Photo: Provided by Walt Disney World Resort
For 50 years, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue has been delighting guests at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, offering a unique blend of entertainment and comfort food. This dinner show, one of the longest-running in the country, first appeared in 1974 as a seasonal event. It became a permanent fixture on September 5 of the same year, and since then, it has entertained over 12 million visitors through more than 41,000 performances.
Maribeth Bisienere, senior vice president of operations at Walt Disney World Resort, expressed pride in the show’s enduring success. "The secret to the show’s success over the last half-century has truly been the people," Bisienere said. "Our cast members, past and present, have created countless memories for millions of guests, which is why the show continues to endure from one generation to the next."
As soon as guests are seated at their tables, the magic of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue begins. Carly Caramanna, a travel and theme park journalist, describes it as "the essence of Disney magic," combining nostalgia with fantastic entertainment and delicious food.
The dinner starts with warm cornbread, creamy coleslaw, and a fresh house salad. Guests can enjoy a variety of beverages, including beer, sangria, soft drinks for adults, and soda or juice for children—all included in the cost of the show. Live music from a piano and banjo player adds to the festive atmosphere. As the show kicks off, the real fun begins with lively skits and sing-a-longs.
During the performance, diners are served a generous spread of "all-you-care-to-enjoy" fried chicken, BBQ pork ribs, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese. The meal concludes with a classic strawberry shortcake, topped with macerated strawberries and whipped cream.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue offers an endless supply of fried chicken, ribs, and more. Walt Disney World Resort
The kitchen at Pioneer Hall works tirelessly to keep up with demand. Each night, the chefs prepare over 900 pounds of golden fried chicken and more than 400 pounds of tender pork ribs. The side dishes are equally impressive, with over 400 pounds of potatoes, 120 pounds of corn, and 30 gallons of baked beans served nightly. For dessert, they use over 15 gallons of strawberries and 12 gallons of whipped cream for the strawberry shortcakes.
While the show has incorporated some modern updates, the essence of Hoop-Dee-Doo has remained consistent since the 1970s. The actors bring their own unique touches to their roles, making each performance special. For example, during a recent visit, the character Two Bits incorporated the viral “Hot To Go” dance into his routine, much to the audience’s delight. The evening even featured a celebration of Gloria, a server who has been part of the team for 43 years.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is known for involving the audience in the fun. Performers often interact with guests, pulling them into the show for added enjoyment. For the best chance of being part of the action, guests should opt for seating on the lower level of Pioneer Hall.
A night at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue provides a memorable escape from the nearby Magic Kingdom, offering guests a taste of classic Disney magic paired with hearty, satisfying meals.
