Hoop-Dee-Doo food

[csss31399]

We went last Sept and we loved everything! It was our favorite meal. We are going back this Sept. My boys can't wait.

 

[Bunchkin]

OP- sorry to hear your experience at HDD was not what you expected.
Maybe it was just an off night.


Every time we have been, the food has been great.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

I've been 7 times, always to the 9:30 show. Don't want to burn park time. The food has always been wonderful. Some one said the ribs were tough, like they hadn't been cooked. Tough meat is almost always overcooked. Another said they were sick by the end of the show. It couldn't have been the food. It doesn't act that fast.
Start a thread on any restaurant at Disney and get one negative post, and everyone and their brother that ever had a bad experience there will post. I'm not saying anyone is exagerating, I'm sure they all were upset. But this show has gone on for nearly twenty years. If the food was bad, it wouldn't have lasted.

 

[Christine]

I am a big fan of HDDR and have been to about 4 different shows. Despite my love of the place, I think the food is, at best, mediocre. And, over the years, the quality has gone down a tad.

In my 4 trips there, the ribs have NEVER been edible. I have always pondered the statements people make about them being good. I guess that's "different strokes". I'm the kind of person that will usually only order those baby back ribs. So, I figured it was just me on the rib-hating there. My dad certainly had no problem eating there.

The fried chicken for us has always been crispy but I would still say that what I get at Popeye's is WAY better.

Many years ago, they used to serve corn OFF the cob and it had bits of pepper and onion in it and it was pretty good. I hate that they've gone to the old Green Giant frozen corn on the cob.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

You guys had corn? We only had mashed potatoes and beans.

 

[Christine]

You guys had corn? We only had mashed potatoes and beans.

We had corn at Easter but heard it was off the menu. We did not have mashed potatoes so I guess that is the change.

 

[mom2my3kids]

It was probably the Colonel's original recipe. It always gives me the runs.

LMAO

 

[Cass]

We had corn in december, corn on the cob and it was really mushy.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We did HDDR in Dec. 2003, and don't plan on returning. Even though the room was only 1/3 full, we were all crammed into the front-barely room for performers to get through. I was very disappointed in the chicken. It wasn't good, or hot. When I asked for seconds (wings) it was better, at least it was hot. It's alot of money to spend for mediocre food, IMHO, so it's off our list. Also, I object to having to arrive early and then all you do is stand around outside (it was very cold in Dec.), with nothing to do but look at jewelry for sale, or visit the DVC kiosk.

The show was corny, but that was expected, so it was enjoyable. My DD, loved it, but she was only 4 at the time.

I definitely wouldn't use 2 TS for HDDR when I can get an outstanding meal at GC or Narcoossee's. Again, just my opinion.

OP, sorry you're experience wasn't good either.

 

[ParkPrincess]

Now, my family and I LOVED HDDR and would definitely go again. The food was great and the show was hilarious. The only negative would be what the last poster said about waiting outside FOREVER!! We went in January, and it was kinda cold (not too bad), but it was boring. That's our only complaint.

 

[Christine]

The only negative would be what the last poster said about waiting outside FOREVER!! We went in January, and it was kinda cold (not too bad), but it was boring. That's our only complaint.

Yes, we learned that lesson long ago. NEVER get there as early as they tell you. In fact, you only need to arrive about 10 minutes before the show is supposed to start. Your seats are already assigned. No reason to line up early.

 

[MissMet]

I've been going to HDDR since '88 & I've seen it deteriorate quite a bit. It's not near as good as it used to be. The last time went went we were very disappointed with the quality of food. I don't think we'll be going again for a while. There's just too many better ways to spend my money at WDW.

Now for the Luau, the show has gotten WAY worse but the food is much better! They should have never gotten rid of Mickey & Minnie being there.

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

The show itself was okay; I will say that it was interesting because two of the performers acted like they dated in real life. I can't remember the character names, but it was the blonde giglgy girl and the guy in the purple pants. I know that they're supposed to act lovey-dovey, but their kisses seemed to linger longer than a usual show kiss, and they really had that "in love" look in their eyes when they worked with each other.

But the food, YUCK!! I can't see myself paying that amount of money for bad food again

 

[sotoalf]

We've also been going since 1988 and always found the show to be the attraction, not the food. But isn't this always the case with dinner shows? It's impossible to serve first-rate cuisine (let alone BBQ) when you've got nearly 100% occupancy for three shows seven days a week all year.

One related question: our last visit was about ten years ago. Has the show changed at all?

 

[Christine]

One related question: our last visit was about ten years ago. Has the show changed at all?

Nope! The jokes get a bit "freshened" up here and there (especially that part where they go around the room asking where people are from--sometimes that seems to be more risque than it was 20 years ago).

 

[SuzieN]

I'm really surprised about all the negative reviews of the food. We thought the food was excellent when we went in Feb.'06. My then 9yo son ate a whole bucket of ribs and platter of corn by himself! I have the BEST picture of him with a shiny, buttery smile and BBQ sauce all over his face! Now if only I could figure out how to post it!

 

[Christine]

I'm really surprised about all the negative reviews of the food. We thought the food was excellent when we went in Feb.'06. My then 9yo son ate a whole bucket of ribs and platter of corn by himself!

My son ate a ton of food there too, but we're talking about a kid who LOVES food like Chicken McNuggets. Not the expert on fine dining, you know?

I think many people get taken aback by the food at HDDR. Especially since the dining plan and people are using 2 TS credits for it which is now equating it to a Disney Signature restaurant.

People who go to the HDDR really, really need to realize that this event should not be primarily about the food. It is a dinner show. If you've ever been to dinner theaters in your hometown, you will know that this is "not about the food" again. The food is usually "just average" at these places, and the HDDR is no exception.

If you went there and LOVED the food--all the better. However, when I give HDDR reviews on the DIS, I try to make sure that I get my point across that the food is "underwhelming" so people don't have the expectation that they are getting something that the other 2 TS restaurants give you.

 

[riaesq]

This may be a stupid question but gonna ask it anyway. Since the kitchen is shared with Trail's End, is there any chance of getting BBQ chicken instead of the fried (which we don't really like)? Pretty sure I've had some BBQ at the buffet there. We won't eat the ribs either, so I want to have at least something to eat besides the mushy corn..

 

[Christine]

This may be a stupid question but gonna ask it anyway. Since the kitchen is shared with Trail's End, is there any chance of getting BBQ chicken instead of the fried (which we don't really like)? Pretty sure I've had some BBQ at the buffet there. We won't eat the ribs either, so I want to have at least something to eat besides the mushy corn..

It's my impression that they will only do food substitutions for people who have food allergies or other special dietary restrictions. In those cases, you even have to inform them in advance. When we first went to HDDR, my son had an egg allergy and could not eat the chicken as there was egg in the batter. They did bring him some baked chicken drumsticks as a substitute, but I had pre-arranged that.

So, I think if you go in there and say you would prefer BBQ chicken just because you don't like fried, then you are not going to get it.

And I guess the corn is gone now so you won't have to worry about that!

 

[honeymo78]

My husband and I don't care for beans and have always asked for fries and mac and cheese from trails end. It's never been an issue. Actually our server told us to call or stop by the box office a day or so before our reservation and have them put down the request, that way the other food is ready and the beans weren't even brought to our table. I don't have the number for the box office - I think we called one of the resorts directly and asked to be connected to the operator who happily transferred us to the box office. It wouldn't hurt calling the box office and seeing if you can get the bbq chicken instead of the fried. The worst thing they will say is no.