Welcome (or welcome back) to 50 Days to 50 Years. It’s now 47 days ’til The World’s Most Magical Celebration! Today, Beth will transport us to Walt Disney World in 1974.
One of my favorite things about vacationing in Walt Disney World is creating new memories with my family each and every trip. For us, Disney means family. Back in 1986 for our first trip, it was just my parents, my brother and I. Now our trips to Disney include my parents, my brother, sister in law, 2 (soon to be 3) nephews, my husband, my three children and myself. Because of this, we have created some wonderful family traditions over the years.
Walt Disney World 1974
Though I didn’t travel to Walt Disney World in 1974, one of our family’s favorite family traditions debuted at Disney’s Fort Wilderness that year ~ Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue at Pioneer Hall. We have been to this show over 10 times and are already planning to return for our trip this fall. It has officially become our tradition to experience Hoop Dee Doo the last night of every Disney vacation.
Hoop Dee Doo is an all you can eat dinner with a fun, hand clapping, foot stomping, washboard playing show. Though some people will call this show corny, for us, it is just good old fashion fun. I have loved it since I was a teen. Now seeing it through my children’s eyes, I love it even more! Though we have had plenty of special moments over the years, there are a two moments with a little extra Disney magic that have endeared this show to us even more!
Disney Traditions
Back in 1995, my husband’s very first trip to Walt Disney World, my brother was chosen to be a part of the stage show. I have to admit, I was shocked that he agreed to go up, maybe it was the all you can drink beer, but I like to think it was Disney magic at work! He played the role of the Indian in the show. I couldn’t believe how much he got into the part! I loved it! It was a new side to my brother. The best part was when he came back to the table, he said, “I can’t believe I just did that!” My dad piped in with, “Don’t worry, you did a great job. Besides, no one knows you down here.”
So after finishing our meal and making our way onto the bus back to our resort, one of the funniest things happened. As my brother boarded the bus, someone yelled out, “It’s the Indian!” Everyone started clapping and cheering. My brother was so embarrassed, as his big sister maybe that’s why I loved this moment so much, but he took it in stride and enjoyed the moment for what it was.
Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue at Pioneer Hall Highlights
Soon after the Can Can Dancer came on the bus, and she also received a round of applause. I loved this because everyone came together to cheer these two on well after the show was over. It was really special and certainly showed the community that is built in Disney amongst the guests.
If you haven’t been to Hoop Dee Doo, one of the things they do before letting everyone into Pioneer Hall is choose a child from the crowd to ring the dinner bell. I was SO excited this last trip when my very shy little Hayley was asked to take on that responsibility. I figured there would be no way she would do this. But she marched up the stairs to the hall, walked right over to the doors and peeked inside. Then, she and the cast member did a few practice rings. I don’t think this cast member realized what an accomplishment this was for my daughter just to walk up there in front of everyone!
Well, the time came and they made the announcement that Hayley from Meredith, New Hampshire was ringing the dinner bell. When she heard that, her eyes lit up and she was smiling ear to ear. She rang that dinner bell like a pro!
50 Days to 50 Years
For us, this tradition is very special to our family. Our trips to Walt Disney World would not be complete without experiencing the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. It is magical moments like this that keep us going back to Walt Disney World year after and year, and I look forward to creating many more! (Here’s to at least 50 years more, Beth!)
Thanks you for sharing the personal Pixie Dust Beth! We hope you’ll return to 50 Days to 50 Years tomorrow for the year in review- 1975. (Courtesy of Amanda, formerly from The Disney Chick!)
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