Hoop-Dee-Doo Category 3-Should I cancel?

[PrincessK]

I have a reservation for the HDD but all I could get was a Category 3 which I was told is either to the right or left sides on the 2nd Floor balcony. Does anyone know if these are ok seats or should I cancel and go another time when I can get better seats? Are there 3 Floors or 2 Floors? We've never been but have always wanted to go. Don't want to go if we'll dissappointed in seats though.
Thanks everyone!

 

[danny1649]

Pioneer Hall is two floors and in my opinion you get great view of stage no matter where you are seated.The performers at HDDR come out into the crowd on both floors to include guests in the fun.We have been several times and seated on both floors and had a great time where ever we were seated. Danny

 

[ReggieB]

We've sat on the right side of the balcony and had a great time. DS6 got the spotlight on him, and the cast came up and interacted with everyone. DS liked his seat as it rotated round so he could watch the show, then spin back round to his meal. It was a completly unobstructed view, so we didn't miss anything. As this was the first time, I can't compare what the seating is like downstairs, but my family didn't have any complaints.

 

[Pugrpooh]

We sat on the balcony last August and thought they were great seats. You don't miss anything in my opinion, but that's the only time I've gone and haven't sat on the floor so I can't compare.

 

[jarestel]

I agree that you can see fine from the balcony, but it is a different experience. We've had seats on the floor many times, but in the balcony only once. We didn't really like it as much as being on the floor. The sound system seems more projected towards the lower level and I noticed a definite difference in atmosphere. But I'd recommend trying it anyway. You may come to different conclusions than I did.

Have a great trip!

 

[LMO429]

I didnt even know they had categories for the hoop de do revue....How many are there??? i booked it so long ago i dont know what kind of category i got i didnt even think to ask because i didnt even know it existed...lol im sure my boyfriend would rather be up top...he hates when there is audience participation lol..2 bad!!! he is going to have to deal with it!!! I hope they pull him upstages and break him out of his shell!!!

 

[PrincessK]

Thanks everyone! I think I'll keep the reservation and consider myself lucky to be able to get one for June this late. My next question...I was told yesterday on the phone that I couldn't pay out of pocket for Cat 3 section because this was reserved for Dining Plan people. Today I called back and was told I could pay OOP. Anyone know for sure? I don't want to waste 2 Table Services on this.

 

[Jenna45]

I was told you can do either, they told me if I changtes my mind I could just pay when I got my tickets

Thanks everyone! I think I'll keep the reservation and consider myself lucky to be able to get one for June this late. My next question...I was told yesterday on the phone that I couldn't pay out of pocket for Cat 3 section because this was reserved for Dining Plan people. Today I called back and was told I could pay OOP. Anyone know for sure? I don't want to waste 2 Table Services on this.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We refuse to do Upstairs Cat-3.
2) Although you can see, the perspective is awful.
3) Additionally, 1/2 the seats face away from the stage.
4) Makes folks either crane their neck or turn around.
5) This is our personal opinion. I know some don't mind.
6) But, for the price, I want better.

 

[CPM]

1) We refuse to do Upstairs Cat-3.
2) Although you can see, the perspective is awful.
3) Additionally, 1/2 the seats face away from the stage.
4) Makes folks either crane their neck or turn around.
5) This is our personal opinion. I know some don't mind.
6) But, for the price, I want better.

I'm with you on this one!

 

[a1tinkfans]

Each of the three times we visited most recently we were put upstairs (before you were able to upgrade).
While you do have to turn around to face the center/front if you are on the upper two sides, we really did not mind. You'll face one way to eat an dthen turn around to watch the show. You get the same silly antics from the wait staff (especially if you're lucky enough to get ?? on the upper left side) We have gotten him the last two times and he REALLY made my child laugh and was VERY interactive with us. Very personable, sorry I am unable to recall his name.
We have also sat down on thefloor twice. Once in the middle and once off to the right side. That seating (off the side) was actually worse as we felt like we were always craning around a wood support pole in the way.
Personally, I think ANYWHERE is fine. Its one of my childs favorite things to do and the food is actually quite good too.
Have a wonderful time and enjoy the show!
S T R A W B E R R Y!

 

[auntie]

I don't think I want to use two table service credits for the balcony..the outer side of the balcony. Have been to the HDDR 3 times. I was upstairs only once. It was an inside table on the balcony..I wasn't even crazy about that..so I don't think I'd care for the the outside balcony seat at all. I agree with the poster who said it was a different type of experience being seated on the lower level. You feel much more a part of the show. You mostly definetly will be turning your head(depending on where you are seated)..and that detracts from the enjoyment..in my opinon at least. It's a good hearted, family fun type of show..just don't know that I'd want to use two table service credits to sort of be out of the loop. I suppose if you are paying out of pocket, then it would be the cost of the meal, and if you think it's worth it. We are 5 people..so the OOP would be almost $300.00....and no it's definetly not worth that to me to be on the outer balcony table. If it's just for two..it's not as hard a hit.

 

[thunderbird1]

1) We refuse to do Upstairs Cat-3.
2) Although you can see, the perspective is awful.
3) Additionally, 1/2 the seats face away from the stage.
4) Makes folks either crane their neck or turn around.
5) This is our personal opinion. I know some don't mind.
6) But, for the price, I want better.

I'm with you on this one!

Me three! We did the balcony seats where your table faces away from the stage, and it was just absurd, IMO. When our server showed us the seats, we actually laughed out loud because we thought he was kidding. It was a PITA (and neck!) to have to turn around to see the show. And being upstairs, we might as well have been watching the show on tv, we were so separated from the action.

And (flame suit on) we just didn't find the show funny or entertaining. Frankly, we found the various free shows around the parks to be far superior. And (flame suit zipped up tight) we thought the food was by far the worst we've had at a TS restaurant in any of the parks or resorts--most of the CS restaurants, too. I especially would not waste credits on it if you're on the DDP. For the 2 credits per person, you can get 2 outstanding TS meals somewhere else, then go see Festival of the Lion King or Beauty and the Beast for better entertainment. Even if you like the show and the food, the 2d and 3d class seating limitation of the DDP makes it not worth doing unless you're willing to pay OOP for decent seats.

JMHO--I know most on here disagree, so take it FWIW.

 

[jarestel]

And (flame suit on) we just didn't find the show funny or entertaining. Frankly, we found the various free shows around the parks to be far superior. And (flame suit zipped up tight) we thought the food was by far the worst we've had at a TS restaurant in any of the parks or resorts--most of the CS restaurants, too.

No need for flame suits. If you didn't like it, you didn't like. No crime in that!

 

[thunderbird1]

No need for flame suits. If you didn't like it, you didn't like. No crime in that!

Thanks for the support. I just know some people can get pretty passionate about the HDDR, and don't like to see it dissed.

The bottom line is, everyone's taste is different, and if it's something you've always wanted to do, you should do it--you'll probably like it. For us, we never had any interest in it, but kept reading how great it was, so felt like we should go. There's just no way it could have lived up to our expectations.

 

[momof2beautys]

I am in the same boat. We have category 3 for September. I saw some pictures of the tables upstairs and it looks like if you have a table of 4, 2 people will be facing the balcony and 2 will be facing away from the balcony. I was wondering when the food is brought out. If it is brought out before the show begins, then it doesn't seem like it would be that big of a deal. Our girls eat in about 5 minutes or less so they would have no problem eating and then turning around to watch the show. Can anyone help me on this one? Thanks!

 

[auntie]

Food is brought out while the show is going on.

 

[a1tinkfans]

When you walk in and go upstairs to the left side. I only recall long "high" tables with tall stools that swivel and those stools run along the Balcony "railing" with the table on the inside, so you face toward the table and then swivel to see the show. We have never sat on the opposite side on the top but I thought that was the same. Perhaps for the "straight ahead" seating, directly facing the stage, upstairs with larger groups (we're three) it is different?? I never noticed. Hope this made sense.
As far as the "time" of food, they seem to know the flow quite well, and we've never felt that we missed anything or were "cheated" by where we sat. The place is on the loud side, and with all the activity and interaction with staff and performers I don't think you or your family will be disappointed. My son loves this show and especially likes the ending!
Have a wonderful time!!

 

[jarestel]

The beginning of the show doesn't last very long, maybe 15 minutes or so. The performers take an intermission while most of the main serving and eating is being done. So it's quite likely that you'll be finished by the time act 2 begins.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

We got lucky in 96 we just walked up and got seats. Unhear of i'm told but we did it. Anyhow they ended up being 2nd floor right side of the stage. We loved the show. No on the other hand we havent seen it with floor seats fo I have nothing to compare it to. This coming may we have cat 1 seats so we can make a better call then. I am glad you didnt cancel your seats. I dont think you will be dissapointed as we werent. Enjoy the show.