This classic WDW show is celebrating 50 years of fabulous frontier fun!

This classic WDW show is celebrating 50 years of fabulous frontier fun!

As a seasoned Disney World enthusiast who’s been traversing the magical kingdom since the 80’s, I can confidently say that the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue is a timeless gem that never fails to delight. This show, which has stood the test of time for over five decades, is a testament to Disney’s ability to create lasting memories and experiences.


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!

Out of the numerous Walt Disney World productions, some have faded away but remain fondly remembered. As audience preferences evolve, certain “dinner theater” performances may not resonate with contemporary viewers as strongly as they did before. However, it’s truly remarkable that, despite being 50 years old, the Hoop De-Doo Musical Revue remains one of the most well-loved shows across all of WDW.

Fort Wilderness is one of the original three resorts that opened when Walt Disney World debuted in 1971, often referred to as “The Big Three.” Unlike traditional hotels, it operates more like a genuine campground for RV owners (who were quite common in the ’70s) and offers cabins with top-notch facilities. The charm of Fort Wilderness lies in its natural atmosphere, and there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, including swimming, boating, horseback riding, and numerous other adventures.

The Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue, a performance that has been ongoing at Disney World since 1974, can also be found here. Originally created to fill a large venue, it was initially intended as a temporary show but gained such popularity among guests that it’s continued running to this day. Interestingly, the script for the original performance in 1974 is still used today, and visitors seem quite content with it.

The Hoop-De-Doo experience

The two-hour performance remains quite consistent. It features six artists portraying iconic Western personas, blending melodious tunes, lively dances, and plenty of humor – the cheesier, the better. Occasionally, there’s improvisation to keep things interesting, but the audience appreciates its predictable charm. It’s not uncommon to hear them joining in with the songs.

The structure itself is a testament to Disney’s exceptional design skills, resembling an authentic Old West saloon flawlessly, with every table providing a clear sight of the stage. Initially, there were disagreements regarding the designs, particularly about pillars and a balcony; however, these ideas were ultimately disregarded because they would obstruct everyone’s view of the stage. It has since been shown that this decision was wise, as the performance wouldn’t be as captivating with such restrictions. Furthermore, several artists will move among the tables, making swivel chairs essential to prevent anyone from missing 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 quite understandable that the show has maintained its popularity for so long. Just by watching videos of it, you can sense the enthusiasm the performers exude and the audience’s positive reactions. They cheer, sing along to the music, and it’s evident that people who watched it as kids are now sharing this experience with their own children.

Just like other Walt Disney World performances, the Revue was forced to shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we’re thrilled that it resumed operations in 2022! The show continues to draw crowds with some fascinating figures:

  • 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 performance are reasonable considering the meal and entertainment, but what truly sets this apart is the overall atmosphere and theme. It seems destined to continue, so as long as Walt Disney World remains, the Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue will undoubtedly be a part of its lasting legacy and one of the most memorable shows in Disney history.

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2024-09-14 01:27

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