TO HDDR, or NOT to HDDR...

[Tbone17701]

I'm sure this has been asked a dozen times here, but for some reason I'm having trouble finding a recent answer.

The last time I did HDDR, I was 16 and still enjoyed every minute. I'm sorry to admit that was 20 loooong years ago. So, I'm trying to decide if I should give it a whirl with my own family (DH & DD7) this year? I'm certain that both will enjoy the menu (much more than I will actually), but I worry that they will be entertained to the tune of the $147.97 that it will cost us to do this. Is it still a "must do"?

 

[shannonstar]

I took my DS (7) and DN(ephew) (8) last Thanksgiving. My nephew laughed so hard he literally fell out of his chair.

 

[havoc315]

In truth, my kids (4 & 6) loved it. For the adults, we found the show.... "eh." Not horribly boring, but not something we would have any interest in without the kids. The food was pretty horrendous. We found the overall experience worth doing once, but we're not planning on repeating it.

 

[OhThePain]

I have done the HDDR on most of my trips (with the exceptions being when I went with school, when I went with summer camp and on our most recent trip due to all the other dining experiences we had planned). I loved it as a kid and still enjoy it. My fiance loves it. When we went to a convention at the Gaylord Palms, we took a bunch of clients who all had a great time (unlimited wine, beer and sangria doesn't hurt). The food is decent for the most part (my only complaint is that on some visits the ribs have been on the dry side). I say your long overdue to check it out. It will either become a must-do or at very least will be something you're glad you did again.

 

[sarmat1]

We did it the last night we were there in August and DD6 and DS3 absolutely loved it. In fact, it was one of the few dinners we did that DS didn't cry, whine, complain or sleep through. It's corny, funny and a great time. The food is fine for what it is. This is not meant to be gourmet - it's comfort food. And for that, they do a great job. Go.

 

[kaligal]

The food is not what it used to be. At all.

The show has been changed and is not as good as before...but it's still a good show.

IMO, nothing is "a must-do." Whether or not it is "worth it" depends on how much money you have and how much you value the thing in question...and I don't know those things.

I like it. Due to the nose-dive the food has taken and the change of songs, I don't love it like I once did. But I still like it.

 

[jgplimdesign]

We just went to the HDDR on Halloween!

My husband and I booked the category 3 seats (only 'cause we weren't sure of the level of involvement with the cast).

When we arrived, we were walked right up to the stage?!
We were told that we got 'upgraded' and sat right next to the piano & banjo players!

The show was fun (simple, but fun)------and we enjoyed our meal.

I had a vegetarian option----the grilled veggies (I had them 'hold the baked potato'----as I planned to happily have the mashed). (I had called in advance of our visit to have my request noted on the reservation----I requested the veggie plate option vs. the pasta----though a chef still appeared table side to make sure there wasn't anything further I wanted or desired. My husband loved the fried chicken and shortcake.

I think our only 'complaint' was the quantity of food that was brought to our table and ultimately thrown out------I think my husband counted the pieces of an entire chicken in his bucket----not to mention the ribs . . . we polished off the sides more or less, but felt saddened by the overall waste... since this is a venue where everything is quickly delivered to your table at once, it isn't like you have a way of saying 'bring us less'. . .

I don't know if I'd book again so soon----but my husband is still talking about his meal there-----so come 2012, we might be making an encore visit!

 

[Marthasor]

We went in August with DS4. I was skeptical - it looked so cheesy, but it was on my Disney bucket list so thought we would give it a try. We LOVED it! Loved the whole experience of going to FW, doing a pony ride, seeing the show which was a lot of fun. Menu is ok - chicken was great, sides pretty bland, strawberry shortcake delicious! My DS then played on the playground nearby and we took a boat ride over to CR, so the whole evening was really enjoyable! The show was a lot of fun! I would definitely go again!

 

[Spikerdink]

Yeah, it's corny, yeah, it can be hokey, but it's always a fun time for me. I know the show pretty well, but on my next trip I have some Disney neophytes and decided that HDDR was the perfect way to get them into the Disney mode our first night.

If you go in with an open mind, realize its just a silly show and let down your guard, and get into the fun (the cast always helps sell the show - they are great!) you will enjoy it.

The food is pretty decent - the last time I went the mashed potatoes were horrific (so bad I took a pic of them to remember), but other than that I never had a complaint about the meal. I am Scotch by descent, and HATE to see food wasted. So....I always ask for a doggie bag and bring back any chicken, ribs or cornbread. Someone in the travelling party always wants a midnight snack, and this is a perfect way to soothe that need while keeping the food waste to a minimum.

 

[tchrrx]

I have heard that they changed one of the songs due to some copyright issues. Please tell me that it isn't "Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling..porcupine." My DD still remembers that from our trip 5 years ago, and we are surprising her by taking her on her birthday this year. Thanks!

 

[gigi1313]

it is MOST DEFINITELY a MUST DO, especially for 7 year olds!!! When my son was about that age, he laughed soooo hard that he literally fell off his chair!!! I have never seen nor heard him laugh that hard! It was awesome!!! We try to go every trip!! (My husband, and two other children love it as well... but not like my now-14yo-ds loves it!)

 

[gigi1313]

The food is not what it used to be. At all.

The show has been changed and is not as good as before...but it's still a good show.

IMO, nothing is "a must-do." Whether or not it is "worth it" depends on how much money you have and how much you value the thing in question...and I don't know those things.

I like it. Due to the nose-dive the food has taken and the change of songs, I don't love it like I once did. But I still like it.

How recent was your most-recent visit? We were last there in August and will be there next Saturday... i sure hope it has not taken a nose-dive since then as we have been more than satisfied for years!!!

 

[laurainsem]

Absolutely go! We are three adults and love it so much we go every trip. It's a place to relax, eat decent food, and of course to drink yourself silly!

 

[alyssarella]

We just got back last week and we went to the HDDR towards the beginning of our trip. Our 4 kids (15, 14, 10, 8) loved it! In fact, they asked to go back for our last meal at Disney... so, as difficult as it was for me to cancel our 6:10pm Le Cellier reservation (it actually hurt a little), I did it. It was a great decision! The kids loved it even more the second time. My son got chosen to go up on stage for the last skit and was in heaven!

Definitely give it a chance!

Dawn

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We were there on Halloween as well. Booked cat 3 b/c we wanted to be in the balcony. It was closed for some reason so we were towards the back but could see fine.
We won't go again. Food wasn't great. We weren't offered refills and the server didnt' come around so we couldn't ask. We don't eat ribs so the bucket of chicken was not enough. We left hungry. Sangria was HORRIBLE! Service was terrible even though DH tried to joke with her. The show had maybe 3 funny moments where I chuckled. Usually I am one to laugh at corny stuff but I found myself wanting it to be over.

DD did get to ring the dinner bell though, so that was special.

I am glad we tried it but we won't go back.

 

[TwistGrl101]

Can someone explain in a little more detail the types of jokes that are made in the show? All I hear is that it's so corny, but funny. My kids are 4 and 6, and I would love to take them, but what is it exactly?

 

[melser13]

We just went in July with our DS7 and DD5. They loved it and were laughing hysterically the entire time. They loved the food and everything about the show. In fact, they want to go next time.
My husband and I enjoyed it too, but were preoccupied by our 14 month old who decided that she didnt like loud noises or highchairs that night. We got lots of refills of beer and wine (our server actually found my DH and I in the back of the room away from our table to help us out) but I never really ate the food.
My kids, parents, and aunt/uncle thoroughly enjoyed the entire time.

I'd say the jokes/humor is more like slapstick humor and sometime improptu depending on their conversations with the audience. the humor and jokes tend to vary with the audience and show time.

We plan on going again, but either leaving young DD with sitters or waiting till she's old enough to enjoy it too!

 

[kellydina]

We just went last week and I have to say it was the highlight of our trip! Food was good, entertainment great, and atmosphere relaxing!
We had 5 of us from 60 to 9 years old and everyone enjoyed!
Highly recommend!

 

[GoofyIsMyHomeboy]

Can someone explain in a little more detail the types of jokes that are made in the show? All I hear is that it's so corny, but funny. My kids are 4 and 6, and I would love to take them, but what is it exactly?

Corny is the best description I can come up with. There are tons of home videos of HDDR on youtube, though. You can see what the show is like for yourself and make a decision.

We had a ball when we went. Food is nothing fancy but what we had tasted great. There's certainly PLENTY of it. One kid with a hearty appetite went through the initial drumsticks and we asked for "another drumstick" for him. The server came back with a bucket full of them. Kid was 12 or 13 at the time and up to the task of polishing them off. He was in heaven.

 

[twinklebug]

The food is the same as you'll get over in Trail's End Buffet, but it's the entertainment you're going for.

It's funny enough that my 14 and 18 yo kids want to go back (we last went in 2009). I'm still on the fence: I think it's entertaining, but I don't want those songs haunting my head for a year.

Unless they've changed this, I also feel a little hurt by the fact that it's unlimited beer/wine and I can't drink (allergies), yet, I pay the same for myself and kids as those who partake of a gallon of the adult beverages. (I did not notice anyone leaving 'drunk' though, so they may control the amount served )