A Question about dinner shows

mitchk

mitchk

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've posted on these boards, but I was going through some serious Disney depression, but my wife, and I have decided to go back in September. We have the free dinning, and wanted to know about some dinner shows ( that's something we have never done before). We were think either Hoop Dee Doo, or Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau. I know they both have beer ( that is a big plus for me), but the Luau is listed as all you can drink beer, how does that work? ( I'm guessing when ever your server comes around you can order another beer). But how about the shows, and food? What kind of shows are they, and what is the food like? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, and I'll see you at the World :wave:
 
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Tiggerfanatic

Tiggerfanatic

Well-Known Member
We did the Hop-Dee-Doo last year for the first time and loved it! The entertainment is silly, but a lot of fun (think Hee Haw), and the food was really good, IMO. You get fried chicken and BBQ ribs, with strawberry shortcake for dessert. And all the beer and wine you want - when your glass is empty, just ask the server for another!! I would highly recomend it.
 
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Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
Of the two I would pick Hoop de do. Now onto why.

When it comes to food most people prefer Hoop de-do over the Luau. Hoop de do had fried chicken, ribs, beans, mashed potatoes etc which tends to agree with the majority of palates. The Luau on the other hand has food with a Polynesian flair to it which can be a bit polarizing. You either love it or you hate it. The majority of negative reviews on the Luau center around the food.

On the subject of drinks as you stated your server will come around and periodically refill your drinks. This goes for beer as well which if I remember correctly the beer is bud light draft and not bottles.

The shows again are a matter of taste. Hoop de do is kind of like a western vaudevillian show. There is a bunch of singing, dancing, comedy and a fair bit of audience participation. The luau is kind similar but with a Polynesian flair. You will have a fire dancer, hula dancers, etc

One big difference that most people do not consider is the venue. Hoop de do is in an environmentally controlled building and the Luau is in an open air theater. Because of this you are kind of at the mercy of the weather at the Luau and the show can get canceled at a moments notice (has happened to us twice)
 
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njDizFan

njDizFan

Well-Known Member
Well as stated before this is a matter of taste. I definately prefer the spirit of Aloha. I like thae fact that it's in an open air environment. I went to the Luau at Sea World last year and didn't enjoy it as much do to the fact that it was in a theater. Also, all the Bud draft you can drink is great. my server had my refill before I could finish the last one. Needless to say I was a little tipsy.

Food slight edge to hoop-de, show and theater big edge to Aloha
 
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tigsmom

tigsmom

Well-Known Member
I also would pick the Hoop Dee Do over the Luau. We really enjoy the food more and being inside on a hot summers evening is very nice. In fact bring a sweater, they keep the place quite cool. :cool:
 
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luvlifeinfl

luvlifeinfl

New Member
I guess I am the odd ball. We have been to both the shows & we prefer the Luau @ the Poly. We really enjoyed the food. Yes you are at the Mercy of the weather & I know when we went it started to pour right after we were seated. The amazing thing was the show still went on. The other thing is we prefer to sit outside & eat, for us the resturants are always to cold.
 
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F

figment88

New Member
Hand's down we pick the Hoop De Doo Revue. I have been to both the Luau (Spirit Of Aloha) and HDDR many times. I walk out of HDDR singing the songs, laughing with my family remembering the cornball jokes, grateful we just had the best waitress EVER..etc....
The last 2 visits to SOA took place on beautiful days, so weather was not a factor. The service, show, and food are just not that good. In both instances we left early, this last time I was shaking my head I couldn't believe I tried it again thinking it would be different. The "open air" theatre isn't that impressive either. There is a LOW roof over the seating area, and it prohibits any kind of "Theatre" atmosphere. We had Cat 1 seating and had better views previously at cat 3. It is fun to visit the Poly, the grounds, lobby, torches, and beach make for lovely tropical atmosphere, but next time we'll go to Ohana.
Both have Beer included in meal and show price. Be aware that if your on the dinning plan it takes 2 dinner credits and they will not let you reserve cat1 seating.
Good Luck!!!
 
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pcarathers

pcarathers

Active Member
we went to Hoop de back in May. It was our first time going and were not sure of what to expect. It was me, my 67 year old dad, sister and her 15 year old son and his best friend. We loved the audience participation and thought the act was funny. BUT the 2 teenagers loved it more than we did!!! they laughed and played along when they brought out the washboards at the end. I'm not sure that young kids would get much out of it, as the jokes and puns were aimed at the older audience. Nonetheless, we will be going back...The food was great and the dessert was RICH>>>>> 2 people can easily eat on 1 dessert......we have not done the LUAU, but want to at least give it a try...
 
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mitchk

mitchk

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Thanks everyone :wave: See it's going to be just me (30), and my wife (28), so what show do you think we would enjoy more? It kind of seems like Hoop Dee Doo is aimed more toward kids.
 
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mitchk

mitchk

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Well, let's put it this way, I really don't like having to be part of the show (actors bothering you while your eating, ect .... ) Is this the case at both shows? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to choose the dinner that's right for us, and again, thank you everyone for all your help :wave:
 
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foreverbelle

foreverbelle

Well-Known Member
i haven't been to either one myself, but my in-laws did and i don't think they liked the hoop d one..they said their kids (5&2) just weren't into it...so I don't know because I have heard such good things about it.
 
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Leianne

Leianne

New Member
mitchk said:
Well, let's put it this way, I really don't like having to be part of the show (actors bothering you while your eating, ect .... ) Is this the case at both shows? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to choose the dinner that's right for us, and again, thank you everyone for all your help :wave:
Click to expand...



I have been to both, (HDD 4 times actually) the actors in Hoop Dee Doo, do come around and interact with the audience. But its only for a few songs. We have no children, we go for the beer and ribs! :slurp:
 
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