If there are two things that Disney knows really, really well, it’s entertainment – both off-screen and on – and travel. From film, TV shows, sports broadcasting, and on-and-off Broadway stage shows to theme parks, water parks, cruise ships, mini golf, and even small-group travel, Disney knows how to have a good time. But, if all the incredible restaurants and menus coming out of places like Disney Springs and Epcot are any indication, then I think it’s safe to say that Disney also knows a thing or two about food.
Enter: the Disney dinner shows, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Disney’s Spirit of Aloha. With all the food you can eat, bottomless beverages (alcohol too!), and hours of exciting, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny entertainment, they’re some of the best places to eat at Disney World and a fun, memorable addition to any Disney vacation.
Currently, both Disney World dinner shows are temporarily unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That being said, some members of the Hoop-Dee-Doo cast may have been called back to work in recent months and a permit has also been filed for construction to Pioneer Hall, where the show is held. These signs point to the Hoop-Dee-Doo hopefully returning in the near future. Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on when Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show will return. As the situation continues to evolve, be sure to refer to the My Disney Experience app, the Disney World website, or onsite cast members for the most up-to-date information.
Make Mealtime Magical With a Disney Dinner Show
I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for dinner theater. To me, nothing says fun like comedy, drama, toe-tapping music, and maybe a little audience participation all served fresh with a side of tasty food and perhaps a boozy beverage or two. Looking for a memorable meal for your next family vacation that kids, teens, and adults alike will love? Wanting a unique date idea that’s sure to stand out from the rest? Try a dinner show.
Of course, the same can be said for a Disney dinner show. Disney World’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness Campground and Spirit of Aloha luau at the Polynesian Village resort dish up yummy eats and family-friendly fun in equal measure, along with a generous helping of pixie dust.
Although each of the dinner shows vary greatly in terms of theming, menu, and the show itself, both the Hoop-Dee-Doo and Spirit of Aloha come with all-you-care-to-enjoy food and bottomless drinks, even beer and wine. That’s right, folks – if you’re looking for another place to enjoy alcohol in Disney World that isn’t drinking around the world, these are good places to start.
Add in palate-pleasing options for even the pickiest eaters, high production values, and your choice of either knee-slapping shenanigans set to a soundtrack of catchy tunes or impressive cultural dances with heart-pounding drumbeats, and you’ve got a magical Disney World dining experience the whole gang will love.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a rollicking, Wild-West adventure or a tropical luau in paradise, these Disney World dinner shows should be on the menu for your upcoming trip to Orlando:
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad may be the “wildest ride in the wilderness”, but the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue definitely takes the cake when it comes to laughs. A true Disney World institution, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue has been square dancing its way into guests’ hearts since 1974.
Nestled amid the towering pines of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Pioneer Hall plays host to this sidesplitting, Wild West-inspired adventure, along with the multitalented Pioneer Hall Players. As you stuff yourself silly with cozy classics like ribs and cornbread, you’ll laugh, sing, and maybe even get pulled on-stage.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Menu
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is all about simple, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. So, while you may not be forced to eat with your hands like you are at Medieval Times, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to anyway. Best of all, there’s no need for a kids’ menu. Because honestly, who doesn’t love all of these things?
Pails overflowing with crispy Fried Chicken, savory Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs, and Tossed Green Salad. Dishes mounded with saucy Baked Beans, and sometimes Mashed Potatoes and Corn on the Cob. Plates piled high with Fresh-baked Cornbread and Honey Butter for slathering on top. And be sure to save some room for that sweet, sweet Strawberry Shortcake. Wash it down with all the soda, milk, juice, tea, coffee, beer, wine, or sangria you can (safely) drink.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue Ticket Prices
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue costs between $39 and $74 per person depending on the guest’s age and which seating category you’d like. Pioneer Hall is a long, rectangular theater with the stage along one of the short ends and balconies overlooking from the other sides. Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue ticket prices are as follows:
Adults (Ages 10 and up)
- $74 – Category 1 (on the main floor)
- $69 – Category 2 (on the balcony on the far wall parallel to the stage)
- $66 – Category 3 (on the balconies perpendicular to the stage)
Children (Ages 3 to 9)
- $44 – Category 1
- $40 – Category 2
- $39 – Category 3
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Experience Hawaiian hospitality at Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at the Polynesian Village Resort. One of the locals is off to the mainland for university. But, before she goes, what better way to send her off than with a luau and a heartwarming reminder of where she came from?
At this Disney Polynesian luau, you’ll get to enjoy fascinating traditions from across the South Pacific. From the thrilling fire knife to the enthralling dances from New Zealand and Hawaii, from the heart-pounding rhythms to the tropical-infused flavors, you’ll get a tantalizing taste of Polynesian culture.
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Menu
Take your tastebuds to the South Pacific with a smorgasbord of Polynesian-inspired eats. Begin your meal with fresh starters like a salad dressed with ginger and lime, a cool Edamame Salad with Rice Noodles, cut Pineapple and Watermelon, and addictive Pineapple-Coconut Bread. Continue with Aloha Pulled Pork dripping with chipotle BBQ sauce, sticky Polynesian Barbecued Pork Ribs, Roasted Chicken drizzled with ‘Poly’churri sauce, and sides of vegetables and rice. Pineapple Guava Cake and Mocha Chocolate Cake make for a sweet ending.
As the menu at Spirit of Aloha is a bit more adventurous, Disney also provides some more kid-friendly options as well for the younger guests like Cheese Pizza, Mini Corn Dogs, Chicken Nuggets, and Tater Bites, as well as Grilled Chicken Breast and a Fish of the Day.
Since no luau would be complete without a tropical beverage or two. So, while bottomless soft drinks, coffee, tea, milk, beer, wine, and sangria are all included, consider splurging on a fruity mocktail or cocktail for all the island vibes. You might even leave with a hand-carved coconut monkey souvenir!
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Ticket Prices
Depending on the age of the guest and where you’d like to sit, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show costs between $39 and $78 per person. Luau Cove is shaped like a slightly squashed hexagon, with the stage jutting out from the base into the middle of the amphitheater and an upper floor that runs along the back. Spirit of Aloha ticket prices are as follows:
Adults (Ages 10 and up)
- $78 — Category 1 (on the main floor directly in front of the stage)
- $74 – Category 2 (on the upper floor parallel to the stage and on the floor out to the sides of the stage)
- $66 – Category 3 (on the upper floor in the corners of the room and on the floor near the back of the stage)
Children (Ages 3 to 9)
- $46 – Category 1
- $44 – Category 2
- $39 – Category 3
What Is the Best Dinner Show at Disney World?
Perhaps the better question is, “which dinner show at Disney World is best for my family?”
If you’re into comedy, comfort food, and country music – or looking to save a buck or two – then the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness Campground is for you. With hoedown hijinks that are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny at times, cheesy songs you can’t help but sing along to, and kid-friendly dishes like fried chicken and strawberry shortcake, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is a great choice for picky eaters and families with smaller children. Plus, with the cheapest tickets and most showtimes of the bunch, it’s definitely the Disney dinner show with the most flexibility.
In contrast, if you’re looking for impressive dancing, slightly more adventurous cuisine, and a (pixie) dusting of culture in an immersive setting, then we suggest you book some tickets to the Spirit of Aloha luau at the Polynesian Village Resort. As you sit transfixed by the mesmerizing fire-knife performer with the warm breeze ruffling your hair and a hunk of pineapple-coconut bread stashed in your bag for later (just me?), you really do feel transported to a local party on the Big Island somewhere.
It’s a downright delightful, though decidedly surface-level, glimpse into Polynesian cultures. Plus, while the adults will be pleased by fresh, flavorful options with Hawaiian flair, kids can opt for something from the children’s menu instead.
Other Disney World Dinner Shows FAQs
Ready to spend one of your dinners at a Disney World dinner show? Good decision! But, before you go making your advance reservation, here’s everything you need to know about watching a Disney dinner show.
Do I need a reservation for the Disney dinner shows?
No, advance reservations aren’t required for the Hoop-Dee-Doo or Spirit of Aloha and a small number of same-day reservations may be available for certain showtimes. That being said, same-day reservations aren’t guaranteed. Keep in mind that if you do make an advance reservation, you are required to prepay.
All of that is to say, we highly recommend you reserve your spot ahead of time if you know you’d like to pay a visit to either Pioneer Hall or Luau Cove during your trip. If, however, you have any doubts or would prefer to keep your schedule free, then you may want to skip the reservation and possibly save yourself a pretty penny.
How long are Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue?
Both Disney dinner shows have a pleasant runtime of around 2 hours – just long enough that it feels like you’ve gotten your money’s worth with the food and entertainment without running so long that your kids (or you) start to get bored. Although this might seem like a long time for a dinner at Disney, there’s a good chance you’d end up spending around the same amount of time for a Disney character meal anyway. Plus, we think it’s well worth it for the quality (and quantity) of the entertainment and food.
What times are Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue?
Early dinner lovers and late supper folks, rejoice! The Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue is Disney World’s most frequent dinner show. Three mealtimes are available each day at 4pm, 6:15pm, and 8:30pm. In contrast, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show typically runs twice a day each Tuesday to Saturday, with showtimes at 5:15pm and 8pm.
What is the cancellation policy for dinner shows at Disney World?
Prepayment is required when making your advance reservation for a dinner show at Disney World. However, should you need to change your dining plans, you will receive a full refund as long as you cancel 48 hours in advance.
Are the Disney dinner shows gluten-free and/or allergy-friendly?
Yes! At the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, much of the menu is already gluten-free, and items that aren’t have celiac-friendly alternatives like gluten-free cornbread, chicken tenders, brownies, and more. Over at the Spirit of Aloha luau at the Polynesian Resort, the majority of the menu is celiac-friendly already as well, with alternatives like gluten-free bread, cookies, brownies, and fruit being provided. Plus, all allergy-friendly dishes will be served separately to avoid cross-contamination. No matter what kind of food allergy or dietary preference you have, be sure to let Disney cast members know at the time of booking and when speaking to your server so that accommodations can be made.
Are Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue worth it?
I think so. For some, 70 bucks might seem a steep price to pay to eat fried chicken and ribs and people sing and dance in the background. However, when you consider that you’d pay at least half that for a Disney character breakfast or dinner and you’re also getting to see some first-rate live performances, I think it can be worth the cost.
The shows really are a lot of fun and the food, while nothing groundbreaking, is tasty and there’s plenty of it. And really, what’s not to like about bottomless beer and wine? In short, if you fully take advantage of everything there is to offer, a Disney dinner show can be a great value. Of course, if you’d like to save a few extra bucks and still have a great time, just go for one of the lower room categories instead.
Got any Disney dinner show tips?
Plan to arrive early, especially if you need to pick up your ticket.
If you don’t plan accordingly, you could be left stuck in line trying to get your tickets when you could be heading to your table. At the Hoop-Dee-Doo, you’re free to pick up your tickets as soon as your reservation has been made online from the Concierge desk at any of the Disney World resorts or the Pioneer Hall box office. (If you book your reservation that same day, you can’t pick yours up until 40 minutes prior to showtime.) In contrast, at the Spirit of Aloha, tickets aren’t distributed until that day starting an hour before the show starts.
Allow for plenty of time to get there, particularly the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue.
Pioneer Hall is located at the back of the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. This is convenient if you’ll be traveling from Magic Kingdom or one of the other area resorts on a water taxi, as the boat dock is just a short walk away. However, if you’re driving or taking a Disney bus, you’ll need to park at the front of the resort and then take one of the Disney buses to the back of the resort – which, depending on which bus you get on, could have a ton of stops.
Thanks to its location along the Monorail right next to the Transportation & Ticket Center, Luau Cove, by contrast, is much easier to get to. That being said, you will still need to walk 15 minutes to get from the lobby to the outdoor theater. In short, be sure to plan accordingly.
Don’t forget that you must pay upfront (gratuity included) when making your reservation.
Unlike other Disney World restaurants which only require a credit card to hold your table, you must pay for your meal in its entirety when making an advance reservation for a Disney dinner show. That prepayment also covers the tip for your server. In other words, once you’re in the theater, all you need to worry about is having a good time. However, we highly encourage adding on additional gratuity if you feel that your server was especially awesome. This prepayment also makes the added cost of a specialty cocktail a bit easier to swallow.
Save a few dollars with Category 3 seating.
As with any other stage production, you pay for the kind of view you want to have. Having said that, as someone who has had the opportunity to experience both Category 1 and 3 seating at the Hoop-Dee-Doo and Category 2 seating at Spirit of Aloha, I would gladly choose a Category 3 ticket again for any Disney dinner show. Was the Category 3 view kind of awkward at times? Sure, but it definitely didn’t get in the way of us having a good time.
Unless you need wheelchair-accessible seating at the Hoop-Dee-Doo, that is.
If you plan on attending the Hoop-De-Doo Revue and need wheelchair access, you must book a Category 1 or 2 ticket. Category 3 seating is on the upper floor and no elevators are available. Some Category 2 and 3 tables at Spirit of Aloha also require you to go up a short flight of stairs, so be sure to let someone know at the time of booking that you need an accessible table.
Keep an eye out for bad weather for the Spirit of Aloha luau.
Luau Cove is an outdoor, open-air theater. So, the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show might be canceled in the event of rain or storms. Keep an alternative option in mind if you make dining plans for this Disney dinner show.
Dinner Theater Not for You? Try One of These Alternatives Instead
Like the idea of dinner and a show but not a fan of the ticket price? Hoping for something more kid (or adult) friendly? Need something with more flexibility or that isn’t as much of a time commitment? Give one of these Disney World dining options a try.
Disney Character Dining
While there might not be a stage, Disney character dining experiences certainly aren’t short on entertainment. Whether hobnobbing with Mickey and Minnie, seeing Snow White and some dwarves dance, or watching the Mad Hatter tease Winnie the Pooh about Piglet and bacon, there’s still plenty to enjoy during character dining in Disney World. Plus, not only will kids have a ball at Disney character breakfasts and dinners, but parents will love the cheaper price tag.
Live Entertainment at Disney Resort Hotel Lounges
And although they may not be official Disney World dinner shows, you can enjoy live entertainment as you nosh on something tasty (for a whole lot less, I might add) at a few of the lounges at the Disney World resorts.
Scat Cat’s Club at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter features live jazz several nights each week, along with Crawfish Etouffee, booze-infused Baton Rouge Beignets, and Big Easy-inspired cocktails. Next door at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Yehaa Bob Jackson tickles both the ivories and the funny bones of the guests at the River Roost lounge. This spot also dishes up Louisiana favorites like Southern Fish and Chips alongside refreshing Abita beer.
Savor the flavors of the Pacific Northwest as you watch the Electrical Water Pageant float past from Geyser Point Bar & Grill at the Disney Wilderness Lodge. Or, pay a visit to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, an immersive tiki bar like none other, where the bar itself is the entertainment.
DIY Your Own Disney Dinner Show at Movies Under the Stars
Watching a Movie Under the Stars at one of the Disney resorts is one of our favorite free things to do at Disney World. But, why not make it even better by adding food into the mix? Grab a blanket and something to eat from the hotel’s counter-service or grab-and-go locations for impromptu dinner theater on the cheap.
Well foodies and theater lovers, that wraps up our review of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. These Disney World dinner shows aren’t cheap. But, with all-you-care-to-enjoy food and drinks (alcoholic beverages included) and memorable entertainment, you most certainly get what you pay for.
Concerned about the cost? Make some space in the budget with our discounted Walt Disney World tickets. Worried about how long it’s going to take you to get there from Magic Kingdom? Be sure to check out our 1-day touring plan.
Have you gone to one of the dinner shows at Disney World? Which one is your favorite? Do you wish Mickey’s Backyard BBQ was still around? Let us know in the comments!
