When it comes to dinner and a show Disney has a pretty good handle on things. There are three main dinner shows which include the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. These three events will serve you dinner while you enjoy a live stage show. None of them are quite like the other and all are very much worth seeing. Of course, if you are on the meal plan you will be charged two sit down credits and if you are paying out of pocket prices can range from about $50-70 depending on where you are sitting and what show you are seeing. The shows are a great way to end an early day at the parks or experience another level of Disney entertainment.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue – plays 3 times per night in Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness. This show will entertain you with cheesy one-liners, catchy songs, and some dancing and fun audience participation. Pioneer hall is a cozy venue and really there are no bad seats. Category one seating is closest to the stage on the floor while category two takes up the back part of the floor and center of the balcony. Category three seating will put you on the left of right sides of the balcony. Truly, I have only ever sat in category three seating and have NEVER missed a thing. The performers make sure to incorporate every seating area!
The food here is finger licking! BBQ ribs, fried chicken, cornbread, mashed potatoes, BBQ beans and of course strawberry shortcake. Drinks including beer and wine are also included. YUM!
The only downfall of this show is the location. Fort Wilderness can be hard to get to. My suggestion is to book your dinner for a night when you will be at the Magic Kingdom. By doing this you can take advantage of the boat that services Fort Wilderness. Another option is to book this show when you are taking a day off from the parks. For more information on spending a day at Fort Wilderness check this link out.
Mickey’s Back Yard BBQ -This is some very unique character dining! You will dine summer camp picnic style in an open air pavilion at Fort Wilderness. Mickey, Minnie and all their friends will be there to share some singing, line dancing, rope tricks, games, and more! The characters appear for the entertainment and do not make rounds to the tables a la Chef Mickey’s. However, you can dance with them which is way better than any other character dining venue! They have been doing a character meet and greet after the show to provide pictures and autographs if that is what you are after!
This show runs seasonally on Thursdays and Saturdays. You will enjoy true summer picnic fare such as potato salad, cole slaw, bbq chicken and ribs, cowboy beans, cornbread, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon and ice cream bars!
Seating is first come first serve and lines can get long to get in so plan accordingly. This is a great dinner show for kids and your little ones are sure to eat it up. If your party is adults only you may want to opt for the hoop dee doo revue instead. The BBQ can get loud and chaotic, but it is down home fun and a great time for the little ones!
Spirit of Aloha – This Luau style show plays twice nightly Tuesday through Saturday in Luau Cove and the Polynesian Resort. At this show be prepared for some real island style entertainment! Hula dancing, fire knife dancing, comedy, storytelling, and so much more! This show is really fun and very unique! You may even catch some famous islanders, Lilo and Stitch at the show!
Seating is offered in three categories. Category one is closest to the stage while category two is on the sides of the stage and in the back center. Category three seating will put you on the far left and right sides and is not quite as desirable as the other two seating categories.
The food is not traditional luau food, but it is pretty yummy none the less. Island BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, mixed salad with mango poppy seed dressing, pineapple coconut bread, and Kilauea Volcano Delight for dessert make up the feast.
If you don’t want to go to a proper dinner show you still have options for dining while being entertained. For other unique dining experiences check out The Sci Fi Dine in Theatre, 50’s Prime Time Café, Whispering Canyon Café, or perhaps the Fantasmic! Dining Package will do the trick for you. Whatever you choose for your evening entertainment it is sure to be magical!
- Disney Dinner Show: The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (disneyfoodreport.com)
- Is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground right for you? (chipandco.com)
Where can you find it?
