Dinner shows at Disney?

[NewtoOrlando]

We’re going with my parents next summer and my dad wanted to go to a dinner show...I know nothing about them, as never really been interested, but know that there is one at the Poly & Fort Wilderness. What would people recommend? And are there only 2?

We’re only on the quick service dining at the moment so would need to upgrade but if they’re worth it then will upgrade one of the plans to cover it!

[THOscar]

I cannot recommend Hoop dee doo, one of the worst experiences I've ever had at Disney. Awful show, poor food, pain in the neck to get to. I'm sure others will disagree but that was our experience in 2015.

[rafjen]

I think there are only the Poly and hoop dee doo- I've done neither but Hopp Dee doo seems to get better reviews overall- I suppose it depends which he prefers the sound off.
Personally I preferred to get a dining package- we did Fantasmic and Tuskers/River of Light and both gave us great seats. Teppan Edo was also good fun- the show obviously being the chef cooking. we also did the Tomorrow Land Terrace Dessert Party - i think
HEA is the best (firework) show and the seats and dessert party made it feel like a real treat. I know its not the same.
I think Royal Pacific in Universal also does a Hawaiian themed show if you have a car.

[YLL]

The Hoop Dee Doo Review has better ratings than the Poly one, however it has lots of audience participation involved, which is why you'll never see me there. So you'll need to be OK with that.

The Poly one seems to be pretty meh.

[Sandraoh40]

See, I can’t recommend the Hoop De Doo high enough. We absolutely love it and no trip to Orlando would be complete without it. It’s fun , fort wilderness,IMO, is beautiful to see and the food is really good.
This year we got the boat over to MK after it to watch the fireworks then back to FW to then home. It was such a great night.
Edited to say that you don’t need to take part in any audience participation. Book tier 3 seats and you will be fine.

[U2fan]

Hoop Dee Doo is so much fun. It’s a must-do for our family every time we go. It’s two table service credits, but that includes all your food, drinks, tips and entertainment.

[saratogajan]

Another hoop de doo vote. Such fun for all ages and love a visit to fort wilderness

[NewtoOrlando]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Something to think about, I’m not keen on either but have to think about people other than the 4 of us on this trip!

[DonnaD]

Hoop Dee Doo started back in the 70's when WDW first opened and has barely changed. It is aimed firmly at nostalgic Americans who have been going for generations. I went as a kid and loved being able to take my daughters. There would be a huge outcry if there were ever major changes.

The food is basic but plentiful and suits the setting. The entertainment is old fashioned and cheesy but good if you like that kind of thing. It is bit like Britsh pantomime or music hall without the innuendo.

The show at the Poly has also been going since the 70's. We enjoyed it back then but had a very bad experience 5 years ago. The open air setting really doesn't work in the Florida climate. Our show was postponed and then cancelled due to rain. We were front row and got wet while eating despite the roof. We did get a 50% refund but it was still unpleasant and put us off ever trying again.

[AliceCooper9]

Done both the shows on DDP.

Spirit - to get the best experience you need Cat 1 seats to be close the stage.
Cat 2 seats you can end up at the back.

Hoop - Some Cat 3 seats have terrible views. The table is behind you so you cannot watch the show and eat at the same time. So I would recommend min of Cat 2.
If you do not want to participate Cat 3 people are very unlikely to be chosen. They usually pick Cat 1 seats.

Would I pay OOP and waste 4+ hours park time on them I am not sure. Both shows are good but not excellent. I would probably pick Spirit over Hoop as it is a bit more relaxed.