Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue Review
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a dinner show at Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort. This Walt Disney World dining review features photos of entertainment and all-you-can eat food, general history of this show, and whether the experience is worth the money. (Updated October 1, 2022.)
Let’s start with some background. It might be odd to think of now, but Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was one of the original ‘upcharge offerings’, a show that was created to lessen the blow of decreased attendance in the wake of the 1973-74 Oil Embargo. It debuted on June 30, 1974 as a temporary summer show with a cast of college interns. It proved so popular that Walt Disney World scrambled to audition a full-time cast once the interns went home, and opened as a permanent show on September 5, 1974. Even that first permanent cast probably didn’t expect that would still be around nearly five decades later.
The production was an immediate hit with guests, and Walt Disney World Entertainment was auditioning a full-time cast by the end of summer. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue opened as a permanent show on September 5, 1974. It’s now one of the longest-running dinner shows in the United States, with more than 40,000 performances. While the show has been tweaked over the years, it’s largely the same today as it was in 1974, maintaining the same spirit of Americana and old-fashioned family fun served with down-home comfort food.
After a long hiatus, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has returned to Walt Disney World! The show features a few updates to its script and scenery, while staying true to the treasured experience the whole family can enjoy. It still features the hilarious, high-spirited entertainment that it’s been known for all these years.
Basically, this means that a few questionable visuals, songs, and lines have been scrubbed from the show. Hoop-Dee-Doo is not materially different, and its irreverence and hijinks have been left mostly untouched. On the plus side, a lot of the backdrops and A/V have received their first refresh in ages.
Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue are available via DisneyWorld.com and the My Disney Experience app. When the beloved dinner show first returned, it was nearly impossible to score ADRs. It has since become much easier, as fans and locals have gotten their fix.
There’s also another variable at play–Walt Disney World opened up more seating sections and is now filling more tables per performance of Hoop-Dee-Doo. Like everything, Fort Wilderness has been negatively impacted by staffing shortages, and that includes Pioneer Hall.
Above is a look at seating categories and pricing for each of the showages for Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Speaking of which, there are 3 nightly seatings of the dinner show. Pioneer Hall’s doors open at 4:00 PM, 6:15 PM or 8:30 PM. Seating will begin immediately at these times; the show begins 20 minutes later.
As you can see from the seating chart above, there are three categories, ranging in cost from $39 to $44 for kids and $66 to $74 for adults. Category 1 is obviously the best, but I’d rather sit in the front row of Category 2 than the back of the main floor. Category 3 can be fine, so long as you’re not too close to the stage as that can make for a tough viewing angle.
Next, transportation info–there’s no direct route between your hotel and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The easiest option is driving your own car (this is the perfect use-case for Minnie Vans, assuming they’re back by then), but you’ll have to park at the front entrance and take bus transportation to Pioneer Hall. Allow 30 minutes for that.
Alternatively, you can take a bus to Magic Kingdom and then a boat to Fort Wilderness. Allow up to 90 minutes for all of that, from your hotel to Fort Wilderness. The best option is doing Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue during your Magic Kingdom day. The boat ride is a relaxing respite from the crowds, and gives you a chance to see sunset on Bay Lake, the Electrical Water Pageant, the evening lights of Magic Kingdom, or whatever else is happening–depends on which showtime you choose. (Our favorite is the first one, but then again, we’ve been training to take advantage of the Bob Evans early bird specials.)
Now let’s turn to regular basics and our review of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. The menu here features unlimited down-home comfort food, with likewise unlimited beer, wine, and soda. This dinner show is a 2-credit table service restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan (given the out of pocket price, it’s a really poor use of Dining Plan credits) and accepts Tables in Wonderland for a 20% discount at the late show. (Like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, both the Disney Dining Plan and Tables in Wonderland are temporarily suspended, but will hopefully be back soon…also like HDDMR!)
Hoop-Dee-Doo offers three different view tiers, which vary by price and Disney Dining Plan credit availability. We think it is worth it to get the Category 1 (main floor) seating to be in the center of the action. Conversely, if you don’t like being “picked on” you might want to opt for Category 2 or 3 balcony seating to be safe.
In addition to the show’s history, I have some personal history with Hoop Dee Doo. As I’ve noted elsewhere on the blog, before Shades of Green opened, my family’s Walt Disney World ‘resort’ of choice for our annual trip was Fort Wilderness. Part of that tradition was seeing Hoop-Dee-Doo every year, something that I remember being a hoot for me as a kid.
However, the last time I had seen Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue was some 20 years ago, and to be frank, any memories I had of the show could’ve just as easily been memories of the Diamond Horseshoe show (another tradition) that got confused over time. So, this was more or less a new experience for me.
The concept here is simple: you’re a guest watching a traveling vaudevillian troupe of performers know as the Pioneer Hall Players for a 2-hour variety showing consisting of Wild West dancing, singing, cornball humor, and improvised audience-centric comedy acts.
The show features Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long and Jim Handy on stage in defined ‘roles’ that allow them to play off of one another and the audience to present an eclectic show. Even though this “same” show has been running multiple times for decades, it manages to remain fresh and enjoyable on repeat viewings.
This is, in part, thanks to the audience. Guest participation is a big element of the show, and the performers here do a great job of working the crowd, choosing easy marks who are most likely to give the reactions they’re after. It also helps that Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has a lot of regulars in the crowd.
From older couples who visit every year to families whose kids grow up on it to College Program students who visit a couple times a year on Cast discounts. The crowd feeds off of the performers’ energy, and vice-a-versa, and it’s really nice to have an audience that doesn’t just stare blankly at the performers.
With that said, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is definitely not a show for everyone. I think without exception, small children will probably love it. The entertainment is vivacious and contains just enough low-level humor to elicit plenty of laughs from this crowd, and the high-energy and fast pass keeps it engaging. Most teens probably will not like it, as that seems to be the audience least appreciative of hokey humor.
The college age and older crowd seems most hit or miss. I could see twenty-somethings enjoying this ironically, or perhaps even genuinely. Older generations are probably going to have a sincere appreciation of this bygone style of humor. As for anyone in between, it’s a matter of personal preference.
There are a lot of corny dad jokes, but we hesitate to describe the show like that, as it really is a disservice. The vast majority of guests are going to enjoy Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
We think the good, clean fun style of wit is almost universally appealing, so you probably won’t find too many people (aside from too-cool teens) who don’t enjoy Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue to at least some extent.
This show wouldn’t be such a long running hit if most guests didn’t enjoy it. Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is absolutely, unironically hilarious, and regular readers should have a good idea of my idea of humor by now.
We’ve spent a long time on the entertainment and haven’t said a word about the food. That’s because the entertainment is a big part of what you’re paying for here.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue shares a kitchen with Trail’s End Buffet next door, and literally everything served at Hoop-Dee-Doo is also on the dinner buffet at Trail’s End. Basically, the food at the Musical Revue is an abridged, family style version of exactly what’s available at Trail’s End–plus unlimited booze.
There’s nothing wrong with this. As we noted in our Trail’s End Buffet Dinner Review, it’s one of our favorite–and most underrated–buffets at Walt Disney World.
It’s more something we mention so you can go next door to the significantly cheaper dinner. If your only concern is the food, do Trail’s End–it’s about half the cost with double the choices.
The good news with Hoop Dee Doo is that its a ‘best-of’ the Trail’s End buffet.
As I remarked in that review: “The standouts here were, without question, the fried chicken and smoked pork ribs. I think I ate approximately 23 pounds of these over the course of the meal.”
In addition to the crowd-pleasing favorites of fried chicken, ribs, and mashed potatoes, be sure not to overlook the corn bread.
It is not just pointless filler here–it’s delicious.
The strawberry shortcake is also a fan favorite.
As a pro-tip, if you’re polite to your server, you might be able to get one of your favorites from Trail’s End brought over. No promises on that one, and they are certainly under no obligation to bring you items that aren’t on the menu, so don’t press your luck.
Ultimately, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a quintessential Vacation Kingdom of the World experience that every die-hard Walt Disney World fan should do at least once. It is absolutely fantastic to have it back, even if a bit later than we would’ve liked to see. This is especially true after the big blow of losing Spirit of Aloha.
While the hokey humor won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has something for nearly everyone. The performers are incredibly talented, the audience engagement gives it a great energy, and it’s a good meal. Anyone who is a regular reader of this blog (or somehow actually finds my “humor” to be funny) is pretty likely to appreciate Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Are you a Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue fan? If you’ve done this Walt Disney World dinner show, what are your thoughts on it–both the food and the fun? Anxiously awaiting the return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
My tween (12yo) son and I saw it in September. I’d seen it as a child, and again about 20 years ago as a young adult. He and I both loved it, and even he thought the corny jokes were hilarious. I booked early enough to secure a table next to the stage and the piano, and it was a fantastic experience. We can’t wait to go again!
My daughter (who has special needs–aged 30) & I did the Hoop-de-Doo for our first time this past July 2016. I was concerned she would think it was dumb or be bored. It was her most favorite meal/dinner of the 11days we were at Disney World! What fun we had! Next time we will skip Be Our Guest-(which we have done twice before)-to do this fun dinner show again!
My wife and I went on our honeymoon and sat front and center, we did the kiss behind the napkin and I was the Indian Brave. I couldn’t believe how often I was recognized later in the trip, even when we got home someone at the airport said to their kid, “Look! There’s the Indian brave!” It was a lot of fun. I have a certificate of bravery or something like that for my efforts.
We went with our kids and my in-laws and my F-I-L was in the tutu and the kids loved it.
I”m surprised you didn’t mention the change in the music a few years ago. I guess if you haven’t seen it before, there’s no real issue because you wouldn’t know the difference, but some who loved the old version don’t like the new version as much, of course.
I’d say everyone should try it once at least.
I was not aware that the music had changed. My memory of the original show from my childhood is pretty weak. Thanks for the info on that!
It had to do with the original songwriters. If I recall correctly, at the beginning the signature song was in and out of the show because it was run by college kids, etc. By the time it became permanent, no one knew who wrote it. Fast forward to 40ish years later, one of the songwriters goes to the show, thinks it’s great and tells Disney so. Disney tries to get a legally binding contract for permission to use the song. The first songwriter signs, has no issue with it, but tells Disney about the other songwriter. Here’s where I get fuzzy on the details. The second songwriter had died or was close to doing so, but his estate was willing to give permission after Disney paid the royalties for the 1000s of times it was performed. Disney decided they were better off going in a similar, but distinctly different direction. I think I heard the story from Jim Korkis. I don’t know if anything changed since then, but there was mild disappointment from longtime fans that paid attention.
My husband and I are early 30s and wouldn’t miss it! All that food and entertainment for cheaper than we could get it here in MN! We’ve always requested a Category 2 table for 2 and been seated at a table VERY near the stage, off to the side – just a tip if you’re traveling as a party of 2 – the performers pass your table MANY times!
We love the show! Both my husband and I went as kids, together on our honeymoon, and then took the kids when they were 2.5 and 4 years. I was a little worried they might be too young but they loved it! It’s fast paced enough to hold the attention of a 2 year old and the songs are catchy.
First saw the Hoop Dee Doo in 1988 (as part of the Grand Plan). My DIL was selected to be the Can Can girl. If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary (as we were), make sure to tell the staff. A performer will show up at your table to make an announcement.
We’ve seen the show several times, yet have never been seated in the same section. Once we sat in front, smack dab against the stage, and became the object of a joke or two, or three. It was great. We also enjoyed the balcony, as it offered an entirely different view. But the best seats for interaction, as Tom says, are on the main floor.
Seeing the show once would be enough for most people, since it’s not cheap and is always the same (except at Christmas, when seasonal music is added). We went several times because we were with different people. Not once though have I heard anyone say they didn’t like the show or the food.
I was a group Tour Escort that took my group to the show more than 20 years ago and was “lucky” enough to be chosen for the Davy Crockett scene where his “spirit” comes back on stage in a tutu and tiara. I never lived that one down…..and I LOVED every minute of it!!!! The friggin’ bus driver on the way back to the hotel made me stand up and be cheered as a “celebrity”. I am still trying to track down all the photos and get them destroyed (lol). I highly recommend the show, and have seen it multiple times.
Went for the first time in December, loved it – the food was great – our waiter was not very good but it won’t affect us from going back – also sat on the first floor and loved the interaction – will go back to see a non-Christmas edition.
We went with friends about 2 years ago for my Birthday, and I loved the show. The performers were top-notch and the food was great. I do wish they added a hard cider as an option along with the beer and wine. It is perhaps the corniest show I’ve had the pleasure of ever watching, and if you don’t like goofy puns, this really isn’t the show for you. But man, is the closing number a glorious tribute to working the audience, Goofy, puny humor, and bears.
I think I’m in the minority here when I say that my husband and I absolutely hated Hoop Dee Doo. I had seen this show during my first trip to WDW when I was 10 and remembered loving it, so naturally I made reservations for my husband and me when we went for our Disneymoon. We were seated right next to the piano and the performers were right on top of us, so we asked to be moved to the back. The manager made a snide remark about moving us, which caught me off-guard. My husband and I both have great senses of humor and love to laugh, but we found the show to be loud and obnoxious. I think families with young kids (and most people, for that matter) will really like Hoop Dee Doo. I wanted to love this show, but it just missed the mark for us.
We saw it last night for the first time and loved it! My 12 year old daughter loved all the puns and ironic humor and my 9 year old son laughed the whole way through (he also ate many ribs). My husband and I were also quite impressed with the performer’s abilities to ad lib and improvise. On the bus back to our resort, we were already planning to see it in the summer to see how it’s different as there were many Christmas songs this time. Loved it and definitely recommend it!
We saw Hoop-Dee-Doo for the first (and last time) during our trip this year right after Thanksgiving. While we enjoyed the food, it definitely was not worth 2 dining plan credits and, until the final number, we didn’t find it all that entertaining. Even as our Disney travel agent said to us after our trip – she doesn’t book it very often for her customers and I can see why.
I’m glad we saw it once but we probably won’t see it again.
This September in front of The Great Movie Ride, I briefly met you and Sarah (you both were kind enough to take a picture with me).
You had mentioned that you were on your way over to Fort Wilderness to view Hoop-De-Doo, so I figured I’d be seeing a review sometime in the future. Here it is!
I’m so glad you enjoy it as much as I do. Sure it’s completely hokey, but it’s fun. And the food & unlimited beer/wine/sangria are fantastic.
It’s not an every year thing for us, but every so often we get the urge to go back. It’s currently been 6 years since our last visit, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be hooping it up again next year.
This is one of the few (only?) upcharge events that I love and wholly endorse. My wife, three sons and I have done this three times over the last ten years. I can’t wait to do it again. It’s great food and entertainment. I would be happy to sit in any of the three categories. A side benefit of seeing the show is to be exposed to Ft. Wilderness if you haven’t yet seen it. I agree with the opinion that every Disney nerd owes it to themselves to do at least once. Although the pricing may or may not have changed over the last ten years, the quality seems to have remained high. This is the exception to the rule around US Disney parks nowadays.
I’d be fine with a lot more upcharge offerings if they followed this formula of delivering a high-quality, unique experience that felt like something that should be offered outside of standard park attractions & entertainment.
Things like runDisney, a lot of D23 events, and backstage tours all qualify (IMO), even if some of those things are priced too high for me, personally.
We went for the first time this past November while on our honeymoon. We both loved it! We were front row and I laughed a lot. I also LOVED the cornbread, best I ever had! My husband loved all the food. Our server was not great though, he was pretty much on autopilot and seemed like he had been there since 1974. Despite that though we had a fantastic time, great food and the performers were amazing and on point! But I agree this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. If you aren’t sure if you or someone in your party will like it check out A bit of it on YouTube before spending the money.
I grew up going to WDW, but we never got around to this show. My husband and I went on the first night of our honeymoon last year and LOVED it. We then took my parents and brother at Christmas, also last year, and they wholeheartedly agreed with us. We’ve decided this will be a new Christmas tradition for us on the year’s my husband and I visit my folks.
Looking forward to seeing this in June when we are staying at Fort Wilderness. I haven’t seen it since my parents took me when I was 9, 30 years ago.
Like you I remember my parents taking us to Hoop de Doo several times as a child and I remember loving it. When I planned our vacation for this past September to take my 4 year old daughter for her first trip, this was a must do on my list. It was fantastic. My daughter enjoyed it and so did my husband and I. The food was delicious & the unlimited wine was pretty nice too ☺ï¸. We will for sure do this on our next Disney vacation.
Hoop Dee Doo Revue is a fun, hokey, entertaining show with decent food / drink and lots of it if you choose go that route. However, at $259 for my family of four, I can’t justify doing it again. I’m glad we did it once, because it was a lot of fun and my girls really enjoyed the experience. But that $259 would add the Water Parks & More option to my WDW tickets, and we REALLY love the water parks!
Yikes, that really is a tough pill to swallow if you’re taking a family of four.
I think perhaps the best/easiest way to justify it is if you were instead going to drink around the world at Epcot, or do some sort of drinking at Walt Disney World. With the unlimited booze, the cost becomes more palatable after a few drinks.
Of course, not everyone drinks, and the in-park cost of alcohol is an arbitrary measure of comparison when you’re at a resort (and thus could be consuming store-bought beverages), but it can make it easier to justify to oneself, at least.
When my daughter was about 6, the two things in all of WDW that she wanted to make sure she did were: meet Anna and Elsa, and see “that dinner show where they sing”. So in my case you are definitely right about kids long it. My wife and I thoroughly enjoy it as well.
Also, hidden behind the vaudeville style show and the humor is the fact that the performers are *good*. Their singing /dancing/piano talents are quite high
Thanks for pointing this out. I really should have done a better job emphasizing this in the post because the performers are incredibly talented. I was most impressed with how they were able to work the audience and ad lib, but as you mention, the singing and dancing (and delivery of scripted humor) is all top-notch.
People might hesitate to pay extra for a show when there is a plethora of great in-park entertainment, but I really feel that this is a ‘next-level’ experience that is (easily) worthy of the surcharge.