The day was June 30th and the year 1974….

Ok, ok, in 1974 we weren’t born just yet (HA!) but we do know that this was a magnificent day simply because it was opening day of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort!

We have had the pleasure of seeing the Hoop-Dee-Doo many times throughout the years and, in our opinion, it’s like a fine wine. It just gets better and better with age. Let’s dive in…

What is the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, you ask? Well simply put, its a foot-stompin’ music filled, southern comedy with all you care to enjoy cornbread, buckets of fried chicken, mac-n-cheese and of course …. everyone’s favorite, Strawberry Shortcake. 

The Hoop-Dee-Doo features talented live musicians and the even more talented Pioneer Hall Players, that make up the main cast. This dining experience transports you back in time to a Disneyesque version of the wild west with singing, dancing, jokes and laughter. Side Note: Guests should be prepared to be part of the show as well!

Where it all Began

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground which opened on November 19, 1971. For those unfamiliar, Fort Wilderness is a beautiful resort that sits on the edge of Bay Lake and is comprised of 750 acres of pine forest filled with wildlife such as deer, ducks, rabbits, and more. It’s not your typical Disney resort but rather a large area with camping spots, RV spaces and adorable cabins that can fit the whole family! You can read more about why we love the Fort, HERE.

In 1974 Disney imagineers decided Fort Wilderness was missing something and after much debate, they felt the resort needed a performance area where guests could enjoy entertainment day or night. As this idea evolved so did the concept. Imagineers landed on a large, rustic indoor performance venue, called Pioneer Hall…… future home to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

As the years ticked by and things in the parks inevitably changed the Hoop-Dee-Doo has remained largely untouched since its inception. Almost frozen in time, it’s a great way for guests to re-live their youth or re-visit past memories with loved ones.

The Hoops Demise

Never in a million years did fans think they would ever see the day when the Hoop-Dee-Doo would cease to exist, however in early 2020 we were all faced with the grim news that after 45 years of knee-slappin’ fun, the show would stop performances due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic.

A huge hole was created as Disney not only shuttered the Hoop-Dee-Doo but they also stopped performances of The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show that was, at the time, housed at the Polynesian Village Resort. (Spirit of Aloha sadly did not make a return)

During uncertain times, fans didn’t know what to expect or if this show would ever make a come-back but on June 23rd, 2022, the show re-opened to sold out audiences once again!

How to See the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, much like the majority of other Walt Disney World table service establishments, require advanced dining reservations and can be made at 60 days from arrival. This experience also requires pre-payment for the category and show time, in which you choose to view the show.

The Hoop-Dee-Doo IS INCLUDED (this can change at any time) on the Disney Dining Plan (returning January 9th, 2024!) and utilizes 2 Table-Service meals, per person, from your plan.

Pro Tip: The best view isn’t always from the main floor! In our opinion, some of the best seats in the house are located on Balcony 3!

Food & Beverage

Not only is the Hopp-Dee-Doo known for great entertainment but the food is not too shabby either!

You will chow down on all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, tossed green salad, cowboy beans, fresh-baked cornbread, macaroni-and-cheese and creamy coleslaw. …but it doesn’t stop there!

After the main courses have been cleared you will be treated to the world’s best strawberry shortcake… which is also “all-you-care-to-enjoy!”

Unlimited draft beer, wine and sangria are also available for anyone 21 years of age and older (proper ID required). Soft drinks are included for all.

To view the current menu, CLICK HERE

How to Get There?

As mentioned, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is located in the heart of the Fort Wilderness Resort. This particular resort, albeit, beautiful is VERY large and can take some MacGyver like maneuvers just to get there. We personally recommend using a Minnie Van OR hopping on one of the many friendship boats that depart from the dock, at the Magic Kingdom Entrance. Either one of these options will drop you within easy walking distance of Pioneer Hall.

If a Minnie Van or Boat is not in the cards, then you can either drive your own vehicle or take one of the park buses to the resort.

Please note that if using your own car, you will need to park at the entrance to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and utilize the internal shuttle/bus transportation from your parking location to Pioneer Hall. Subsequently, if using a park bus, keep in mind that there is no direct route between your Disney Resort hotel and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, so you have to go to a park FIRST and leave from there.

We highly recommended you arrive 45 minutes prior to your reservation time. Once you have made your way to Pioneer Hall, you can either check in via your My Disney Experience App, or visit the podium located directly in front of Pioneer Hall.

The doors open PROMPTLY at 4:00 PM, 6:15 PM or 8:30 PM and seating will begin immediately at those times. You can plan on the show starting 20 minutes later from once the doors open.

Beer, wine and sodas are available for purchase while you wait. You are also free to relax in one of the many rocking chairs, walk around the area and visit the general store, or take the kids for a quick jog around the adjacent playground.

All in all, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one of our favorites in all of the Walt Disney World Resort. This is one experience where we have always left with full bellies and full hearts.

We’d love to hear if YOU have experienced the Hoop -Dee-Doo and if you’re team love or team meh!?

As always, if you would like help planning your Walt Disney World Vacation please visit The DizN Team at CS Elements Travel! Let the experts plan it for you!

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