The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue first premiered over 50 years ago at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. This family-friendly, campy dinner show includes live music, familiar songs, and plenty of jokes from the Pioneer Hall Players – Johnny Ringo, Claire de Lune, Jim Handy, Flora Long, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum.
Hoop-Dee-Doo is open for dinner only on Wednesday – Sunday nights (no Mondays or Tuesdays), with show times at 4:00 pm, 6:15 pm, and 8:30 pm. Reservations are required, as well as pre-payment for the dinner.
Getting to Hoop-Dee-Doo can take a little extra time since it’s only accessible by bus once you’ve made it to Fort Wilderness (if coming by bus or driving). Once at the Fort Wilderness bus stop, you’ll want to look for the internal Disney bus that says “Pioneer Hall” on the sign. Or, if you’re taking the boat from Magic Kingdom or the Wilderness Lodge, you can easily walk to Pioneer Hall from the Fort Wilderness boat dock.
If you’ve never been to Fort Wilderness, be sure to spend some time soaking in the resort before your dinner! The Tri-Circle-D Ranch horse barn is within walking distance and gives you the opportunity to see the Disney horses from the parades and carriage rides up close. Or you can grab a pre-dinner moonshine cocktail from Crockett’s Tavern right beside Pioneer Hall.
In addition to the musical revue, guests are treated to an all-you-care-to-enjoy, “family style” dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cornbread, and most importantly, strawberry shortcake. Select Coca-Cola products and other non-alcoholic beverages are included in the price of dinner. Plus, adults 21 and older can enjoy a selection of sangria, wine, and draft beer also included in the price. For an additional charge, there are a few specialty beverages options.
Pricing
| Ages 10 and older | Ages 3 to 9 | |
| Category 1 | $78 | $45 |
| Category 2 | $74 | $41 |
| Category 3 | $70 | $40 |
Pricing is based on where you are seated for the dinner show and is selected when you make the reservation. The pricing also includes taxes and gratuity.
Seat Map
For this review, Ryno and I were seated in “Category 2” which we really enjoyed for the view and it was just a little quieter in the balcony seating. I would likely choose Category 2 the next time I’m making reservations at Hoop-Dee-Doo!
The Menu
Beverages included in the price –
- Assorted Coca-Cola Fountain Drinks, Minute Maid Light Lemonade, Unsweetened Iced Tea, Minute Maid Apple Juice, Milk, Chocolate Milk, Twinings Hot Tea, and Freshly Brewed Joffrey’s Coffee.
- Frontera Chardonnay or Merlot, Bud Light or Yuengling Draft Beer, Opici Family Selection Red or White Sangria.
House-made Cornbread
Hoop-Dee-Doo cornbread is famous! It’s a sweet and dense cornbread that pairs perfectly with the salty butter. You can also purchase similar cornbread, chicken, ribs, beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and strawberry shortcake from Trail’s End, Fort Wilderness’ Quick-Service location right next to Pioneer Hall.
Hoop Salad
The Hoop salad features grape tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and a creamy vinaigrette that is pretty incredible. While it might be relatively simple, the dressing is just unique enough that I look forward to this salad every time. The salad accompanies the cornbread and cole slaw at the beginning of the meal before the show begins.
Creamy Coleslaw
The coleslaw is indeed creamy and yet still crisp. It could use a little bit of salt and pepper and I do wish it came with the main course since it would pair well with the barbecue pork ribs.
Smoked Barbecue Pork Ribs and Crispy-fried Chicken
“More chicken, more chicken… let’s eat!” Not only does the fried chicken get a shout-out in one of the songs, but it’s likely just as famous as the show. It’s juicy, fried perfectly, and the breading is just right… my favorite fried chicken at Walt Disney World! Don’t be shy and ask for more of the chicken since it usually comes out piping hot on the second round.
The smoked barbecue pork ribs have been hit and miss in the past but were a hit the night of our review. They’re a little on the drier side but still fall off the bone. Ryno and I both agreed it would be nice to have another meat option that’s not on the bone.
Cornbread-crusted Macaroni & Cheese
The macaroni and cheese used to be an “off-menu” secret item you could ask for and then Disney so graciously officially added it for everyone to enjoy. The mac and cheese is another stand out that is creamy and flavorful with just the right consistency. The cornbread crumbles are very subtle, but honestly, the mac and cheese doesn’t even need it.
Mashed Potatoes
Ryno and I both agreed the mashed potatoes are the best side at Hoop-Dee-Doo. They’re fluffy, buttery, and the small bits of potato give it just the perfect texture. This is another item you should plan on ordering more of.
Cowboy Beans
Baked beans should be a staple item on this menu, but they have disappointed me for a long time. The flavor is not right – too sweet, not enough depth or smokiness. While you may think the “meat” is pulled pork, it’s actually jack fruit, making it a vegetarian side dish. I appreciate that this makes the standard menu more accessible, but I would rather have two different (and better) recipes to accommodate everyone.
Strawberry Shortcake
The fried chicken may get a line in one of the Hoop-Dee-Doo original songs, but the strawberry shortcake gets its own musical number… and rightfully so. The cake is sweet and moist, plus the addition of the fresh strawberry compote is heavenly. I also have to assume the whipped cream is made in-house because it is so dense and creamy. In a word, “perfection.” Since this comes at the end of the meal, you likely wouldn’t be able to ask for seconds, so eat up!
As mentioned, there are plant-based options as well as an allergy-friendly menu. Be sure to mention any dietary needs when checking in for your reservation once at Pioneer Hall.
Plant-Based Options Include –
- BBQ Jackfruit with Chipotle BBQ Sauce, Plant-based Sausage, Green Beans, Roasted Potatoes, Cowboy Beans, Creamy Coleslaw, Garden Salad, Oven Fresh Corn Bread with Plant-based Spread, and Strawberry Shortcake.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue lasts two hours and begins and ends with some crowd involvement. The characters do approach you before putting you on the spot, so you can decline if you’re not ready to make your stage debut. The show ends with a hilarious version of the story of Davy Crockett, including volunteers from the audience to play a can-can dancer, a brave scout, and even Davy’s angel. The show has made only small changes over the years, so aside from a few candid jokes or additional holiday songs, it’s still the same familiar and beloved Hoop-Dee-Doo.
Watch more of Hoop-Dee-Doo and hear about our experience in our DIS Unlimited Disney Dining Show! And let us know in the comments if Hoop-Dee-Doo is a must-do on your Disney World vacation.
