Back Yard BBQ

[timandlesley]

Thinking of trying this over the summer, how is it? What if it rains? How is the food/character interaction? What characters are there? We'll have a 5 year old and a 2 1/2 year old.
THANKS!
Lesley

 

[Mich Mouse]

We have not done the BBQ, but have been to Ft. Wilderness many times. The BBQ is help at the pavillion, which is covered, and I do not think it is cancelled due to bad weather. They have roll down tarps on the pavillion to keep the wind/rain out.

I've read that the characters do not visit your table, rather you get up and visit with them in the pavillion.

Maybe someone who has actually attended will see your post and have more information!

It does sound like a fun way to spend an evening at Ft. Wilderness!

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks, it is good to know it is covered, with it being June we are sure to encounter some rain that night and the kids would be bummed if it was cancelled. Anyone who's been, do you get a fair shot at being with the characters or are they mobbed the whole time? How is the food?

Thanks!
Lesley

 

[Boomer1]

We have done the bbq a couple of times with our kids they were between 5 and 10 years old. We all enjoyed it. Characters were Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, and Goofy. As well as Cyclone Sally and Tumbleweed Will, a live band and a trick roping demonstration. Sally gives line dancing classes and the roper gets a couple of kids to help out with his show. The characters do circulate throughout the pavilion for pictures and interaction with the guests. They also dance and kids get a chance to interact on the dance floor as well. The food was typical to Disney: ribs, chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, corn on the cob, salads etc with watermelon and marble cake for desert. Beer, wine, lemonade, tea and coffee to drink all served buffet stlye.

Overall a great time and a reasonable value if you have younger kids. Teenagers and adult only groups probably can find other things that they would like better. That is up to your individual taste. It is a great way for younger kids to burn off excess energy.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks for taking the time to answer me, I think this will be GREAT for us, we'll give it a try. Do you think if it rains it would be worth going to, or if it rains that night should we skip it?

Lesley

 

[Wendy1953]

MBYBBQ is great! It's an all you can eat buffet, soda, wine & beer for the adults if they wish! It's Mickey, Minnie, the chipmunks - Chip & Dale, Goofy & Pluto. They line dance with the audience, pic & autograph sessions are done twice during the show....you get up from yur table and stand on a line.....they do not go from table to table, but this way you can get your favorites first! Arrive early before the bbq starts, and Mick & Min come down a path, pic's and autographs are taken!

Enjoy! PS>Food is Chicken, Ribs, Franks, mac&cheese, corn on the cob, corn bread, then watermelon (sliced) & dessert (may have left something out...seems like the table had more offerings than I'm remembering!)

 

[Harmony]

We've done the BBQ and in my opinion, it was a bit too chaotic! The characters did visit our table but they were in a big RUSH. Just time for one really quick picture. The characterr interaction in the middle of the dance floor was just "too much." It's crazy in there. Instead, we decided to sit back and take it all in from our table.

All in all, I don't think it's worth the money. Though the food is good and the beer/wine aren't too bad...it just doesn't have the extra magic that say HDDR has. Plus, you have a ways to walk to go to the buffet line and it's a bit long. (or can be)

I'm glad we tried it but once was enough for us. BTW...my kids are 16, 10 and 2 years old.

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks Wendy, Sounds great!!! We'll do it this year. Again, what do you think would be effected if it rains, if it rains that night should we still go??

Lesley

 

[rascalmom]

I would be less concerned about rain than the heat in June for the BBQ. We went there a couple of years ago in early June & it was sweltering. This is a covered pavilion, but there is no AC. After a long day in the heat at the parks, sitting cosily with a few hundred of our "closest new friends" at the BBQ wasn't much fun!

When we went the characters spread out in the middle of the dance floor & a line formed in front of each character for a quick photo/autograph opportunity. Time spent with each child was extremely minimal - they did circulate briefly through during the dance time - but your had to be on your toes to get anywhere near enough for even a pic. Luckily my girls were a little older at the time & were having more fun with the line dancing.

Keep in mind that there are probably at least 300 to 400 people at the BBQ (maybe more) & only a few characters. You sit at long picnic-style tables and serve yourself in a buffet line. We've had much better character interaction at most any other character meal - Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Donald's Breakfastasaurus at AK. Food is okay - I would recommend Hoop De Do Review instead. The show is great & there's AC!

 

[larklynn98]

Although it is a bit chaotic like many have said it is still a great time my children can be shy and my husband picky but they all loved this! It is picnic style and if you enjoy that and being a part of the atmosphere and are a go with the flow family you should really enjoy it. It did rain when we were leaving and the worst thing about that is walking back to your car

 

[Harmony]

I would be less concerned about rain than the heat in June for the BBQ. We went there a couple of years ago in early June & it was sweltering. This is a covered pavilion, but there is no AC. After a long day in the heat at the parks, sitting cosily with a few hundred of our "closest new friends" at the BBQ wasn't much fun! I would recommend Hoop De Do Review instead. The show is great & there's AC!

Good point to mention the heat. Same thing happened with us...it was just too darn hot! And I want to second the opinion about the HDDR!

 

[timandlesley]

O.K, so I just made ressies for HDDR today based on this, I am excited about that based on the comments on heat. It is hard for me to think of June whenI am freezing right now but our past 2 trips have been in June and when you said no air it hit me hard. So tell me about HDDR, how is it? How are the seats. I made our ressies today but was told others could have made them up to 2 years prior so our seats are based on when the person made their ressie. I've seen conflicting things on the boards saying if you show up early they assign seats then and others saying they assign them based on when the ressie was made, which is it do you know? Is there really a BAD seat in the house or can you see the action from anywhere, I'm looking forward to experiencing it this year, something new!

Lesley

 

[Harmony]

I'm not sure how seats are assigned, or even if they are assigned. We were seated at a table on the first floor and it was in the middle of the room.

We had an "experience" when we headed to HDDR but long story short...we were running late. Our bus driver rushed us through the roads, trying to get us there on time...LOL... and when we finally showed up, we were greeted with "We are so glad y'all finally are here!" (our driver called in advance to let them know we were on our way) Our waiter greeted us with a smile and a "y'all finally made it!" LOL We were all tired after all that running around and it was so nice to have the A/C! LOL

Our toddler, who at the time had *just* turned one, loved the show. He got up and clapped and clapped along to the music. The food is brought to you and it is tasty. The dessert is also tasty but the presentation is the best 'cause they make a big fuss when they bring it out. In other words...I don't think you will be disappointed with HDDR. My family and I can't wait to do this show again!

 

[shoes99]

We are going to try the "Christmas At The Fort" on Dec 25th at the Pavillion.
Christmas at the Fort: A new Christmas Day dinner show to be held at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion. Buffet-style meal with a live country-western band, line dancing and characters (NOTE: Characters do NOT make stops at the individual tables.)


Two seatings: Noon and 2 p.m. on December 25 ONLY

Cost: ages 10 and Older, $40; ages 3-9, $25. Price includes food, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, entertainment, tax and gratuity. Cancellation policy: 48 hours. Purchase tickets at all Resort Guest Services locations (tickets NOT available at Guest Relations desks) and Pioneer Hall Ticket Booth. Magic Your Way Plus Dining Plan accepted -- Requires TWO Table Service Meal credits.

Menu: All-you-can-eat down home country fixins'

Garden Salad Tossed
Baked Rolls
Corn Bread
Roast Turkey Breast
Glazed Ham
Mashed Potatoes
Corn Bread Stuffing
Candied Yams
Green Bean Casserole
Winter Vegetable Medley
Giblet Gravy

Holiday Dessert

Soda, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee, Beer, and Wine

 

[CajunMouseFan]

I am probably not much help as we went to HDDr over 10 years ago on our honey moon, but we had a ton of fun. As soon as we walked in, the CM who sat us said, "Oh, it's the honeymoon couple!" Later, we had to stand up and dance in front of everyone. I hate being the center of attention, but even I thought it was fun. We had an awesome table right in front of the stage. I am not sure how that happened. Out of the two options you mentioned, the one I heard was that seating is based on when you make your reservation. I have no idea if there is any truth to that. The food was perfect for my meat and potatoes husband.

We are returning to WDW this month on an anniversary trip and have an ADR for HDDR on Dec. 19, so I will post here as soon as we return with a more current outlook for you.