We are trying to go to either the Hoop Dee Doo or the Luau. Which is the best one as far as food and entertainment? There are nine of us 4 adults, 2 teens (17 yrs), and 3 children (5, 11, 13).
We do the Hoop-de-doo everytime we go. DD, 6yrs, loves it. We finally did the Luau last time we went and it was okay but Hoop-de-doo is better. Personally I'm not a huge fan of either (DD & DH are). I guess it depends on your family. The first is Ribs & Chicken w/ a slap-stick comedy--which my family loves. Luau--I don't really remember the food and the show was good but I wasn't largely impressed. Hope it helps somewhat
We took our DD (then 15) and her friend to both the HDDR and Luau. When we went back to WDW the next year, she asked to go to the HDDR again. So, I guess I would recommend the HDDR for those in the age groups that you've listed.
We booked the 5:00 pm show. that is our arrival day. and we have a flight leaving from Atlantic City at 7am. Needless to say I will be up from 2am for the drive to airport.
Figured do the early show, then crash at the Poly and watch the fireworks from our room. (hopefully have a great lagoon view)
If I had my choice I would do HDDR again only because the food was much better than the Luau, not that it was bad I was tiered of BBQ chicken at the LUau by the end of my trip. But as far as the show goes the luau was much better than HDDR.