Hoop Dee History by Chuck Mirarchi

When thinking about a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, there are almost as many planning strategies as there are attractions.  But in addition to planning your schedule around attractions, shows, and parades, many guests also plan their days with an eye to meals and dinner shows.

Having presented over 35,000 performances to more than 10 million guests, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is one of the most popular dinner shows at the Walt Disney World Resort.  Located in Pioneer Hall at the Fort Wilderness Campground, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue is performed three times a night, seven days a week, at 5:00, 7:15, and 9:00 pm.  Guests call months in advance for reservations to try to get one of the coveted seats, and there is almost always a line of people hoping for cancellations at each show.

Whether you are a loyal follower of the show or one of those who haven’t yet seen it (but will), we are going to explore the history and creation of this loveable wilderness goofball of a vaudeville dinner show.

One the creators and writers of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue was Ron Miziker, who also created many classic pieces of entertainment for the Walt Disney World Resort (see our previous Main Street Electrical Parade article).

The show is considered the longest continuously running musicals in American theatre history.  It holds a special place for everyone who has seen the show.  Often when you first try to describe the show to someone, they will typically be skeptical, but interested.  It’s not until someone experiences the show for the first time do they understand the undying love and affinity for the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue.6

Despite its longevity, the evolution of the Hoop Dee Doo Revue has just as many do si dos as a square dance.

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Getting ready for Star Wars Weekends at the Studios

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