Luau v. hoop de do

[sss]

Hi,
We just made ressies for 10/09, who hoo! We have 3 DDs (twins age 6, and 4). We can do either the luau or the hoop de do review. What do you all think is the better way to go? All input more than welcome!
TIA
sss

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think it is just a matter of personal preference. I would think kids may like HddR better. But not having kids, can only guess. And even then, probably just depends on the kid.
I think the HddR is a little more fast paced, which would keep a kid's attention better.

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

HOOP DEE DOOOOOOOO! We went for the first time this past Aug and are so mad that we didn't experience it earlier!!! LOVED IT!!! We haven't done the Luau since 1994!!! No desire to do it again ... especially after the wonderful Hoop Dee Doo!

 

[pipermae]

My vote would be for HDDR. I loved it as a kid and I still love it! I did the Luau as a kid, too... but I remember it being harder to sit still during.

 

[Tink-aholic]

Hands down, the Luau. Loved it! Worth every penny and far more entertaining!

 

[minniebeth]

Enjoyed both but I'd have to say HDDR!

 

[jcemom]

HDDR

 

[Atchley]

We've done both the Luau and HDDR. Kids were 8 and 6 at the luau. I think they were ready to leave halfway through. They loved HDDR. I think it is much better suited to kids.

 

[Cameo]

Both my kids say HDDR. My son nearly fell asleep at the Luau and he was 5 at the time. Last year he was 8 and LOVED HDDR.

 

[Carlyzmom]

I vote for HDDR. I remember going when I was 5 (yes, I can remember that far back ) and I loved it.
The luau is OK, but I can definitely see how it could become a little long/boring for kids.

 

[wilderness01]

We have done both as well and I would pick HDDR if you are sure you want to do a dinner show.

With that said, I'm glad we did both shows, but wouldn't do either again. I have done HDDR twice and really don't think it is worth the price. I have heard that they have taken away the corn and beans. True? I don't know.

 

[Gerweniel]

I just asked my sons what they prefer.

We've been fortunate enough to go to both. Unanimously it is the Hoop Dee Doo Review. Lots more fun, silly laugh out loud jokes and foot stompin'. We enjoy the adventure in itself just to get to Fort Wilderness and the boat we take back.

The old Polynesian Luau show was much better than the new version. Personally, I LOVE the Poly and hope to stay there sometime, but I think the show is kind of sappy and boring (except for the very end with the fire dancers).

The boys and I agreed the food is good and plentiful at both except they don't like the dessert at the Luau, and LOVE the dessert (strawberry shortcake) at the Hoop Dee Doo.

Also, a pet peeve of mine at the Luau is the pre-show seating or lack thereof. I hate having to stand for a half hour waiting to be seated. For us at least, the seating at the Hoop Dee Doo goes quicker.

As I am writing this, I realize I am totally nit picking. Each show has a wonderful uniqueness and lots of super memories. Each is worth a try. I have 2 teenage boys and you have little girls. Your girls may love the story at the Luau. My boys were only interested in the next course of the meal - the romance part of the show was lost to them.

You should probably plan 2 Trips and test each show out - just to be sure!


Whatever you decide I wish you a wonderful time!

 

[jcemom]

We have done both as well and I would pick HDDR if you are sure you want to do a dinner show.

With that said, I'm glad we did both shows, but wouldn't do either again. I have done HDDR twice and really don't think it is worth the price. I have heard that they have taken away the corn and beans. True? I don't know.

From recent reviews I've read it seems that they have replaced the corn with cornbread. They still have the beans, and now they have mashed potatoes also, along with the chicken and ribs from before. There used to be salad, I'm not sure if they still have that or not.

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

We haven't done the Luau yet, but it will be on our list eventually..

We DID do the HDDR for our Rehersal Dinner for the family. Since our last name is Crockett, and my husband's family is related to Davy Crockett, it made that part of the show even better!

Either way, you'll have a blast!

 

[wilderness01]

From recent reviews I've read it seems that they have replaced the corn with cornbread. They still have the beans, and now they have mashed potatoes also, along with the chicken and ribs from before. There used to be salad, I'm not sure if they still have that or not.

Good to know, thanks.

 

[Dustmouse]

Another vote for HDDR! I think your kids will enjoy it much more than the Luau!

 

[AdWayInc]

I have done both and loved them both but I think the kids really get a kick out of Hoop Dee Doo... and I think the food is more kid friendly!

Have a great time!

 

[Tina G]

As others have said, it depends on your children. We went to the HDDR on our first trip when DD was 5. She hated it and to this day remembers it as a bad experience. She is/was a picky eater and did not care for the food (chicken/ribs, baked beans) and believe it or not does not like strawberry shortcake. We were seated in the upper level and the show did not keep her attention. DH also did not care for the show, but I liked it.

We stayed at the Poly on our last trip when DD was 8 and so we did the Luau. We all absolutely loved it. For one, they give the kids separate kids meals so they don't have to eat the adult food if they don't like it. If they do, the platters are served family style so they can dig in if they like. DD loved the show and it kept her attention the entire time. There was lots of music, dancing, fire twirling, etc. and at one point all the kids got to go on the stage and dance. We're going again this May and we are planning to do the Luau again.

I agree the pre-show area was not great, although I do recall standing around waiting outside the building for the HDDR too. We got the most fabulous family picture at the Luau as well with a great tropical background.

It does seem like a lot of families prefer the HDDR. Ours much preferred the Luau.

 

[jonilovesdisney]

I would do the Hoop Dee Doo! I've been there every Disney trip since I was 9. I practically have the show memorized. I think the funniest part is when they get members of the audience to participate. Over the years, we have had 4 members of our family be picked. I'm now 27 & am debating not going for the first time this year b/c it's just me & DH & he doesn't have the fond memories. I don't know if I can not go though.

We used to to the Luau as well. I haven't been in several years, but we recently went Hawaii and from what I can remember about the show it seemed to be pretty authentic to a true Hawaiian luau. (not the food, just the show)

 

[Silver Queen]

We did both dinner shows years ago when DS was 6 and 7 and preferred HDDR. The luau was exotic and in a lovely setting but after a while the dances begin to look alike. The food in both shows was good, but definitely not outstanding. although we enjoyed the experiences we won't be going back to either show until we have grandchildren.