Mother-in-law made fun of Hoop Dee Doo

[MCK588]

I am traveling with my Mother-In-Law and we thought it would be a nice gesture to pay for her dinner at the HDDR. With six people, it's coming out to just about $300. She doesn't know what it is and doesn't know what it costs. When I was reviewing our ADRs with her, I got to the HDDR, and she laughed and said sarcastically, 'Can't wait to eat there'. She has no idea what it is, but am I wasting my money on her? Will she enjoy it? I have never been, but I thought it could be a fun night out with her grandchildren. For $300 I would rather cancel if you don't think she'll have a nice time (given her initial sarcasm). Please tell me that's it's so great (or not) that she'll have a wonderful time despite herself.

 

[Karlzmom]

I am traveling with my Mother-In-Law and we thought it would be a nice gesture to pay for her dinner at the HDDR. With six people, it's coming out to just about $300. She doesn't know what it is and doesn't know what it costs. When I was reviewing our ADRs with her, I got to the HDDR, and she laughed and said sarcastically, 'Can't wait to eat there'. She has no idea what it is, but am I wasting my money on her? Will she enjoy it? I have never been, but I thought it could be a fun night out with her grandchildren. For $300 I would rather cancel if you don't think she'll have a nice time (given her initial sarcasm). Please tell me that's it's so great (or not) that she'll have a wonderful time despite herself.

Let her know that its OK if she'd prefer to make her own dinner arrangements that night, and to let you know by X date so that you can get a refund on her ticket. This leaves it on her to pony up or deal with it. She may still complain, but ignore her - you will know that she was given every option available and if she chooses to be a crab, its her deal.

 

[rebecca06261]

I'm willing to bet that she'll enjoy it. It's hokey, corny, and laughable- but that's exactly what it's intended to be! Great show imho- the food is just okay, similar to Whispering Canyon's food, if ever you've eaten there.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

I agree with the PP. If she doesn't like it, she can fend for herself that night!! I like my MIL and I'd pick up the tab but not if she was acting that way.

You can explain to her what it is and if she still doesn't like it then go back to offering her to make her own dinner plans for the evening.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Ask her if she remembers Vaudeville.
2) This should give her a lift.

 

[Joshua_me]

It's like watching a live version of Hee Haw with all the fried chicken and ribs you can eat, and all the beer you can drink. I mean, honestly. *What's* not to love ?

I'm sure she'll have a ball.

 

[Allison]

I wouldn't let any of us tell you if she would like it or not. We don't know her. I would explain to her exactly what it is, ask her if she thinks she would enjoy once she knows what it is and go from there.

 

[TwingleMum]

My family (about 30 of us) all did HDD. My Dad was picked to go onstage (he even had to wear a pink tutu.) The kids cracked up to see Pop in a tutu. And he hammed it up believe me. If you knew my Dad you'd laugh too. He is an old retired NYPD Homicide Detective who still scares people. Like someone out of one of those old Detective movies. But he adores his family and loves his Grandkids like no tomarrow. So he put on some show for them. The whole audience was howling. The kids to this day say that is their all time favorite "Pop moment." And best of all we have the pictures to prove it. SOO much fun.

 

[Henna's_Mom]

I'm guessing she probably doesn't know what it is and is just reacting to the name. Just let her know what it's all about and let her decide.

 

[ElizabethB]

I just took my mom and dad (ages 75 and 80, respectively). They loved it. Loved it. I've never liked it all that much and thought they'd enjoy it fine. But, I was surprised at how much they enjoyed it. My mom raved about how professional the show was and said the cruise lines could learn something from Disney about how to put on an entertaining show.

Of course the food was awful. It always is.

 

[nickspace]

I wouldn't risk it. Just separate for the night. You are going to pay all that money and get hurt... why???

 

[daneenm]

When I was reviewing our ADRs with her, I got to the HDDR, and she laughed and said sarcastically, 'Can't wait to eat there'. She has no idea what it is, but am I wasting my money on her? Will she enjoy it?

Don't know her personality to gauge whether she would enjoy it. My guess is that she was just reacting to the name. You have to admit if you don't know anything about it, the name seems a bit silly.

We loved it, even DH who was skeptical and only went 'for the children.'

--Daneen

 

[a1tinkfans]

We took Grandma and Grandpa years ago (SAME show) and we all LOVED it, what fun!
I agree, you can give her a snippet of WHAT its like and let her choose, But I would not miss it with the rest of your family!

Have a great time, such fun!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

HDDR is Awesome good fun

 

[septbaby]

Her comment might be broader than HDDR. Does she harbor some resentment regarding the trip? She may feel that way about other elements of the trip. Hotel, activities, restaurants, etc. It may be a passive aggressive technique, let your hubby talk to her. In her view are you in charge of everything? Get an honest assessment of that and make any adjustments. Good luck.

You know how mom's can be. They can say volumes by not saying "anything"! How many times have you used that technique or had it used on you?...lol

 

[rie'smom]

If she's like my mom, she'll hate it. Mom hates slapstick comedy. We don't go to HDDR when she's with us because she'd make fun the whole time, I'd be embarassed and we'd all be miserable.

 

[divawife]

When you were reviewing your ADR's with her does she have a clue about what you were talking about? What I mean is we on DIS have done research, read about Disney World and the rides and the restaurants and hints and read reviews...

Maybe (playing devil's advocate here) she only knows that you are telling her about a restaurant and the name of it is Hoop De Do Musical Revue. Face it, if you heard that without any background or information you might think it sounds hokey (and not in a good fun way like the actual Hoop De Doo is!).

Lend her a Disney book like Birmbaums, she will get into it too!

 

[canron]

its not worth the $$$we went 1 time only!!!never went back!!!!save the $$$$

 

[disnut8]

She has no idea what it is and is basing her sarcasm on the name of the restaurant/show. Have you explained to her how difficult it is to get reservations, what the show is like, and how much people do enjoy it? I wouldn't mention the price to her at all. Explain things to her and see what she says. Her reaction could have just been a simple knee-jerk one.

I'll bet that after you explain things to her, she says it'll be fine. I made a reservation for the 50s Prime Time Cafe for myself and the in-laws. I thought they would hate even the idea. But once I explained everything, my mother-in-law thought it would be "cute" and "different".

And if she doesn't want to go, cancel her and tell her she's on her own. But don't lose sleep over it.

 

[Tiffany]

I am traveling with my Mother-In-Law and we thought it would be a nice gesture to pay for her dinner at the HDDR. With six people, it's coming out to just about $300. She doesn't know what it is and doesn't know what it costs. When I was reviewing our ADRs with her, I got to the HDDR, and she laughed and said sarcastically, 'Can't wait to eat there'. She has no idea what it is, but am I wasting my money on her? Will she enjoy it? I have never been, but I thought it could be a fun night out with her grandchildren. For $300 I would rather cancel if you don't think she'll have a nice time (given her initial sarcasm). Please tell me that's it's so great (or not) that she'll have a wonderful time despite herself.

Does she enjoy corny country based comedy? It is kind of like a country themed vodville(sp?) show. You are not going for the food realy as the food itself without the show is not worth the price. If she is more of a highbrow conservative person it might not be her thing, but if she is the type that will go along to get along and enjoy a good time then you should be all set.