Hoop de Doo or Luau?

[MamaKate]

I really would like to do the Hoop De Doo dinner show on our next trip, but after reading some reviews, I'm afraid getting to & from the show will be a hassle.

We will be staying at the Polynesian, so I figured it would be easier just to go to the Luau.

What would be the easiet way to travel to & from the show from the Polynesian?

My kids are 8 & 7, which show do you think they would enjoy more?

Thanks for the help!
,
Katherine

 

[Kirk]

Luau's the better of the two IMHO and it's right there for you. But Hoop-dee-Doo was a lot of fun!

 

[MinnieGi]

While we really liked the Hoop Dee Doo show if I were staying right at the Poly, I think I'd check out the Luau.

To get to the HDDR from Poly you could always hop a boat to MK marina and then hop a boat to Fort Wilderness. Pioneer Hall where HDDR is held is a very short walk from the FW dock. You could also take the monorail to CR then take a boat to WL and then take a boat to Fort Wilderness. There are a few other ways too but the easiest is to do the Luau!!!! Save HDDR for another trip when you are staying elsewhere!

 

[MamaKate]

Kirk - Great photos! Is that you in the TuTu?

I think I'm just really confused on which one to do. I know the Luau will be closer, but I'm afraid the HDDR will be more entertaining for kids.

Has anyone taken their kids around ages 7-9 to the Luau or HDDR? Which one was more entertaining?

Thanks!
Katherine

 

[Goofy Fan]

Went to HDDR this past Thanksgiving with 9 year old DS and 13 year old DD. I thought my son would die from laughing so hard, and he was playing on a washboard at the end of the show. HDDR is more laughs and good old homey fun.

I think some people have talked about catching a bus from their resort to Fort Wilderness, and then having to catch an internal bus that takes you down to Pioneer Hall as being somewhat of a problem sometimes. As MinniGi stated, your best bet is to take the Poly boat to the MK, and then hop on the Fort Wilderness boat. Leave about an hour ahead of the show, and you should be there in plenty of time for checkin. Pioneer Hall is right down at the end of the Ft. Wilderness Marina ramp.

 

[Michelemouse]

It is very easy to get from the Poly to Fort Wilderness. You just hop the monorail to the MK and then take the boat from there to FW. When you get off the boat follow the pathway to the main complex and Pioneer Hall is right there.

I would definitly pick the HDD over the Luau. My kid are also among the "die laughing" crowd at this show and, IMO, it is a not-to-be-missed WDW classic.

 

[pooh2001]

OK - I am goimg to change the opinion


We did HDD last June - DS (age 10) DD (age 7) - they LOVED it.
Laughed and laughed...ate the chicken and ribs.
They did not like the beans and corn.

But ......

We are stying at the CR this May. We are next door to the
Polynesian - so Spirit of Aloha it is.
They both have Hawaiian clothes (sister lives there).
They both like pineapple, ribs and chicken.
It will be my DD bitthday weekend - so she is prepared
to do the hula. They like lei's , fire actors and loved
Lilo & Stitch.

I will report back on the Polynesian show in June 2003.
Look for my report on the Restaurant boards (I think
that is where it would go).

PS - My DS is now 11 and my DD will be 8.

 

[MamaKate]

I'm still really confused ! They both sound like great fun!!

pooh2001- If I remember, I'll look for your review of the Poly Luau & maybe that'll help me.

I'm leaning more towards the HDDR because we all love a good laugh! But my daughter & son are really into the Pacific Islander culture right now. That's why we're staying at the Polynesian (We're also staying at the Royal Pacific Resort @ Universal the same trip).

Maybe I'll just do the Luau this trip & save the HDDR for the next trip (they will probably always enjoy this show).

I'm sssoooo confused !

More advise or reviews would be appreciated !

Thanks!
Katherine

 

[cd&kids]

Katherine...just a personal opinion, but I would strongly suggest Hoop Dee Doo. We did both on our trip in '96 and there was no comparison. Myself, my wife and our kids (then 7 and 3) liked HDD 10 times more. (Both the food and the show.) The only thing I will say in fairness, is that was in '96, and maybe the luau has changed and improved.
We did neither show on our trip last year...but this September, the vote was unanimous for HDD again. (This time they are 14, 10 and also a 6-year-old!!).
By staying at the Poly it seems like you'll be satisfying your kids' "Islander culture craze"....HDD might be a nice diversion for them. And I agree that getting there from Poly is no big deal at all. In fact it should be a nice adventure....monorail to MK and an entertaining boat ride!
Have fun no matter which you choose!

 

[smjj]

Having done both and loving both, my favorite was the HDDR. My wife's was the LUAU. We were staying a the Poly and the Luau was easier to get to as a result. The HDDR is still very easy to get to and a nice relaxing ride to boot. Just take the boat to the MK and then hop on the boat to the camp ground and your there. I like the atmosphere of the HDDR review and it is inside out of the elements. This last trip in Dec. payed off. We went to both again. The Luau was outside and it was COLD. The HDDR was inside and very nice. Which ever one you choose you will like. Have fun..smjj

 

[Kaitysmom]

You can also take the monorail over to CR and take a boat from there - there is a boat that goes to FW and WL from there.

Kids will probably enjoy the Luau but will love Hoop Dee Doo. My DD still sings the songs - absolutely loves it!

 

[MamaKate]

Thanks for the continued input!

I think I’m going to definitely go for HDDR. Like “cd&kids“ said, it’ll be a nice break from the hole Islander theme. And my kids love to laugh.

Now my only problem is, If the MK closes at 7:00 that evening (Historical closing time for weekdays in Oct.), how long after will the boats/monorail run? I was thinking of going to the 7:15 HDDR show, but I’m afraid the transportation won’t be running by the time it is over.

Will it be safer just to go to the 5:00 show?

Thanks!
Katherine

 

[Kaitysmom]

You can always use the buses to get back, so you won't be stranded. I am not sure about the boat schedule doing the CR/FW/WL route - they should be running as those resort guests will be at the Hoop Dee Doo - You are right about the MK boat though, that won't be running in all likelihood. The monorail system will definitely be running as it will be getting guests that went to Epcot at the TTT - Epcot has always been open until 9:00. That part shouldn't be a problem.

Does anyone know how late the resort boats run?

 

[Coach Rick]

Ever since I heard about the HDD from a talk show host in Boston back in the early 80's we have never missed it. I don't care if we do nothing else, HDD is a must do. We have brought the kids all through the years, and they enjoy it just as much as we do. I have video of it a couple of times.

I have been to a luau, but in Hawaii. IMO luau is ok for adults, but that said, I'm sure Disney does it right for all ages.

I'll still stick to the HDD though. Getting there is half the fun. I never knew about taking a boat. I usually rent a car for occasions like that. If you go, please have an extra piece of chicken for me. Last year I ended up eating the whole strawberry shortcake bucket myself. That did wonders for the diet.