Hoop De Doo Revue

[TeamTinkerbell]

Does anyone have any recent reviews on hoop de doo? I was trying to explain how this works to DD and I don't know how the food comes exactly. I heard that the ribs and chicken comes in a bucket, but is it family style? Like, do we eat out of the same bucket? And what about the other food? How does it come? Also any other reviews on the food, show or where to sit would be great.

 

[DaveInTN]

We were there within the past year, and had an awesome time. The food is served family style, including the chicken (yummy) and ribs, as well as all sides. It is all you care to eat, and the service is fast and friendly. The show starts and proceeds along, and then they break the show to serve dinner. This way, you aren't missing the show to focus on dinner. The timing was perfect; after this many years they really have it down to a science. If I remember correctly, the sides included baked beans and corn on the cob. All were served family style and each person gets their own plate to fill up with whatever looks good to them. They also served strawberry shortcake for dessert. Beer, sangria and soda are also included.

As far as seating, we were in the balcony right along the railing and had a great view. The seats were a tab bit cheaper than floor, but the reason we had those is that I bought them last minute. (Silly me didn't plan that one ahead, but it worked out fabulously). One added bonus is that you can soak up the neat ambience of Fort Wilderness before or after dinner, including checking out the MK fireworks and/or Electric Light Parade from the beach.

 

[texasdisneygal]

We were there less than 48 hours ago -- this past Thursday night!

It was a good show -- very hokey. My dd -- age seven, shot me "why are we here looks" at first, but then warmed up to it and ended up liking it a lot. So did DH.

We purchased tier 1 seats and got seated at table 24, which is dead center, second row which of course, provided an awesome view of the stage.

You start with tossed salad -- yummy and sweet cornbread -- which wasn't anything special. The show starts and then out comes the meal in buckets which you share at your table. The sides are mashed potatoes and cowboy beans. The fried chicken was a bit dry. More show, and then they do a hokey strawberry cake routine with the servers and your dessert is passed out, again family style.

Overall, good experience to do once. I laughed with DH that we were at California Grill the night before and you just can't get two more different Disney experiences than HDDR and that!

 

[Belle_20]

They pretty much told you everthing about it already and I agree, the food is great and so is the show! i went with my family and my dad and brother thought it was going to be lame until the show started they had so much fun.

I also told them it was my mom's b-day(even tho it was in 2 days, but we were leaving the next day) so they find other ppl with b-days and sing for them. Texasdisneygal, you reminded me, I forgot about that strawberry cake at the end, it was so good! Basically Team Tinkerbell you are going to have lots of fun!

 

[dgaston]

no corn on the cob anymore! At least none on 2/21/08.

 

[Sparkie]

No Ribs either????

 

[TeamTinkerbell]

no corn on the cob anymore! At least none on 2/21/08.

So what took its place, the potatoes?

 

[momfor3princesses]

No Ribs either????

Is this true?

 

[texasdisneygal]

Is this true?

I'm sorry -- there ARE ribs! It's fried chicken and ribs with mashed potatoes and cowboy beans -- at least it was on Thursday night!

 

[TeamTinkerbell]

It's kind of a toss up between Fantasmic dinner package and Hoop De Doo. We haven't seen either and we're staying at WL so I thought it would be at least close by and we wanted to do both. I am just not certain that we can. Is it worth it, do you think, to choose Hoop De Doo over the Fantasmic dinner package?

 

[Beautybelle43]

I am thinking of going to this during our next trip, but I am a little skeptical about dinner shows b/c I thought the Poly Luau was a total waste of money with aweful food. But this show has peaked my interest and I love fried chicken!!
I've also always wanted to visit FW.

Could someone comment on the content of the show? What's it about? Singing, dancing, instrument playing?? Is it bluegrass style like Country Bears Jamboree?

Also, what kind of beer is included?

 

[texasdisneygal]

I am thinking of going to this during our next trip, but I am a little skeptical about dinner shows b/c I thought the Poly Luau was a total waste of money with aweful food. But this show has peaked my interest and I love fried chicken!!
I've also always wanted to visit FW.

Could someone comment on the content of the show? What's it about? Singing, dancing, instrument playing?? Is it bluegrass style like Country Bears Jamboree?

Also, what kind of beer is included?

First of all -- TeamTinkerbell -- I hope someone who has done both will help you decide btw the two. We've never done Fantasmic so I can't comment on that.

Now, for the types of beer -- I have the menu in front of me: Draft Bud Light is the only beer included. You can purchase Corona, Sam Adams, Heineken for $5.25 or Miller Lite for $4.25. As for wine, there is Chardonnay, Rose (what I had), Merlot, and Sangria -- all included. You may also purchase a magarita for $6.50. They also have glow cubes for sale -- our dd did without it there!

Now as for the show's content -- I think it's kind of like being on the set of the seventies show, "Hee Haw". There is lots of singing -- the songs and jokes are just hokey, but you kind of get into it. They play silly jokes on each other and poke fun of one another. The performers were actually very nice quality, IMO. I got the feeling that they could do more than the actual show's content. It's just a cute and corny show. Maybe somewhat like Country Bears Jamboree come to life, but that didn't come to mind while we were there. There is a piano player and a banjo player in addition to the six performers. There is lots of singing, some dancing, and lots of dorky jokes. I'm not unhappy that we went -- it's just a one time thing for me and my family. I'm actually glad we did it. HTH!

Oh, also -- if you want to go in order to see FW -- I think that is a fine idea. After seeing FW, I really would like to stay there sometime! It looks like so much fun!

 

[Beautybelle43]

First of all -- TeamTinkerbell -- I hope someone who has done both will help you decide btw the two. We've never done Fantasmic so I can't comment on that.

Now, for the types of beer -- I have the menu in front of me: Draft Bud Light is the only beer included. You can purchase Corona, Sam Adams, Heineken for $5.25 or Miller Lite for $4.25. As for wine, there is Chardonnay, Rose (what I had), Merlot, and Sangria -- all included. You may also purchase a magarita for $6.50. They also have glow cubes for sale -- our dd did without it there!

Now as for the show's content -- I think it's kind of like being on the set of the seventies show, "Hee Haw". There is lots of singing -- the songs and jokes are just hokey, but you kind of get into it. They play silly jokes on each other and poke fun of one another. The performers were actually very nice quality, IMO. I got the feeling that they could do more than the actual show's content. It's just a cute and corny show. Maybe somewhat like Country Bears Jamboree come to life, but that didn't come to mind while we were there. There is a piano player and a banjo player in addition to the six performers. There is lots of singing, some dancing, and lots of dorky jokes. I'm not unhappy that we went -- it's just a one time thing for me and my family. I'm actually glad we did it. HTH!

Oh, also -- if you want to go in order to see FW -- I think that is a fine idea. After seeing FW, I really would like to stay there sometime! It looks like so much fun!

Thank you!! I didn't realize that wine was included as well.

How long does the show last? Do you eat dinner while you watch it?

 

[disneymath]

It's kind of a toss up between Fantasmic dinner package and Hoop De Doo. We haven't seen either and we're staying at WL so I thought it would be at least close by and we wanted to do both. I am just not certain that we can. Is it worth it, do you think, to choose Hoop De Doo over the Fantasmic dinner package?

You can see Fantasmic without a dinner package ... you just need to be at DHS. The FDP just gives you access to a reserved section of seats.

If it is a toss up, I would do HDDR and just see Fantasmic without the package.

 

[jcemom]

I have found some clips on YouTube to show family members in the past. Just type Hoop De Doo into the search box at YouTube and you should be able to find some. Not the same as being there but at least it would give you an idea of what the show is like.

We've done it four times and are returning in September. We don't do it every trip and each time there have been different family members along, but I still enjoy the show. It's nice to sit back, relax, have a few beers and laugh my butt off. A great way to unwind.

 

[texasdisneygal]

Thank you!! I didn't realize that wine was included as well.

How long does the show last? Do you eat dinner while you watch it?

It's a two hour show. I think the times you may choose from are 5:00, 7:15 (that's the one we went to), and 9:30. I've read that the 9:30 show is the easiest to get into. Oh, and also -- they'll give away your seats if you're not there fifteen minutes before the show. For instance, for our 7:15 show, they wanted us there to check in at 6:45. (They also do a picture then, too.) The reservation ticket stated that our table would be held for fifteen minutes after check-in. I don't know how strictly they enforce this, but do arrive for check-in on time so you don't have to worry about it.

You start with salad, then there's some show. Next, more food and more show and then dessert is served. So, you basically watch the show as you eat, but there are some times when you're eating and there is no part of the show going on. (There are little breaks for the performers.) I hope that makes sense.

 

[MousekaMaddi]

we have loved HDD many times and think the food is great (hoakey but sweet show) a def must see at least once. Fantasmic is spectacular, but u dont need to eat to enjoy it, its free with your park ticket, so I would def do BOTH!

 

[TeamTinkerbell]

You can see Fantasmic without a dinner package ... you just need to be at DHS. The FDP just gives you access to a reserved section of seats.

If it is a toss up, I would do HDDR and just see Fantasmic without the package.

Interesting. I REALLY want to do both, but we're doing other extras. DD will be 11 when we go in October, however, I think she'll get a kick out of it. I've watched the youtube videos on HDDR and Fantasmic and I may not be able to choose and have to just bite the bullet and do both.

 

[TeamTinkerbell]

It's a two hour show. I think the times you may choose from are 5:00, 7:15 (that's the one we went to), and 9:30. I've read that the 9:30 show is the easiest to get into. Oh, and also -- they'll give away your seats if you're not there fifteen minutes before the show. For instance, for our 7:15 show, they wanted us there to check in at 6:45. (They also do a picture then, too.) The reservation ticket stated that our table would be held for fifteen minutes after check-in. I don't know how strictly they enforce this, but do arrive for check-in on time so you don't have to worry about it.

You start with salad, then there's some show. Next, more food and more show and then dessert is served. So, you basically watch the show as you eat, but there are some times when you're eating and there is no part of the show going on. (There are little breaks for the performers.) I hope that makes sense.

We are in KY but over the state line into IN there is a place called Derby Dinner Playhouse (I think) and it's sort of the same set up except it's a buffet and you eat first, then have half of a play and then during intermission you have your dessert. That's a big reason why I want to do this, also as someone said, to sit back, relax and laugh our butts off.

 

[jcemom]

Interesting. I REALLY want to do both, but we're doing other extras. DD will be 11 when we go in October, however, I think she'll get a kick out of it. I've watched the youtube videos on HDDR and Fantasmic and I may not be able to choose and have to just bite the bullet and do both.

Fantasmic is easy enough to see without the dinner package. Maybe if you'll be there over columbus weekend when crowds are up the package would be the way to go, but if it's at any other time of month you don't really need it. It won't save a ton of time. With the package you need to show up 30 minutes early, without we've always been fine showing up an hour early (not at super crowded times of year though). We get dinner at a quick service counter and carry it in with us to eat while we wait.