Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue – Disney’s Classic Dinner Show at Fort Wilderness

Hey y’all! If you follow me on Instagram (@TheNorthernPrepster), you would have seen that January 14th was my 21st Birthday! I’m currently writing this on the 16th and so far I’ve had an amazing birthday week. Full of celebration, the things I love, and most importantly the people I love. The day after my birthday Grant and I went to Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, the very first time for Grant! I wanted to share our experience and review with you all. 

Starting off I wanted to tell you all, I have been to Hoop Dee Doo before. I believe I have been 3 times, but it’s been a while lol. But from my experience I can tell you that this is truly for all ages! My first time was when I was probably 2 or 3, and my most recent being 21. While it is almost a 2 hour show, it is fast moving and you’re never bored. So let’s get into the details; costs, location, etc.

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue has been a part of the Disney experience since 1974, 45 years this year! That being said, it isn’t a show you want to miss. And honestly speaking, you’re getting quite the bang for your buck when it comes to value. Not only do you get an all-you-can-eat family style American dinner, you get quality family entertainment with live music and singing (which let’s be honest, in Disney stage shows is rare lol). The show, following the Pioneer Hall Players, is a variety comical singing show of sorts. Bringing in both classic American music as well as some original songs performed by the lovely singers, a live pianist, and a live banjo player. There are some cheeky jokes, but not anything that Disney himself wouldn’t have approved of.

Hoop Dee Doo is performed 3 times a day, 7 days a week, giving plenty of opportunities to see it on your next Disney vacation. Show times are 4:00pm, 6:15pm, and 8:30pm. While the set up of tickets sales have changed throughout the years, you now are able to purchase tickets in different categories; 1, 2, and 3. Category will determine the price as well as where exactly you may be seated. The cheaper the ticket, the farther from the stage.

We had a special situation during our show. We purchased the category 1 tickets, but since our show was not even close to sold out, those who purchased category 2 and 3 tickets still got floor seating. However, I recommend just splurging and going for category 1. And in all honesty the price difference from category 3 to 1 is only $8 for adults. This way you’ll be promised floor seats close to the stage, and since this show does have a lot of audience participation you’ll want to be up close! I’ll attach the link to Disney’s site where they show the floor plan and category seating here.

Price Breakdown (Include Tax and Gratuity):

Category 1: Ages 10+: $72  Ages 3-9: $43

Category 2: Ages 10+: $67 Ages 3-9: $39

Category 3: Ages 10+: $64 Ages 3-9: $38

*Disney Dining Plan is accepted! 2 meal points must be used, and are only valid for category 2 & 3.*

Not gonna lie, getting to Hoop Dee Doo can be tricky if you’re staying on property without a car. If you do have a car, all you need to do is drive to Fort Wilderness, park, then take the Pioneer Hall bus to the settlement. If you’re staying on property without a car the best solution is to bus to Magic Kingdom then take the ferry to Fort Wilderness from there. If you’re staying on the monorail loop you can also take the ferry from the Contemporary. And finally, if you’re staying at Wilderness Lodge you can also take the ferry, or even go for a stroll on the jogging path to get there! Don’t be afraid to ask Cast Members for directions going to or from the show. Also be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in.

So what’s on the menu? This is a southern, all-you-can-eat family style meal! So when you run out of something, just ask for more. When you walk in your table will be set with plates, utensils, a salad, and cornbread. This is honestly my favorite part of the meal. If my tastebuds serve me right the salad has a creamy italian dressing. Your server will come ask your party what you’d like to drink. A variety of coke products are available and included as well as Joffrey’s coffee, chocolate and white milk. And good news for those of you over 21: most alcohol is included! They offer Beso Del Sol white and red sangria, Frontera chardonnay or merlot, as well as Bud Light and Yuengling drafts.

Before they brought out dinner the cast comes into the crowd and does a little birthday and anniversary song. They recognize everyone celebrating and crack some jokes along the way.

As the show progresses your servers will bring out the main course with a song and dance. Fried chicken, BBQ ribs, corn, mashed potatoes, and baked beans are all on the menu. Also: at our show servers were bringing mac and cheese out to tables… So if you’re interested in some of that, it doesn’t hurt to ask for it! Everything is delicious and unlimited, so come hungry! The cast gives everyone some time to eat while they take a break. But don’t worry, I would say it’s no more than 10 minutes and it gives you just enough time to eat and then finish up when the show resumes.

Before the grand finale they bring out dessert, which is strawberry shortcake. I just had enough time to snap a picture before Johnny Ringo, one of the cast, asked me to come up on stage with him to be a part of the show! I was shocked and thankfully Grant got the camera and filmed the whole thing. We did a vlog of it on our YouTube channel – check it out! Luckily they also had a PhotoPass photographer there to snap pictures. They even gave me a certificate for being a part of the show! Definitely a memory I’ll have forever.

After my 5 minutes of fame I got to go back to my seat and have a few bites of strawberry shortcake as the show came to an end. Overall, an amazing show, a great meal, and lifelong memories! We had a blast and I always have and always will recommend Hoop Dee Doo to anyone and everyone.

I hope you guys enjoyed this blog post! Leave me a comment and tell me if you’ve ever been to Hoop Dee Doo Revue or if you want to go. And don’t forget to subscribe to my email list to be notified next time I post.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo
Jayme