A Look At 3 Of Disney World’s Dinner Shows – Which One Is Right For You?

Nestled inside two beloved Walt Disney World Resorts you’ll find three unique dinner shows—no, dinner EXTRAVAGANZAS—that combine dynamic entertainment with enjoyable, eat-until-your-hearts-content food. Appealing to guests of all ages, these one-of-a-kind stage performances are a great way to stamp a lasting memory on your magical Disney vacation. The fact that you get to scarf down plate after plate of finger-lickin’ food while you watch is the ultimate bonus. So which one of the three is right for you? Perhaps all of them! Ultimately, there is no wrong answer. Let’s take a closer look at each and we’ll explain why.

3. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Are you ready for a foot-stompin’, hand clappin’, dosey doe-in’ hoedown with Mickey and his friends? This lively event held at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is chocked full of BBQ, live country-western music, and lots of line dancing with characters like Mickey, Chip n’ Dale, Minnie, and Goofy, all dressed up in their best country themed attire. This show is without-a-doubt geared towards the little members of your family, and there are plenty of opportunities for kids to let loose and get out some serious energy throughout the evening. This is a family-style feast, with rows of long picnic tables that you share with other guests. You’ll be served plate after plate of southern-style comfort food like BBQ smoked chicken and ribs, corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, mac n’ cheese, watermelon and much more (including yummy desserts as well as complimentary beer and wine for adults). You’ll get to experience the fascinating rope tricks of lassoing cowboys and get a chance to mingle and interact with your favorite characters.

Important things to note: This event is held outdoors in a covered, open-air patio. You are subject to the outside elements, including bugs and weather, so using insect-repellant and dressing in layers might be something to consider. And just like anything held outdoors, this event is vulnerable to changing climate conditions and can be cancelled at any time due to inclement weather. Unlike the other two dinner shows, this event does not have pre-assigned, designated seating categories. You are sat on a first-come, first-serve basis, so arriving early is of the essence if you want a prime seating location. If you are not already staying at Fort Wilderness (and even if you are), planning ahead on how you will get there is crucial. Leave yourself PLENTY of time to arrive. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen panicked families waiting at the boat launch docks outside of Magic Kingdom realizing they are going to be late to this dinner show. Because of the unpredictability of boat and bus transportation, don’t assume thirty minutes is all you’ll need to get there, especially if coming from another theme park or Downtown Disney.

2. Hoop De Doo Musical Revue

Also held at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground inside Pioneer Hall is this animated and hilarious dinner show. It follows the frontier-style theming of the resort, engaging guests with zany comedy, country dancing and talented musical performances. You’ll find yourself grinning with delight as you clap along and stomp your feet to the fun and antics of these old-fashioned country-western performers. This is a very family-friendly show and the food will be sure to please everyone in your group. Here, you’ll chow down on endless buckets of fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, mashed potatoes, cowboy beans, salad and cornbread. The post-meal strawberry shortcake is the stuff dreams are made of! Adults will also have the option of enjoying unlimited beer, wine and sangria. This show lasts approximately two hours and is held far more frequently than the other two shows (three times per night, seven days a week!) which makes it the easiest of all dinner shows to book.

Important things to note: You are able to select between three seating categories upon booking your reservation to this dinner theater show. The pricing fluctuates depending what section you select, the main floor naturally being the most expensive. Category 2 and 3 will find you on the balcony, but you will still find yourselves amidst the action as the performers mingle with the upstairs patrons too (just not nearly as much as the main floor). If you are of the shy and timid sort you may find yourself being pushed out of your shell a bit because these performers interact with guests the entire night, even shining spotlights on those they call attention to and bringing others up on stage with them. It’s good, clean fun though and your cheeks will undoubtedly be hurting as you leave from smiling the entire evening. Again, keep the transportation issue in mind if you are spending the day at the Parks.

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1. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Held at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this spellbinding show is one big luau, complete with a fun “Disney Channel” type story that’ll keep your children enthralled. This particular show is just as fun for adults too, engaging them in traditional customs of Polynesia, including dances from Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii. Oh yeah, and there are fire dancers. I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t enjoy watching a good fire-dancer do their thing. It’s captivating, to say the least! And you can’t have a luau without some extraordinary hula dancing, and there is plenty of that here too. While you are entertained you’ll be served platter after platter of delicious, tropically inspired plates like Island pulled pork, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, mixed vegetables, honey-lime slaw and their amazing pineapple coconut bread. Dessert is warm pineapple bread pudding with caramel sauce—so tasty you might forget about the stage show! In addition to endless soft drinks, lemonade, and coffee, guests over 21 can enjoy beer and wine with their dinners.

Important things to note: Just like the Hoop De Doo Revue, there are 3 seating categories for this show—the closer you get to the action, the more you’ll be dishing out. In my opinion, if you are going to book a reservation it is worth paying the extra money to get a better seat. There are some places in the category 3 seating that have obstructed views, so keep that in mind when booking. This event is also held in a covered, open-air theater so you are, again, subject to the sometimes unpredictable Florida weather.

Have you ever experienced one of these dinner shows? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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