Check Out This Classic Disney Dinner Show

The Hoopla about the Hoop Dee Doo Revue

I think if you asked the average person about their most magical Disney experience, you’d probably get an answer about watching fireworks or seeing the joy in their child’s eyes when they first gazed upon a real-life version of the evil critic from Ratatouille.

I won’t deny how great that stuff is, but when I think of Disney magic, I think of something a little more retro and bit more western. Let’s hop on a boat from the Wilderness Lodge and be sure to bring your appetite and sense of nostalgia because I’m telling you why I love the Hoop Dee Doo Revue and you will too!

The Big Whoop About the Hoop

So what exactly is the Hoop De Doo Review? It’s essentially an old-fashioned variety show in its style but updated with modern humor. 

There is music, dancing, song, skits, and jokes. It’s family friendly and filled with tongue and cheek humor.

You’ll laugh a lot and I’m not ashamed to say I even teared up at one point. It feels like an evening of classic Americana that comes from the side of Walt Disney that created Main Street USA rather than the fantasy of Cinderella’s Castle or the retrofuturism of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth.

But I’m getting a little ahead of myself. First we have to get there.

Pioneer Passage

The Hoop De Doo Revue happens twice a day in the Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. There are multiple buses that will take you there, as well as boats from the Magic Kingdom or Wilderness Lodge resort.

You can also drive here and park, though the one time we tried to take an Uber the driver got very confused so I wouldn’t recommend the rideshare option.

Buy your tickets on the Disney app and get there early to check out the nearby gift shop and Crockett’s Tavern for some wonderful whisky drinks next door. If you’re there early enough you can check out the stables at Fort Wilderness to see the horses that are featured in the parades.

Settle in, “Pardner”

When you get to Pioneer Hall you will see a check in outside and they give you a ticket and then you line up to be let in and directed to your table. If you don’t want to be interactive during the show, get the cheaper tickets in the balcony section. 

There’s no risk of being pulled onstage up there and it has great views as well.

Depending on what show you see, and the time of year, you can sometimes make the early show and then watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the shore at Fort Wilderness.

It would definitely best be enjoyed with a group, but I still felt welcome and comfortable both times I attended, once with Mr. Tipsy and once by myself.

Dinner…

The food and drinks are family style and all you can eat, or “all you can enjoy” as they prefer to call it. There is salad and cornbread waiting for you at the table when you sit down.

As the meal progresses you’ll be brought ribs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, beans, coleslaw, and some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. You can request a vegetarian alternative but either way it all ends off with an amazing strawberry shortcake.

For drinks, pop, beer, juice, and wine are all included. If you’re willing to pay an extra $15.50 up-charge, they offer a special “Giddy-Up” cocktail made from vodka, lemonade, and iced tea.

…And a show!

The musical aspect of the show features singing and dancing with live banjo and piano music. The comedy parts were really funny while still being appropriate for all audiences. 

I saw everyone from kids to eighty year-olds having a great time. There was a hysterical slapstick performer who reminded me of the late John Ritter. 

All in all I hope this show never goes away, as it’s reminiscent of the Walt era of Disney and so nostalgic and special.

I think it would be a special way to celebrate a wedding anniversary, as they do a special moment for every show and there are lots of people there celebrating.

As I said, there were times when I started to tear up at some of the classic Americana aspects, but I don’t want to spoil anything. In fact, I think you should go experience it yourself.

I bet you’ll have a really good time!