Hoop de Doo or Polynesian Luau?

[jfranklyn]

We are considering doing one of these dinner shows. We are three adults - none of us have ever been to either one. Which do you like best and why?

 

[Disneypeach]

I've been to both (although the Luau was many years ago) and I much preferred the Hoop-de-doo...better food quality and I enjoyed the show's fun corniness.

 

[senadler]

We have been to both several times and I would absolutely pick HDDR. The food and show are both better. We like SOA, but it would definitely be the second choice.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Hoop-Dee-Do-Review: (*rev 09/20/2016*)
. . . food price value: B (if using DDP Credits = D)
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: C
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: B (actors)
.
NOTE1: HDDR is a fun, corny, lively Western show. The food is average, but quite tasty for
comfort food and is all-you-can-eat for both the food and the beverages, even the nice sangria.
Good show for adults and children alike. As side info, HDDR is typically cool from air
conditioning, so take a jacket or sweater for everyone. Cat-2 and Cat-3 tables may have posts
in the view. For a truly unique evening, do an early show, then attend the Chip-n-Dale Campfire
meet-greet appearance, the marshmallow roasting, Sing-a-Long, and outdoor movie. Buy S'mores,
marshmallows, and other snacks at the campfire.
.
NOTE2: Food is served "family style" and is purposely slammed on the table. The menu includes
fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, cowboy baked beans, seasonal vegetables, tossed green
salad, fresh baked bread and strawberry shortcake, plus unlimited draft beer, wine, sangria
and soft drinks, Please be aware that the corn is now kernels in a bowl and not on-the-cob.
.
NOTE3: Show times are 4:00, 6:15, and 8:30. The doors open EXACTLY at the "show time". Yes,
they say to arrive 15-20 minutes early, but it doesn't do much extra good.

******************************************************************************************
Our Ratings of Luau: (*rev 03/12/2016*)
. . . food price value: C ("D" if using if DDP)
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: C
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: C (performance)
.
NOTE1: The Luau plays upon the traditional Hawaiian or Pacific luau. However, the "play" is silly at best and sub-par when compared to any authentic luau. If you never plan upon attending a true luau, then this would suffice. If you have done a real luau or will in the future, leave this unattended. As for the food: salad was OK - bread was OK - chicken sub-average - ribs were good - rice and veggies were flavorless. Overall, not worth the cash price or 2-TS coupons. As for DDP, strictly financially speaking, it is better to pay OOP than use two DDP-TD credits. If spending the money for Luau, you would be more pleased at the Hoop-Dee-Do-Review in Fort Wilderness.
.
NOTE2: Having seen luaus in Hawaii, my daughter actually fell asleep at the Disney luau.

 

[smidgy]

hoop de doo revue.. hands down. both shows are "corny" but hoop in a slapstick kind of way.. aloha tries to seem like the plot is important and pretends to be serious. it's just stupid (imo). the "auntie" is way overacting.
we like the food at hoop SO much better! and aloha can be cancelled because of weather and then you are stuck with 2 TS credits with everything else booked (unless you are paying cash or credit.. then you get it back)

 

[Hopefully]

HDDR is great

 

[FunFamily]

HDDR is fun, lively, and engaging. The food quality is acceptable. Food choice could be enhanced to something a bit more aligned with today's focus on less doctored and processed food.

Sadly, SOA needs a complete overhaul. It is lively at only one point. The backstory is outdated and slow, and the poor audio and odd stage angles do not help it. The food quality is way below acceptable. The idea of a luau is worthy of retaining, but the SOA show (and menu and stage) should be shuttered and something more Disney-worthy done in its place.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[happiest place]

I have done both and agree with what others have said. I would also pick the HDDR. We all enjoyed it!

 

[alltwelve]

Another vote for the Hoop- we usually go about every other trip! It's so much fun and the food is good too!

The Luau is just okay; we've done it twice and won't be doing it again anytime soon.

 

[kj2mom]

Not sure when you are planning on going but something to consider is the weather. We were there in December/January one year and had booked the Luau. It got cancelled because of weather, we rebooked for the next night...it got cancelled because of weather....we rebooked one more time and yup cancelled. We never made it. Love HDDR, been several times!

 

[Anna114]

We've done both in the last few years.... HDDR. It's always a great time. It's very campy. The food is OK too. The luau, we didn't like the show or the food.

 

[smidgy]

HDDR is fun, lively, and engaging. The food quality is acceptable. Food choice could be enhanced to something a bit more aligned with today's focus on less doctored and processed food.

Sadly, SOA needs a complete overhaul. It is lively at only one point. The backstory is outdated and slow, and the poor audio and odd stage angles do not help it. The food quality is way below acceptable. The idea of a luau is worthy of retaining, but the SOA show (and menu and stage) should be shuttered and something more Disney-worthy done in its place.

Enjoy your trip!

it would be a shame to change the food so many people love. if anyone wants a "healthier" menu they could offer a vegatarian option or something. teh fried chicken and ribs is in keeping with the western theme. on vacation I'
m not going to be concerned with "eating healthy".

 

[Corbinator]

Hoop is the best! Hands down our favorite meal and show in the world! You can ask for other foods if that's a concern. But the ones they serve don't deserve those marks. We found it to be delicious home cooking. Simple but plenty. It's not a signature so who cares?? You go for the laughs.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

HDDR, Hands down!!!
(IMHO - LOL)

 

[AlexandraF2015]

I agree with everyone else - Hoop-de-doo!!!