Review: Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness (Now Including Yuengling Beer!)
Hi everyone!
One of our favorite dining experiences at Walt Disney World is the Hoop-Dee Doo-Revue. Much of the food included can be found for dinner at Trail’s End, but the show is so much fun and the strawberry shortcake is one of the most delectable desserts at Walt Disney World! This is our fourth visit over the past two years, and there were a couple of changes since our last visit in 2013.
Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue celebrates 40 years this year, which makes it one of the longest running musical shows anywhere. The reviews skew higher than Spirit of Aloha at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, a show that has seen many changes through the years – many not favorable (the Polynesian Luau is what I grew up on in the 70’s and 80’s). What I really like about Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is that the spirit of it hasn’t changed through the years. Jokes can change, but the corniness never has!
Guests can arrive to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground in one of several ways. From the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, there is a boat. A walking path is nice during daylight hours from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Guests can also board buses from the parks and Downtown Disney (and I believe there is still the Orange bus at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge). Check with your resort for more information. Guests can also park a car in the Outpost parking lot and take one of the buses in.
One of the best bargain activities on Walt Disney World property is the wagon ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. It’s long been a favorite of ours!
The Settlement is where Pioneer Hall is located (it is connected to Trail’s End).
We didn’t wait outside too long before being called in. I always skip the photo line unless there is a chance I might want a photo. It isn’t mandatory to have a picture taken (the picture packages cost extra).
Our visit to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue was to celebrate the birthday of our friend Derek. Our reservation was originally for an upstairs table, but with my fractured foot (I am currently in a wheelchair), we were seated downstairs. I do recommend Category 1 seating, it really puts you in the middle of the action. I have enjoyed the show from upstairs as well. Last year during one of our meals, we were seated up front.
The meal starts out with delicious cornbread.
Dinner here is all-you-care-to-enjoy, and I really like the salad, so we ended up with a second bucket of it.
The menu was handed out, and there were some changes since our last visit in 2013. Instead of mentioning corn, the menu says “seasonal vegetables”. It was the same corn we have always had. The included beverages have changed to include Yuengling Draft (an upgrade), Beso Del Sol Sangria – so much better than what used to be served, Concha y Tora Frontera Chardonnay, Rose’ or Merlot (inexpensive wine, I liked the sangria too much to switch), and Joffrey’s Coffee.
For comparison, here is a menu from 2012. The salad and cornbread aren’t even mentioned on the new menu, and Bud Light was the only beer offered included in the meal. The coffee brand? Just “coffee”. There was no specific sangria or wine brand mentioned either.
This was taken of the third – and last – pitcher of Yuengling delivered to the table.
I like to use my big plate for salad.
The fried chicken here has always been touted as “world famous”. It is excellent fried chicken, and can be enjoyed at Trail’s End too.
Some of these food photos were taken last year, but the food hasn’t changed. In addition to the fried chicken and corn, there are pork ribs, mashed potatoes and baked beans. It is simple food, but oh-so-good.
We noticed many new faces in the cast this time. Each performance is a little different with jokes, but it is always a wonderful show. There were even a couple of “Frozen” references!
Derek poses with Six-Bits Slocum.
Here are some photos I took of the performance!
The performer here has one of the loveliest voices I’ve heard at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue.
Everyone is encouraged to wave their napkins (well after they already have been used!)
Here are more photos of the Pioneer Hall Players.
From a year ago, here is our video of “Oh, My Darling Clementine”.
This is a photo from last year, my view wasn’t as good this time around for the Strawberry Shortcake song. All of the servers are part of the show, bringing out dessert.
Seriously, save room. There is whipped cream on top and inside! This is a dessert you can only be guaranteed to get at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue (I have received a slice as well for my birthday at Trail’s End).
The show continues, and always includes guests for the finale!
One thing that changed a few years back is the opening song. Here is a look at the new song in 2012.
Guests invited to participate receive a certificate.
We have always had a fantastic time at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review. My first visit was about 30 years ago, and Jeff closer to 40.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a great place for celebrations – from birthdays to anniversaries, to no reason at all!
While the show doesn’t always sell out, I highly recommend advance reservations up to 180 days out. If you have dietary needs, let Disney know ahead of time. Prices, including tax are:
| Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 10 and older | $65.99 – $69.99 | $58.99 – $62.99 | $54.99 – $58.99 |
| Age 3 to 9 | $33.99 – $35.99 | $28.99 – $30.99 | $27.99 – $29.99 |
If you’d like to know more about Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, here is our Mousesteps Weekly #57 show from last year – 22 minutes all about the resort!