HDD or Luau for 3 yr old?

[pam66]

Hi All,

We are taking our 3 and ahalf DD in July. I was thinking of trying to get into either the Luau or the Hoop Dee Doo. I was wondering which one might be better suited for a young child. The HDD sounds like a good bet, but then I heard about Mickey's barbecue, is that an even better choice? Our trip will be great with or without the dinner shows. I was just hoping to get some feedback from you veterans and benefit from your experience.
Thanks!

Pam

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

I think the Luau might be better than the HDD. They get the little ones on stage and do dances with them. It is cute. I'm not sure a 3 year old would like the HDD as much although I brought my son when he was 4 years old and he was fine.

 

[Muffy]

Go with HDD. Your DD wil love and remember it.

 

[Noelle]

We've never done the Luau, but we took our 2 year old daughter (almost 3) to HDD about 3 weeks ago. She enjoyed it alot. But since we were late arriving, we got stuck in the back. (A real bummer since we booked 6 months in advance!) So she couldn't see too well. So that kind of cut back on her enjoyment. But she liked the food too!

 

[AvonWuzzer]

Don't underestimate the benefit of eating outside for the luau. Also the Tiki lamps and the fire during the performance is pretty cool. I found the HDD somewhat disappointing for the money, but then it didn't help that we ended up at the late show and the DD, age 4 was exhausted.

 

[Jacksmom99]

We haven't done the Luau, but have taken DS now 4 to HDD two times, once at 2 1/2 and once at 3 1/2. The last time we got a table right in front of the stage. He loved it!! In fact, we were watching the Vacation Planning video today and in addition to naming the rides he wanted to go on, he said "we're going to the HDD too, right??!!" Yes we are, in fact I booked this year's ressie the night we got home last year. It will be our 7th anniversary, and I hope that we are up front again since I called a year ahead.

 

[WeLoveEeyore]

I vote for HDD. It is so lively and fast-paced that it is sure to keep your child's attention. The food is simple so that all ages enjoy it. I can't comment on the Luau but when we were planning our WDW trip I got a lot of negatives on the Luau so opted for HDD as well. My friend just got back from WDW and did Mickey's Backyard Barbeque. She enjoyed it. It is a little less expensive than HDD (and maybe not as long?). Also, I believe MBB takes place outside not in a hall. Go for HDD, I think you'll be glad you did. Enjoy!!

 

[pam66]

Thanks for all the responses. I called yesterday and got lucky. I was able to reserve a table for a 5 o clock show on our third night. BTW, The CM told me that the reservation itself doesn't get you a closer table. You need to arrive early to get the best table available for your party number. He also mentioned we should get our tickets when we check in to our resort. He said you just ask guest relations to print your paper tickets for your reservation. I'm getting so excited! I'm ready tostart packing now and we don't leave until July!

Pam
Beach Club Honeymoon 1993
Coronado Springs 1999
Beach Club Villas 2003

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Have a great time at the HDD! We went many years ago and are going to try it again. I remember enjoying the show but not the food. I have since heard a lot of positive things about the quality of the food served so I am going to try it again. I am dissappointed that you report that you need to show up early yo get good seats. I thought this was based on the date you reserved your ticket. That is what I heard on alot of the boards, Anyone else know anything about this? I made ressies for March and was hoping to get a decent table( I know you can make PS for this2years ahead) Thanks

 

[Pigsty333]

Hands down, it is the HDD. I was very disappointed with the Luau and Aunt Winnie grated on my nerves. The HDD is a little more fast paced and the little ones can enjoy eating with their fingers (the chicken and ribs). My kids love the HDD and we do it every year. Where else can you have dinner and make all the noise you want without everyone yelling at you.

Yeah - the luau has the kids on stage for one song/dance but other than that the food was bland, service was slow and it was boring.

I always go to guest services in the hotel and have them print out the vouchers for the dinners, etc. If you ever looked at them, they already have the table numbers assigned on them, so getting there earlier has nothing to do with where you get seated.

 

[justcruisin]

I made HDD ressies yesterday for July. I was told table assignment is made when you PICK UP your tickets. Nothing to do with when ressies are made or when you show up. I wanted to do the HDD on our 1st evening, but was afraid we'd get bad seats by getting our tickets a few hours before the show. Do you think I made the right decision?

 

[SCOTTNJ]

When my daughter was four, we did both the HDD and the Luau. She was mesmerized by the HDD...loved the show and the food. She sang the HDD song for the rest of the trip. On the other hand, at the Luau she refused to eat anything and didn't care for the show.


Your HDD table is assigned when you make the reservation NOT when you pick up the tickets. Some CM's give out wrong info.