Hoop Dee Doo -- Category 2 or Category 3?

[robinb]

I booked the Hoop Dee Doo for our August trip (free dining ) and I am limited to only category 2 and category 3 for the earlier shows. My DD will not make it to the late 9:30 show and I don't want to eat at 5:00pm, so the 7:15 show was it. I asked for category 2 and the only date it was available was our last night. I was told that category 2 was on the main floor or in the balcony. We have only been on the main floor before. Then, I saw the seating diagram here on the DIS:

All the Category 2 seats are all the way in the back! I am starting to think that the Category 3 seating might be a bit better as it's closer to the stage.

Are seats still assigned in advance? I did a search and some people talked about picking a side once up on the balcony and that some tables to the left have chairs that spin making it easier to watch the show. Does anyone know where there are pictures of the balcony? It's been a long time since we last went to the show.

Thanks!

 

[teacup317]

When I made our ressies for HDDR they asked if we were on the Dining Plan - (we're going the first week of May) I asked what difference that would make and the CM said the difference would be seating. We do have the DP but have chosen not to use it at HDDR because now that I'm paying OOP we get Category 1 seating.

 

[robinb]

We do have the DP but have chosen not to use it at HDDR because now that I'm paying OOP we get Category 1 seating.

I have had the dining plan before (both free and paid for) and totally maximized it each time . This time, I'm not worried about what is the "best deal" .... although I am still contemplating upgrading to the Deluxe plan just so I could go to more signature restaurants and dinner shows .

 

[milmore104]

Our first trip to the HDDR was 3 years ago. When the first Free dining package came out. Back then there were no Categories. We were lucky enough to get a table right in fron of the stage. Last year we booked an ADR (w/ the free dining) and got Cat.2. The seats were fantastic. We were in the back row on the main floor. The tables are raised so your higher and can see everything. I enjoyed this much better. Plus it was easier for me to take my DD to the restroom w/out having to walk through the crowd. I have not tried the balcony yet. Not sure we ever will.
I don't think you would be disappointed w/ the seats in the back.

 

[minniebeth]

I just booked our reservation for HDD with the free dining (cat. 2) for a 7:15 show. The CM told me the balcony seats along the front (not on the sides) are actually better than the ones in the back on the first floor.
Of course, everyone's opinion is relative/different, so who knows.
My question is: Are you assigned a table when you book the reservation? How is it determined where you will sit once you get there?

 

[mom_of_3_70737]

Our first trip to the HDDR was 3 years ago. When the first Free dining package came out. Back then there were no Categories. We were lucky enough to get a table right in fron of the stage. Last year we booked an ADR (w/ the free dining) and got Cat.2. The seats were fantastic. We were in the back row on the main floor. The tables are raised so your higher and can see everything. I enjoyed this much better. Plus it was easier for me to take my DD to the restroom w/out having to walk through the crowd. I have not tried the balcony yet. Not sure we ever will.
I don't think you would be disappointed w/ the seats in the back.

I totally agree! We did HDDR in November and had Cat 2 seating in the back row right in the middle. The were wonderful. Everyone could see everything just fine and being in the back, it did make it easier to slip out to the restrooms and not disturb anyone We are going again in Sept, this time with free dining and can't wait to do HDDR again! I hope we get the same seats! We opted for the 7:15 show as well. Last time we did the 9:30 show and by the time we got on the bus, made all the stops and arrived back at POP it was after midnight and I had very tired kiddos! Just something to think about!

 

[milmore104]

I just booked our reservation for HDD with the free dining (cat. 2) for a 7:15 show. The CM told me the balcony seats along the front (not on the sides) are actually better than the ones in the back on the first floor.
Of course, everyone's opinion is relative/different, so who knows.
My question is: Are you assigned a table when you book the reservation? How is it determined where you will sit once you get there?

I'm not sure when they actually assign your seat. it would make sense that they assign them when you book. Seeing when I called they told me they only had the balcony left. I do know your table is already assigned when you get your ticket and we usually pick up ours a few days before hand. If this helps you out at all. You can't arrive and ask to be seated somewhere if that is what you mean. Your ticket will have your seat assignment on it.

 

[vbarry]

Are the balcony seats really bad? I am planning to do this on Xmas Night and I am paying OOP so I am trying to save a little money. Just wondering if we should spend the money and go for the level 1 or save the $ and just try level 3 or balcony area. I have DD 4 at the time and DD 8 at the time and we will just be getting to WDW on Christmas Day.

 

[jenjen3574]

We went last year and although we reserved and paid OOP for Cat. 3, we received what looks like Cat. 2 according to the diagram you posted. We were in the balcony in the very last table on the left side toward the back. We could see perfectly, and our chairs did swivel. I don't think you'll have much trouble seeing everything from anywhere you are seated. We liked being in the balcony because we did NOT want to be chosen to participate in the show (we're shy!). If you want to be chosen, a seat in Cat. 1 is probably you're best bet - but you can enjoy watching the show from any location.

 

[IwannaseeMickey]

I've done it twice, the first time we were in the back (cat. 2?), in the tables that had barstools w/ the tables, my kids were 3 and 5 then and it was just fine. The 2nd time we were up in front (before the new rules about category's were in place). I've never sat upstairs. I just love that show!