Mickey's BBQ vs Lua vs Hoop De Doo????

[queenbee99]

We have done HDDR before and had mixed ages...everyone loved it.... That being said I looked for a review on the BBQ because we are contemplating doing this after our cruise. We were going to opt for the quick service meal plan and would have to pay out of pocket for this. Is is worth $130 ish? Is the gratuity included? We are only doing a few days at the parks after the cruise and didn't know if we wanted to dedicate all this time getting to dining and eating. It will just seem wierd since we always do have special meals. How long does Mickey BBQ last? I can only find openings for one of the days we are there for the BBQ.

 

[Nebula]

Like everyone else, I'd say HDDR, definitely!! I've never done the BBQ, but I've done both the Luau and HDDR. I was falling asleep at the Luau, so imagine how a kid would feel. Wasn't too wild about the food, either. HDDR was a blast! Yes, the jokes were some of the corniest I've ever heard, but I have also never laughed so hard at a dinner show. Loved the food, too! The cornbread was delicious, and the ribs were fabulous. The chef was also very good about discussing food allergies at our table. Plus alcohol is included for the adults

 

[danetter]

Is the tip included with the HDDR? or do we pay the tip there?

 

[danielle782001]

Is the tip included with the HDDR? or do we pay the tip there?

Yes, tax and tip included

 

[DonaldTDuck]

No question HDDR is the way to go. Best dinner experience at Disney. (Experience, not food) Let loose at the show and have fun. Early shows make the night easier, the late show lets out fairly late and trans could be a pain(depending on MK closing time)

Transportation is NOT a problem after the late shows. There are buses about 100 yards from Pioneer Hall to take everyone to their home resort. Generally each bus will have folks from 4-5 resorts, so it may take a few minutes, but it's easy peasy.

 

[disneymath]

We've been to both the HDDR and the SoA (luau) ... while we liked both shows, we would return to SoA before HDDR.

We experienced the HDDR in August 2008. We're a pretty laid back group - easily amused, not hard to please, and quick to laugh at anything silly. but the only one whose attention was really held by the "show" was the 16 MONTH old. (He was enthralled - so it was worth it just to see him staying over with balcony with his chin propped in his hand and his eyes glued to the stage.) The food was good - not gourmet but good. That said, it was typical of the BBQ-type-fare that you can get at other places around WDW (WCC for example).

We experienced SoA in August 2006. Looking back, this meal was lighter and more refreshing compared to the heavier fare of the HDDR. It also was different from the other TS meals we had. In terms of hte "show" ... as others have said, there were part of the storyline that dragged a bit - but these seemed to occur duing the meal portion when people were busy serving themselves, eating, and chatting with those at their table. (Not a bad thing actually, as you got to enjoy your meal without being totally distracted by the show.) The tradtional dances and the fire-dancer were awesome - and seemed to take place during lulls in the meal service. (Note: We did go to the latest show, so that probably helped with ambiance and also eliminated some of the heat.) We had my younger cousins with us that time (girl aged almost 16, boy turned 13 during the trip) and they were totally blown away by those parts of the show. (We have pictures of all of us looking wide-eyed and awestruck during different parts of the show.)

For us, SoA was the more novel experience - none of us have been to Hawaii and leave in the polar opposite of a tropical climate. I don't think you can go wrong with either - pick the one that you think your family would enjoy the most!