main entrance to the Polynesian, so it
couldn't have been better.
 
We were told to walk through the lobby and make a left at the other
end of it, then follow the hallway (making a right, then a left) to
the doors leading outside, and then to follow the signs along the
path leading to Luau Cove.  If you are not in a rush, be sure to
take time to enjoy the lush landscaping along the way.  Once you get
to Luau Cove, don't worry that the Mass doesn't start right at the
stroke of 8 o'clock.  They allow a few minutes for late arrivals.
 
We had a visiting priest from Tampa give the Mass.  He first spoke
for a few minutes about the good things they do for the needy as
well as how the Mary, Queen of the Universe shrine is being built
just off Disney property in Lake Buena Vista.  The main church
building is almost complete now.  That complex is for all the
visiting Catholics on vacation at Walt Disney orld and the entire
Orlando area, in addition to serving as a good example to others
that there are Catholics who will take time out from their vacations
to worship the Lord.  The same diocese that runs that church is also
in charge of the Masses at Luau Cove.  Some of the good works they
do is to give the needy kids of the area any leftover theme park
tickets that people donate.
 
After speaking for a fw minutes about this, he started the Mass at
about 8:10 AM.  But he said not to worry about the time, because he
gives a speedy Mass.  And he was true to his word, because the Mass
was over at around 8:45 AM.  It is lovely having Mass there with
the pretty surroundings, the sun shining, and the birds chirping.
Off to the left there is a nice view of the Grand Floridian Resort.
 
He gave a nice sermon and there was wine with communion.  We sang
one hymn a cappella after communion.  There were two collections:
one for the cost of holding Mass at Luau Cove and another donated
to the construction of Mary, Queen of the Universe shrine.  Since
Luau Cove is also the site of the Polynesian Revue, Mass-goers sit
in the shade of Luau Cove's covered amphitheatre at tables and
chairs.  The priest advised those attending to not stand or kneel
during Mass because the heavy chairs make a lot of noise when they
are moved.  (You do stand and leave your chair at communion time.)
 
The 8 AM Mass has always been a quick one, because they have to
allow time for the Protestant service to begin there at 9 o'clock.
If you go to Mass at Mary, Queen of the Universe shrine, the
Masses last longer there, but they have more of a complete schedule
of Masses, including Saturday vigil mass.  There is another Mass at
Luau Cove at 10 AM, but we've never attended it, so I don't know how
long it lasts.
 
This was the second time we have attended Mass at Luau Cove and I
recommend it to all Catholics staying at the Walt Disney World
Resorts.
 
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