Let’s raise the roof inside the Hoop Dee Doo! If you ask me what a must-do at Disney World would be, I would 100 percent say the Hoop Dee Doo Revue over at Fort Wilderness Campground. Why? I fully believe that in my top 5 favorite nights at Disney, every trip to the Hoop Dee Doo would rank in the top 5.
What is the Hoop Dee Doo?
It’s a dinner theater show, filled with singing and dancing, endless food, and unlimited drinks (and yes, I am talking about the alcoholic ones). It’s located at the Fort Wildnerness Campground, and runs 3 times a night, 7 days a week.
Getting There
I will be there first to say that getting to Hoop Dee Doo isn’t easy at all. In fact, I feel like it is probably the hardest place to get on all of property. Look getting to Pioneer Hall, where the Hoop Dee Doo takes place, is so complicated they don’t even list a recommended travel time because it just takes that long. Unless you are staying on the monorail loop or Wilderness Lodge expect to take at least 2 forms of Disney transportation.
However, there is a nice hack! Minnie Vans. Minnie Vans will drop you off right outside of Pioneer Hall, a place regular ride shares can’t drop you off. That’s right, if you take a regular rideshare they will drop you off at the front of Fort Wilderness and you will have to take the internal bus to get to the show. Minnie Vans are the one workaround, they will deliver you directly there, for a price of course. They are significantly more expensive, you can expect to spend around $30-40 to get to Pioneer Hall from elsewhere on Disney property, but they are much quicker and cut your commute time by a significant amount. Would I recommend taking a Minnie Van? Yes, it’s the only way I have traveled to the show, the van is wonderful and carries 2 car seats for the kiddos, plus, your drive is a Disney Cast Member, assuring you magic the entire trip.
Hoop Dee Doo
Once you get to Pioneer Hall check-in at the host stand directly across from the building. Usually, they begin checking people in about 30 minutes before, and this is where they assign your table. I like to arrive early, check-in and grab a cocktail at the window at Crockett’s Tavern, located next door to the show, and take a seat in one of the rockers on the porch. Last time I went there was a lightning storm in the distance and it was the perfect way to relax before the show started.
Once showtime rolls around you can head over to Pioneer Hall, previously they had a photo pass photographer outside the Hall but this past time they didn’t, which was a bit of a bummer. My recommendation, don’t head over until showtime, people tend to line up to get in, but it doesn’t really matter, seats have already been assigned.
The Show
Once seated you can start chowing down and cornbread and salad which is already on the table. The cornbread might honestly be the best part of dinner, it is just that good! Your server will be over to collect your drink order and then you are off. One thing to note gratuity is already included with the ticket price, however, I like to keep those unlimited sangrias coming, so I do put a tip out on the table at the start of the show and my drink NEVER goes empty!
Once you get settled in the stagecoach will “pull up” outside and the show begins. The show itself is nicely timed as you don’t find eating a huge distraction from watching all the silly antics because of how well they pace food and fun. Expect singing, dancing and little crowd interaction before they break for the main course.
Do you want food?!? You’ve got food! The main course is true southern cooking, with fried chicken and ribs being the main feature. Both are good, but not the best food I have had at Disney. Expect typical sides as well, mashed potatoes, bbq beans, a veggie (and hidden menu item, you’ve got to ask for it, mac and cheese). It’s enough food to feed a small army, but if you do run low you can always ask for more. The pacing is nice at the Hoop Dee Doo as they break out into song right before dinner is served and take a nice break so you can actually enjoy your meal.
They will be back for a little more song and dance after dinner and that’s when the real crowd participation takes places. They will pull up four audience members to have a little fun. If you love being on stage, I strongly suggest being enthusiastic all night, as they tend to notice those people and pick them.
Dinner concludes with a crowd favorite, Strawberry Shortcake, and you want to save room for this one. Fun fact, the only real thing to change in this show since it’s been opened is they switched from apple pie to strawberry shortcake as dessert, so the song leading into dessert had to be adjusted too. Besides that, the show has remained the same for 45 years, and it’s one of the longest-running dinner show in American history. This is also the point where they bring out the beloved washboards, so you can play along and snag that great Instagram pic!
Holiday Season
One of the things I love about this show is that during the holidays they decorate the building and they add some Christmas music into the show. While the show is great either way, there is something about a little holiday cheer that really makes the show wonderful during the Christmas Season.
How to Book Your Reservation
So, the show sounds like fun? You can book your reservation 180 days in advance online or by calling. Tickets for ages 10 and older range between $64-72 depending on where you are sitting, with kids ages 3-9 tickets ranging between $38-43 and some tickets are eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.
Overall, if you are looking for a hooting good time, the Hoop Dee Doo is a great break from all things “Disney,” you won’t find Mickey Mouse here and the singing and comedy work for adults and children alike. Come for the singing and dancing and stay for the unlimited food and drinks!
