Hoop Dee Doo Revue vs Mickey's BBQ vs Luau

[maui2k5]

My GF and I will be heading to WDW Sept 22-Oct 1 and will be staying at the Swan. Two of the days while we are there we plan on going to Islands of Adventure and Universal. So we will have plenty of time to be in the parks at WDW. One thing I am considering is a dinner show. I used to stay at Fort Wilderness while growing up to going to the a show there would be fun. However, the Polynesian was the first show I ever went to back in the mid 1970's so I know that would be like old times also. Being that I have never been to the Hoop De Doo Revue or Mickey's Backyard BBQ and the Luau was about 30 yrs ago, I could use some help. Are the shows worth the money? If so, which is the best? I know there is Cirque De Solei in Downtown Disney, but I almost fell asleep at the last Cirque show I went to so that is not really on my list.

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

I would definately pick HDDR. It is one of my family's favorite meals in WDW! It's such a fun show and the food is simple yet delicious. We've never been disappointed in the quality of the meal or the entertainment and it's definately worth the money, IMO.

P.S. My parents saw the Cirque show in Las Vegas (not sure which one you saw) and said the one in WDW put the Vegas one completely to shame. It was an awesome show but if you aren't sure you'll like it I wouldn't spend the money

 

[TXTink]

We have done Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review 2 times and really enjoy it! It is very hokey humor, sometimes juvenile, but funny. The food was good both times as well.

We have also done the Luau and enjoyed that too, although that was about 8 years ago, and I have read some reviews where they were not that happy with the food, although they liked the show.

We have never done the Backyard BBQ, so I can't help you there, but it sounds fun!

I know you have eliminated Cirque du Soleil from consideration, but we loved La Nouba! I was scared to death after paying all that money on tickets that my family would hate it, but everyone remembers that as a high light. As we walked out after the show, everyone said how they wanted to do that again. We still talk about how great it was! Normally I would highly recommend it. (I mention that for other readers )

Have fun planning! You will have a great time!!

 

[barbaraann]

We attended Mickey's Backyard Barbeque in "04'. This Dinner Show is very family oriented. You start out with having your picture taken, (of course later in the evening you can purchase those photos). There are a lot of characters. We were given a lot of time to meet and greet characters before going into the covered pavillion, where the diner is held. It is a good idea to arrive early, so you can get a good seat. There is a real good country western band. The food is picnic food and very good. There is lots of it. If you are over 21 and want beer, you can have that. I don't, I am sure they check I.D. They issue a bracelet, I think. Plenty of cold beverages in large barrels. You help youreself, and sit at picnic style tables. There is music and you can dance with the characters. When we were there, it was Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Chip and Dale. They give you plenty of time for autographs. You can even get an autograph, from the pretty girl singer. The boys in the audience all adore her. It was a lot of fun, my grandson, 10 at the time, had a really good time. I would definitely go again. It is not as expensive as the Hoop Dee Doo. I have never done either of the others that you mentioned. I know they do not include characters> If they ever add any characters to the Luau, I would like to do that. If Disney were smart, They would put Lilo and Stitch in their Luau. I am sure whatever you choose, you will have a good time. Disney has rarely disapointed me.

 

[danny1649]

HDDR Have done all three but HDDR is our favorite.Going next 5/22/05 and then again 12/4/05.We always do HDDR on our first day,it really gets us in a good Disney spirit and next day we are off to MK.

 

[larklynn]

We went to luau last aug. My dd loved the food. Ribs and salad was awsome. The adults loved the desert. my dss and dn ordered from the kids meals and were just fine. The girls went up for the childrens dance lesson. They thought it was a lot of fun. My dd loved the fire batons. She twirls so that was the coolest for her. We are doing the bbq. I keep hearing mixed reviews but dd and older ds are so excited. DD loves ribs.

 

[MickeysMommy]

We've done HDDR twice and loved it. The food was delicious.

On our honeymoon we did Mickey's Tropical Luau (No longer there) and I thought the food was awful. I hardly ate but then again, I was there to see Mickey not eat

Can't say about the Backyard BBQ as I have never been but lots love HDDR. You can't go wrong with that.

Have fun!

 

[strmtroopr96]

We attended Mickey's Backyard Barbeque in "04'. This Dinner Show is very family oriented. You start out with having your picture taken, (of course later in the evening you can purchase those photos). There are a lot of characters. We were given a lot of time to meet and greet characters before going into the covered pavillion, where the diner is held. It is a good idea to arrive early, so you can get a good seat. There is a real good country western band. The food is picnic food and very good. There is lots of it. If you are over 21 and want beer, you can have that. I don't, I am sure they check I.D. They issue a bracelet, I think. Plenty of cold beverages in large barrels. You help youreself, and sit at picnic style tables. There is music and you can dance with the characters. When we were there, it was Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Chip and Dale. They give you plenty of time for autographs. You can even get an autograph, from the pretty girl singer. The boys in the audience all adore her. It was a lot of fun, my grandson, 10 at the time, had a really good time. I would definitely go again. It is not as expensive as the Hoop Dee Doo. I have never done either of the others that you mentioned. I know they do not include characters> If they ever add any characters to the Luau, I would like to do that. If Disney were smart, They would put Lilo and Stitch in their Luau. I am sure whatever you choose, you will have a good time. Disney has rarely disapointed me.

Didn't there used to be a character Luau? I think it was the earlier showing each night. I have always done the late show (until this trip) but I think I remember reading about it. Anyone else recall it? LOL Rebecca

 

[minkydog]

Another vote for HDDR. A lotta bang for your buck and the food is good.My DH laughed so hard; it's just such a hokey, corny show, but really well-done.

 

[minnie61650]

Didn't there used to be a character Luau? I think it was the earlier showing each night. I have always done the late show (until this trip) but I think I remember reading about it. Anyone else recall it? LOL Rebecca

We went to Mickey's Luau in 1986.
It was at 4:00 P.M. I remember Goofy ,Mickey and Donald being there along with the Hawaian cast.
My SIL, my DD, DS, and I along with others got to do a luau dance with Minnie and the Hawaian dancers. It was a lot of fun.
I have no idea why they discontined it.
Linda
Only 113 more days

 

[MOMOFMNM]

what do u think:

Ohana

Chef Mickey's

or Spirit of Aloha??


ps we have changed our ressies to Poly if that helps any...also


any restaurant suggestions for MGM AND EPCOT??? table services??

thanks

 

[jacksmom]

I vote for HDDR also! We really were not impressed with the Luau!

 

[fandango]

Yet another vote for HDDR!! We have gone to this show all 3 times we have been to WDW. My family never gets sick of the corny jokes or GREAT fried chicken.
We have been to the Luau and enjoyed it, but did not feel the need to return. We just ate at O'hana this past month, and will return there!! Great food and atmosphere, only with out the show (which we didn't really miss).

 

[DeirdreTours]

I think the HDDR is a love it or hate it sort of experience. After reading many fabulous reviews, we finally went to it on our last trip. In a party of 5 (me, DH, my father, my two oldest children- then 11 and 5), only the 5 thought it was at all pleasant.

It was stupid and dull. Not a single laugh for me, DH or my father. The show at the Diamond Jim Saloon (free, in the Magic Kingdom) was FAR more entertaining. The food was fine-- chicken, corn, rolls, etc-- nothing special, but nothing bad. But really, if you have graduated elementary school or have an IQ of 90- the HDDR should be avoided.

When I consider the amount of money that we laid down for that- I still shudder at the waste.

 

[Cass]

We loved HDDR the first time we saw it.... we were right close to the stage and had a great view.

The next time we saw it we were 3/4's back and it was hard to follow, the servers were walking past all the time and you could see people getting up for the washroom etc.... it was not as enjoyable.

Food is great, good clean fun.. a few laughs - I would go see it again

 

[tink too]

DH and I went to Mickey's BBQ back in the late 90's and felt a bit daft as we didn't have any children. It was geared towards families although there was unlimited beer & wine which some adults took great delight in!

The food and band were good - and I would return now that we have DD!

 

[finnie48]

Hi Deidre Tours,

We have been to the HDDR 4 or 5 times in different age groups from 3-90 and never has the show not been enjoyed by all. Except for the younger set all were college grads, some with Masters. To imply that only someone with a lack of a higher education or a person unfortunate enough to have a low IQ would enjoy the Hoop is an attack on my sense of entertainment. You do not have to like the show, but please do not put down those of us that do. We also think it is well worth the money.

BTW, I believe the show in the MK you referred to was at the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon. Yes, the show itself was free, but you had to pay for drinks, snacks and sandwiches. I agree that it was a fun show and am sorry it no longer exists.

PLease remember that each of us is unique and have our own tastes in entertainment, food, resorts, and whatever else WDW has to offer. We do hope the rest of your trip was a most Magical one!!

Bob

 

[jenjen212]

sorry, double post...

 

[jenjen212]

we had such a good time at both...

dh and i enjoyed the food there... love the pineapple bread rolls! the show was very cool... especially to watch the guys throwing fire.

here is the menu for there:

Tropical Mixed Greens with Mango Poppyseed Dressing
Pineapple Coconut Bread
Sweet Golden Pineapple
Island Barbecua Pork Ribs
Lanain Roasted Chicken
Polynesian Rice
Fresh Seasonal Vegetables
Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert
Unlimited Bud Light, Wine, Sangria, Assorted Soft Drinks, Milk, Juice, Pink Lemonade, Coffee, Hot and Iced Tea.



HDDR:

we also loved it here too. i am not big into fried foods (they bother my stomach) so i didn't eat the fried chicken, but the ribs were good. the show was very funny.

here they are bringing out the dessert:

Fresh Baked Bread with honey butter
Salad with house vinaigrette dressing
Fried Chicken
Smoked BBQ Spare Ribs
Corn
Baked Beans
Strawberry Shortcake
Unlimited Bud Light, Wine, Sangria, Assorted Soft Drinks, Milk, Juice, Pink Lemonade, Coffee, Hot and Iced Tea.

good luck on which ever you choose. but remember, they now require that you pay for the meals in advance at the time that you are making your reservations. you no longer pay for it when you get there.

jen

 

[lajones81]

Loved: HDDR

OK: Luau

Haven't Tried: Mickey's BBQ