Ho Dee Doo Review - what's too young

[firsttimeworldlodger]

We have a 3 3/4 year old and 15 month old. I think the 3 year old would be fine with this show but I'm not so sure about the 15 month old who is very active and not likely to stay seated more than about 15 minutes at the max, that's only when she's hungry and will eat. Her usual amount of staying seated is less than 3 minutes. Should we wait or just go and let her get down and dance and mingle (is there space for this? and would it be appropriate)? I'm not so sure I want to spend $100+ then spend most of my time chasing the munchkin. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks!!!

 

[Big V]

I would wait. That's a lot of moola to spend to be worried how your baby would react. JMHO

 

[AJKMOM]

I would wait, too. Tried it with a 4 year old, and it was too tough. We waited 8 years before trying it again.

 

[BCVBRUCE]

Just went to the Hoop Dee Doo on Jan 1st. I have a 3yr old daughter and she loved it. She danced, sang and had a great time interacting with the waiter, piano player and banjo player. We sat right up front and I think it was the best $125 I spent for dinner on this trip. I saw all ages at the Hoop Dee Doo. I do not think you would be out of place with a 15mo old. Besides, your 15mo is free.

If you do go, go to the 5:30pm showing. You do not want to keep your kids up for the the later shows. I think that is were you might get into trouble with crabby children. Before the show, have fun exploring the barnyard were they keep the draft horses that pull all the carts in the Magic Kingdom, the pony rides there cost $3 and there are many farm animals ready to be pet. Make an event of it and have fun. There are a lot other restaraunts at WDW, beides the Hoop Dee Doo, that I would worry about taking young children.

Hvae fun,
Bruce

 

[3Mousketeers]

We've been with a 2 yr old and 8 mo old. Obviously, the humor went over their heads but there was so much singing & dancing going on that they were "entertained." Our 2 yr old was a little afraid of the characters at the time so it was a fun dinner show without having to worry about a 6 foot Goofy scaring him to death.

 

[jenjersnap]

We took our 4 year old and 16 month old last month. Had the best time EVER! Our younger DS is extremely active too but he was just so fascinated by the goings on (we were the first table up against the stage) that he contentedly shoved food in and clapped and giggled. We were amazed since right before going in, he had a major meltdown outside about being carried while we waited in line! Our oldest has an even better time since they incorporated him into the show. Truly it was the best night of entertainment that we've had as a family of 4 but I understand totally that it's a big financial commitment and you want to be sure of your kids before taking them ... I would just say don't let your kids' ages be the ONLY factor in your decision, KWIM?

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Mine is older but sat next to a table a few years ago that had the most adorable baby about 1 year old or so. She love it. She stood on her grandpa's lap and smiled and laughed the whole time. There was enough room for her to stand next to the table also. Also you can request a kids meal such as mac & Cheese if the normal food is a little much for her.


Jordan's mom

 

[pampam]

IMHO your toddler will not be able to get down from the table while the show is going on. The tables are quite close together, and the servers and entertainers are using the paths between the tables quite a bit. You know your child, so I can't say how he would react, but I'm thinking he may have a meltdown. You cannot request a table at the front, because they are prime tables. Everyone would like those tables. I would suggest if you go, sit upstairs. It is more quiet, and there may be a little more room for your toddler.

 

[dcg0317]

DS and I have never been to the HDDR and I'm planning on doing this on our next trip in August, just one question though that I haven't seen but might have over looked do they allow pictures taken there? Thanks.

 

[dbanzai]

I went when I was eight and spent much of the night under the table whining. Of course I'm sorry now I did that, but I don't know if eight will definitely be a worth-while age.

 

[dcmbshafe]

We took DS when he was 2 and it had been quite some time since I had been to this show, so I underestimated how loud it was, particularly at the beginning of the show. The lights dimmed and the music & singing started and DS kinda frieked. There were 4 of us there and we all had to leave. We did talk to the manager first to ask if perhaps there was another table upstairs we could move to and he said the show was full, but that he'd gladly give us a full refund!!!

 

[BOBH2005]

We are doing hoop-de-doo for the first time in march. any suggestions on getting the "best" seating would be appreciated. We will be attending with our 5 year old.

 

[jennymouse]

We are doing hoop-de-doo for the first time in march. any suggestions on getting the "best" seating would be appreciated. We will be attending with our 5 year old.

Welcome to the DISboards, BOBH2005! You don't really get to choose or request seating for this show. The earlier you book the better your seating. There's not really any bad seats so don't worry. Even if you're upstairs you can see really well and are included in the antics somewhat. You'll love it! It's a lot of fun!

 

[LLeinecke]

I don't usually reply, just read... but,
we just came back from a trip and did the hoop-dee-doo with my son who is 3 1/2 and daughter who is 14 months... they loved it! We were on the balcony, which I thought was not great at first, but it gave the kids a better view and a lot of privacy. Two of the characters came up and talked with each of the kids. My 14 month old daughter had a blast with the washboard and dessert. I thought it was definitely worth the money. Make sure to take plenty of time to get there. It took us over an hour with a rental car.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We took our kids when they were ages 2 and 4.... they did great! There is so much action they never even mentioned getting up from their seats.

 

[mdoc]

I'd wait. There's not room to put her down to dance and mingle - the tables are pretty close together and the cast is in with the audience for a portion of the show moving around. Not to mention the cast members serving the food.