Not totally clear on access to Hoop Dee Doo.

[vanguardgator]

Hi. My family just planned a quick 2 day trip to Disney this week. We lucked out and scored ADRs at Hoop Dee Doo for Thursday night for the 5:00 show. (Have never been, but am so excited after reading the reviews!)
We will be staying off property in Kissimmee, but have our own car.
What exactly is the best way/strategy to get there? and how much time should I alot?

My understanding is that I can drive to Ft Wilderness and then hop on a bus to Pioneer Hall. What kind of time is involved in the shuttle trip or do you know how frequently they busses run? I have no guage for what time I should be sure to arrive at the parking lot in time to get the bus to Pioneer Hall. Disney recommends getting there 45 minutes early, but I have seen some previous posts that indicate that I might end up sitting around for a really long time if I do it that way. (I am assuming my tickets will be at "will call" I guess...since we will not have them in advance. I was so excited when the reservation lady told me there was an opening, I kind of forgot the rest of what she said about how I would get my tickets).

Also, what is the walk like from the point they drop you off to the actual Pioneer Hall? I will have a soon-to-be-3 year old and an 18 month old with me, so was not sure if I should bring strollers on the bus or not?

Any logistical advice on HDD would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks so much.

 

[Coach Rick]

First, everything you read will not do it justice!

It is one of our extreme MUST DO's.

Logistics. Yes, you drive to Fort Wilderness, and park as close to the gate as possible. The buses do run very frequently. I want to say on the order of every 5-10 minutes you will find a bus. It makes no difference which bus you take, they all make stops at Pioneer Hall. You should, however, arrive in the parking lot about 45 minutes to an hour ahead of time. We have gotten there as late as 30 minutes prior, but I hate rushing. Especially to eat! When the bus arrives at the Pioneer Hall stop there is about a 5 minute walk (at a leisurely pace). Once you check in there is of course a photographer to capture your family prior to coming out 2 sizes larger. There is a pin stop, and a country store near by. When our kids were younger, we never took a stroller with us, but I have seen them.

The same food can be gotten right next door at the Trails End buffeteria, but the show is what keeps us coming back. I can sing every song, which really annoys my kids. In July I got my dream and picked for the Angel at the end of the show...I thought I would embarrass my youngest daughter, but she got a kick out of it, which was ALMOST as much fun!

Hope I helped answer your question.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Yes you can drive. Follow signs to FW, coming in through main gate, go past the 1st FW entrance and enter at the next left. This is the parking lot for HDDR and does not have a guard gate. Once you park walk to the bus depot, it is just past the kennel and horse ride. Get on any internal FW bus(yellow, orange or purple) and ride to Settlement(Pioneer Hall). Walk up the path to Pioneer Hall and pick up your tickets. At the far end of Pioneer Hall is a very nice playground if your little ones need to run around or you find yourself very early.

 

[vanguardgator]

Thank you both so much!! This is exactly the kind of information I was hoping for. I will be sure to report on our HDD night when we get back!! Again, many thanks.

 

[mel&me]

Getting there early is fine but we were driving around wondering what to do for dinner, (trying to decide which resort we were going to eat at) Made a wrong turn and ended up driving by the Fort Wilderness. Pulled in 25 minutes before show. Stopped at check in they had 1 table left. Sat down 5 minutes before it started. Did not miss anything and did not rush to eat. Everyone always says to get there early, you just stand in line waiting to get in.

 

[disnut8]

Everyone always says to get there early, you just stand in line waiting to get in.

There is absolutely no reason to stand in line or rush once the doors open. All tables have been preassigned so it doesn't matter if you are the first one in or the last one, you are not going to have any better view just by being early or any worse view by being late. You want get any less food than anyone else.

We did get there early (because that's my nature) and found a quiet spot away from the entrance and just sat down to wait. I do believe we also went to the Trading Post and got a few beers to enjoy as well.

 

[toostsmom]

There is SO much to do if you get there early. An animal corral (petting zoo? I'm not sure, we didn't do it), playground, as was mentioned, you're right near the beach area - Fort Wilderness is beautiful. Don't worry about being too early.

 

[mel&me]

There is SO much to do if you get there early. An animal corral (petting zoo? I'm not sure, we didn't do it), playground, as was mentioned, you're right near the beach area - Fort Wilderness is beautiful. Don't worry about being too early.

Wish we were there early enough to see that. Like I said we just happened to drive by and made it in. The people we sat next to told us they were early and it was a waste. I might have to stop by there next time we are down just to check out the other stuff. We always go around at least one day to look at the different resorts anyhow. Been to almost all of them. this was first time at Fort wilderness, no time to check it out after dinner and it was dark out by then.

 

[mhmcduff]

You will really enjoy the show- we are from RI like Coach Rick and we don't have alot of hodowns in New England and I agree this is a must doo!!- Eat Drink and be Merry!! Also the directions sound good as once you find the bus depot in Fort Wilderness you are all set and it is fun to see everyones campsites all decorated on the bus ride!- We especially love it at Christmas - Enjoy