Anyone been to Mickey Backyard BBQ?

[mommy22pumpkins]

Just wondering what to expect and if we should be happy we are on the deluxe DP and taking time to fit it in the schedule. It sounds like a nice change of pace and just relaxing as it is outdoors. Just wondering how the character interaction is and if anyone has any experiences they can share.

thanks for any input,

Danielle

 

[Nancyg56]

I was not a fan. We took my DGD there when she was 5 and it was a bit chaotic for her. The characters come out to dance with the kids, they do not go to the tables. My DGD was a little timid and was not comfortable in the middle of all of that activity.

The food was pretty good, there was plenty of it and the service was good. If your family is okay with "controlled chaos" you might like it, if not I would pass. If you choose to go arrive early, the seating is picnic bench style and first come first served.

 

[mommy22pumpkins]

okay thanks. My daughter would run right up to them. She is almost 4 and loves any type of characters lol. Can't get enough of them. So now I'm just worried there will not enough characters for the number of kids. I'd hate for either of them to feel left out. May have to re-think this one.

thanks again!

Danielle

 

[Nancyg56]

The characters were accessible. They came out several times and were all dancing with children. I don't think that would be a problem.

 

[Couturier]

I am trying to bump this up, so we can see more opinions. I am thinking of trying it for out next trip.

Dana

 

[Grumpy_Disney_Dad]

When we went 3 ys ago, I was VERY dissappointed in the Backyard BBQ. The character interaction was chaotic. It seemed all the kids just bum rushed the characters and I was afraid DD8 was goingto get trampled. The character handlers didnt seem to care that the characters were swamped with kids everywhere. The food was even more of a dissappointment. Ribs were cold and floating in congealed grease and the chicken tasted like like it came from a cold hungryman tv dinner. I hope I was just there on an off day. Again this was several years ago and maybe things have improved since then

 

[taycreekcropper]

I have reservations for Mickey's Backyard BBQ and I am wondering if anyone has been there this year yet or late last year, what did you think? Also, it says weather permitting, what happens when weather permits? I lose out?

 

[pkwoo84]

We went to the Backyard BBQ last May on our first trip to Disney. Here is my opinion. Organized Chaos...yes. Can it still be fun...yes.

We got there on the late side because like I said it was our first trip and we had no idea how to navigate around Disney. It was also the day we arrived. Once we finally figured out where to park the person pulling in next to us hit our car (i know...great 1st night at Disney huh?) We finally made it to the pavillion and they took a family picture which was later offered to us to purchase. I was a little disappointed that they didn't include a picture pack like they did at the Princess Dinner in Norway...after all it is 2 dining credits.

Anyway, we were short on seating options since we were late but found a picnic table and got the kids food. Food was okay...nothing incredible but it is a picnic not a fancy sit down meal. There was a large open area in the middle of the pavilion that served as the dance floor. There was a cowboy host that interacted very well with the guests. The characters took turns coming out and dancing with the kids. Of course there are a ton of kids but the characters did a good job at dancing a few mins with each kid and then moving on to the next. If your kid is not into the characters they will be intimidated by the amount of people and they will have to be intentional about getting up close for the chance to dance with a character. My 3 year old was happier hanging out with Daddy and watching but she may have done better later in the trip when she had gotten used to the characters. Our one year old enjoyed standing on her head around the outskirts of the dance floor which was her version of dancing at the time. Our 5 year old was in heaven. She loves dancing and she loved getting a chance to dance with the characters...I think it made her feel special to get her whole 30 secs hold hands with Minnie. They did bring Mickey around to the tables for autographs and a chance for photos. We got skipped...I imagine with the amount of people it was hard to get everyone a chance but I went and told the handler and she brought Mickey back by for us.

All in all, I am glad we did it. Next time we will do Hoop De Doo. I think it is worth trying at least once. I believe it is worth 2 dining credits due to the up close chance to interact with the characters but you do have to make an effort to get up close and personal. My suggestions are to figure out your best route and get there early, try and get a spot where you can see, expect lots of noise and base your decision off of how you think your child will respond to that environment. I have some fabulous pics that I will try and add later...they are on another computer. Hope this helps some of you in your decision making.

 

[mbanks21]

My gf just went last week and said it was fun but she liked HDDR much better

 

[taycreekcropper]

thank you for your input. I am looking forward to it, but the chaos not so much, we have it booked later on in the week so my DD will be more familiar with things.......I am nervous on getting to all of our reservations on time. But I'll just do what I can, ask where I can....thanks

 

[sdwjones]

We went a few years ago to Mickey's Backyard Barbeque and we thought it was chaotic as well. We didn't feel very relaxed at all and it was hard to eat, enjoy the music and keep an eye on the kids, because it was such a mob scene. The characters tried to interact, but they were just surrounded by kids. I was trying to take pictures, but there was no organization and my little one was afraid of being trampled. The food and beverages were good and plentiful, but it didn't feel like we got our money's worth because we were a bit frazzled by it all. We left early and even the kids said that they didn't want to do that one again.

 

[grace&philipsmom]

We did mickey's BBQ last April and my 4 year old had a blast. The food was okay, but for us it was my daughter having the chance to dance with Minnie and Goofy that made it so great. My one year old son was in his high chair swaying to the music the whole time. Yes, it was loud, crowded (on the dance floor) and a little chaotic, but it was different and a lot of fun too. My daughter still talks about it.
When we started planning our trip for this August, the first thing my daughter asked was if we could go to mickeys BBQ again this year .

 

[Lady V]

question-we try to do HDDR at least once a year as my kids love it! especially my son. This summer I was thinking of doing HDDR and also the BBQ. Is the food the same food? I don't want to book it for the same week and have two identical meals! also-is there anywhere in particular you all recommend sitting? It will just be me and my two kids (ages 8 and9) so I don't want to lose sight of them while on the dance floor. thanks...