Ohana vs Hoop-de-doo

[Betty Rohrer]

How is the boat from the Contemporary?

Have never done that boat but it arrives at same dock

 

[WildMice]

How is the boat from the Contemporary?

Same as the other boat.

 

[_19disnA]

O'hana isn't a dinner show and more like your typical restaurant. We ate there under the old menu and thought it was good, but recent reviews of their updated menu haven't been very positive. If you want a character meal near MK, Chef Mickey's @ Contemporary would be a better option.

 

[North of Mouse]

How do you even compare Hoop-de-doo and O'Hana? They're nothing alike. One is a dinner show and the other a dinner served family style. We have been eating at O'Hana for many years, but because of Covid have skipped Disney the last 5 years. We just returned last week and had my birthday dinner there. Yes, some changes from previous years (like most everything) but we thoroughly enjoyed our dinners. The beef was somewhat gristly, but dh loved the shrimp as usual and we both enjoyed the salad, the wings and pot stickers/dumplings. Of course the bread pudding topped it off. Our waiter was the best and we left as satisfied as ever.
Some people complain about the food coming fast, true, but that is called family style which maybe many do not understand the concept - it's a prefixed family style meal. We were not rushed at all and offered way more food than we could possible accept. Loved every minute and can't wait until our next visit.

 

[lwc]

We do Hoop-De-Doo every single trip. It is a must do on everyone in my family's list.

We did Ohana once. It is not anyone in my family's list.

 

[keishashadow]

HDD is our 4th of July eating spot

It’s our 3rd of July spot this year. Nicely will coincide with deluxe late hours & our annual FW viewing @ MK!

We always work it in that week as I’ve yet to have a family member not love it

Ohana, well, it’s just not the same now for us. Have given up on it. Family tried the character breakfast after race a few weeks ago. I declined, had a bad feeling. Not wrong. Sat them 45 min late, then tried to rush them out the door before Stitch made his rounds has declined. Sad, as so many happy memories were made there

 

[M&M2017]

Hi everyone thanks for all the input! I’m sure that O’hana is great - I still want to eat there one day. Taking the boat to hoop dee doo and having an early dinner was great for the littles after a long day at MK so I appreciate all the recommendations.

 

[Mazz519]

HDD is so much better than Ohana.. last 2 times at Ohana we have been very disappointed, from the atmosphere to the food it has taken a huge nose dive.... Changing the menu and service of the food has had a negative affect...we wont be back anytime soon

 

[Paulaparm]

When I was planning our first trip many years ago, a co-worker told me that we “had” to do Hoop-Doo-Do. We did. We loved it. We have been back each trip! Except our last trip, it was still dark from COVID. Looking forward to it next winter!

 

[jeankeri]

HDD is our 4th of July eating spot with food that’s difficult to get wrong even if the cornbread has a bit too much sugar for my taste on the other hand the man and kids like it fine. The boat ride from MK is just a cherry atop the sundae .

Save some money and opt for second tier seating.You’ll see everything with no blind spots.

I have no issues with ‘Ohana but just find Hoop easier to get reservations.

second tier being category 2? Or either category (2 or 3) with balcony seating?

 

[NYCgrrl]

second tier being category 2? Or either category (2 or 3) with balcony seating?

Yes, category 2 which unless the seating layout has been changed doesn’t include the balcony (that would be category 3 which is NOT wheelchair accessible). Category 1 is great if you like to see the “grease paint” and want to better the odds of being picked to go on stage.
Category2 is also used for audience participation but to a lesser degree.

This is an extremely tiny venue so there are really no bad seats. Comparing it to a Broadway venue all the seats would be considered first ring or orchestra.
HTH and have fun.

 

[jeankeri]

Yes, category 2 which unless the seating layout has been changed doesn’t include the balcony (that would be category 3 which is NOT wheelchair accessible). Category 1 is great if you like to see the “grease paint” and want to better the odds of being picked to go on stage.
Category2 is also used for audience participation but to a lesser degree.

This is an extremely tiny venue so there are really no bad seats. Comparing it to a Broadway venue all the seats would be considered first ring or orchestra.
HTH and have fun.

Went once before with floor seats/category 1. Could not tell by chart if the other categories were both on the upper level. Thank you for this- will definitely go this route next trip!

 

[Genie+]

Yeah Category 2 is the tables on the balcony facing the stage. We booked it because that was the only reservation available and we ended up very happy with it. Great view of everything since it’s a small place.

 

[scrappinginontario]

‘Ohana is good but HDD is great. HDD 100%!!!

 

[CarolynFH]

Yeah Category 2 is the tables on the balcony facing the stage. We booked it because that was the only reservation available and we ended up very happy with it. Great view of everything since it’s a small place.

Some Cat. 2 are in the back on the bottom floor, under the balcony, and some are upstairs in the center of the balcony. The Cat. 3 are along the sides of the balcony.

 

[Genie+]

Some Cat. 2 are in the back on the bottom floor, under the balcony, and some are upstairs in the center of the balcony. The Cat. 3 are along the sides of the balcony.

Oh thanks, I didn’t realize that. Is there a way to make sure you get balcony when booking Cat 2?

 

[CarolynFH]

Oh thanks, I didn’t realize that. Is there a way to make sure you get balcony when booking Cat 2?

I’m not sure - we sat in the “far back under the balcony” Cat. 2, but it was years ago so I can’t remember whether we were offered the choice when booking.

 

[NYCgrrl]

WDW’s theatre layout graphic is pretty confusing so the one on this blog tries to clarify:

https://blogmickey.com/hoop-dee-doo-review-2022/

All agree that category 1 is only located on the main floor. Category 2 consists of the main floor and the balcony while category 3 is only balcony seating.
HTH

Yeah Category 2 is the tables on the balcony facing the stage. We booked it because that was the only reservation available and we ended up very happy with it. Great view of everything since it’s a small place.

Some Cat. 2 are in the back on the bottom floor, under the balcony, and some are upstairs in the center of the balcony. The Cat. 3 are along the sides of the balcony.

Oh thanks, I didn’t realize that. Is there a way to make sure you get balcony when booking Cat 2?

I think when you book the graphic actually has numbers so you can ensure balcony seating.

 

[AnnaS]

I enjoyed Hoop-Dee-Doo so much in November that I'm going again next month. It's so so fun and a dinner show is something not available many other places.

Pro tip: Ask for the smoked chicken because it is SO good. I am trying not to eat fried foods when I can help it and this was the substitution for it and it was great!

We had dinner the other night. Wish I had read about the smoked chicken…….will have to remember next time.

 

[jmb12]

Looking to have a fun dinner near MK after a park day. Currently booked for dinner at ohana. We’ve never been and want to, but I’ve seen a lot of recent posts with “meh” reviews. Meanwhile all the hoop de doo reviews are solid. This option would mean taking the boat too which sounds fun. Appreciate any input on the two places! I realize they’re not similar at all.

If you've never been to Hoop-de-doo then I recommend going at least once. I consider Ohana an "every trip" type of meal where Hoop-de-doo is once every few vacations event. Very much worth checking out, at least for me.