Is Hoop Dee-Doo worth the cost?

[Andrea464]

We're planning a short pre-cruise trip in November and will have some free days with no park time. We've never done some of the dinner shows and were looking between HDDR and SOA. Based on reviews in here between the two, I think we'd like to do HDDR.

Talk me into the cost, because I'm struggling with almost $300 for a meal for four, even with a show (two adults, one teen, one preschooler). Should we wait until a future trip where we have the dining plan? We're not doing enough park days this trip to do the dining plan (fly down on day 1 with some pool/resort/explore time and this dinner, day 2 is HS, day 3 is play/pool/explore time with MVMCP that night. I think we're going to just try to get in at MVMCP as soon as we're allowed to do some MK stuff then.

 

[Pumbaa_]

What does park days have to do w dining plan? Seems the best time to do dxdp! Signature dinners, hddr, and a ts bfast or lunch, seems like it was made for a trip like this

 

[LadyNia]

I love the Hoop Dee Doo! It is worth noting that it is 2 credits on the dining plan for tier 2 or 3 seating. If you do the math it is better to pay out of pocket for this dinner show rather than use 2 credits. I could use 2 credits to pay for a $66 tier 3 dinner show seat for an adult. Or I could use 2 credits for 2 separate AYCTE or buffet character meals which each cost around $55.
FWIW I think going to the Hoop Dee Doo would be a wonderful pre-cruise activity.

 

[teawar]

The show and experience are awesome! Two thumbs up!

 

[Andrea464]

What does park days have to do w dining plan? Seems the best time to do dxdp! Signature dinners, hddr, and a ts bfast or lunch, seems like it was made for a trip like this

I was under the understanding you needed to also have a minimum number of park days in order to do the dining plan. If that's not the case then we can certainly see if we can include it in our budget.

 

[DopeyRN]

We have always loved this dinner show and *if* we go on our Oct 30 trip we are going to do it. Great family fun!

 

[DVCjj]

Yes, yes and yes worth it. Been several times.

 

[Bjkandma]

Definitely worth it!! (dining plan is based on nights per stay, nothing to do with park days). You have from time of check in to 11:59 pm on the day of check out to use your credits.

Hoop Dee Doo is an all you care to eat, unlimited sangria or soft drinks and a show. Tip is included in cost!

 

[RamblingMad]

I enjoyed it. It was a good excuse to visit the fort. But then it rained. I would do it again. I sat in category 2 as 1 was sold out. I booked a week before my trip date, so if you’re not sure, you can wait.

 

[Pumbaa_]

I was under the understanding you needed to also have a minimum number of park days in order to do the dining plan. If that's not the case then we can certainly see if we can include it in our budget.

free dining offers usually have minimum park ticket requirements. But anyone can purchase a dining plan w a ticketless package

 

[garris3404]

Definitely worth it. It's fun for the whole family. I agree that it's better to pay OOP and ask for tier 1 seating.

 

[meremac]

Totally worth it!!

 

[siren0119]

100% worth it - I wouldn't use dining credits on it but for us it is worth every penny. Great and fun show, good food, bottomless wine and beer and you can literally eat your weight in fried chicken LOL

 

[OKW Lover]

Agree with most of the PP's that HDD is worth it. Such a fun night. Food is pretty good. Show is really good. You'll come out of there singing.

 

[julietsstars]

But how tasty is the food during this show?

 

[siren0119]

But how tasty is the food during this show?

That's so subjective. I would call it very typical southern comfort food. nothing fancy, nothing innovative. The fried chicken is delicious, and we love the cornbread.

 

[julietsstars]

That's so subjective. I would call it very typical southern comfort food. nothing fancy, nothing innovative. The fried chicken is delicious, and we love the cornbread.

You're right - not a fair question Sometimes though like the beans can be tasteless or the chicken soggy... but this sounds like its very nice!

 

[pens4821]

We found it ok, but I would still recommend it if you've never done it before. For the price you get dinner, a couple unlimited alcohol choices, and a show. We found both the food and show both good (not great, not bad). We found the fist half of the show boring, but second half was good. Chicken was really good, ribs decent, beans we didn't necessarily care for.

We most likely won't go back (or at least for years), but it is worth it to try.

 

[FinnsMom7]

We did HDDR last Sept and SOA this past Feb. I would do HDDR every trip if time allowed, it was amazing. The show is great, the food was really tasty and it made for an unforgettable night. SOA on the other hand, while the show was ok the food was absolutely horrible. We didn't eat anything but the rice and it was super windy and cold out which didnt help. Total waste of money. What was worse is 2 days later when we moved to Universal we found out they have a luau show that woudl have been better.

 

[MrsBooch]

But how tasty is the food during this show?

We think it's totally worth it - it's a must do for our trips - and as far as it being tasty - yes. Super tasty!

We are from PA, but i grew up in GA. I thought the ribs were ok but i LOVEDDDD the fried chicken, and everything else. Especially the strawberry shortcake - woah nelly that was good.

Listen - if you want a spectacular meal this isn't the place for you. We found Tiffins in AK to be spectacular.
But if you want really good food and a REALLY FUN show? Do it. My son was 4 when we went and he LOVED it, my husband loved it so much he wants to go every time we go to WDW.