Would you take noisy kids to Hoop Dee Do?

[delmar411]

My kids are more than a handful most of the time and can get downright loud and hyper when stressed. And yet I'm still contemplating booking HDD for when we are there in Dec. I'm hoping that over this year they will calm down a bit. But I know they will still not be those model kids that everyone else seems to have!

Would you still book it?

If I do book it how close to the date can I cancel and not be charged? (in case their behavior has not changed enough)

TIA!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Full-refund cancellations are 48-hrs.
2) I would think hard about taking the kids.
3) Being loud at HDDR is one thing.
4) Interrupting others, even at HDDR can be considered rude.

 

[delmar411]

4) Interrupting others, even at HDDR can be considered rude.

This is my exact concern. I think I'll wait until the summer and re-visit their behavior before making any type of ADRs.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

My kids are more than a handful most of the time and can get downright loud and hyper when stressed. And yet I'm still contemplating booking HDD for when we are there in Dec. I'm hoping that over this year they will calm down a bit. But I know they will still not be those model kids that everyone else seems to have!

Would you still book it?

If I do book it how close to the date can I cancel and not be charged? (in case their behavior has not changed enough)

TIA!!

What is your plan for all dining? How do you handle dining out when you are home? Why would they be stressed in the first place?

 

[delmar411]

What is your plan for all dining? How do you handle dining out when you are home? Why would they be stressed in the first place?

We don't dine out at home. Actually we eat out approx 3x per month at the exact same place each time and work really hard to keep them occupied.

They are routine oriented children. Being overtired, over stimulated, too much of everything stresses them out and they act out or melt down when that happens.

WDW is fun and amazing but there is so much going on for all their senses that some kids need to blow off steam the only way they know how.

 

[pickles]

I assume they have been tested and a diagnosis discovered? What is it? I have 2 sn kids(fasd), so can relate. I am lucky tho as active places like Disney are good for mine. It's the quiet library type places that drive mine batty.

 

[Aliceacc]

We don't dine out at home. Actually we eat out approx 3x per month at the exact same place each time and work really hard to keep them occupied.

They are routine oriented children. Being overtired, over stimulated, too much of everything stresses them out and they act out or melt down when that happens.

WDW is fun and amazing but there is so much going on for all their senses that some kids need to blow off steam the only way they know how.

Would you consider a dailly return to the hotel for a nap/swim? That may help them calm down a bit. Cut off those meltdowns before they happen. Then book HDDR for a time when you can expect them to be at their best-- either the first show of the day, or right after a nap break.

 

[disnut8]

One big thing for Hoop Dee Doo in your situation. The kids will need to be seated throughout the show. The performers will be all over the restaurant, not just up on a stage. Especially in the beginning. If they cannot sit in their chair for the entire time, you might want to wait until they can.

 

[Muushka]

This is my exact concern. I think I'll wait until the summer and re-visit their behavior before making any type of ADRs.

What a considerate mother you are to other diners!

 

[TXTurtles]

No suggestions but THANK YOU!!!! for having a realistic view of your children and for being so considerate of others!!! You're right, WDW is a high-stimulus environment and it's tough on the most mellow of kids. Hopefully it works out for you but, if nothing else, know that the world (and World) is a far better place because of considerate parents like you. Thanks!

 

[skipperkim]

I too have to echo kudos to you for being considerate of others. Yes, it will be loud and they would need to remain in their seats. You don't say how old you kids are. But I'd make the ADR, go for a table upstairs facing the stage if possible. That way the actors won't be too near the kids. Though they will be upstairs when they ask for birthdays and anniversaries. If you feel the kids aren't going to make it through the show, you can cancel them far enough out that you won't lose money on it. All that said, I'm fairly certain that they will love the ending. I do have to agree that maybe after a relaxing day at the resort and the first show, they might do best.

 

[hildarumpole]

I just want to say thanks for being such a thoughtful person and caring parent. It would be heavenly if more parents really understood their kids and the impact of their behavior on others. Your kids are lucky to have such a smart mom.

 

[terri01p]

My goodness whenever we went the HDDR it was a noisy mess, I say take them and let them enjoy, the table over from us was full of 8 adults hollaring and living it up, what's the differents with kids doing that. I say take them and have a good time.

They pass around pots and pans for the kids to bang on so what's the differents this is not fine dinning, go for it.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

My goodness whenever we went the HDDR it was a noisy mess, I say take them and let them enjoy, the table over from us was full of 8 adults hollaring and living it up, what's the differents with kids doing that. I say take them and have a good time.

They pass around pots and pans for the kids to bang on so what's the differents this is not fine dinning, go for it.

The biggest problem would be they need to stay in their seats...

 

[GoofTroop]

My goodness whenever we went the HDDR it was a noisy mess, I say take them and let them enjoy, the table over from us was full of 8 adults hollaring and living it up, what's the differents with kids doing that. I say take them and have a good time.

They pass around pots and pans for the kids to bang on so what's the differents this is not fine dinning, go for it.

I agree! HDDR is very loud. We took our four kids there. My kids were 12, 9, 6, and 1 at the time. My 12 and 6 year old are both autistic, and the baby has sensory integration disorder. I was worried about how it would all go. But the place is so loud that if my kids were loud, nobody noticed or could hear them! We all had a great time and my kids have all asked to go back again. That was one meal we didn't leave stressed after. The kids never "stuck out", enjoyed the entertainment, ate quite well considering all the stimulation, and they loved playing the washboards at the end.

I'd go again in a heartbeat with my kids. Chef Mickey's was much more overstimulating for my kids than HDDR.

Maybe one thing to consider is getting Category 2 seating? And make sure it's not a seat in the balcony, but on the main floor. Cat 2 is towards the back, closest to the exits, in case you needed to temporarily leave with one of the kids. Also, keep in mind you have to go outside to go to the restrooms. I'm not sure I'd feel safe with rambunctious kids on the balcony. Especially if the adults in your group are outnumbered!

Good luck in your decision!

Elizabeth