After being closed down for the last 2 years, the Hoop Dee Doo Revue is finally set to reopen this summer! Disney announced the reopening on Tik Tok just yesterday (and included a sneak peek of some of the new backdrops). If you’re looking forward to catching the show this summer, be sure to keep an eye out for reservations opening May 26th. Showtimes begin June 23rd. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE.
Here’s what Disney announced on their blog about the reopening:
The Pioneer Hall Players and Cast Members will be welcoming back Guests to this frontier-style family fun dining experience in Pioneer Hall at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. First Debuting in 1974, Hoop-Dee-Doo will once again offer Guests a rousing Wild West experience, singing, zany vaudeville comedy with lots of laughs, and an unforgettable countrified feast full of fried chicken, smoked BBQ ribs, a variety of savory sides, and of course, strawberry shortcake, yum! The menu is sure to make your mouth water and have you hollerin’ for seconds (and thirds!).”
The Hoop Dee Doo Revue is an iconic Disney attraction that opened in 1974 and has run at Fort Wilderness Resort ever since. Prior to its closure during the pandemic, it was one of the country’s longest running dinner shows. Guests enjoy a 2-hour-long Wild West-themed stage show featuring an all-you-can-eat table service meal.
Here’s the plot: you’re watching a group of traveling performers in the Old West known as the Pioneer Hall Players (made up of performers Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long, and Jim Handy). The show consists of singing and dancing, vaudeville comedy, and improvised audience participation. The improvisation (and ability for the cast to play off of each other and the audience) really helps keep the show fresh even after nearly 50 years of running.
Menu and Pricing at Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Much of the appeal of Hoop Dee Doo Revue is the American comfort food they serve. Enjoy all-you-can-eat portions of fried chicken, BBQ ribs, baked beans, cornbread, and more! For dinner, you can look forward to the famous strawberry shortcake.
We’re not sure yet if the meal prices will be the same as they were pre-pandemic, but they should remain in that ballpark: Adults $64-72, Children $38-43 (depending on your seating location), and no charge for kids under three. Drinks (non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, coffee, and sangria) are included and unlimited as well!
If you are using the Disney Dining Plan, Hoop Dee Doo is a 2-credit table service restaurant. They also accept Tables in Wonderland, offering a 20% discount for the late showtime. Both of these money-saving services remain suspended due to the pandemic, but there’s a chance they could reopen by the time Hoop Dee Doo does.
Allergy-friendly and plant-based dining options are also available upon request.
Location and Showtimes of Hoop Dee Doo
The Hoop Dee Doo Revue is located at Pioneer Hall in the Fort Wilderness Resort. You can attend even if you’re not staying at Fort Wilderness. Just show your reservation or scan your Magic Band at security when you arrive.
Inside Pioneer Hall there’s three tiers to view the show. Booking for each tier varies by price and availability of Dining Plan credits. Pre-pandemic, the main floor (Category 1) saw most of the involvement with the cast. The 2nd and 3rd floor balcony seating (Categories 2 and 3) got picked on a bit, but tended to be more low-key spots to view the show (and avoid getting called on by the cast, if that’s not your thing).
Pre-pandemic shows occurred 3 times a day: typically 4pm, 6:15pm, and 8:30pm. The “new” version post-reopening may have limited showtimes to allow for extra cleaning. Only time will tell as Disney releases more information.
Changes to the Show
Along with the reopening dates, Disney has also announced some changes to the show. Specifically, we can expect updates to the script and the scenery. These changes could be to make the show a bit more COVID-friendly, as much of the original show involved audience participation. Disney has assured, however, that the show will remain true to the original script.
More Reopenings in the Parks
However, Hoop Dee Doo is just the latest attraction slated to reopen this year. We also recently heard that other entertainment, such as the Festival of Fantasy parade, will be reopening for the first time after the pandemic closures.
According to the Disney Parks Blog,
“The return of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is just the latest to make its grand return, joining other recent entertainment offerings like the “Festival of Fantasy” Parade, “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular,” “Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire,” and even “Adventure Friends Cavalcade”! Other shows will be coming back later this year– including “Fantasmic!” and a fresh spin on a guest favorite, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!”
This is promising news… It looks like 2022 may be the year that things start returning back to normal at Disney World!
Also Read: BEST TIME TO VISIT DISNEY WORLD IN 2023
Remember to mark your calendars for May 26th and try to snag a reservation early if you plan to visit. Reservations for this fan-favorite will likely go fast!
