hoop dee doo return

7 Things We Know and Wonder about Hoop Dee Doo’s Grand Return

Published on by thewildernessprincess

It’s pricey and corny, and something many of us do only once every decade or so. But oh that strawberry shortcake. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, Walt Disney World announced the return of the live old-west dinner show earlier this week. Opening night is set for June 23, with ticket sales beginning May 26.

Here’s what we know.

Gone will be the eerie quiet

The Settlement area of Fort Wilderness will finally feel alive again. Even if you weren’t a big fan of the two-hour show, Pioneer Hall had felt like part of a ghost town since the show closed down back in March 2020. During my recent visits, I came to miss the crowds who were there until late in the night.

biggest changes in the show ever

We know there are some certain changes. Gone are the pewter dinner plates (replaced with red) and there’s a brand new backdrop (below). This is of particular interest as the show has changed very little since its 1974 summer debut. Looks like the beloved strawberry shortcake is still on the menu. It’s been a mainstay since 1979, when it replaced the apple pie.

a more coveted ticket than ever

Tickets will be kinda tough to get. With the other live dinner show (Spirit of Ohana) at the Polynesian closing permanently to make room for a new DVC building, the Hoop Dee Doo will be the only live dinner show remaining.

Back-up performers are auditioning

In March, WDW sent out a call for temporary performers to substitute as needed for the equity performers. Of course, you had to be local and applications closed April 1.

hoop dee doo
Courtesy Disney

 

And here’s what we wonder.

can we get there by boat?

Will the boats from Fort Wilderness to Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary finally return? Since the pandemic, the boats have only traveled directly to the Magic Kindgom, limiting easy access to the neighboring resorts. This would leave the busses as the only option for getting to Fort Wilderness – and those still leave guests to hop on another bus for that last mile to Pioneer Hall. It’s a no-brainer that resort traval via water taxi would return – let’s hope.

fort wilderness boat

Hold the butter, ’cause i’m on a roll

WDW has stated that there will be some “updates” to the show. But what does this really mean? Will it be more politically-correct? Will it continue to be a two-hour show (15 minutes too long for me)?

And why is corn no longer showing up as a menu item? I was among those who had to go to therapy when the corn on the cob was replaced with ordinary kernels in a bowl some time ago. I think a corn elote would be a dreamy addition. With that said, I think the original salad (here’s the recipe), was the best thing on the menu.

Pioneer Hall Salad in a Bucket

will it break the bank?

Will the ticket price rise, and if so, how much? Back in 2020, dinner tickets were at $74 per adult (best seats), up only a tad from $67 in 2014. But those who partook in all of the free sangria and draft beer might have found it to be almost a bargain. My plan is to starve myself all day to make room for both the expense and the calories.

Plan to reserve online on May 26. In the meantime, here’s a video flashback of Hoop Dee Doo back in 1993 when Princess Di attended and a young Prince William was invited to perform on stage,

Related: Seven Smokin’ Hot Ways to Explore Fort Wilderness with Your Sweetheart