Dinner Show with toddler

[jenosaurus]

hey there, I'm looking for some input. We're planning our trip and considering going to a dinner show, and wondering if it is a good idea as well as which would be best. We will be with our two sons, one is 11 and the other will be about 19 months old. We're looking at Hoop Dee Doo, Mickeys Backyard BBQ, and The Spirit of Aloha, and wondering what would be best for a toddler and most enjoyable for all of us. Anyone with experience I appreciate your help!

 

[Hopefully]

I believe Mickey's Backyard is the most geared for young children. They can be up and dancing and enjoying the characters. But it can be chaotic and it is communal seating at long picnic tables.
I think the others would be boring for a 19 month old and they would be expected to sit in their seats and be somewhat quiet for 2 hours or so.

 

[disnut8]

I think Hoop Dee Do would be good. The 11 year old would love it and there's enough action all around during the entire time that the 19 month old would not be bored. Plus, if the little one gets cranky, you can always take him outside but I really don't think he would get cranky. There's audience participation so you would be involved at the table so he can laugh at you guys.

 

[DisneyPiPhi]

My parents took my daughter, who was then three years old, to HDDR this past spring. She super, super loved it and was apparently well-behaved. Even though she had to stay in her seat, there was a lot going on. She enjoyed when the performers came over to talk with her (apparently this is a thing? I haven't been to HDDR since I was 10, so I'm not sure) and spent the rest of the trip talking about Claire De Lune being her friend. So, I can't speak to the other options, but I know HDDR was a hit for my three-year-old.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

HDDR !

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would do HDDR. It's really fun and the food is good. Plus, you can visit the stables with the kids and see the WDW horses and even visit the playground next door if you are in the mood.

Spirit of Aloha's first act is kind of boring IMHO, and if you aren't in the front of your seating section, the sight lines can be problematic.

I've never tried Mickey's Backyard BBQ as I was always reluctant to go with a toddler. I always found doing buffets with younger children was very challenging.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

we had large group from 4 months to senior adults at Hoop Dee Doo. all loved it. lots of action going on

 

[disnut8]

I would do HDDR. It's really fun and the food is good. Plus, you can visit the stables with the kids and see the WDW horses and even visit the playground next door if you are in the mood.

Good point. If you get there early, before the check in is open, there is a ton of space for the little one to run around in while you can sit and wait for check in. I'm not sure about seating for the other two but for Hoop Dee Do, it's done by when you make your reservation, not when you arrive at the Outpost. So it's a much relaxed atmosphere while waiting to check in and the seating is fast so you don't have to think about waiting in a long line.

 

[cutigerlady]

We did HDDR with our son when he was a toddler. Actually, I think he was about 8 months the first time he was there. He loved it! The food is very toddler friendly. They will bring you mac & cheese if you request it (which you should because it was liked by everyone at our table). It's loud in there, so no need to worry about keeping a little one quiet. I was worried he would not sit still during the show part, but he was so enthralled with the music and what was going on, he didn't move! We sat in Category 2, which is bar height tables at the back. This worked out perfectly because I could easily get up with him and not be disruptive. He also liked being able to see over the heads of everyone up front. They have high chairs that are bar height for them! Now, my kids prefer to sit in Category 3 and watch from the balcony. Our service here has always been outstanding!

 

[jenosaurus]

Thanks everyone! DH wanted to do Spirit of Aloha(they all have never been, I went once with family 10 years ago) it after all your suggestions and reading up a little more, I think I convinced him Hoop Dee Doo is the way to go for us.

And thanks for the seating suggestions too, it gets a little confusing trying to figure out what would work best. I had no idea the cat 2 seats were higher up, and that there was tall high chairs too! I'm thinking we're going to do that, with an earlier show either 4 or 6.

Thanks!!

 

[DopeyDame]

Just jumping in to give Mickey's Backyard BBQ some love, if you haven't made the reservation yet.
One of my all time favorite WDW memories is from Mickey's Backyard BBQ when DS was 17 months old. It was perfect and so much fun. The music is great for toddlers, there are a ton of places to run around and dance, and they get to see the characters in a totally different setting. The character dancing was a little overwhelming the first time they came out, but we stayed for the second half and it was great - DS, who was very intimidated in traditional M&Gs, was a dancing fool with the characters.
So very much fun. (And unlimited Mickey ice cream bars, wine, and beer is great too)

 

[Mainemama]

Another vote for HDDR. We have taken our now 4 year old 3 times, and she loved it every time. We do go to the 4 o'clock show. It is a highlight of our 9 and 11 year old's trips when we have gone. We did take the family to the Spirit of Aloha show, and while it was enjoyable (the baby was a baby at the time), it was not quite as fabulous as HDDR. The plus of the SoA is that it is outside. We were staying at the Poly, so felt we could easily slip out. I have yet to try the Mickey's BBQ.