Backyard BBQ versus HDDMR?

[rjthkids]

The Mickey's Backyard BBQ should be going on while we're there in 6 weeks. I'm going with only one of my children who will be turning 5 during our trip. Which one do you think is better suited for a child that age? (Keep in mind he doesn't "get" jokes).

TIA

 

[goofygal531]

We HATED the BBQ! It was awful! It was crowded, we had to "guard" our table or we'd lose it, one adult had to bring one child to the dance floor to meet the characters while the other sat guard at the table. We were too far away from the dance floor to let the kids go by themselves. Getting food was another issue, again we had to take turns. I would never do it again and never recommend it. Some people love it, it was just not for us.

Now the HDDR is a family favorite! We've done it twice and this trip my DS5 LOVED it!! He laughed at all the corny jokes. He's still singing the song!

We sat this time upstairs in Cat 3 and I actually prefered it to downstairs. Last time we sat front and center. Upstairs we had a better view and a little more space. We ordered the boys kid's meals (hot dog and fries) with no problem. They ate a little bit of everything.

I highly recommend the HDDR! So much fun. Just a nightmare getting out of Ft.W!!! Allow plenty of time!!! The boat dock is the best way in and out! We always do the first show at 5:15pm. It always takes us 30-45 mins to get a boat back to MK.

 

[Irish Twins]

I agree about the HDDR. We went last May when our girls were 4 & 5 we are going again this year and the first thing they asked was to go back to the HDDR. We sat in Cat 2 in the high table tops and loved it. We could see over everyone in Cat 1 and the girls liked it because the chairs swivled (sp?). It is a little chilly in there so make sure you bring a sweater. Also if you go to the 5:15 you can walk to Chip n Dales Campfire singalong that is free and roast marshmallows and watch a movie under the stars! We will be there May 15 and cant wait!

 

[KarBear]

My vote would be for the HoopDeeDoo. Although, I have never been to the BBQ I have not heard good things about it. I brought my 4 year old daughter and 17 year old niece to HoopDeeDoo and they both LOVED it! They have some jokes that went over her head but most were just silly and funny that all kids would understand. For example, they ripped a sheet of paper next to one character and he thought his pants ripped, they did this about three times, or blew a bugal and he thought he farted. They also sing songs and everyone claps along. We were seated on the balconey and the seats were great. I don't think many people think that the seats will be decent upstairs but they were great and my child did not have to worry about trying to see what was happening over someone's head.
Whichever you choose I hope you have a great time.

 

[3princesshome]

I agree with goofygal531 - the Backyard BBQ is pure chaos!! Picture each Disney character constantly moving around the dance floor (I'm sure they were told not to stop at risk of being mobbed!) with a giant horde of kids following them and then an additional horde of parents either just trying to keep track of their kids or trying to take pictures. I felt sorry for anyone who was using this as their one character meal - the kids could dance with the characters (along with hundreds of other kids) but the interaction was minimal. And forget about autographs. They had a few of the characters come out early and there was a giant line-up for autographs. After that, it was a loud free-for-all. The food was fine if you like BBQ-type food, but I just found the whole thing loud and extremely chaotic.
The HDDR, on the other hand, was really good - my DDs (9, 7 and 5) all loved it. I'm sure the 5 year old did not get all the jokes, but she didn't seem to notice or care!

 

[TruBlu]

As a HDDR hater, it pains me to recommend it - but....
In 6 weeks it will be blazing hot and raining almost every afternoon/night in Florida. I would definitely choose HDDR because of the A/C.

 

[rjthkids]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback.

I was able to make a 5:15 HDDMR reservation for one of the nights we're in Disney. I'm looking forward to having a good time with my little guy!

 

[ClarkusR]

Thanks RJ for asking a question I needed opinions on also. Have fun.

 

[ceecee]

Hated the BBQ...we stayed for an hour and left! Picnic food at premium prices, long lines and LOUD!!!
We loved the HDDR and had a great table. My favorite of all was the Spirit of Aloha, great table, wonderful entertainment and good food.

 

[mbanks21]

One more vote for HDDR. It was funny and entertaining. I ate a whole bucket of ribs and probably 6 pieces of chicken:] Im not a cornbread fan but I ate like 4 pieces.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

I'm also very interested in HDDR! My DD will be turning 9 during trip & DS will be 6. DH is shy & gets VERY embarrassed with cornyness (is that a word???)---like if he's expected to clap along with a song or dance. Isn't this 2TS? What type of food is offered? Sorry to take over this thread, I just hated to start a new one with similar questions to OP. Thanks...

 

[mbanks21]

I'm also very interested in HDDR! My DD will be turning 9 during trip & DS will be 6. DH is shy & gets VERY embarrassed with cornyness (is that a word???)---like if he's expected to clap along with a song or dance. Isn't this 2TS? What type of food is offered? Sorry to take over this thread, I just hated to start a new one with similar questions to OP. Thanks...

Yes there are corny moments where you clap and sing along but he can just sit there and enjoy it. It is a 2TS. All you can eat ribs and chicken, cornbread, beans, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Yes there are corny moments where you clap and sing along but he can just sit there and enjoy it. It is a 2TS. All you can eat ribs and chicken, cornbread, beans, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

That sounds wonderful! I think we're going to do this....I haven't heard many bad reviews at all. My DD would absolutely love the entertainment!!! And, I think DH would suffer through it for all you can eat ribs & chicken. Thanks so much!

Oh yeah--my AAA agent mentioned her teenager daughter has insisted they do this every year (since she was around 4.) She also mentioned they pay OOP so they can get front & center. Is this something you all suggest also? Or should we just accept what's available on DDP? TIA!

 

[mbanks21]

I personally would pay out of pocket to be close up front but some people like being in the balcony but the actors go ALL over even up in the balconies

 

[goofygal531]

Oh yeah--my AAA agent mentioned her teenager daughter has insisted they do this every year (since she was around 4.) She also mentioned they pay OOP so they can get front & center. Is this something you all suggest also? Or should we just accept what's available on DDP? TIA!

We sat front and center years ago before the DDP and paid OOP. This trip we sat Cat 3 upstairs in the balcony and really prefered it to the main floor. We felt like we had a little more room since the tables are long and you sit side by side and your chair swivals around to watch the show. Of course DS5 loved swivaling I honestly don't think there's a bad seat in the theater. We do the DxDDP, which gives us enough credits for a few 2TS restaurants.

If your DH is really shy and doesn't want to interact with the performers, then sit upstairs. He'll be safe

You can request a kids meal (hotdog and fries) at no additional cost if your kids do not eat chicken and ribs. Mine ate a little of everything. You also get unlimited beer, wine, sangria and soda. Tips are included.

 

[goofygal531]

I personally would pay out of pocket to be close up front but some people like being in the balcony but the actors go ALL over even up in the balconies

They didn't during our show in Nov 08. Must vary each show.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Wow! Great advice from all of you! THANKS!!!! I do have a new question though....

Tips are included.

Is this b/c you do the DxDDP? Or is it customary for the tips to be included at HDDR? (We do the basic 1TS, 1CS, 1S plan.) BTW, my kids will be ALL OVER the ribs, cornbread, & strawberry shortcake--we're from the south!