Conference koolit::disney

    I have been to the following WDW Dinner Shows:
    
    Hoop Dee Do Review May 88 - Great show, Good food.
    Polynesian Luau May 88 - Alright show, Bad food.
    
    I have also been to the following Orlando Entertains Dinner Shows:
    
    King Henry's Feast May 88 - Good Show, Good food.
    Mardi Gras May 88 - Good show, Good food.
    Fort Liberty May 89 - Good show, Good food.
    
                         

    I totally agree with you on the Hoope Dee Do and Luau.  What is
    the Fort Liberty dinner show?  Was this the Diamond Horseshoe Revue
    or have they added something?
    
    We're going again in the fall.  Wanted to know if Fort Liberty would
    be a good take.
    

    Fort Liberty is not a WDW dinner show, it is part of the Orlando
    Entertains Company.  They also put on King Henry's Feast and the
    Mardi Gras and I also believe Arabian Nights and/or Medieval Times.
    
    Fort Liberty could be compared to the Hoop Dee Do.  It has a
    wild west flair and similar type foods.  The show is good and the
    food is good but the Hoop Dee Do does surpass both these areas.
    This past May we could not get into the Hoop Dee Do and opt for
    Fort Liberty it was a good alternative.  
    
    I also think it is always good to see other dinner shows beside
    WDW shows.  All in all my heart belongs to Disney.

    I agree Fort Liberty is a good alternative for the Hoop-Dee-Do.
    The entertainment was great.  My kids really enjoyed themselves.
    
    If you get there 1/2 hour before the show the characters come out
    and you can take pictures with them.  My kids took a picture with
    the Master of Ceremonies.

    I agree with this note concerning the food.  For the price you
    pay, the show is wonderful.  But as far as the food is concerned,
    it is like going to a fast-food resturant.  My wife and I expected
    something a little different.  Also some if not all the shows have
    to be reserved a year in advance.  When we made reservations a year
    in advance, we were told that we could not get into the Hoop-Dee-Do
    revue.  It was all booked.  
    
    TOM
    
    

    I don't understand peole's opinion of the Luau.  The time I went,
    we got enough booze alone to cover the cost of the show.  And it
    was included with the meal.  Waiter did a last  call and loaded
    up the table with extra drinks.  Glad I didn't have to drive home!
    Maybe thats why the food tasted ok to me?
    ed
    

    I went to King Henry's Feast in May 1988 and loved it !  I enjoy the
    audience participation in the show - maybe because I put my head in a
    gillotene for a magician to "chop off."  (I didn't know that was what I
    was getting into when I volunteered).
    
    The food was fairly good, but if you are going to drink because it is
    included in the meal price, don't bother.  The wine and beer seemed
    pretty 'watered down'.
    
    In all, I would recommend it.  Also, I would recommend the 2nd seating. 
    It seems to me that the 1st seating would have to be rushed a little
    more in order to set up for the 2nd seating.  So, with the 2nd show,
    there is no one else waiting to get in.
    
    Ellen

    I am going to Disney in April 90 and am considering making reservations
    for the Contemporary Resort's "Top of the World Review," I think
    that is what it is called.  Has anybody gone and is it good?  What
    are the prices and what kind of show is it?

    
    We just got back from WDW and this time out we did the Diamond
    Horseshoe Review because (surprise) the Hoop-De-Do was booked. I
    was surprised at how good it was. Because it was free, I didn't
    expect much. We loved it. I was making so much fun of the guy at
    the next table for being picked to join in, the hostess passed him
    by and sat on my lap!  Great fun. 
    
    Jim
    

    re .9
    
    where did you make your reservation for the Diamond Horseshoe Review?
    The Birnbaum books says at the Hospitality house on Main Street?  is
    that the place?
    
    thanks- peter

    
    Yes at the HH on the right of the square just inside the MK. Get
    there before 9.
    
    Jim
    

    Does the Diamond Horseshow Review include a meal?  What is the price
    for it?

rep < Note 116.12 by ERLANG::MAHONEY >

>    Does the Diamond Horseshow Review include a meal?  What is the price
>    for it?
    
    There is  no  admission  charge  for  the Diamond Horseshoe Review, you
    merely need to  make  reservations  near  the  Town  Square Cafe on the
    morning of the Show.   As  far as meals go, there are cold sandwhiches,
    chip's, pie and soft drinks available  (I  seemed to recal paying about
    $4 each when we went last time)
    
    Claude

    Re: .12
    
      Don't forget the chili and chocolate chip cookies !!!
    
     George

    
    But they don't serve coffee there. And of course, no beer anywhere
    in the MK.
    
    Jim
    

    I asked this before but have had no reply....so here it goes
    again.  Has anyone been to the Top of the World review at the
    Contemporary?  Out of all the Disneyits out there I'm sure someone
    has been there.           

    Yes, I've  been  twice  now, I'ts a good show that seems to change from
    time to time, since it is basicly a Broadway Review of the top Broadway
    Song.  It stars 3 Girls and 2 Guys who sing and dance for a little over
    an hour if memory serves me right.
    
    You have a choice of  3 entress for your meal which I remember as being
    Prime Rib, Chichen and a fish.    Also  if you plan for the early show,
    afterwards when the MK is open pass  9pm,  you can linger afterwards on
    the observation deck and catch the firework, Water  Pagents  and  other
    light shows, even Luminations at Epcot, althought that is father away.
    
    Claude

    
    I went a long time ago when it wasn't the Broadway Review that it
    is now.  
    
    Back then, it was more of a typical dinner show, in my opinion, in
    that it seemed to field current touring nightclub stars.  For
    instance, the week I was there, Barbara Eden was the entertainment.  
    While, that was okay, but no big deal to me, the food was excellent 
    and the whole "affair" left a favorable impression on me.  I suppose
    that it depended on who was there that week.
    
    I wonder why they switched to the current format?
    
SEAN/BEER=LABATTS        

    How early are dinner show reservations accepted?  I seem to recall 
    a month but am unsure?
    
    George_who_plans_for_"Top of the World"_on_arrival_nite_April_16_1990.
    

rep to < Note 116.19 by NITMOI::WITHERS "So shines a good deed in a weary world.." >

>    How early are dinner show reservations accepted?  I seem to recall 
>    a month but am unsure?

    21 days prior to attending the show.
    
    Claude

    I just came back from WDW. I was told that the computer assigns
    seats at the time your reservation is processed so and I quote "Someone
    who reserves 4 months ahead will get a closer seat that someone
    who reserves last week". Someone told me that it's fine to reserve
    6 months ahead or more. You might want to call Central Reservations
    and confirm this.
    
    dmm
    

    The 'Top  Of  The  World'  dinner  show  is  different  when it come to
    reservations from the  other  Dinner/Character  Show,  in  that all the
    other, when you are  confirmed  of  your  lodging  you  can  make  your
    reservation, where as TOTW dinner  show  is only 21 days in advance (at
    least that was the case back  in  '87).   Your right though, the sooner
    you reserve the better the seat.
    
    Claude

    Thanks for all the replies.  You people are great!  I just got off
    the phone with Disney Central Reservations and they said you can
    make Top of the World Dinner Reservations anytime as long as you
    are staying on property.  She also put me on hold to make sure she
    was right and in fact she was right.

rep to                       <<< Note 116.23 by WAV12::NEWFELL >>>

>    I just got off
>    the phone with Disney Central Reservations and they said you can
>    make Top of the World Dinner Reservations anytime as long as you
>    are staying on property.  She also put me on hold to make sure she
>    was right and in fact she was right.

    Oh well  I  stand corrected again, ;^), must be another of their recent
    changes to their  policies  (at  least  it  was 21 days back in '87, or
    that's what the operator said when I went to make mine)
    
    Claude

    Claude:
    
    Don't feel bad, Disney seems to change things very quickly and often.
    I am just happy I got all this information on the Top Of the World
    Show.  

    Last week, we went to the Hoop-de-do review and although we had a good
    time, I was expecting more.  I think one reason I was disappointed was
    because we were in the balcony and therefore not really part of the
    show.
    
    The food was pretty good, but I would have preferred to have a nicer
    meal at a regular restaurant.  The show was pretty good, but I did not
    think it was as good as the Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree.   The Diamond
    Horseshoe has more "players" and it also has a band.  I did have a much
    nicer seat for the Diamond Horseshoe which could have made a big
    difference.
    
    Although the show was about 2 hours, they did not perform for about 1/2
    of the time while you were eating.  I expected the show to be non-stop.
    They also did not do the regular show.  This one had some acts centered
    around Christmas.
    
    I know I am in a minority here.  I will go again, but I hope I get a
    better seat next time.
    
    BTW, My family enjoyed it more than I did.
    
    /Jim Pappas

    re: .26
    
    Jim,
    
    I've found that the earlier you reserve your seating, the better it is.
    
    Claude

    We decided to do a non-Disney dinner show as part of our Christmas 
    festivities, and opted for the Mardi Gras, because we wanted to 
    look around the Mercado Mall as well. 
    
    We were disappointed with the whole thing. The seating was very 
    cramped, along tables holding 12 places, so a trip to the 
    restrooms was an obstacle course. The meal was so-so, and very 
    rushed (we were in the first sitting, so there was pressure to 
    clear out for the next show), coffee was only supplied on request, 
    and we were pressured by the photographers who produced the tacky 
    little key ring 'souvenirs'. The show itself was very lack-lustre, 
    with none of the energy we have come to expect from Disney cast 
    members, and the 'star' - Top London Performer Penny Laine - 
    couldn't sing or dance. One of our party commented 'So this is 
    where the Disney rejects end up', and a guy at the next table 
    added 'Yeah, I've seen some of those dancers sweeping up after the 
    horses on Main Street!'
    
    We are probably conditioned by Disney quality and standards, but 
    it was no less expensive so should have left us with the same warm 
    feeling. Our whole party ranging from 6 yrs to 63 yrs voted it a 
    miss, and will stick to Disney in future.
    
    Mike in Warrington UK.

    We did the Hoop-de-do revue when we were in Disney last month,
    and although I loved the show, I doubt I would ever eat there
    again.
    
    I did enjoy the chicken, but the ribs made me sick all night and
    most of the next day.  I had relayed this to my sister when I
    got home, and she mentioned when she was there, she got so sick
    from the food, that she almost considered that she might have
    food-poisioning.
    
                                            cj *->

    Hmmm,
    
    This may mean that those of us who will be attending Hoop-Dee-Doo this
    year need some advice as far as what to eat and what not to eat.
    
    Mike_who_is_151_days_away_from_HDD

    re .30  Okay!  My $.02 worth. 
    
    When we went to the Hoop-de-doo ... we ALL loved the show.  As for
    the food, there was mixed reviews, especially around "the ribs."
    
    I thought they were so-so, my husband liked them, my brother loved
    them.  They did have an unusual flavor, kind of sweet, kind of smoky.
    All in all, not a 'bad' meal AND when compared to the meal at
    the Polynesian Revue (Luau) it was 'great'.
    
    Carla
    

    I haven't heard anything good about the Polynesian Luau's food.
    
    I hate to keep beating on the H_D_D's ribs, but I couldn't even
    describe their *flavor*!  We picked up the ribs, and they were so
    fatty, everything slid right off the bone.  When we did pick through
    the fat, it was such a small amount of meat, I've yet to understand
    how it made me so sick.  I really thought it was just me, until my
    sister told me her horror stories, and also her brother-in-law was
    as miserable.
    
    But I still stand by that chicken!!!!!  Rick liked the strawberry
    shortcake too, I don't eat that stuff.  They don't serve soda in
    there, so I grabbed one in the adjoining restaurant and took it
    into the show with me.
    
                                                   cj *->

   CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME INFORMATION ON CHURCH STREET STATION.

    I have been to Church Street Station the last two years that I have
    been down in Orlando.  I think at least for me and my companion
    the first time is the best time.  Church Street Station is a group
    of restaurants and nightclubs along a street, which has people playing
    instruments outside as well as inside the many different clubs.
    It is a lot of fun and well worth the time to go see it.  We ate
    first at Lily Marlens Aviation Pub, which was very good and expensive.
    After that we listen and saw the show at Rosie O'Grady's it is based
    on a 1920's theme.  Then we went to Cheyenne Salon which is country
    and western club.  Upstairs they have a couple of blackjack tables
    which were fun to watch.  We did some shopping in the various shops
    and hit a few more of the clubs but not long enough to really have
    an opinion on them.  
    
    All in all we had a fun time but like I said once would have been
    enough for us.  I believe the total cost for all admissions to the
    clubs were $14.00

    My boyfriend and I loved Church St.  The show in Rosie's is cute.
    You can get all kinds of discount coupons in the area to beat the
    entrance fee, too.
    
    We spent a particularly long time in the Cheyenne Club.  I myself
    have never acutally watched people dance to Country Western music.
    I always thought Urban Cowboy was just choreographied for the movie.
    I had no idea people danced like that all the time.  These people
    (just local-yokels) had me enthralled!  
    
    The music was great in each club, although we did prefer the Cheyenne.
    The Ballroom (I can't think of it's actual name right now) had 50's
    and 60's music which was good, but I hear that all the time.
    
                                                    cj *->

    Well, back from the h_D_D and here to comment from a fresh visit.
    Loved it!  Again.  
    
    The ribs.  Not really prepared the way we do, but a lot meater than we
    serve.  no fat.  ok.
    
    the chicken.  The six of us emptied 4 buckets of them!  I got twoo big
    boys!  it was good.
    
    the drinks.  3 pitchers of beer, 3 pitchers of SODA.  a pitcher of ice
    tea.
    
    short cake.  great  but who had the room?
    
    the show:  as good as ever.  and wouldn't ya know who was picked to be
    star of the show?  yes me!  I'm now a certified HDD cast member with
    offical certificate to prove it.  Now if anyone's been to the show, you
    know who the star of the show is, so keep your mouth shut.  The rest
    will have to guess.  But I did bring the house down.  It helped with
    all that beer first.
    
    we had reservations a year in advance and our table was stage front.
    
    ed
    

    Don't recall if I've seen this anywhere.
    
    Does your Magic Kingdom Club Card get you a discount off Hoop Dee Doo?
    
    Mike

    re: .37

�  Does your Magic Kingdom Club Card get you a discount off Hoop Dee Doo?

    Sorry, no.  But it's still worth the price.

    It is however one of the meal options if you buy a MKC package that
    includes dinners.  Not really a discount, but you COULD use the same
    coupon to buy a hot dog and a soda.

    Thanks Len,
    
    I didn't think so....good info for all to know.
    
    Mike_whose_new_vacation.com_says_he_has_120 days, 10:44:19 to go!

    Has anyone been to "Little Darlings Rock n' Roll Palace"?  We were
    thinking of going there when we are down there.  
    
    Thanks
    
    Cindyrose (Who has 13 more days before her Walt Disney World Vacation
               Begins)!

    Hi,
    	I was there Monday. It's great.  They also have a
    gift shop next door with all 50's items, including
    Poodle skirts and 45 rpm records, etc.
    
    Admission is $8.50.

Can anyone compare King Henry's Feast and Medieval Times?

How are the shows?  I gather that Medieval Times is mostly horsemanship, while
King Henry's Feast is more medieval vaudeville.

How is the food?

What type of food is available?  Is it ok for people on strict low-fat, low-
cholesterol diets?

How do prices compare?

   Gary

    Some replies back there was some mentioning of how the time of your
    reservation for Hoop-Dee-Doo determines your seating for the show.
    
    Any idea as to what one would expect for a reservation made 3 months,
    6 months, 9 months, or even a year ahead of time?
    
    Yours truly made reservations 200 days in advance and I'm curious as to
    where my table will be.
    
    Mike_69_days_to_go

I made my reservation about 6 months in advance of my last trip (Nov 89).
Our reservations was for the 7:30 show and our seats were in the balcony.  If 
this is where my seats end up when I go in June, then I will not buy the 
tickets.

The time of the show is also important.  The 7:30 show fills first.  I think
that is followed by the 5:30, then the 10.

Had I known that my seats were going to be in the balcony when I made my 
reservations, then I would have booked the 5:00 or 10:00 show instead.  Does
anyone know if you can find out your table location in advance?

/Jim Pappas

    Jim,
    
    I'm booked for a 5:30 show on a Sunday night. I would assume that show
    would not be too crowded so as to have me end up in the balcony.
    
    Mike
    

        After we went in December 89, I wrote 116.26 and gave the HDD
        a not so favorable rating, mostly because of our balcony
        seats.  We went again on 6/25/90 after making our reservations
        8 months in advance and got 2nd row seats for the 7:30 show. 
        We really enjoyed the HDD this time.

        Seven of us attended the show.  My wife and I took our two
        oldest children (ages 6 and 8) but left our youngest (age 4)
        at the Neverland Club at the Polynesian.  We also went with
        three other people that I work with.

        We thought the food was good.  Most people liked the ribs
        best.  Ours were not fatty as reported by others.  The ribs
        must run hot and cold.

        RE: 116.36 OVRDRV::BADGER

>    and wouldn't ya know who was picked to be
>    star of the show?  yes me!  I'm now a certified HDD cast member with
>    official certificate to prove it.  Now if anyone's been to the show, you
>    know who the star of the show is, so keep your mouth shut.  The rest
>    will have to guess.  But I did bring the house down.  It helped with
>    all that beer first.

        I was also the star of the show.  Four of us were brought
        backstage;  one by one they took the costumes off the wall and
        dressed us up.  I was last (the star) and once I knew what I
        was being set up for, I felt like bolting out the emergency
        exit...  I told the actor "You can't do this to me, I work
        with people out there".  Like Ed, I also brought the house
        down.  For days following the HDD Kimberly, my 6 year old
        daughter was telling everyone "My daddy is a fairy".  Well
        that's not exactly the role I played, but it was almost as
        bad.  People would recognize me on the bus or around the parks
        and comment on my acting. Now I am also a certified HDD cast
        member, with certificate and photo's to prove it.  Luckily,
        the people I work with did not bring cameras.

        /Jim Pappas
        

        Despite warnings from people in this conference, we decided to
        try the Polynesian Review (aka Luau).

        We thought that the show was OK, maybe even good, but the food
        left a lot to be desired.  Of all the dinners we had while in
        WDW, this was the only one we did not care for.

        Others compared the quality of the food to fast food.  I
        wasn't expecting very much, maybe a PuPu Platter type of meal. 
        A PuPu platter would be a great improvement...

        As someone mentioned, drinks are included, but we are not big
        drinkers.  You have a choice between soda, beer, ice tea, Mai
        Tai, or Pina Colada.  I had a sip or two of the Mai Tai, but
        did not like it.  I switched to a Pina Colada and drank about
        half of it.

        I doubt that we will ever return.  Once was enough.

        /Jim Pappas
        

    I'm finally getting around to writing my trip report and other reviews, so
    here's the first installment - a review of King Henry's Feast.

    For our first day in Orlando, we had dinner reservations for King Henry's 
    Feast.  Picking up on a hint in this notesfile, we stopped at the hotel just
    before it (a Clarion or Comfort Inn, I believe) to get a discount coupon.  
    We were then early for dinner, which was lucky, as they had lost our
    reservations.  We had no problem getting seated.  In fact, we joked a
    bit with the host doing the assigned seating for people like us (after
    most others had been seated), and we wound up with very good seats.

    This place was as commercial as we expected.  Don't, repeat DON'T waste
    your money on the program book, it's useless.  The good news is that
    the show was good, and the food excellent -- much, much better than any
    of us had anticipated.  The serving wenches (their term, not mine)
    brought the food in crocks or kettles to the table, where individual
    diners were assigned to help dish it out.  The cold potato-leek soup
    was wonderful, with plenty of vegetables and far more flavor than
    usual.  The salad was very good, followed by a sorbet to clear the
    pallet.  The roast chicken was also excellent, not too greasy and with
    plenty of flavor.  None of us were interested in the ribs, but judging
    by the other diners, they were good, too.  Dessert was apple pie with
    ice cream, also better than average.  Everyone was impressed with the
    food quality.  

    The efficiency of the staff was also noteworthy.  Food was served
    promptly and at the right temperature.  The dessert was portioned out
    by the servers at the end of the table, with the people seated at the
    ends given the task of passing the plates down. You'd think that
    cutting a slice of pie would take some time, but the servers frequently
    had to wait while the diners fumbled with the plates.  They also had
    one photographer who went to all the tables, using a camera with three
    lenses (for three shots onto one frame of film), taking pictures of all
    the guests.  The pictures were quickly turned into personalized key
    rings (at $3 each).  We skipped the key rings, but were sufficiently
    impressed with the service that we felt good about leaving a tip for
    the server.

    The show had enough variety to be entertaining.  There was the usual
    song-and-dance, a brief magic act, a good sword-swallowing act, and a
    one-woman trapeze-and-rope act, along with the background theme of
    trying to find a bride for King Henry.  The jokes got to be a bit
    tiring, though, especially the ones that would be unacceptable in
    Boston (and would violate Digital's Valuing Differences policy).

    Our conclusion about King Henry's Feast is that it was well worth the
    $25/person ($23/person with our discount coupon), and that we would
    recommend it to others, although it's not the sort of thing we'd want
    to see a second time.

       Gary

    We spent one evening in Medieval Times in Kissimme and it had about the
    same type of meal as King Henry's Feast. Unlike KHF Medieval Times has
    6 knights who vie for roses from the Queen in jousting and combative
    events.
    
    The crowd really got into it especially with the on foot fighting
    between the knights.
    
    In addition to the dinner show you can also walk through a town which
    was actually brought over from Europe. This "Medieval Life" town tour
    also includes a torture chamber which housed actual torture devices, a
    big hit with the kids.
    
    It really frosted me to see these people taking pictures and trying to
    sell them to you. Everyone shakes hands with the king when they first
    come in and while you eat someone comes by and shows you the pictures
    in a this pamphlet. No thanks.
    
    It was a pretty good show. I'd consider it again the next time. 
    
    Sir Mike

    I enjoyed the dinner show in Epcots Germany in the World
    showcase....I've been 2ce and so far it's been great!  The service is
    great, the food is great (German of course) and the show is quite
    lively!  They (the cast) have the whole audience join in on certain
    songs, and they select a few people to take part in the show also.
    
    I love it there and will continue to go back in the future.
    
    Melissa (Mel)

    I found out a little more about the seat assignments for the dinner
    shows.  The tables are assigned 5 days in advance based on the date of
    the reservation (presumably with the best seats going to people with
    the oldest reservation).  Once the tables are assigned, you can buy
    your tickets (up to 5 days in advance).  However, unlike reported
    somewhere in here, you do not get a better seat by paying earlier.  You
    will get the same table regardless if you pay 5 days or 15 minutes in
    advance of the show.

    Once the tables are assigned, if someone cancels their reservation and
    if you pick up their cancelation (ex: as a walk-in), then you get their
    table regardless if it is front center or in the balcony.

        Although we did not attend, I was told that the Luau at the
        Polynesian has a completely new menu.  I was told this by the
        woman who checked us into the Beach Club.  She was excited
        because she was going with her boyfriend who was coming down
        to visit her.

        She told me that WDW had received a lot of complaints on the
        old menu and that was the reason for change.  After she went
        she told me it was great.

        Reading the replies to this note, you will see that the Luau
        was not rated very highly because of the food.  If anyone goes
        to this, please post your impressions here.

    Question:  I made my reservations for the Hoop de due Revue for next
    July and I have received my campground confirmation / deposit recieved
    confirmation in the mail yesterday.  No where on this does is mention
    my reservations for the Revue.  Am I going to get something in writing
    before my trip?
    
    Kathy
    

    Rep to <<< Note 116.53 by CUPMK::JETTE >>>

    Kathy,
    
    In years  previous  I  have  never  recieved  written confirmation, for
    dinner shows.   They  are  tied  into  your room reservation.  Once you
    cancel a room reservation  all dinner shows are automatically cancelled
    as well (at least that  was  what  I was told back in '87, haven't made
    any dinner shows for next year,  planning on trying some of the outside
    shows  this  time.)  I'm not sure how  it  works  if  you  change  room
    reservation, wehter or not the dinner shows go  with  it or if you need
    to make all new one.
    
    Claude

    Regardless of dinner shows or character breakfasts you will not receive
    confirmation in the mail. Confirmations are only for resort
    reservations.
    
    Mike

    Re: <<< Note 116.53 by CUPMK::JETTE >>>
    >                      -< A written confirmation? >-
    >
    > Question:  I made my reservations for the Hoop de due Revue for next
    > July and I have received my campground confirmation / deposit recieved
    > confirmation in the mail yesterday.  No where on this does is mention
    > my reservations for the Revue.  Am I going to get something in writing
    > before my trip?
    > 
    > Kathy
    
    I can also confirm the previous replys (there is no confirmation) and add my
    own warning: It is a good idea to re-confirm reservations by phone, or
    ask for a special written confirmation. I say this because last summer
    I called in advance to extend my planned stay by a few days. The person
    on the other end "extended" my stay by cancelling and re-entering the 
    reservation. When I called about something else a few weeks later, I 
    asked about the show reservations and found out they had cancelled them
    when I had asked to extend! (Because of the cancel/re-enter)
    
    Fortunately I was able to reserve again with no problem.
    
    Mike

    I didn't rate the Hoop-de-do at all. Very limited entertainment value,
    but good food. The kids much preferred the boats illuminations out on
    the lake afterwards. We did however rate the Polynesian show, brilliant
    and lots of photos of the kids with the characters.
    
    Richard

    For those of you thinking about doing Hoop Dee Doo in '92 I just caught
    the latest prices yesterday. I didn't write them down but these are 
    pretty close:
    
                     Adults    $35
                     Juniors   $28
                     Child     $18 <= Not sure about this one
    
    Mike

That must be a real recent increase, because I paid $33/$25/$17 for the 
Feb. 1 show, tickets bought a few days before.

   Gary

I'm going to Disney World at the end April. I'll be there with two
other families in addition to mine.  The thinking is we should attend
one of these dinner shows.

We'll have 9 kids between the three families, ages 12, 9, 9, 7, 6, 5,
3, 2, 1.

I think the show candidates are called Hoop-Dee-Doo and Mickey's 
Tropical Review.

Now I know nothing about these shows, are they interesting for children,
or would this be a waste of money? To be honest I can't see that all these
children would want to sit thru a dinner and show.

Any and all suggestions appreciated. 

-peter

The Hoop-Dee-Doo is the better show for kid in my opinion. We had 10 kids
with us, ranging in age from 1 to 14, in 1985 and went to both dinner
shows. The kids like them both but they still talk about the Hoop-Dee-Doo.
Don't worry the shows will keep their attention. The food is better at
the Hoop-Dee-Doo also. I just got back from WDW last week and we went to
both shows and the food a the Poly was horrible. I will not be doing that
dinner show ever again.

Norb

Norb,

Thanks for the info.  I have a question about your reply .61, you write:

>>I just got back from WDW last week and we went to
>>both shows and the food a the Poly was horrible. 

Are you implying that the show I refer to as "Mickey's Tropical Revue"
is also the "Poly" (i.e. the Polynesian, which has gotten numerous bad food
reviews in this note)?

-peter

    I'd say Hoop-Dee-Doo gets the nod because there is never a dull moment. 
    
    The entertainment pauses every once in a while so the guests can eat
    but other than that the kids will always be amused by what's going on 
    in Pioneer Hall.
    
    Obviously the Doo is more expensive but it's a WDW experience that
    should not be passed up.
    
    It's a great place to hold a birthday bash too!
    
    ;^)

    Rep to <<< Note 116.62 by NOVA::SPIRO >>>

>Are you implying that the show I refer to as "Mickey's Tropical Revue"
>is also the "Poly" (i.e. the Polynesian, which has gotten numerous bad food
>reviews in this note)?

    Peter,
    
    Mickey's tropical Revue, replaced the early show of the Polynesean Luau
    a couple of years  back,  of which I had been to twice and the food did
    not compare to the luau's I've been to in Hawaii.
    
    Claude

    Has  Anyone tried here?I loved it!The menu isn't very wide, though
        the show is great.THe show you see is sooooo funny,I fell out of my
        seat!(literally!
    
    Give us your opinion.
    
    
    

          <<< Note 116.65 by KYOA::KOCH "It never hurts to ask..." >>>
                       -< The Dimand Horseshoe Jamborie >-

    While going  over  some  of the brouchers I picked up on my last trip I
    came across a  Dinner  Show that has not been discussed (I believe) and
    was wondering if anyone  has  attented  this.    It's  the  'Muderwatch
    Mystery Theatre' located at the  Baskervilles  Rest.   at the Grosvenor
    Resort.  According to the writeup  in the American Express Presents The
    Walt Disney World Dining and Shopping Guide  (found  in your WDW resort
    room) on page 71
    
    'An evening of mystery and intrigue, where the  person  sitting next to
    you could be simply a tourist or a professional  actor  involved in the
    evening's mysterious events.  This "Who Dunnit" dinner affair gives you
    the  chance  to  play  detective, and if you solve the crime,  a  prize
    awaits.    This  Saturday  night  Prime  Rib dinner buffet is staged at
    Baskervilles  Restaurant  on  the  Mezzanine  level  of  the  Grosvenor
    Resort.'
    
    Details are
    
    Cuisine: American
    Hours: Saturday, 7pm
    Prices: Adults $25, Ages 12 & under $12
    Dress: Casual
    Seating/Capacity: Inside, 286
    Reservation: Required, call 828-444 ext. 6117
    
    I wish I  had caught this while down there, seems like it would of been
    a better altunative to  '50's  Prime  Time Cafe which I was disapointed
    with.
    
    Has anyone been to this?
    
    Was it a good time?
    
    Claude

       Having gone to WDW three times (last time 1986) I am very impressed by
    the collective wisdom of this notes file.   I am returning to WDW this
    August with my family (wife, 14, 11, 8 yr olds) and have made a
    reservation at the Hoop-de-do Review, because everybody raves about the
    show.  However, from reading this file, it seems that you are
    (collectively) feeling that the Diamond Horseshoe Review is as good as
    the Hoop-de-do, and a lot cheaper.
    
       My objective is not to save money at the expense of a good time, but
    if I can save money and have as good a time as well, I would be a happy
    camper.  Can you give me your perspective as to which show I should go
    to?  Thanks very much.
    
    Stan_40_more_days

    The Diamond Horseshoe is good.  It's free, but you have to make
    reservations on the same day upon entering the Magic Kingdom.  Get
    there early, the best times are gone within the first � hour of the
    time Main St. opens (usually an hour before the rest of the park opens.
    Typically, all the reservations are gone within an hour.

    The Diamond Horseshoe show lasts about 20 minutes.  You can purchase
    cold sandwiches and snacks.

    The Hoop-Dee-Doo is GREAT.  It is expensive,  $33 for adults, $25 for
    juniors (12-20) and $17 for children (3-11).  Reservations can be made
    when you book your room if you are staying on the property, 30 days in
    advance if you are staying elsewhere.  Except for the 10 PM show, they
    are booked months in advance during the busy seasons.

    The Hoop lasts about two hours.  The price includes an all you can eat
    dinner of nacho chips and salsa, salad, chicken, ribs, corn-on-the-cob,
    beans, and strawberry shortcake.  Unlimited drinks include soda, milk,
    beer, and sangria.

    My advice...do both.

    FWIW, we'll probably be skipping the Hoop this trip, but we've seen it
    three times.  Maybe next trip we'll do it again.

Has anyone attended the Christmas Season Dinner Show that sits several
hundred people in a large banquet room and dines them while a bunch
of Disney Characters/Singers/Dancers perform on stage.
Sorry....but I forget the name of the event.

Gary
    
    		  
    				
    

Yes.   Alison, Iain and I attended this mammoth Christmas feast last year in the
`new' convention centre at the Contemporary.  The show is called something like
`Happy Holiday Celebration' or some such whimsical title.

This is a VAST ballroom (bigger than the one in the Beast's castle) which 
seats (I estimate) around 2000 people (yes, two thousand). You sit at tables 
in groups of 10 (or so), and there's ample opportunity to talk to your fellow
celebrants.  The food is excellent is simple; turkey and all the trimmings, as
much of it as you can eat. The service is good (excellent considering the scale
of the operation) and our waiters were very attentive.

The show takes place on three stages; one large one at the far end of the room,
and two smaller ones set onto the long recangular walls of the ballroom. At 
various points, the `singers' and dancers come out and perform everything from
carols to just plain festive music.  All your favorite Disney characters show
up, and the technical expertise is well up to Disney's usual standards.  Everyone
lip-synchs to a master soundtrack (somewhat reminsicent of an ice show). There's
a lot of color, dancing, noise, excitement and general mayhem interspresed with 
food.

 We enjoyed it, although I admit to being somewhat overwhelmed by the scale.
The brochure made the show appear to be about as big as the "Top of The World"
production (which would have been somewhat intimate and closeup).  This show
was not intimate!!!  I don't think it's on our list to do next time, but it was
definitely worth it once.

				Nigel

    I will be at WDW during Thanksgiving "93" does anyone know if the
    Christmas Show runs during that time, and if not are there any special
    dinner shows for Thanksgiving?
    
    Sasha

    Last year the Christmas dinner show started the Sunday after
    Thanksgiving. I've never heard of any special Thanksgiving
    shows. When we went for Christmas, the HDD changed the solos
    to seasonal (winter versus Christmas) music; maybe they would 
    do something similar for Thanksgiving?
    
    Linda
    
    

    
    	we went down last thanksgiving, the country bear chirstmas
    	was running and thanksgiving day the very merry chirstmas
    	parade started. The crowd was thin the first half of the
    	week. we went though all three parks with light crowds until
    	thanksgiving. I just wanted to see the chirstmas parade and
    	MK and allthe chirstmas decorations the day after thanksgiving.
    
    
    						Have fun

    Here are the latest prices for the more popular dinner shows at WDW:
    
    Please note => Junior (12-20)  Child (3-11)  
     -------------------------------------------------------
     
    Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue (5 PM, 7:15 PM, and 9:30 PM)
     
     Adults $33 
     Junior $25
     Child  $17
    
     -------------------------------------------------------
    
     Polynesian Luau (6:45 PM and 9:30 PM)
    
     Adults $31 
     Junior $24
     Child  $16
    
     -------------------------------------------------------
    
     Broadway at the Top (6:00 PM and 9:15 PM)
    
     Adults $44.50
     Child  $19.50
    
     Gentlemen, jackets suggested
     

    Can anyone give me a review of what they think of the Polynesian review
    show at the Polynesian Village?
    

    I assume you mean the "polynesian luau (spelling probably wrong!)"   -
    I went to it a couple of years back, and found it entertaining without
    being brilliant. Two aspects to consider - the food, and the show. The
    food was basically barbecue type offerings with watermelon and
    pineapple in plentiful supply. It wasn't great, but was plentiful
    and pleasant enough. The show featured 'polynesians' dancing and 'doing
    their thing' in a number of stage acts. Again it was OK without being
    great. Bottom line - we enjoyed the show, but now we've done it
    probably won't go again (well, for a year or two anyway!) Incidentally,
    as you'd guess, Mickey/Minnie characters take part in various stages of
    the show!
     We usually stay at the Poly - if you haven't stayed there, or eaten
    there, and you're looking for a good meal/some entertainment as opposed
    to the full blown show outlined above, the main restaurant in the hotel
    is EXCELLENT (IMO!)- great value 'specials' with a ploynesian flavour,
    with a three/four piece combo singing hawaiiin style in the vackground. 
    
    John Gray, Reading.

    Yes, I think John Gray hit it right on the nose.  The show is good and
    the food ok, but doing it once is enough.  The Poly as a hotel however,
    is one of my favorites.  If your heart is set on the Luau, then go and
    see it.  The Dancers are very talented.  But don't expect to walk away
    wanting to see it again.  At least that's how I felt.  Once was enough. 
    
    Rose East 

    For what it is worth, I felt it was better (food, entertainment) than
    the Marriott Luau on Maui.
    
    Dave

    
    Was at the show last monday 5/24. Show was good, food was good, and 
    dancers very talented. Did not see Mickey or any characters at our show
    which was the last one for the day at 9:30.
    
    One sugguestion from us is to go to an earlier show as the show did
    last till 12:30. For kids that did attend the late show, they were
    in the land of nod half way into the show. Some of the adults were headed
    for the land of nod also after a few Mai-Tai's.
    
    I had the same impression as stated before that the show was a saw it
    once and would only go again if we were with someone who had never seen
    it wanted to go again.
    
    The impressions on the Polynesian was the same book me in again it was
    great!
    
    /Irv
    
    p.s. 
    More to come in other notes very soon. 
    
    p.s.s.
    Now I know why you are all so addicted to the place.

    Can anyone post a list of dinner show booking numbers?  We're leaving
    the UK in 10 days and spending 7 days in other parts of Florida before
    going to Orlando (where we're staying 'off property').  From the advice
    here it is probably too late for HDD but at least I'd like to try! 
    
    All advance booking telephone numbers for WDW and non-WDW shows mentioned 
    here gratefully received. 
    
    

    I think some of you are confusing the two Luaus at the Poly.
    
    The 4:30 Luau features Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy.
    
    The 6:45 and 9:30 shows DO NOT have characters.
    
    The 4:30 show is $3-4 cheaper per person than the later shows.
    
    Mike

    Just got back from WDW. Went to the Poly Luau on 7/20 for the 6:45pm
    show. It was great! Show was fun and colorful. Great dancers,great
    food, more than you could ever eat. The Mai tai's are great, more than
    you can drink. Service was good and fast. You want more...no problem
    they just keep it coming. Just in case you didn't know it is an outside
    show under a roof so there is no air conditioning. I don't know what
    they do if it does rain since most of the stage is no protected. If you
    ever want to go to a Luau and have some fun, this is the place.

    Just returned from excellent trip with just one downer - the Medieval
    Times dinner show.  The show itself was fine as long as you are into
    horses (95% equestrian skill demos; tilting, jousting etc) but what
    killed it stone dead for us was the excessive sound volume levels used
    which made conversation impossible and was at times literally painful. 
    Our 'slave' said he had mentioned this to management several times but
    they didn't want to know.  Apparently Brazillians have previously
    complained that it wasn't loud enough, so one man's meat....   The meal
    was at best OK.  Bottom line was we left before the end - a shame, as
    this was the only negative in an otherwise superb holiday.
    
    

    Medievil Times is actually looked upon as being the best of the shows
    along the line of King Henry's Feast, Arabian Knights, etc. You get
    more action at MT than any other show. 
    
    The drawbacks are the high price, the sometimes high volume, and a very
    mediocre meal.
    
    I personally can take or leave Medieval Times. The first time I went
    our knight was part of the "Final Four" but went down to the knave of a
    green knight who was, you guessed it, the darling of the Brazillians in
    the green section.
    
    I don't particularly have anything good to say about the meal. Let's
    see if I remember; a fruit cup, a vegetable (potato?), a cornish hen
    (or reasonably facsimile), and a small pastry. You get a free cup of
    wine and then you order the additional drinks (soda, wine, beer, etc.).
    
    You either have a wench or slave serve you and these people work their
    butts off.
    
    I think the show demonstrates quite a bit of horsemanship and
    athleticism and if you're going to Orlando with some pre-teens I think
    they'll enjoy it. The young ladies revel at the sight of a young knight
    coming over to their section to toss them a rose.
    
    Next to the castle is an attraction called "Medieval Life" which is a 
    reconstructed town brown over from Europe. It's sort of Kissimee's
    answer to Sturbidge (sp) Village but may be a bit better. The kids will
    love the chamber of horror/torture chamber.
    
    All in all Medieval Times is a decent take-in if you're looking to get
    away from the Disney experience for an evening.
    
    YOu could go to Sea World during the day and experience Medieval Times
    at night. There's a lot to do and see on the road to Medieval Times.
    
    I forget the prices but I would say that you can estimate that the
    per adult price is around $25.
    
    It'd be nice to hear some testimonies from others who have gone to
    other dinner shows in the area....I gotta plan some non-Disney stuff
    for next year and I'm not really up for going back to Medieval Times
    for a third time.....my knight is 0 for 2.
    
    Mike

    ...or Why You Should ALWAYS Listen to Those People in The Disney
    Notesfile
    
    I just called the CRO for Hoopdedoo reservations for April 1994 (don't
    even say anything about this, I already see the error of my ways!) and
    they have two shows with openings, both at 9:30 (our kids are 6 and 8)
    
    I took one, and I'm sure the seats are terrible.  I'm not sure this is
    even worth it.
    
    But wait... Isn't there a chance we could get in on a cancellation once
    we're there?  How do we do this?  I thought I read about showing up at
    the door somewhere - was it here?
    
    I really thought the last week in April would be a slow week.  Am I
    just in denial or something?
    
    Any ideas?

    I recall Jim Pappas telling me that if you call on the day of the
    show you can ask for certain seats. I've never done it so I'm not
    sure how it works.
    
    Also, early booking don't always mean great seats.
    
    Mike

    Well, my experience said that it might.  On our last family trip to WDW
    in May '93, we had what were arguably the best seats in the house - right
    at the front of the stage just to the left of center by the stairs where 
    all of the Pioneer Players come on and off of the stage (and thus had to 
    interact with us everytime!)
    
    When did I make the reservations?  DECEMBER '91!!!!!
    
    I specifically requested a table at the front of the stage, and that
    request was honored, hopefully with a little help from a 17 month
    advance reservation.
    
    And the video sure came out great!...
    
    Cheers,
    Ken
    
    
    

I had the same table with I went in October 91.  I made my reservations 
about a year in advance.  

I also made reservations for the Polynesian Revue and had a front row table.

The day we went to the Diamond Horseshoe Revue, we arrived early and got a
good table.

It pays to plan ahead and listen to the advice in this notes file.  The tables
we got sure impressed my parents.  Maybe the next time they go I can go along
to plan the trip.  (Wishful thinking on my part. Oh well!)

    >>    Also, early booking don't always mean great seats.
    
    
    Mike,  Boy, that is FOR SURE!! I got the worst seat in the place and my
    reservation was way.. months... in advance. marge

    The key is to ask for what you want.  If you were WDW, what would you
    do if party #1 booked 12 months in advance, without any requests, and
    party #2 booked 6 months in advance, with a specific request for
    particular seating?  Who gets the better seats? (if available!)
    
    Don't be shy, they aim to please!  
    
    Cheers,
    Ken

    Has anyone recently gone to the Luau at the Poly?  What did you think
    of it?
    
    Thanks
    Julie
    

The last time I went to the Luau was in March '92.  The show is pretty good
(but nothing that I hadn't seen before) with dancers, fire and sword eaters,
jugglers, etc.  The food was pretty unremarkable -- nothing you couldn't get
at your local chinese restaurant.  Since we weren't too impressed, we didn't 
go back on the next trip.  But, I may try the kids version of it in a couple 
of years when I go with my nephews.

                                                     Tracy

    Hopefully someone will give you an up todate experience. Mine
    was from 83.
    
    	In 83 the show was very nice.
    
    	The food was basically bland, equivalent to $1.50 TV dinner.
    	No choice.
    
    	All you could drink was a joke. Only three choices, a polynesian
    	type drink, 1 brand lite bear, and a hi ball or something like
    that.
        Anything else you paid for. Even if you liked one of the 3
    	free drinks your chances of getting more than two during whole
    	show were nearly nile, service was not fast. I did not go for
    	all you could drink, but it was still lousy, you basically had
    	to buy your own anyway. 
    
    	Basically you were herded in, sat down, fed the slop, then driven
    	 out.
    
    
    	But the Show itself was very enjoyable. 
    
    
    For my 83 visit it was about the only thing at MK/EPCOT that I thought
    was shoddy for Disney.
    
    			Harold
     
    
    
    
    	
    	

    Has anyone been to the Luau or the Top of the Broadway (??) this year? 
    We are going to be at disney in two weeks and have reservations for the
    Luau and have seen mixed replies.  Any replies would be appreciated.
    
    Kathi
     

    Kathi,
    
    I have made reservations for the Luau but from what I'm hearing in here
    and from other sources I may bag it. Maybe I'll do the Hoop again. I
    may know the jokes but I like the show and the food.
    
    Mike

    I was one of those people who didn't make early reservations for the
    Hoop Dee Doo Revue, but lucked out.  Since we stayed at Fort Wilderness
    we checked for cancellations several times a day.  We ended up with the
    first seating and had excellent seats (Center front). This was in July
    0f 93.  
    
    On the other hand, would I do it again, no way!! To me it is one of
    those show's where once is enough.  Our two children (3 and 7),
    although they received lot's of attention, were not interested.  I
    think the disney characters would have carried a lot more interest from
    them.  Also, the food was all you can eat, but it wasn't that great. 
    You were luckly if you could find any signs of meat on your ribs.  The
    fried chicken was nothing to write home about either.
    
    For the money, it just wasn't worth.
    
    Just my 2 cents...

    The Luau (spelling??) at the Poly is worth doing ONCE. You will
    probably enjoy it, and decide it was a once off experience.
    
    John.

    This is from my sister "The show was fabulous, however the food was
    gross!  You're paying for the show, not the food."  She did say that
    lots of people were going back for seconds so that maybe it just wasn't
    their type of food.
    
    Also, if anyone who does go with children, you can request a child's
    dinner.  This must be done 48 hours in advance.
    
    I've decided not to go.
    
    Julie
      

    Julie,
    
    What about the Hoop? Are you going to that?
    
    Mike

    Well....we did go to the Luau...(letter to disney about this TERRIBLE
    experience).....My husband and I knew up front not to expect "good"
    food.
    
    We made reservations 4 weeks in advance....got there and found 200+
    teenagers!!!  I'm not an old fuddey-duddey, but trying to watch/enjoy
    the show with 200 kids SCREAMING at the dancers was too much.  We left
    the show before it was over...as did most of the non-teenager audience.  
    
    As stated before the food (ribs, some kind of "chicken" and a seafood
    dish) was not very good.  the ribs were mostly fat, chicken was greasy
    and the fish was so-so.   I wouldn't have minded the bad food/service
    if I could have enjoyed the show.  We booked the late show on purpose,
    so we could enjoy an evening together away from the "experience of
    disney" and have a sitter come in and take care of our 2 year old.
    
    I would suggest that if you are told to wait while they process a
    "large group" ask what kind of group.....                        
    
    
    Kathi

    Thanks Kathi,
    
    I'm nuking my reservation.
    
    Mike

    My sister complained before she left Florida about how bad the food
    was.  She was refunded the total of the bill including tip (see my
    note .99)
    
    Julie
    

    Julie,
    
    Someone owes us a trip report.
    
    The Trip Report Police

    Has anyone gone to the Luau at Sea World?  I was thinking of trying it.
    
    Lisa

    Well since no one had replied and I have just come back, I thought that
    I would let people know how the Sea World Lua is in case anyone wants
    to go in the future.
    
    	The Lua was $73 total for Myself, My husband and my 2 children 5 &
    6.  But this was at discount because I purchased the tickets at the
    Marcado Village Visitor Center in advance.  I believe I saved about $15
    by doing this.  This price includes the dinner & show and also any soft
    drinks & coffee.  They have a full cash bar that is pay as you go.
    
    	Sea World let us in at 5:45pm.  We didn't have to pay for parking
    and we checked in at the Reservation center to the left of the entrance
    upon entering.  They told us where to report and that we could get
    there at 6:15 and receive our free drink.  And in the mean time, we
    could visit the Dolphin tank on the way.  Which we did, for the 3rd
    time(we had been there twice before on our full day visit to the park).
    
    	At 6:15 we arrived at the designated area and received our lays
    (made out of shells-not flowers but still nice) and our complimentary
    rum fruit drink.  The kids got fruit drink.  They opened the doors at
    6:30 and we had assigned seating.  Then the music was already playing
    and the show began.  There was a centerpiece of fresh fruit & salad for
    our appetizers and the waitresses came around for drink orders.
    
    	The show went on for 2 hrs. with only a 15 minute intermission
    right when they served the main meal.  The meal included Smoked Pork,
    Sweet & Sour Chicken, Mahi Mahi, fresh vegetables & white rice.  That
    was followed up by a Hawaiin Cheese Cake desert.  The food was very
    good.  And the service was great.  The show was spectacular and I would
    do it all over again(and probably will).
    
    	I would recomend this Dinner & show to everyone.  The only thing
    is, try to make your reservations in advance and be sure to request a
    center table.  That's where the best view for the show is.

    We have reservations for the 7:00pm Hoop-De-Doo review in October. 
    Since it will be our first full day at WDW I know we'll be leaving
    from either the MK or from our room at the Beach Club.  Can anyone
    tell me how much time we need, from either location, to get to Pioneer
    Hall on time?  Also, how do we get there from the MK or Beach Club?  I
    assume there will be buses from the Beach Club.  Is that correct?  Do
    we take a boat from the MK?  
    
    Thanks for any info.
                
    Carol
    

    Wow, where's Kathy Jette when you need her?
    
    If you plan on going to Fort Wilderness' Pioneer Hall by bus from 
    the Beach & Yacht Club give yourself AT LEAST AN HOUR. I don't believe
    there is a direct route from the Y&BC to FW. I think you need to go to 
    a park first. 
    
    If you are leaving from TMK then give yourself at least 30 minutes.
    
    Of course if you had a car...
    
    Mike

    No direct bus to the Pioneer Hall from Beach Club.  You have to take
    a bus to the TTC and then get on the bus marked "Chip".  I'm not sure
    if there's one of these buses at TMK bus terminal.  If leaving
    from TMK, you can take the Green Flag Launch at the entrance to the
    Park.
    
    Julie
    
    
    

>>    Of course if you had a car...
    
Okay, I'll bite.  What do you do if you have a car?  I don't remember any
parking right near Pioneer Hall.  Where is the best place to park for it?
Then, is it within walking distance or do you still have to take a bus?

					Tracy

Glad you asked, Tracy!  I can help to answer one of *your* questions!  :-)

You can't drive directly to Pioneer Hall for the show, but must park in the 
FW lot and catch a bus that takes 10 minutes to get there.

     Carol  :-)

    Tracy,
    
    Here's another option. You can park at the Wilderness Lodge and walk to
    Pioneer Hall...maybe a 15 minute walk along the jogging trail between
    FW and WL.
    
    Last year while on a morning run I followed this trail and came across
    the petting zoo near the bus stop close to Pioneer Hall.
    
    Mike

    
    When I stayed at Fort Wilderness in 89 there was a boat that
    went back and forth from MK you could take. It's a 5 min walk
    from the dock.
    
    Toby

     I'd plan on being at the MK and taking the boat to Fort Wilderness.

     I did this in 1991 and it worked out great.  It doesn't hurt to get there
     early.  There's a preshow outside while the crowd builds. 

     Marilyn

    Thanks for all the responses!  I'm hoping we'll be at the MK so we can
    take the boat but can't be sure since we have a 4 year old coming along
    that may not be able to make the whole day without a break.  We'll
    see...
    
    Thanks again!
    
    Carol
    

    RE: the last few...                                              
    
    FW bus transportation has changed a bit.   I think this mainly has to
    do with the addition of the WL and the sharing of transportation
    between FW and WL.  
    
    There are now two buses that run internally [actually there use to be
    two in the prior system but their roles have changed].
    
    Bus one is labeled internal.  It runs from Pioneer Hall through all the
    campsite loops to the front gate area.  This bus is label INTERNAL.
    
    The second bus runs from Pioneer hall - through some of the campsight
    loops [the wilderness homes included] - to the front gate - to the
    transportation center - to WL - to Pioneer hall. (I think I have this
    correctly).  This bus is labeled the "BOONE" bus.
    
    The prior system had one more bus switch from the 'external' to the
    'internal' bus system.
    
    Some additional comments:
    
    - Mike Scopa's suggestion of walking the fitness trail from the WL
    parking lot is a great one. It is a nice easy walk between to two.  It
    has always been a segment of my daily runs at WDW.  The
    only draw back is that for the late show [or the early show in
    fall/winter months] this is not a lighted path.
    
    - The boat system - Remember that the MK/FW connection closes down
    according to the park schedule.  So at this time of year a 6pm closing
    means that the last boat from FW to MK will probably be around 6pm and
    the last boat from MK to FW will be around 7pm.  [at least this has
    been historically true]. Do they run a special run after the HDR?
    
    What is interesting is that WL has been added to the boat loop and there
    is also boat transportation between the contemporary and FW.  In this
    past trip this means the FW/MK boat now goes FW-WL-MK.  The
    FW-contemporary boat provided the Discovery Island transporatation.
    After MK closes down I'm sure FW-WL-contemporary transportation is
    still provided, but I don't know the sequence.
    
    
    Personally I'd combine these two ideas.  A nice pre-dinner walk from WL
    to pioneer hall via the fitness trail to build up an appetite and then
    a nice boat ride between FW and WL after dinner to get a touch of night
    air!

    Hopefully things have changed since I was last there in Fall of 1993.
    We took the boat over for the 7:00 show.  It was a nice trip, and we
    never had a wait for transportation, but it still took us about an hour
    from the Beach Club.
    
    However after the Hoop Dee Doo, it took us almost two hours to get back
    to the Beach Club.  We watched everyone's post-show cheeriness turn to
    impatience and frustration as we waited about 40 minutes for a bus out 
    of Fort Wilderness.  And even then, we had to make a switch.  I think 
    the bus took us to the marketplace where we would catch a bus to the Beach
    Club.  It was raining and I was sick of waiting by the time we got
    there, so we flagged a cab.  The few bucks that it cost us was worth it
    as I wasn't up for waiting for another bus.
    
    We've never had any problems using Disney's transportation system, and
    I never rent a car when staying on property.  This was the one time
    however, that I was disappointed with a long wait and not enough busses
    to handle the crowds.
    
    Kris