3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[Yellowbellow]

Yeah I did Grow the beard solely for the PL and did it last year also. AND I told the 10year old - Stephen - he had to accompany me to the Bathrooms - That way I was always in the company of a small Pirate. hehehehe -- But I loved it and the comments and the looks and the 'Wow. Dad, why don't you do that'.

 

[hstrickland]

Hoop-Dee-Do Revue
5pm Show
Day 5​

Some of the information below was taken from Allears.net.​

We arrived via boat to Fort Wilderness around 4:20pm. They recommend getting there early so you can check in and have your picture made….would you be surprised if I told you that we were first in line?!

The Hoop-Dee-Doo review is one of the longest running shows at Walt Disney World. While you enjoy an all you can eat dinner, you are entertained by good old fashion country western singers, dancers and comedians. Be prepared for slapstick, corny jokes and lots of singing and dancing.

When making a reservation, you must decide what show you would like, and what category.

Category 1 will allow you and your party to be seated on the first floor level with your table nearest the stage and in the middle of all the action and excitement.

Category 2 offers either a great table on the first floor behind the Category 1 seating below the balcony or in the center of the balcony on the 2nd floor. Either way, you're still facing the stage so you can get a wonderful view of the entire performance.

Category 3 offers tables that are located on the right hand side or left hand side of the balcony on the 2nd floor. You won't miss a moment of the fun and excitement as you enjoy the panoramic view of the entire stage production.

Prices
Category 1
Adults (10 and up) $61.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $31.99 including tax and gratuity Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 2
Adults (10 and up) $56.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $27.99 including tax and gratuity Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 3
Adults (10 and up) $52.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $26.99 including tax and gratuity Infants (0-2) No charge

Reservations may be made 180 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. Tables are assigned in the order in which reservations are made. Shows can sell out during busy times of the year. Payment in full will be required for the Hoop-Dee-Doo at the time of booking. As long as you cancel up to 48 hours in advance, you will receive a full refund.

They started seating promptly at 5, and you must have your ticket to get in…you can pick up these tickets at FW or at your resort hotel. Since we were on the DxDP, we can only get Cat 2 seating (which is fine). If you want Cat1, you have to reserve the 9:30pm show.

After being seated, our waiter took our drink orders…

Included with the meal: Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Root Beer, Sprite, Orange, Pink Lemonade, Iced Tea, Apple Juice, Milk, Chocolate Milk, Hot Tea, Coffee, Draft Bud Light, Chardonnay, Rose, Sangria, and Merlot

Well, he took the orders, but then didn’t return…we waited, and waited and then watched him give our drinks to another table. Finally we said something and we promptly got our drinks. The meal is served family style and it’s all you can eat!

Starters:
Tossed salad, loaf of bread and honey butter

Main Course:
Ma's Delicious Fried Chicken
Smoked Barbecued Pork Ribs
Mashed Potatoes
Country Style Baked Beans

Dessert:
Strawberry Shortcake

Notice we get our salad…but no drinks??!! The cornbread and butter is tasty…probably the honey butter that makes it so good.

The mashed potatoes were pretty good…like homemade. I was a little disappointed in the fried chicken. Last year, we did the HDDR and I couldn’t rave enough about it!!!

After we got our food, the show started…very high energy…very loud (but in a good way).

The cast is truly funny, in a corny kind of way….you have to go with the right frame of mind….and participate with the cast…it makes it lots more fun. All 3 kids could not stop laughing! They thought it was the most commical thing ever! I was cracking up just watching the children.

Throughout the show, the cast is walking throughout the crowd talking to different individuals…asking people questions, etc. The cast even goes to the balcony area to ‘harass’ guest. One part of the show requires members from the audience to participate on stage…this is a hoot!!! Super funny!

After dinner, they asked everyone to raise their napkins and start signing!!! This was actually quite fun…again….ya have to just take part and enjoy!

Our DS4 still says… “and a Hoop-Dee-Do” and raises his napkin at the table…it’s not always cute or funny when you’re out in public…and NOT at Disney!

Then it’s time for dessert!!!!

I saw it sitting on a table by the door, so I had to run over and get a picture….looked so yummy just sitting there!

I really made a pig of myself….seriously…it was ridiculous how much food I ate…just hated for it to go to waste

After dessert, the waiters brought out wash boards, one per table….now…if you don’t like noise, close your ears!! It gets loud!!! They played music, and the kids (and some adults) played the wash boards.

Then, much to our disappointment, it was time for the show to close…..

We really like this show for several reasons….very high energy, great for families, wonderful entertainment (silly, but funny) and decent food. Notice I said ‘decent’. Last year, we thought it was better, but it was still fine. I really didn’t have any major complaints with the food. The waiter started off SUPER slow, but ended up being okay after things progressed. I’ll have to say, too, that I liked the 5pm show better than the 7:30. If you’re a park commando, it probably wouldn’t do for you. But, it was a nice break from the parks, and still gave us time to go back to MK. So…would we go back??? If you ask any of my 3 children they will undoubtedly reply with YES. Since we’ve been 2 years in a row, we’ll probably take a break on the next trip…but eventually return…..it’s fun for all ages!!!



Stay tuned…up next…The Electric Light Parade

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I havent had lunch yet and now I am hungry for some fried chicken and ribs. Looked like a fun time and I was happy to see that dh wasnt to cool for school with waving his napkin.

How did you like your seat? Did you feel like you and the kids could see everything well. I dont think we would do a 930 show just to get a better seat if we are on the dp, thats a bit late.

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I just saw your reply to me and I have to say that my family is the same way. On our last trip there was only 1 day we slept past 7. We like to get up and out early.

For instance this sat. we got up at 430am left the house at 530am drove 2 1/2 hours to the jersey shore and didnt get back home until 1am. So my group would not blink an eye at your itinerary. We are morning people who love to make the most out of our days.

Isnt it nice to know someone who is an early bird on vacations...I know we are far and few between.

 

[hstrickland]

I havent had lunch yet and now I am hungry for some fried chicken and ribs. Looked like a fun time and I was happy to see that dh wasnt to cool for school with waving his napkin.

How did you like your seat? Did you feel like you and the kids could see everything well. I dont think we would do a 930 show just to get a better seat if we are on the dp, thats a bit late.

Our seats were fine...I don't think I could do a 9:30 show with smaller children. Were there better seats?...yes...but I could see just fine. I would actually like to sit in the balcony directly in front of the stage...I think those seats would be awesome.

I just saw your reply to me and I have to say that my family is the same way. On our last trip there was only 1 day we slept past 7. We like to get up and out early.

For instance this sat. we got up at 430am left the house at 530am drove 2 1/2 hours to the jersey shore and didnt get back home until 1am. So my group would not blink an eye at your itinerary. We are morning people who love to make the most out of our days.

Isnt it nice to know someone who is an early bird on vacations...I know we are far and few between.

You're soooooo right! There aren't many of us. In fact, some of my family members think I'm nuts for getting up early on vacation. DH wants to do Morning EMH next trip....think we're gonna try it. Be there at 7:45am....and be done by noon....then head back to the pool I could deal with that

 

[disneylovin24]

Great pictures! The food looks sooo good.

One quick question; the strawberry shortcake looks alittle on the large side. Do you get one or two per table or one per person (I mean I think I could eat all that by myself but it just looks big for restaurant's desert portion.)

 

[RGirl]

Wow - I was so behind, but I have had a great time catching up with your report!!!!

Give here some time...Faith was all about princesses last year and wanted nothing to do with pirates. This year....that all changed. And every now and then she wants me to call her Emily Hullbiter....so I do. As the POTC movies go....hmmmm....my 4 year old lovvvvves them as well as the 5 year old. We have the entire collection at home...would you like to borrow them

I would like to borrow them! Clearly, I need to get them and re-watch so I can figure out if my DD is ready for them. Gosh - it would be nice to be able to watch one of those instead of Tangled again....... (Not that I don't love Tangled, but I have seen it 400 times! )

Loved the rest of your PL experience. It really does look like a ton of fun, and they did such a great job transforming everyone! And the pics were amazing!

Usually, we return to the resort in the afternoons for a quick swim in the pool, but it didn’t make sense because our ressie time for HDDR was 5pm. And needless to say, after paying for the PL, we were NOT going swimming.

This cracked me up. I always see posts on here about leaving in the BBB hair for days at a time; my DD had hers done, and you know she just HAD to go swimming that afternoon. I had to re-do that dang bun every day of the trip!!!

We grabbed FPs earlier for….

This is probably one of our favorite rides or at least in the top 5…he kids love it!!! DH and Pop were flashing pictures and trying to get videos!

So fun!! I am hoping that we will get to ride this year. My DD will be a few months shy of 5 years old, but I really don't think she is going to hit the height requirement by then. I know she'll be really disappointed as she LOVES rides - the faster the better. Oh well! We'll have to make another trip, I guess.

Don’t laugh…but this ride is in my favorite top 5!! Oh...did I already say that once...well...Seriously…it always has been. DH laughs at me…kinda like he laughs at me when I talk about the Electric Water Pageant…I love that, too…oldies, but goodies, right?

This is one of our favorites too!

I really enjoyed reading about the HDDR. It is not something that I have ever thought we would do, but you make it sound like a lot of fun!

 

[onelilspark]

Oh man...now I'm hungry!!!

I need your help: I'm debating BLT (again.) I can cash in my Hilton points for a free stay at the Hilton Bonnet Creek... if you were going by yourself, which would you choose?

 

[amandaw]

Great review of HDDR! My husband is sitting next to me on the couch while I read your update. Well, he saw the pics of the food from HDDR & said to me, "Book us, momma!" My response was, "No problem! When can we go back then?" Funny he didn't answer me on that! I think we'll definitely have to give HDDR a try since we've been to the Spirit of Aloha & Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

 

[hstrickland]

Well...I would have posted back earlier, but we've had no power for 4 1/2hours bad storm.

Great pictures! The food looks sooo good.

One quick question; the strawberry shortcake looks alittle on the large side. Do you get one or two per table or one per person (I mean I think I could eat all that by myself but it just looks big for restaurant's desert portion.)

Ya know...I almost wrote in my review that it was for the table, then I didn't. We actually had 2 on the table, but didn't finish all of them. Now that I look back at the picture, it does look like that Strawberry Shortcake was just for me!

Wow - I was so behind, but I have had a great time catching up with your report!!!!


Glad you're back up to speed


I would like to borrow them! Clearly, I need to get them and re-watch so I can figure out if my DD is ready for them. Gosh - it would be nice to be able to watch one of those instead of Tangled again....... (Not that I don't love Tangled, but I have seen it 400 times! )

I know what you mean....we have several movies that the kids watch over, and over and over again! Pirates of the Carr. movies may be a little scary, and I guess there's the violence factor, too, but it does't seem to bother my kids. Perhaps I shouldn't let them watch it

Loved the rest of your PL experience. It really does look like a ton of fun, and they did such a great job transforming everyone! And the pics were amazing!
This cracked me up. I always see posts on here about leaving in the BBB hair for days at a time; my DD had hers done, and you know she just HAD to go swimming that afternoon. I had to re-do that dang bun every day of the trip!!!

....or the kids who want to wear their princess dresses every day!! Fortunately Faith didn't do that to us last year!!! I made sure that we had plenty to do so there would be no excuse to go back to the hotel...that Pirate makeup would have been a mess in the pool

So fun!! I am hoping that we will get to ride this year. My DD will be a few months shy of 5 years old, but I really don't think she is going to hit the height requirement by then. I know she'll be really disappointed as she LOVES rides - the faster the better. Oh well! We'll have to make another trip, I guess.

You don't think she will be 40 inches? Last year DS4 (3 at the time) was just shy of 40 inches, so I bought shoes with thick soles and told him to stand really tall....it worked!

I really enjoyed reading about the HDDR. It is not something that I have ever thought we would do, but you make it sound like a lot of fun!

I bet y'all would enjoy it...really! My two little ones think it's the best!

Oh man...now I'm hungry!!!

I need your help: I'm debating BLT (again.) I can cash in my Hilton points for a free stay at the Hilton Bonnet Creek... if you were going by yourself, which would you choose?

Hmmmm.....I'm curious....is it just because it would be a free stay or does that particular resort interest you?....just wondering I wish I could be of help, but I've never stepped foot there. Our friends have stayed there and said they love it...has the lazy river....and was great. Another lady that works with me stayed there over Spring Break and said the lazy river was swamped with kids, and they couldn't enjoy it. However...that was Spring Break. If you're going to MK, wouldn't BLT be more convenient for you?...no buses. Can't wait to see what you decide!

Great review of HDDR! My husband is sitting next to me on the couch while I read your update. Well, he saw the pics of the food from HDDR & said to me, "Book us, momma!" My response was, "No problem! When can we go back then?" Funny he didn't answer me on that! I think we'll definitely have to give HDDR a try since we've been to the Spirit of Aloha & Mickey's Backyard BBQ.

That's funny...no response when you mentioned booking Disney....sounds like my husband sometimes....he just ignores me Reid would like it for sure!! And give him a couple more years, and he'll appreciate it even more. And if you decide to do WL, FW or CR...it's a super close ressie!

 

[cdotla]

Sounds like a great afternoon at the MK. I can see why your motley crue would have gotten a fair bit of attention!

Loved the HDDR recap...so much fun!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Love your HDD play-by-play. It's so much fun to attend, but I find we just can't do it every trip. Every couple of years seems to work for us. They're so good about interacting with the audience and recognizing special occasions. One year DH had one of the ladies sit down in his lap and sing. I think he especially enjoyed that meal

I get such a kick out of HDD, especially Six Bits - he's hilarious. When DD was younger, she lost a tooth at HDD and Six Bits came over to our table and announced it to everyone. He also announced that the Tooth Fairy would put $50 underneath her pillow. Thanks, Six Bits...

I'm glad your power is back on

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Great update! Loved the pictures and you and the shortcake - huge serving!!! I can't believe how long it took you to get your drinks - ugh! Isn't it amazing how grown up the DD's looked with the pirate makeup on? Like little pageant girls! My DH wasn't sure he wanted to see her like that! I reproduced the look for Halloween right after we got back last year, it was so fun! I have to say that the food we had at Mickey's Backyard BBQ looked a little better than the HDDR, however it's buffet (which I managed to go back up to twice!). I do prefer a waiter and some sitting down time when at Disney. We will for sure try HDDR next trip, the smiles and laughs from your beautiful children sold me!

I got my Magical Express in the mail yesterday for August AND the initial cruise documents for the 2012 cruise - on the same day! It makes the cruise seem so real!

 

[hstrickland]

Sounds like a great afternoon at the MK. I can see why your motley crue would have gotten a fair bit of attention!

Loved the HDDR recap...so much fun!

A fair bit of attention is the understatement...but in a good way. If we heard "Arrrrrr...." one time, we heard it a thousand times!

Love your HDD play-by-play. It's so much fun to attend, but I find we just can't do it every trip. Every couple of years seems to work for us. They're so good about interacting with the audience and recognizing special occasions. One year DH had one of the ladies sit down in his lap and sing. I think he especially enjoyed that meal

I get such a kick out of HDD, especially Six Bits - he's hilarious. When DD was younger, she lost a tooth at HDD and Six Bits came over to our table and announced it to everyone. He also announced that the Tooth Fairy would put $50 underneath her pillow. Thanks, Six Bits...

I'm glad your power is back on

The guy that played Six Bits last year was a little better than this year...but still very funny. We're going to skip a year, too...I think....unless the kids just pitch a total fit about going So I'm curious...how much did the Tooth Fairy bring!?

 

[hstrickland]

Great update! Loved the pictures and you and the shortcake - huge serving!!! I can't believe how long it took you to get your drinks - ugh! Isn't it amazing how grown up the DD's looked with the pirate makeup on? Like little pageant girls! My DH wasn't sure he wanted to see her like that! I reproduced the look for Halloween right after we got back last year, it was so fun! I have to say that the food we had at Mickey's Backyard BBQ looked a little better than the HDDR, however it's buffet (which I managed to go back up to twice!). I do prefer a waiter and some sitting down time when at Disney. We will for sure try HDDR next trip, the smiles and laughs from your beautiful children sold me!

I got my Magical Express in the mail yesterday for August AND the initial cruise documents for the 2012 cruise - on the same day! It makes the cruise seem so real!

You're right about the pageant girls!!! Faith loved it...kinda scary, though. I can see how easy it would be to let them grow up too fast...she didn't look like 5 year old. Obviously we have our Halloween costumes so I'll be able to (or should I say attempt to) 'reproduce' the look.

We did Backyard BBQ this trip, too...I prefered the food at HDDR. Bill said the ribs were great. I ate the fried chicken, so I haven't a clue as to the taste of the ribs. The pictures didn't do the food justice...especially the ribs! Y'all must try it! It's such a great family place. I have a feeling that when we tell the kids we aren't going back next year they are going to be disappointed...oh well.

Ya know...I don't think I received any cruise info from Disney Did y'all go directly through Disney or someone else? I'm going to call my sister and ask her if she got any paperwork for the cruise. We haven't paid in full...I wonder if that makes a difference??? Hmmmmm....now you have me wondering since we leave before you. Oh well....I'll check....but hey....congrats to you!!! a trip coming up soon and cruise stuff!!! Isn't it nice to have something to look forward to?! I'm barely finished with one trip and I'm already planning another....I have such a problem

 

[onelilspark]

Hmmmm.....I'm curious....is it just because it would be a free stay or does that particular resort interest you?....just wondering I wish I could be of help, but I've never stepped foot there. Our friends have stayed there and said they love it...has the lazy river....and was great. Another lady that works with me stayed there over Spring Break and said the lazy river was swamped with kids, and they couldn't enjoy it. However...that was Spring Break. If you're going to MK, wouldn't BLT be more convenient for you?...no buses. Can't wait to see what you decide!

Because I can't make up my mind...

I stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek for work once. It was nice. And I like free.

I decided to just request a high floor at BLT.

I think my problem is that I get stressed about the wedding and I fiddle with this trip!! I need to just leave it alone!

 

[hstrickland]

Because I can't make up my mind...

I stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek for work once. It was nice. And I like free.

I decided to just request a high floor at BLT.

I think my problem is that I get stressed about the wedding and I fiddle with this trip!! I need to just leave it alone!

Ok....stay put! If you stay at Bonnet Creek, you won't be right in the middle of the whole Disney thing, ya know. Free is good...BUT...you won't be able to hop on the monorail and visit the Poly or the GF...you won't be able to look out the front door of BLT and see MK (not sure what view you have??) You won't be able to view beautiful Bay Lake...you won't be able to hop on a boat and visit WL or FW (which you should do)...no walking to MK within minutes...see what I mean....BLT it is!

What did you decide about meals? Aren't your parents coming over for a visit?

 

[onelilspark]

Ok....stay put! If you stay at Bonnet Creek, you won't be right in the middle of the whole Disney thing, ya know. Free is good...BUT...you won't be able to hop on the monorail and visit the Poly or the GF...you won't be able to look out the front door of BLT and see MK (not sure what view you have??) You won't be able to view beautiful Bay Lake...you won't be able to hop on a boat and visit WL or FW (which you should do)...no walking to MK within minutes...see what I mean....BLT it is!

What did you decide about meals? Aren't your parents coming over for a visit?

Haha ok, I'll stay put! I have a Bay Lake view. I'm looking forward to sitting on my balcony with room service on Saturday morning!

So meals...funny story. So I canceled Bistro, in favor of Mexican counter service and a margarita. Then I read a review of it and now I want to go again I shouldn't be allowed to DIS.

We're definitely doing Cali Grill. My parents are coming up, my Mom's cashing in Marriott points and they're cabbing it over to the Contemporary so they don't have to worry about having a glass of wine with dinner. And then we're doing Kona for breakfast the next morning!

 

[eeyore7360nc]

Just found your report. I am loving your pictures. Your kiddos are too cute.

I see you will be running the Princess half. I will be there with some friends who will be running. I am just the trip planner, photographer and cheerleader.

 

[hstrickland]

Haha ok, I'll stay put! I have a Bay Lake view. I'm looking forward to sitting on my balcony with room service on Saturday morning!

So meals...funny story. So I canceled Bistro, in favor of Mexican counter service and a margarita. Then I read a review of it and now I want to go again I shouldn't be allowed to DIS.

We're definitely doing Cali Grill. My parents are coming up, my Mom's cashing in Marriott points and they're cabbing it over to the Contemporary so they don't have to worry about having a glass of wine with dinner. And then we're doing Kona for breakfast the next morning!

You're killing me! Stop reading reviews on the DIS!!!!! Perhaps the moderator should put a hold on your account until you're done with your upcoming trip! BLT should be a nobrainer for y'all....ressie at CG...breakfast at Kona...you won't regret your decision. I think the 'free' factor just made your mind a little fuzzy

Just found your report. I am loving your pictures. Your kiddos are too cute.

I see you will be running the Princess half. I will be there with some friends who will be running. I am just the trip planner, photographer and cheerleader.

Glad you found us! Thanks for the compliment.

I'm going to 'attempt' the Princess Half ....it's my first, so we shall see. In fact, I just registered this morning, so I'm officially signed up with a confirmation number No running for you, huh?...just moral support. My cheerleader will be my husband! He's been great about supporting me with the training aspect of it. Will yall stay onsite? Which resort? Not sure which resort we will do...still trying to decide. Any suggestions???

Heather