Hoop-Dee-Doo Time Change? Other Changes?

[TwoIfBySea]

Hi,

I just found out that effective mid-November, Hoop-Dee-Doo is moving all its shows an hour earlier for a trial period. When we will be there in early February, our choices are 4pm, 6:15pm, and 8:30pm.

I had wanted the 7:15pm show, thinking that that would give us just enough time at the Magic Kingdom before we have to leave for dinner. Now I'm not sure what to do; 8:30pm still feels pretty late, though, so I guess we'll take 6:15.

I'm curious if anyone knows what other changes are planned for Hoop-Dee-Doo other than a time change. Maybe it's too early to know that, though.

 

[GeorgeG]

I haven't heard anything, but Disney has been big on change lately. This could be cause for concern since the Hoop-Dee-Doo is one of the few things that has been as good as ever and it's in Disney's nature lately to screw up a good thing. Oh, no... I'm becoming a real cynic...

 

[AndreaDM]

We were just there the other night for the 9:30 show, and that didn't seem too late, even for our DD8. The show was about half full, no one in the balcony at all, so it seemed there was a lot of audience participation and interaction with the actors. I was skeptical, didn't think it would be our cup of tea, but we all loved it! Even my very reserved husband got in on the antics, of course that might have been the all you can drink beer! We just didn't want the earlier shows because they would have cut into our park time too much when you figure in travel time. Have fun!

 

[TwoIfBySea]

We were just there the other night for the 9:30 show, and that didn't seem too late, even for our DD8.

Hmm. Could consider the 8:30pm, I suppose. How long does it last -- what time would we be back in our rooms at the Polynesian after an 8:30 show?

We're planning to be at the parks for rope drop every morning, so I don't want to be eating too too late or going to sleep too too late. And with the shorter park hours in February, we wouldn't be as likely to take a mid-day break -- rather go straight through the day, so we might be quite ready to knock off by 5pm and head over to the show.

 

[TwoIfBySea]

Another question about Hoop-Dee-Doo: within Category 1 seating, are all the seats about equally good? When we get there, do we choose our own seats first-come first-served, or do we have specific assigned seats and if so is there any reason to request any specific seating area?

 

[GetGlowing]

Seating chart:

We were seated at a pre-assigned table.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Another question about Hoop-Dee-Doo: within Category 1 seating, are all the seats about equally good? When we get there, do we choose our own seats first-come first-served, or do we have specific assigned seats and if so is there any reason to request any specific seating area?

HOOP-DEE-DO-REVIEW SEATING INFO:
1) HDDR tables are assigned in category by the date of the ressie.
2) They are manually assigned on 7th day before the show date.
3) Last minute ressies are assigned to the next open table in order.
4) There are usually no requests allowed for tables.
5) Earlier ressies get the better tables.
6) Exceptions are #044 & #045, kept for last minute handicapped guests.
7) Table numbers have meaning,
. . . EXAMPLE: table #052
. . . 0 = floor-level
. . . 5 = fifth-row-from-front
. . . 2 = second-table-from-left
8) Tables are moved around to accommodate number of guests per that table.
9) Only one family/group is seated per table.


. . . Cat-1 tables are main floor from stage thru row-8
. . . Cat-2 tables are the seven tables in row-9 on main floor
. . . Cat-2 tables are the last four tables left and right wings main floor
. . . Cat-2 tables are the eight rear balcony tables facing stage
. . . Cat-3 tables are the eight tables on both balcony sides
. . . Cat-2 and Cat-3 tables may have posts in the viewing way
. . . most Cat-3 tables require you to turn around or crank your neck to see

 

[TwoIfBySea]

HOOP-DEE-DO-REVIEW SEATING INFO:
1) HDDR tables are assigned in category by the date of the ressie.
5) Earlier ressies get the better tables.

Ok, so if I reserved within minutes at the 180 day mark, I assume they'll give me whatever they consider to be one of the best tables. Whatever that is. (Actually, at the 181 day mark, since we're going the second day of our trip.) I reserved Category 1.

Just hope I don't feel claustrophobic. Is the seating any closer together than at a normal restaurant?

 

[GetGlowing]

There's enough room between tables for servers and entertainers to move around easily, IMO.