Need help...which dinner show would be best for us?

[bangzoom6877]

Hi, I know my trip is a LONG ways off (2010!), but I love to look at our different options so that when the time comes to book everything we know EXACTLY what is best for us.

On our next trip, we are talking about the possibility of doing one of the dinner shows, since we are going for 10 nights and only spending 5 or 6 days at the parks (DVC members, and going to enjoy the resort and relax a little!). So we thought this would be something fun to do one evening.

Let me tell you a little about ourselves. It will be DH, myself, and our 2 sons. When we go, they will be 3 and 5. So the show would have to be something that would entertain them as well. I am assuming that any Disney restaurant, including a dinner show, would have kid-friendly items, correct? Now, here's the thing...though I have heard wonderful things about Hoop-Dee-Doo, we are by no means into country music...actually DH and I really cannot stand country music (sorry if this offends anyone). Will we not enjoy the Hoop-Dee-Doo because of this? The Luau looks really nice, but is it really for kids, or more for adults? And how about Mickey's Backyard BBQ? Is this a dinner show too, and also 2 TS credits on the dining plan? Do all 3 of these include wine and beer in the price, as well as gratuity?

Anyway, just curious as to which one of these would be best suitable for our family. Any ideas?

 

[PrincessMomto2]

The HDDR is not country music. We loved it including my then 3 year old dd. My 11 yo loved it as well. We had a great time the show is wonderful, funny and entertaining. By the way we are not fans of Country music either.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I definitely wouldn't place the Hoop Dee Doo Review in the country music category. I am not a big fan of country music either.

It's all about funny songs, corny jokes and dancing. The entertainers come around to the various levels of the restaurant and talk with the guests. Our son and daughter both loved the show as did my husband and I.

The food was good too.....fried chicken, bbq ribs, bread, beans and strawberry shortcake. You can get refills of everything.

I highly recommend the Hoop Dee Doo Review.

 

[Clotho]

I have done both and I actively recommend AGAINST the Luau (bad service, so-so food, bad entertainment save for a small part), and I heartily endorse HDDR!! I loved HDD soo much, as did hubby. Food was delicious, and we were humming the tunes long after. It is not "country music". Think of it more like a hoe-down themed vaudeville show. It's great!

 

[World Bouncer]

We just recently did the Spirit of Aloha and I will just say, not again. Food was nothing special and most of the entertainment was just a bunch of silly noise, some was ok but not worth it in my oppinion.

 

[toostsmom]

HDDR is my first choice, we just went last week and it was great - NOT country, but vaudeville was exactly the right word to describe it. Fun for all, and go for the cheaper seats in Cat 3 - there truly isn't a bad seat in the house. The fried chicken is awesome.

 

[JLKennedy]

2 years ago we did the luau and were not impressed.

Just last month, we did HDDR and loved it. We were a grand gathering of 17 people and hubby's grandmom (1st visit) was sung to, you must've been a beautiful baby.....well that melted her heart.

I thought the ribs were to die for, chix was so so. I had a problem with my 3 year old not wanting to eat any of it, but our waiter bor (rob backwards) went to the trail's end buffet and brought us back a ton of mac & cheese.

We'll make it a must do from now on. At the end, they bring out old fashioned washer machines (by hand) and silverware to make some noise! It was a good time, the rowdier your kids are, the more likely they'll point you out and make you part of the show too!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Wow, sounds like Hoop-Dee-Doo would be best for us! Thanks everyone for easing my mind on the country music thing!

The food sounds wonderful too. One thing though that concerns me...if my parents decide to join us, since my dad is diabetic would they give hom some kind of sugar-free dessert? Knowing him he will not care and just would not eat the dessert but I am still curious, and he would still be so happy if they could accommodate him.

 

[frdeb1999]

We have done both numerous times and still have HDDR as a must do for us every trip. It is alot of fun and the food/service has always been good!

 

[Syrreal]

If you still have any doubts, some of the songs they sing at HDDR are Oh My Darlin' Clementine, This Land is Your Land, and the Hokey Pokey.

I don't think they have an "on the menu" sugarfree option, but if you mention it when you make your ADR and again when you check in (or call HDDR directly) they might be able to either have something there for you or get some sugar free ice cream or something.

 

[kirbsam]

hddr, i am sure of it.