Planning Hoop Dee Doo...

[ChristyJ]

We've been to Disney once before, and during our second trip, both DH and DD(10) will be celebrating their birthdays. I want to surprise them with ressies at Hoop-Dee-Doo.

Anyway, I want to book way ahead of time (to get awsome seating...)and am trying to figure out what would work best...

We'll arrive on a Friday, stay 10 nights (have 9 day hopper passes w/dining). Their birthdays are on Tuesday. I'm going back and forth over planning it for Tuesday, right on their birthdays OR planning it for the first Saturday we're there as parks will be busier and it might be a nice way to get away from the bulk of the crowds that day.

I'd love your opinions! We've never done Hoop-Dee-Doo-also considered the Luau instead, but it seems like more people rave about the Hoop-Dee-Doo...

Thanks!!

 

[kirbsam]

doesnt matter, just book it for on eof those two days. i would do it on the birthday and let the performers know. they will wish them happy birthday!!

 

[crow11ad]

I didn't think you could pick your own seat at HDDR. But if you can, sit in the middle and announce it's someone's bday....HDDR is great...

 

[Mickeyfaniam]

We just did Hoop on my son's birthday. I told them ahead while I was booking which was 15 months in advance. I confirmed a month ahead of time too. We got a table 3rd from the stage right in the center. One of the show people came over to him and they put the spotlight on him. They made a few jokes and wished him a happy birthday and then they sang happy birthday to him and a couple of others having birthdays. His strawberry shortcake came out with candles in it...but I had to ask our server to do that.
I could have ordered a cake to be brought out but when I called to order it, i was discouraged from doing so. I'm glad I didn't. It was all neat enough the way it was. ANd besides we had a cake for him the next night on a Wishes Birthday Cruise.
I do recommend Hoop De Doo over the Luau Show. You'll have a blast!! Its so much fun!!

 

[gradtchr]

When we were at the hoop-de-doo on july 19th they had a special time when they sang happy birthday to everyone with birthdays and talked to everyone who had a birthday. The anniversary time was great too as they had the couples dance and the couple that was married 56 years was so sweet.

Totally love Hoop De Doo and I hope we can go back another time in the future. We were seated front and center stage. Very cool but at times felt a bit to close.

 

[LadyDulcinea1]

I would try and book it for their birthday, it would be a fun way to celebrate

Did the Hoop Dee Doo twice, the last time in 2001 and I loved it both times! Its so much fun and the food is great! They give you so much! Gotta love Disney, they know how to feed people

 

[JennaTX]

I have a few questions about Hoop-Dee-Doo. How far in advance can you book it? How far in advance do you need to book it? Do you have to already have a resort reservation to make the Hoop-Dee-Doo reservation? I bought an AP for the discounted rated I got at WL this year, but I don't want to book yet for next summer with the new best rates program, so would I still be able to book this dinner show?

Thanks!

 

[ChristyJ]

JennaTX: I know you can book up to 2 yrs. in advance, but I really don't know anything about the best rate program and how it affects Hoop Dee Doo...

We're doing a package w/dining and this will take up 2 table service meals, but since we're making an evening out of it, I figure it's worth it!

Crow11ad:we can't pick tables, but the earlier you book, the better your table...

Okay, so it looks like planning it for on their birthdays (on a Tues.) rather than the Sat. is the way to go...

Thanks!

 

[moopdog]

FYI - when I changed my AR from a Thursday to a Tuesday last week (2 months prior to trip) I asked the CM on the phone if doing this would affect my table. He said when you make ressies had NOTHING to do with your table and the only thing that affects your table is what time you check in so to be there about 45 mins prior to show. Granted there won't be anyone checking you in yet, but you'll be first in line, when they open it up.

Don't know how accurate this info is, but I did get it from the CM just last week, so thought I'd share! Good luck to you!

 

[WDW LOVR]

When you check in has nothing to do with your seat assignment. It is assigned at the time you make your reservation. When you pick up your tickets at your resort guest services counter look at the ticket. Towards the top, but below the headings etc there is a 3 digit number. That is your table number.

When you check in they have your name and table number on a printout. They just highlight your name as having arrived, they then take your group picture (around the HDD sign which has 3 digit numbers they adjust to match the number on your ticket so they know where you are sitting when they try and sell you the picture during the show). When you go inside for the show they tear your ticket in half and walk you to your table. We've even had the CM checking you in say "nice table" to us when we were lucky enough to be sitting in the first row, center stage.

We have been to the HDD 7 times, some of them not arriving until shortly before the show. We've always been seated in the first couple rows because I make the reservations as far in advance as I can. If you know when you want to go, call early. You will definitely get a closer seat the earlier you call. Another hint, the 7:15 show is going to fill up first, followed by 5:00 and then 9:30. If you want a closer table, go to the 5 or 9:30 show. We usually go to 5:00 and either hop over to MK or go to PI afterwards.

Have Fun.

 

[moopdog]

We usually go to 5:00 and either hop over to MK or go to PI afterwards.

I know it will dawn on me by the time I get the reply back, but what the heck does PI stand for... can't for the life of me figure it out.

Thanks.

 

[samsmom05]

Pleasure Island

 

[jcemom]

When you check in has nothing to do with your seat assignment. It is assigned at the time you make your reservation. When you pick up your tickets at your resort guest services counter look at the ticket. Towards the top, but below the headings etc there is a 3 digit number. That is your table number.

When you check in they have your name and table number on a printout. They just highlight your name as having arrived, they then take your group picture (around the HDD sign which has 3 digit numbers they adjust to match the number on your ticket so they know where you are sitting when they try and sell you the picture during the show). When you go inside for the show they tear your ticket in half and walk you to your table. We've even had the CM checking you in say "nice table" to us when we were lucky enough to be sitting in the first row, center stage.

We have been to the HDD 7 times, some of them not arriving until shortly before the show. We've always been seated in the first couple rows because I make the reservations as far in advance as I can. If you know when you want to go, call early. You will definitely get a closer seat the earlier you call. Another hint, the 7:15 show is going to fill up first, followed by 5:00 and then 9:30. If you want a closer table, go to the 5 or 9:30 show. We usually go to 5:00 and either hop over to MK or go to PI afterwards.

Have Fun.

Excellent info, thank you!

 

[ChristyJ]

Thanks for the info-our trip is quite a ways away, but I'm already sooo excited to surprise DH & DD for their birthday!!

 

[nanalisa]

We just went to the Hoop Dee Doo on July 23. I made reservations for it about 4 weeks before that. I even called on the 23rd to add a person and we sat on the second row from the stage. We checked in at the podium about 30 min before showtime. We used our DDE to save 20% which and for 4 it more than paid for the card.

BTW, for those who have been to HDDR my husband was Davey Crockett's Angel.