Is it really worth it?

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Okay please read the post before just saying yes. LOL

We're going on a trip to FW for a week before our cruise. We've never stayed at FW although we've been there a few times for the singalong campfire and such.
We've never done the Hoop De doo review or however you spell it. LOL
We never booked it in the past primarily because we didn't book it early enough (is it now at 90 days or is it booked much earlier? I thought it was booked much earlier like 120 days or something but then I saw it on allears listed as 90 days?) and also because it was a pain to figure out what night we'd want to make the long bus(es) trek to get there from our resort or other parks besides MK yada yada.

NOW we'll be at FW and plan on coming back to FW to cook the majority of our meals ourselves. This is also our "budget" trip... driving instead of flying, staying at FW in our travel trailer instead of a resort for the 5 of us, etc. We originally booked a 10nt baltic in 2010 and changed it to this trip (because the cruise was such a bargain price). However we can splurge on some things that are worth it... especially when it's something we've never done before!

The majority of us are lowcarbing (for those that don't know that means cutting out sugar, white flour, and generally eating lower carb veggies/etc. We eat meats ofcourse- but not the breaded kind nor the kind with sugary BBQ sauce on it/etc. By majority I mean me, DH and eldest daughter- youngest two are eating better by default (cause they eat the meals we make!) but they eat lots of other stuff too. now we may just decide to go ahead and eat all those yummy foods but if we decide we don't want to eat high carb that night the point is we might not really be partaking of much food there.... except the youngest two for sure and probably our eldest daughter will "cheat" LOL.

So if the food wasn't a big "plus" for you- would you say it's worth it to still go and do it once? For us it would be 4 adult prices and one child price. Let me know what you think? If it can be booked at 120 days we're already past that point- if it can be booked in 90 days we're close to that date so we have to make a decision on it soon and I was curious about others opinions? Thanks!

 

[Shan-man]

Yes

 

[Shan-man]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Yes, Fort Wilderness is a premium destination whether you are looking to pinch a penny or doing a no-hold-barred deluxe vacation. It can easily fill both bills. On our last trip we didn't cook in the motorhome at all, eating at some of the nicest restaurants Disney has to offer, and we still thought it was the perfect resort for us (hey, we even had a fridge to bring our doggie-bags home to!). As has often been said here, the Fort is a destination in itself... if we lived closer we'd come just for the Fort and skip the parks! As you already know, the Fort has lots of free activities (and delightful in-actvities) to make it even more a bargain. If you can afford it though, I HIGHLY recommend the Hoop-Dee-Doo.

 

[clkelley]

The Hoop De Doo is highly entertaining in a cornball sort of way. If you love cornball, and high energy, then you will love the Hoop De Doo.

Also, if you tell them of your dietary needs ahead of time, they may be able to fix you some chicken and ribs without the sauce.

 

[2goofycampers]

Sorry, but the HDDR is TOO corny for us, and we do like corny. The food was just ok, the service was terrible. We will not be going back.

 

[Cousin Ed C]

We have done the HOOP at least 10 times and will do it again; as soon as we find someone new to bring to justify the expense.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Yes, Fort Wilderness is a premium destination whether you are looking to pinch a penny or doing a no-hold-barred deluxe vacation. It can easily fill both bills. On our last trip we didn't cook in the motorhome at all, eating at some of the nicest restaurants Disney has to offer, and we still thought it was the perfect resort for us (hey, we even had a fridge to bring our doggie-bags home to!). As has often been said here, the Fort is a destination in itself... if we lived closer we'd come just for the Fort and skip the parks! As you already know, the Fort has lots of free activities (and delightful in-actvities) to make it even more a bargain. If you can afford it though, I HIGHLY recommend the Hoop-Dee-Doo.

LOL@your first post of just "yes". You're a hoot!
Don't think I haven't thought about the doggie bags- I have! Kinda pointless to take back doggie bags to resorts with no fridge (tried bringing a cooler once- didn't work so well) and no microwave in the room. LOL It will be awesome with the trailer- I'm notorious for never being able to eat a whole meal but totally up for eating the other half later. LOL

The Hoop De Doo is highly entertaining in a cornball sort of way. If you love cornball, and high energy, then you will love the Hoop De Doo.

Also, if you tell them of your dietary needs ahead of time, they may be able to fix you some chicken and ribs without the sauce.

Let's see... we're cornball type people (hahaha) and do I like high energy? I suppose so. I have no choice with MY kids (hehe) and they got it from somewhere. I have no idea where (looks around- who you staring at?)

I had no idea they might be able to work around our dietary needs. But I suppose there are probably diabetics and such that can't have a lot of sugar too? Thanks. If I book it I will ask about no sauce because that would be great and then I can eat more.

We have done the HOOP at least 10 times and will do it again; as soon as we find someone new to bring to justify the expense.

Okay so you're an expert.... well let me ask you this- is there any particular spot that is really the best? I was thinking at first if we're doing it-might as well pay "tier 1" or whatever it's called- but then I read you might be in the back on the floor. And I remember how the CHEAPEST seats for the circus, Disney on ice, etc. way up in the nosebleed section are in OUR opinion the best seats in the house! (because you can see everything and don't have to crane your neck back looking up at everything and/or have a lovely view of all the backs of people's heads since we're short people). Granted this is differnt than a stadium/arena type place- but I started thinking maybe the balcony might even be better- even though cheaper. But then the last choice I think it said left or right of balcony instead of center. Are those just as good seats? They are a little cheaper and might help me justify the cost in my mind? So whatcha think? (I'm assuming having gone that many times that perhaps you've sat in various places?)

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Sorry, but the HDDR is TOO corny for us, and we do like corny. The food was just ok, the service was terrible. We will not be going back.

Oh no- the service was terrible? Do you mind clarifying that a little more for me? I mean was it that they didn't pay attention to your table with drinks or food or what? Please let me know!

 

[lucy_love]

My brother is the pickiest eater alive and the waitress could tell he was upset so she offered to go next door the Trails End and bring him some other food, so they will accommodate your needs.

Now like others said, it is corny, but we LOVE it. I bet your kids will love it too. We are 17, 22, my parents, and my 22 year old bf all enjoyed it. So even older kids love it

oh, I wanted to add that we had GREAT service so I guess it depends. We were also not in the middle where the tables are bunched up so maybe it was easier for the waitress to get to us but she was very kind and great The tables in the middle/center are pretty squished in, especially if there are some big parties it messes up the arrangement. We like sitting towards the outskirts of the seating area

 

[Shan-man]

Sorry, but the HDDR is TOO corny for us, and we do like corny. The food was just ok, the service was terrible. We will not be going back.

HDDR brings out my inner corn. The food was excellent, and the service was spot-on. I will go back every chance I get.

Deni, I'm so dissappointed, I thought you and Frank and I were birds of a feather

 

[Cindy F]

You could take a bottle of the Walden Farms no sugar BBQ sauce with you!

 

[Shan-man]

Oh, I love tier 1 seating, but I also like being part of the show. If you like the circus from the nosebleeds, you will probably like tier 3 seating at the Hoop. You won't miss anything, unless some of the audience participation is right under you. I have heard many folks say the balcony are their favorite seats.

 

[zakerdog]

Hoop Dee Doo is now 90 days out for ADR's, and they have 3 tiers of pricing.

Cost is $58.99/$54.99/$50.99 per Adult,
$29.99/$26.99/$25.99 per Child (3-9) plus tax
(Category 1/Category 2/Category 3 Seating Tiers)
Tax and Gratuity Included


I love the show even though it is a bit corny and the food is not the best but it is one of those things I have to do at Disney every couple of years. We have always had excellent service.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Sorry, but the HDDR is TOO corny for us, and we do like corny. The food was just ok, the service was terrible. We will not be going back.

Oh no- the service was terrible? Do you mind clarifying that a little more for me? I mean was it that they didn't pay attention to your table with drinks or food or what? Please let me know!

We were seated at a table next to the kitchen doors (not a good spot to view the stage),(and we made ressies out as far in advanced as allowed),,
Our/the , server/servers , FLEW in and out of the kitchen so fast,,I reck'n they didn't see us sitt'n there. We literally had to stop a server EACH and every time for refills on any food and drink .(I don't know,,maybe I needed a bath or something )
I truly am not much of a drinker,,and it's a good thing too cause we certainly left there sober that night.

Now that being said, "each to his own",,, the show was okay , but when I go to dinner show, , I would like to eat, and be waited on.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

We were seated at a table next to the kitchen doors (not a good spot to view the stage),(and we made ressies out as far in advanced as allowed),,
Our/the , server/servers , FLEW in and out of the kitchen so fast,,I reck'n they didn't see us sitt'n there. We literally had to stop a server EACH and every time for refills on any food and drink .(I don't know,,maybe I needed a bath or something )
I truly am not much of a drinker,,and it's a good thing too cause we certainly left there sober that night.

Now that being said, "each to his own",,, the show was okay , but when I go to dinner show, , I would like to eat, and be waited on.

Can you ask where you'll be seated or is it first come/first serve according to tiers when you get there? Just curious because I don't think I'd like to sit there either!!!!!!!!
and true that- if I pay that much I better NOT be getting ignored! We're talking OVER $225 for the 5 of us- we can eat like kings somewhere else- probably twice- for that. LOL

I think I'd like the balcony better- except not cool to do some stuff UNDER the balcony where those up there can't see it. I mean that's kinda the point of wanting to sit up there... to see everything easily. hmmm

 

[Shan-man]

Just so you know, the audience participation bits are generally very short. The cast splits up to cover different parts of the room and interact with folks. The spotlight shifts to one entertainer at a time and they work something about the guests into the song. Each time it is perhaps 15-30 seconds of interaction, so in the event that the spotlighted table is not easily visible for you, you aren't missing much... and generally the fun is what they are saying, not what you are seeing. There are some exceptions, where the gag is more visual, but that's the exception; like this Christmas when Six Bit sat on my lap to give me his list... if you couldn't see that I look like Santa the gag wouldn't have made any sense.

 

[kaguilbeau]

. There are some exceptions, where the gag is more visual, but that's the exception; like this Christmas when Six Bit sat on my lap to give me his list... if you couldn't see that I look like Santa the gag wouldn't have made any sense.

Shan-man, why don't you post the link that has your pictures from the HDDR for the OP? I bet she'd enjoy seeing that!!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Shan-man, why don't you post the link that has your pictures from the HDDR for the OP? I bet she'd enjoy seeing that!!

yeah, why don'tcha?

 

[disney4dan]

We have been only once, and I was not able to stay for the whole show because our youngest had hit the wall and needed to destress at the camper (not misbehaving, but totally exhausted and ready to fall asleep after being out all day in August heat).

However, our server was great, even brought our oldest son some hot dogs, mac & Cheese and french fries from Trails End. Then, when he figured out that I had to leave with the youngest, our server brought huge bowls of the desert for Nancy and my daughter (wish she got a photo). From what I hear, my daughter's eye's lit up when he placed a bowl intended for the entire table right in front of her with one spoon. She still talks about that.

Our table was on the floor just inside the balcony (we could look up at the railing over our heads). We could see most of the show, and from what I hear, the time they spent on the balcony over our table was pretty limited. You will certainly hear what's going on.

Good luck with the food and dietery needs. I hear that the chefs are very willing to meet your needs (our oldest son was just diagnosed with celiac disease and we have been reading up on how well Disney responds to these needs). If Shan does not have any food photos, I'll come back later and dig out the few that we had - from what I recall, breaded chicken and heavily coated ribs. If you want ribs without sauce, I suspect you would have to call in advance or stop by a few days before and speak with the kitchen. I figure those ribs start slow cooking way in advance. Not sure if the chicken is delivered to them already coated or whether they coat it themselves?

 

[Shan-man]

Shan-man, why don't you post the link that has your pictures from the HDDR for the OP? I bet she'd enjoy seeing that!!

Oops, I missed that when originally posted! You can read my whole trip repost via the link in my signature. But here are the pics:

Audience interaction... Six Bits gives his list:

My moment in the spotlight!