Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue To Return to Disney World This Summer

 by Beth Keating

News/Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 31, 2022

 

It’s been more than two years since the Pioneer Players hopped off the stagecoach and descended on Fort Wilderness’s Pioneer Hall, bells a-ringing to announce their arrival.  For nearly five decades, in one of the longest continually running dinner shows in America, Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long and Jim Handy have brought their brand of corny, slapstick comedy to appreciative audiences at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney World. The show originally opened in 1974.

A mash-up of Wild West and vaudeville comedy routines, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue went dark with Disney’s COVID closures in 2020, but this week Disney announced that the Pioneer Players will be bringing the Hoop-Dee-Doo back to the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Shows will begin June 23, 2022, but guests can begin booking dining reservations starting May 26th.

Claire, Johnny and the troupe will be singing and dancing their way through a two-hour long show while guests chow down on all-you-can-eat old time fare like (delicious!) buckets of fried chicken, smoked BBQ pork ribs, tossed green salad, baked beans, fresh-baked cornbread, and the famous strawberry shortcake, which even gets its own song in the performance.  Guests 21 and older can also enjoy unlimited beer, wine and sangria, and soft drinks are also included.

Celebrating a special occasion?  The Pioneer Players will make that part of the song-and-dance routine, and we have brought public embarrassment to a few family members over the years with birthday and anniversary announcements. (Ahem, as Dolly sang to one of our sons, “He’s from New York… he knows how to use his fork!”)   

 

And speaking of embarrassing moments, audience participation has been a staple of the evening, with everything from kiddos playing washboards and spoons, and diners twirling their red and white checkered napkins high in the air, to lucky guests being pulled up on stage to help re-enact the “Ballad of Davy Crockett.”  (We can speak from personal experience… our Christmas card one year featured a photo of my husband, dressed in full tutu, wings and wand, on stage assisting as “Davy Crockett’s angel.”) Hoop-Dee-Doo is not just a spectator show. You will find yourself singing along and stomping your feet, and maybe even getting your own personal spotlight.  Just sayin’.  You’ve been warned. And you will undoubtedly enjoy it immensely!

Hoop-Dee-Doo has been one of our family’s favorite spots in Disney World for years, and the site of many a family celebration.  It is often the dining spot that we book for our first night in Disney, and it has been a cherished, if somewhat raucous, beginning to our vacations.

Disney has said that while the show will be returning largely as guests remember, there have been a few scenery and script updates. New ticket prices have not yet been posted. In the past, tickets have been based on the time of the show, as well as the location of different tiers of seating.

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Sign up for the Ray Keating Books and More newsletter to enter for THREE chances to win THE DISNEY PLANNER 2022: THE TO DO LIST SOLUTION. There’s plenty of time in 2022 to use this simple but powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans. THREE winners will be selected! Go here!

Daily Dose of Disney with Stan Lee, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Captain America and More!

Episode #319: Stan Lee on Challenges – Marvel legend Stan Lee makes us ask the key question about challenges.

Episode #320: Mary Poppins on Adventure – Can we follow Mary Poppins on an adventure in our businesses and careers?

 

Episode #321: Iger on Chronic Indecision – Former Disney CEO Bob Iger talks indecision, with Ray Keating adding thoughts on establishing trust on decision-making.

 

Episode #322: Winnie the Pooh on the Journey – Winnie the Pooh talks experience over problems.

 

Episode #323: Walt Disney on Being a Team Player – Walt Disney expected less ego and more collaboration from his people.

 

Episode #324: Captain America on Leadership and Humility – Captain America was “just a kid from Brooklyn,” and that’s a good tip for entrepreneurs and managers.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Turf Club: Fast Out of the Gate and Finishes Strong

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 30, 2022

 

I recently came across a brief review of The Turf Club Bar & Grill at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and the writer declared that this wasn’t a “destination restaurant.” Hmmm. Perhaps we differ on the definition of “destination restaurant,” but if you’re serving fine food with excellent service in a comfortable setting, then I call that a destination restaurant. 

And yes, The Turf Club certainly ranks as a destination restaurant.

 

Before getting to the food, the Turf Club Lounge and the Bar & Grill nicely capture the feel and décor of an upscale and yet relaxing restaurant at or near a racetrack, with framed jockey silks, various tools of the horse racing trade, and a restaurant dominated by rich wood.

 

The service was some of the best we’ve had on property, with a friendly and attentive waitress, who asked about how our day went to our take on a certain dessert.

As for the food, the meal started with parmesan rolls with oregano, basil, and parsley, accompanied by butter topped with sea salt. The rolls had just the right amount of crustiness on top and were soft inside. The sea salt butter added to the already-flavorful rolls.

Our party chose two appetizers. The Fritto Misto offered tender and tasty calamari and shrimp, including the tempura batter, accompanied by broccolini, green beans and garlic aioli. However, the spicy marinara sauce was a bit too much (though that is a minor criticism). The New York cider-braised mussels also were tender, with the sauce ranking as sweet with a slight kick.

Each diner chose the grilled filet mignon, and no one was disappointed. Quite the contrary, the filet was juicy and presented with just the right degree of grilling. The sauce fit perfectly, and the accompanying vegetables were sweetly seasoned. And the mashed potatoes came inside a vidalia onion.

Finally, my meal was topped off by a Ricotta-Basil Gelato. This was one of the most unique flavor mixes I’ve ever had, including vanilla, basil, olive oil cake and strawberry consommé. It actually took a couple of spoonfuls to accept the combination, but then I came to realize the deliciousness, and heartily recommend it to others.

In the end, the quality of a restaurant is about the food and the service. And since The Turf Club shines at both, this truly is a destination restaurant at the Saratoga Springs Resort.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/weeklyeconomist and/or the Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WKN81RG.

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13^th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Disney Takes Home Six Oscars

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 28, 2022

 

It may not have been the most surprising story of the evening, thanks to the Will Smith/Chris Rock dust up on stage, but it was perhaps a bit disappointing that the Disney entertainment empire only took home six statues over five films for the 23 Oscar categories for which they were nominated.

Among their winners at the 94th Academy Awards?

 

• BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Encanto – Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino, Clark Spencer

(Walt Disney Animation Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; currently on Disney+)

 

• BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

The Eyes of Tammy Faye – Jessica Chastain  

(Searchlight Pictures; watch with “add-on” at Hulu)

 

• BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

West Side Story – Ariana DeBose

(20^th Century Studios; currently on Disney+)

 

• BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Cruella - Jenny Beavan

(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; currently on Disney+)

 

• BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)

Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) –

Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein

(Searchlight Pictures/Onyx Collective; currently on Hulu and Disney+)

 

• BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

The Eyes of Tammy Faye – Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh

(Searchlight Pictures; watch with “add-on” at Hulu)

 

Sadly, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who missed the ceremonies because he kindly stayed away from the Dolby Theatre due to his wife’s positive COVID test, did not gain membership into the select EGOT fraternity last night. (EGOT members are those who have succeeded in winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.  Miranda is missing only the Oscar statue.) Miranda was nominated for best original song for "Dos Oruguitas" from Encanto. 

_______________

 

Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

Sign up for the Ray Keating Books and More newsletter to enter for THREE chances to win THE DISNEY PLANNER 2022: THE TO DO LIST SOLUTION. There’s plenty of time in 2022 to use this simple but powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans. THREE winners will be selected! Go here!

 

Hot Dog and Fries on the BoardWalk – Simple and Perfect

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 27, 2022

 

Where to go for a quick, casual lunch on a bright, sunny day? 

 

I always enjoy heading over to the BoardWalk Inn at Walt Disney World with its turn-of-the-century, Atlantic City theming. And of course, the boardwalk itself is set around Crescent Lake.

So, it’s a great setting for a relaxed lunch, and the BoardWalk To Go Cart offers the right menu, including chicken tenders, a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, a Philly CheeseSteak sandwich, and more. But on a recent stop, for me, it was, what one might call, the classic triple play. That is, an all-beef hot dog, French fries and a Coke.

I sat at a lakeside table with a great view, and dove into my meal. The hot dog was long, thick, flavorful and juicy, while resting inside a soft bun. The fries were crispy and hot. And sometimes an icy Coca-Cola is just the right drink. Altogether, it was a simple and delicious lunch.

Next couple of visits will have to involve a corn dog, the cheesesteak, the cheddar bacon fries and the garlic parmesan fries.

 

What will it take to get me back? Just another sunny day, maybe with a nice breeze off Crescent Lake.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/weeklyeconomist and/or the Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WKN81RG.

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13^th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

Pre-Order the New Book by Disney Biz Journal's Ray Keating

 Pre-Order Ray Keating’s New Book Today – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist – Signed by the Author – Pre-Order Here! Go to https://raykeatingonline.com/products/weeklyeconomist

 

If you don’t have a degree in economics, how do you figure out what actually makes economic sense and what doesn’t? Ray Keating, a leading economist on small business and entrepreneurship, offers help with a new book titled The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist.

 

Whether via CNBC, CNN, FOX, websites, or other outlets, many assertions regarding the economy and economic policy are presented that leave people wondering what’s accurate and what’s not. That’s especially the case when declarations by one talking head are conflicted by the next one. The Weekly Economist offers quick reads on topics essential to thinking clearly on economics, or apply sound economic principles to hot topics.

 

Ray Keating writes, “Yes, economics and thinking more like an economist matter. It is my hope that individuals, by taking just a few minutes for a quick read each week, can clarify their thinking on economics, and thereby, improve their own lives, and the lives of family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, as well as people across the nation and around the world."

 

Praise for Ray Keating’s work…

 

“Keating is at his best when tackling the issue that introduced him to the world of conservative thought: the benefits of the free market.”  - Kirkus Reviews

 

“Keating is no sour-puss conservative... Keating’s pro-growth agenda of dramatic supply-side tax and regulatory cuts, school choice, and much smaller government stands as New York’s only chance at rebirth.”  - Steve Forbes

 

Ray Keating's "take on the economy is unabashedly supply-side, offering a clear understanding that risk taking and entrepreneurship are the engines of economic growth.” - Jack Kemp

 

Disney on Guest Happiness

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #318: Focus on Guest, or Customer, Happiness – The Disney Institute offers great advice on how to treat customers, whether you are an entrepreneur or an employee. 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Catch Up on the Daily Dose of Disney, with Tidbits from Lucas, Eisner, Dr. Sweet, Nani and More!

Catch up the latest episodes of the “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast, with such topics as a reporter who predicted the future of Disney; advice from Dr. Sweet in Atlantis, Michael Eisner, Nani in Lilo & Stitch, Star Wars’ George Lucas and The Incredibles’ Brad Bird; and observations on jazz and comic books from Captain America co-creator Joe Simon.

CNBC’s Big, Largely Irrelevant Chapek-vs.-Iger Report

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 21, 2022

 

So, CEO Bob Chapek continues to stake out his own ground, with his own people and goals, at Disney. Also, Chapek and his predecessor, Bob Iger, might not be getting along real well, but either way, Chapek and Disney are moving on from Iger. Those seem to be the big takeaways from CNBC reporter Alex Sherman’s piece at CNBC.com titled “‘Extremely awkward’: Bob Chapek and Bob Iger had a falling out, they rarely talk — and the rift looms over Disney’s future.” 

Huh, go figure.

 

The article doesn’t really serve up much that’s new. The basic points are that Chapek and Iger operate in different ways, though they share (or in Iger’s case, “shared”) similar focuses on streaming, making Disney more like a tech company, and improving, centralizing and speeding up decision-making (an area where the means to getting there differ between the two men). Also, Chapek is more of an operations guy, while Iger scored high as more of a schmoozer, one might say.

 

Some people at Disney like this, and some don’t. Again, go figure.

 

The thing that struck me most about this article was the tone. One gets the feeling that Sherman has been fully and successfully schmoozed by Iger. Consider various tidbits served up in the article about Iger, and where that leaves Chapek.

 

• “Chapek’s decision to move away from Iger showed chutzpah, but it also put him on an island against a Disney icon…” 

 

Really? A new CEO moving away from a predecessor and staking out his own agenda is “chutzpah” and moving onto an island? Well, I guess if the predecessor is reported to be a “Disney icon”…

 

• “Iger was generally beloved by Hollywood and highly respected as a CEO, particularly after orchestrating a series of intellectual property acquisitions — of Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm — which will likely go down in media history as three of the smartest deals ever.”  

 

Wow, “smartest deals ever”? Maybe at some point that will be the case, but perhaps some time, perspective and sobriety are in order.

 

• “Iger, 71, has even flirted with running for president of the United States. Chapek, meanwhile, has a harder exterior and at times, according to colleagues, struggles with emotional intelligence — which happens to be Iger’s strength.”

 

Golly. There’s Iger pondering the presidency and being skilled in emotional intelligence, while Chapek is … hard.

 

• One last point on this front, Sherman writes: “Late last year, just weeks before his departure as executive chairman, Iger threw himself a going-away party, inviting more than 50 people at his house in Brentwood, a suburban Los Angeles neighborhood.” 

 

Um, who throws “himself a going-away party”? Apparently, Bob Iger does, the same guy who gave thought to running for president of the United States based on the fact that, well, he smartly bought science fiction, comic book and cartoon characters for an entertainment company. Hey, why not? After all, in the age of Trump and Biden, that resume just might sell.

 

And speaking of politics, of course, Chapek gets slammed in this CNBC piece for his “not fighting harder against” a bill in Florida that activists and many in the media labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” legislation. In reality, this legislation basically turned out to be a parental information and authority bill (see The Wall Street Journal here) that was done a disservice by activists on both sides. (Again, go figure.) Somehow, though, the CEO of an entertainment company – well, actually, it seems only Disney’s CEO – is supposed to be staking out ground on such matters. How would Chapek have time to run Disney if he’s supposed to serve as a lobbyist on controversial political issues across the nation that have nothing to do with his business? That would keep him pretty busy. The reporter does not delve into such questions. But he does note that Iger came out against the legislation early on, which, by the way, was then a different bill, which also went unmentioned in the report. Of course, Chapek eventually did apologize for not doing more.

 

As for where the company has been and might be headed, Iger certainly deserves credit for those IP acquisitions and for moving Disney in the streaming direction. His track record, though far from perfect (no one’s is), was excellent. But a more serious and less fawning assessment is always appreciated from a financial news network. As for Chapek, he came on board during the unimaginable – the onset of a deadly pandemic – and deserves time to see how his changes and leadership will work for customers, employees, and shareholders. As they say, the jury is still out.

 

The author of the CNBC article does kind of throw a bone in Chapek’s direction: “It’s possible Disney employees and the broader media and entertainment world simply get used to Chapek’s method of leadership with time. Chapek clearly isn’t Iger, but perhaps his biggest challenge will be convincing everyone it’s OK not to be.” Well, yes, it’s still clear that CNBC’s Alex Sherman likes Bob Iger … a lot.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13^th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from DisneyBizJournal

 DisneyBizJournal.com

March 17, 2022

 

This St. Patrick’s Day cupcake ($5.99) is from Intermission Food Court at Disney World’s All-Star Music Resort. The cupcake is chocolate cake, topped with a chocolate mousse mixed with white crispy pearls, anchored to a sugar cookie base. (Disney calls the filling “Chocolate Irish Cream Mousse,” but it pretty much tasted like straight up chocolate to us!) Solid chocolate discs make up the adorable Mickey Mouse ears, and the green coating is a firm ganache, as opposed to the more gel-like coating that sometimes covers Disney cupcakes.

Three Chances to Win The Disney Planner!

 Sign up for the Ray Keating Books and More newsletter to enter for three chances to win THE DISNEY PLANNER 2022: THE TO DO LIST SOLUTION. There’s still plenty of time in 2022 to use this awesome planner, which combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, it comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. THREE winners will be selected!

 

Enter by emailing Ray Keating at raykeating@keatingreports.com and write DISNEY in the subject line.

We'll use your information for sweepstakes entry, and to send you the latest news and updates about Ray Keating’s books, including the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Sign up before the close of April 15, 2022.

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter between 12:01 AM (ET) on 3/16/2022 and 11:59 PM (ET) on 4/15/2022. Open to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18+. Winner will be selected at random on or about 4/16/2022. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received.

 

Enter by emailing Ray Keating at raykeating@keatingreports.com and write DISNEY in the subject line.