This classic WDW show is celebrating 50 years of fabulous frontier fun!
It’s overlooked, but one of Disney World’s all-time best shows is celebrating an amazing anniversary this year! Here’s why it’s still packing folks in after 50 years!
Among the countless shows of Walt Disney World, some have come and gone but are remembered well. Audience tastes have changed, so some of the classic “dinner theater” experiences won’t connect to modern crowds as they did in the past. Which is why it’s so impressive that after 50 years, the Hoop De-Doo Musical Revue is still one of the most popular shows in all of WDW.
Fort Wilderness is one of the original “Big Three” resorts from when WDW opened in 1971. It’s always been unique as less a hotel than a legitimate campground for folks with RVs (which were a lot more popular back in the ‘70s) and cabins with great amenities. The place is still enjoyed for its woods feel and is teeming with so much to do in swimming, boating, horse riding, and more.
It’s also home to the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue, a show that’s been a constant at Disney World since 1974. Located in Pioneer Hall, it was created just to give a show for the huge space and, ironically, wasn’t planned to run that long. Disney figured it would be the usual revolving show, but it only became so popular with guests that it’s remained so ever since. Heck, they haven’t even changed the original script since 1974 and guests don’t mind.
The Hoop-De-Doo experience
The two-hour show hasn’t changed much. It’s still six performers, all taking the role of classic Western characters, performing song and dance routines with jokes, the hokier the better. There is some ad-libbing to keep it fresher, yet customers enjoy how routine it can be and it's common to hear several singing along with the songs.
The Hall itself is a marvel of Disney design work, looking perfectly like an Old West saloon with all tables offering a good view of the stage. There was some early conflict on the designs with ideas on pillars and a balcony but those were vetoed as not allowing everyone the proper views of the stage. That's been proven the correct idea as the show wouldn't pop as well with those limitations. Several performers will mingle among the tables, so swivel chairs will be helpful to ensure folks don’t miss the show.
The meals are just as great, all home-cooked and presented to the tables on skillets. The emphasis is on fried and grilled chicken or pork with coleslaw, fries, and other side dishes, making for a fantastic meal. Soft drinks are around while this was one of the first places in WDW to offer beer and wine for adults.
It’s easy to see why the show has stayed so popular. Even watching videos of it, you can feel the energy the performers give and the audience responding to it well. They cheer and sing to the songs and it’s clear folks who saw it as kids are now bringing their own children to experience it.
Like all WDW shows, the Revue had to close during the Covid-19 pandemic but thankfully returned in 2022. It’s still packing folks in with some intriguing stats:
- Over 41,000 performances
- Over 12 million guests
- Every night serving 900 pounds of chicken, 400 pounds of pork ribs, 120 pounds of corn, 30 pounds of baked beans, 15 pounds of strawberries, 12 pounds of whipped cream
The prices for each show aren’t too bad given the meal and performances yet it’s the overall energy and theme that makes this such a winner. It shows no signs of stopping so it’s possible as long as WDW exists, the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue will be part of its legacy and one of the best shows in Disney history.