If you've never been to the Pioneer Hall Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review you need to grab a reservation on your next trip to Walt Disney World! It's a foot stomping good time! To be honest the show hasn't changed much over the years, but that's the charm of it all! If you've ever been before you'll see the same familiar faces in the entertainment.
I think part of the show starts well before the doors of Pioneer Hall open. The front porch/front area and all around the wrap around porch is filled with people lined up sometimes two hours prior to showtime. The line forms because even though they've purchased their tickets in advance, they think that it's first come, first serve to get a particular seat in the section they paid for, but it's not the case. The seats are assigned first come, first served based on the Category you paid for, BUT they are assigned in the order you paid. For instance, if you called in two months prior, your seats would be closer to the stage depending on the Category you choose.
The breakdown is three Categories with Category 1 being front and center and going towards the back all the on the first floor, then you move into Category 2 which is first floor to the sides and in the back and then Category 3 is upstairs. Personally, I like the upstairs when I'm not with the kiddos. It's seating against a railing that overlooks the stage and downstairs diners. When I'm with the kids, it find it a bit of a hassle when they are younger. You are in a line, not around a table...think lined up like eating at a bar. So when someone needs me to help them with food, etc., I would have to get up and walk over. it's much easier downstairs at full tables. I will say that they changed the tables downstairs. If you're used the other old round ones, you'll be surprised. They now have big rectangle ones. I guess it's easier for the wait staff to get around. There is a plus to dining upstairs with little kids and that's that it set away from a lot of patrons and I personally think less noisy. So, choose which works best for your family. The difference in pricing isn't really that much either way!
After the doors open on time, you'll be escorted to your assigned table that already has a fresh helping of cornbread and salad waiting for you! Dig in! This is just the beginning! This restaurant is all you care to eat and believe me... people eat! You'll be watching the Vaudville style entertainment which you continue with courses being served..... Fried Chicken, Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Mashed potatoes, Salad and that infamous cornbread. Then your grand finale is a beautiful Strawberry Shortcake!
Sit back, relax and enjoy one of the most guest interactive shows Walt Disney World has on property. Lots of laughter, singing, dancing and all around fun!
Some key tips:
Make sure you allow 1.5 hours of transportation around Disney property. (Trust me on this one) Once you reach Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (Where the Hoop Dee Doo is located), you'll find that you need to park your car in the main parking lot or if you took a bus disembark. You'll then need to board an interior bus that will have a few stops prior to getting you to the Pioneer Hall. So between multiple forms of transportation and the length it takes to get around property during construction, your better off with the 1.5 hour timeframe.
Be at least 45 minutes EARLY! You'll need to pick up your seating ticket. They used to do this at the Guest Relations Window on the Pioneer Hall front porch, but now they are doing it with a little stand across from the porch itself. You'll see people lining up. They want you early to make sure you are in the door at show time. They close the doors and DO NOT allow anyone to come in once the show starts. It's actually boarded up with a host/hostess standing at them.
Be prepared for a loud show! There is a lot of stamping of feet, slamming of dishes, bells, whistles and instruments that are all going off at the same time. I have Autistic children and the little one used his noise cancelling headphones for the show.
That's all! Don't pass up this Classic Walt Disney World treasure! You'll have a great time and everyone will remember it for years to come!