Hoop De Doo Cat. 3 Seating with a 3YO

[awaldo]

Because of the last minute nature of the trip, we were relegated to category 3 at hoop de doo or not at all. We took it, but I'm a little curious about sitting there with a 3 YO. Will she be able to see at all? Will I have to hold her so she can see? Worse yet, am I going to be afraid she's going to fall off the high stools over the railing? Anyone sit up there with a young child before have any guidance? Or just anyone that has sat there that has an opinion? Thanks in advance!

 

[nateryan]

We have done category 3 with a 3 year old. the seats we had, we sat with our backs to the stage to eat then we had to turn our seats around to watch the show. The tables and seats are lined up, I was sitting RIGHT NEXT TO a stranger . No need to worry about falling over the railing. My DH did end up having him sit on his lap...he fell asleep during the show.
We actually liked the seats, we are having a difficult time deciding which seating to do this trip. We have sat right up againist the stage (cat 1) and cat 3. We have never done cat 2...I think I would only like cat 2 if I was on the upper level facing the stage.

Here are some pics from our cat 3 seating...

 

[jenseib]

Thanks for the pictures. We are going to be seated in Cat. 2.. We also have a 3 YO. I hope we can see well.
Question on pictures.. Is there limitations? like no flash?

 

[awaldo]

I will mention that last July when we went, we sat in category 1, the table actually in your picture that the middle server is standing next to, center stage, 1st row off the stage. Our DD3 (2.5 then) loved it. She was enraptured. She basically sat with her chin in her hand staring at the show. Except for when she was clapping, etc. It was by far the most completely entertained I have ever seen her, I think even more so than at CRT! Cat 1 was excellent for us.

 

[nateryan]

Thanks for the pictures. We are going to be seated in Cat. 2.. We also have a 3 YO. I hope we can see well.
Question on pictures.. Is there limitations? like no flash?

I don't remember any limitations on taking pictures.

I haven't done cat 2 but I believe that it is on the floor towards the back plus the upper level facing the stage.

It's a great show. We are looking forward to it. Are you doing the 5pm show or 8pm show? I prefer the 5pm show with kids.

Also, we have had some trouble in the past with getting there and leaving (we drive our rental car) so our best route to and from is driving to Magic Kingdom and taking the ferry to Fort Wilderness. Now no getting lost in FW or getting on the wrong bus from the show.

 

[awaldo]

We are doing the 5 PM show. We won't get to WDW until around noon with our flight, so we are going to leisurely explore MK, then ferry to FW for the early show, then ferry back, probably leave at that point to swim and refresh for the 5 day marathon!

 

[nateryan]

We are doing the 5 PM show. We won't get to WDW until around noon with our flight, so we are going to leisurely explore MK, then ferry to FW for the early show, then ferry back, probably leave at that point to swim and refresh for the 5 day marathon!

That sounds like a good plan!

 

[awaldo]

Thanks! We found the one sure way to RUIN a trip to WDW with a young child is to cram everything WE think she wants to do in and wear us all out!

 

[jenseib]

We are actually doing the 9:30 show. Our DD is a late nighter and sleeps in, so I figure it's better to do as much as we can late since we will be up anways.

 

[awaldo]

Wouldn't argue against that plan either, Jen. Our DD is an early riser, early sleeper. Which is good, because we can get to the parks before they open, but the night shows are usually a big stretch...

 

[smile145]

We have done category 3 with a 3 year old. the seats we had, we sat with our backs to the stage to eat then we had to turn our seats around to watch the show. The tables and seats are lined up, I was sitting RIGHT NEXT TO a stranger . No need to worry about falling over the railing. My DH did end up having him sit on his lap...he fell asleep during the show.
We actually liked the seats, we are having a difficult time deciding which seating to do this trip. We have sat right up againist the stage (cat 1) and cat 3. We have never done cat 2...I think I would only like cat 2 if I was on the upper level facing the stage.

Is this how all category 3 seating is (you have to sit right next to strangers)?

 

[nateryan]

We have done category 3 with a 3 year old. the seats we had, we sat with our backs to the stage to eat then we had to turn our seats around to watch the show. The tables and seats are lined up, I was sitting RIGHT NEXT TO a stranger . No need to worry about falling over the railing. My DH did end up having him sit on his lap...he fell asleep during the show.
We actually liked the seats, we are having a difficult time deciding which seating to do this trip. We have sat right up againist the stage (cat 1) and cat 3. We have never done cat 2...I think I would only like cat 2 if I was on the upper level facing the stage.

Is this how all category 3 seating is (you have to sit right next to strangers)?

The tables are set up in a long line with a space between every other table. But seriously, I sat right next to someone as if they were in my party. It's kinda like that Luau, if you have ever been to that. Cat 1 and most of 2 are your own table with just your party. Atleast that is what my last 4 times at HDD were like.

 

[nateryan]

Another thing...For the 5pm HDD, you can have the kids do pony rides, if you get there with time to spare.
Pony rides from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for children 2-8 years old, weighing no more than 80 pounds - Cost $4

 

[stacy6552]

I don't know about the catagories. But we went when our youngest was 22 mos old and sat in the "worst seat in the house." And by that, I mean the very back corner on the first floor. We had a great time both kids had a blast and the table was just fine. Dont sweat it at all.

 

[sanbornangel]

We are at the 5pm cat 1 show on May 11. My 22 month old grandbaby will be there. I am soooo glad to here that the others her age had a good time. She is not big on Santa (actually screamed bloody murder). I am a bit fearful of breakfast at CP. We have never done HDR. Very excited!!!!!

 

[jenseib]

Well I just called and we were able to get moved to a Cat. 1 seating. So excited.

 

[awaldo]

Awesome! I may call a few days before we go, as the cancel deadline is 48 hrs., and see if we can do the same. No harm in asking!