I always realize how lucky I have been to visit WDW as much as I have and on the way to the three digit plateau in visits I’ve made a commitment to myself to try and learn something new on each visit that I can share with everyone.
Here is something I experienced on my last visit.
One morning towards the end of a recent trip I was trying to figure out what to do. I wanted to do something different from wandering and touring the parks or at least think about something I’ve been trying to do.
I decided to answer a question that has been in my mind for the last several years…what are some last minute plans you can make while in Walt Disney World and also look for some tips.
My plan for this day was to see if I can make a reservation for Hoop Dee Doo at Fort Wilderness. So on a Wednesday morning at 10 A.M. I called to make a reservation for that evening. My first surprise was that there were openings for each of the three shows. I checked to see if I could use my Tables of Wonderland card to get a discount on the tickets. I could but that would require I make a reservation for the last show of the night.
No problem.
I also wanted to watch the show from the balcony which is Category 3.
No problem. So far so good.
Now it was time to check on something else. I asked if there were alternative meal choices for those in my party who may have allergies or have special dietary requirements. I asked for vegetarian options and I was given all kinds of choices…fish…pasta…how to cook these options…side dishes….many, many choices. I was impressed.
I asked for grilled salmon, with grilled veggies and a baked potato.
Again, so far so good.
When I got to Pioneer Hall and picked up my tickets I was pleasantly surprised at the discount I received. When I checked in I was told I would be escorted upstairs when it was time to enter Pioneer Hall.
However, as the crowd exited from the second show I looked around and there weren’t that many guests waiting for the show I was going to see.
In fact my estimate was that there were less than half as many people that could fit in the Hall. When we entered the building we were NOT escorted upstairs but instead were seated about 35 feet from the stage and off to the left.
I was right. This performance was looking at an audience of about 35% capacity. It made sense to have everyone downstairs. It dawned on me that because of this and my discount I was sitting a a Category 2 table (normally priced at $62.99 per adult guest) at Category 3 prices…that were discounted via my Tables of Wonderland card. I believe the cost was about $42/person with my discount.
Not bad for show and dinner at Walt Disney World huh? Let’s not forget that we were given as much food and drink as we wanted.
Even better, no more than 3 minutes after we were seated the head chef came up to the table and asked us again about our alternative meal choices…just to make sure he had it right. Awesome.
The show was great as usual…it was my 5th Hoop. So what have we learned?
– It’s best to book Hoop Dee Doo in the middle of the week.
– The late performance offers low crowds and good discounts.
– Always ask what discounts are available and use them.
– Always ask for alternatives to what’s on the menu.
– Be flexible with your schedule…it may save you time and money.
The overall lesson…it doesn’t hurt to ask.
So my only problem is now determining what to investigate on my next trip to Walt Disney World.
Check out Jack Spence’s extensive blog with more photos and video too!
Get more pricing information.
See what others think and post your thoughts too in our Hoop Dee Doo Rate and Review!
Hi Mike,
Always enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for all the hard work. I booked the Hoop Dee Doo show for my upcoming 5th Disney World this December. However, this will be our first time at this show. My son is 6 1/2 so I think it is appropriate for him to attend this show. I actually has a question for you regard of the alternative menu. Did you call Disney in advance to request the vegeterian menu ? I was not so happy with the current menu when I checked it online. I feel so much better after reading your blog. At least I have some choice now. You are right ” it does not hurt to ask”.
Thank you
Chi
This explains a lot. We were at the 5:00 show on August 3 and there was only one occupied table on the “shelf”. Downstairs was full and we wondered if Category 3 guests had been given better tables. Almost sorry we paid for Category 1!
lucky you mike . was put on stand by one nite years ago for last show . so after waiting for ever you guessed it no seating . but thats the chance you take .
cheers ,dusty
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Dusty,
It’s one of those chances that sometimes is worth taking.
Mike
The only caution I would make is that lately, there have been several cancellations day of show of the last seating of HDDR. So there is a risk too that you may not get to see it if it hasn’t sold enough tickets for Disney to warrant having it.
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This is true but it’s still worth a shot.
Mike
We were at the 5 p.m. show on Wednesday, Aug. 10th and like you, had paid for Category 3 seating but were upgraded to Category 1, the second table from the stage. All the tables on the lower level were full but no one was seated in the balcony.
This was our first Hoop Dee Doo, though I too am in triple-digit WDW visits. The food was delicious and the show was fun, and I wished we had brought our now-grown children when they were younger…the kids in the audience were having the BEST time!
Hi Mike,
My husband was very happy to hear they offered grilled salmon – the fried chicken and ribs were the only thing that turned him off this show.
Now we’re excited to try it.
Wendy
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Wendy,
There are many options that you can choose from and how these options are prepared.
Mike