If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly-dinner-and-entertainment all-in-one experience on your Walt Disney World vacation – you can’t beat the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review!  Described on Disney’s website as “A hilarious, high-spirited hootenanny the whole family will enjoy, accompanied by a finger-lickin’ countrified feast” – good food meets good fun at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground’s Pioneer Hall.

The Fam and I have seen the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review on more than one occasion and let me tell you – it is indeed hilarious and highly entertaining.  I put it to the true test for any type of entertainment and once brought along not one, but TWO 15-year-old boys.  If they gave it a “two thumbs up” rating (and they did), you know it’s absolutely fantastic!  They thought the show was corny – but in a really good way.  Added praise – They both asked to go again the next time we went to Disney World.

The Pioneer Players perform skits, sing, dance, and interact with the audience – it’s energetic, a little bit silly, and completely different from anything else at Walt Disney World.  The dinner lasts approximately 2 hours and while you’re eating, you’re bound to notice that the Pioneer Players clearly love what they do.  With colorful characters like Claire de Lune and Six Bits Slocum – children and adults alike are completely captivated!

If you’re using Disney transportation, you can catch a boat at the Magic Kingdom or at the Contemporary Resort and enjoy a tranquil and relaxing cruise across Bay Lake to the Campgrounds at Fort Wilderness.  Once the boat docks, it’s just a short walk to Pioneer Hall.  After checking in, you’ll be seated at your table and the all-you-care-to-eat, family-style dinner will begin.  Your server will bring cornbread, salad, baked beans, fried chicken, and BBQ pork ribs – all you want!  Soft drinks and, for adults 21 and over, beer, wine, and sangria are included.  Finally – the grand finale is Strawberry Shortcake – which is both a dessert and a musical production!

Pre-payment for the Hoop-Dee-Doo is required and prices are based on where you choose to sit.  Three seating areas are available:  Main Floor, Category 2, and Category 3.  The Main Floor puts you close to the stage on ground level.  Category 2 is either floor level (back and/or to the sides of Category 1) or balcony tables directly out from center-stage.  Category 3 is balcony seating to the right and left of the stage.  Prices range from $54.99 – $69.99 for adults (10 and older) and  $25.99-$34.99 for children, ages 3-9.  Show times are currently 4:00, 6:15, and 8:30 pm.  Yes, it may seem expensive and time-consuming, but there’s a reason this show has been running continuously since 1974 – it is delightfully excellent entertainment – and the food’s good too.

Have you ever been to see the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review?  What did you think?