Big Thunder BBQ?

[lunaland]

Sadly we didn't discover how much we enjoyed Big Thunder BBQ until a few years ago. And we really loved it! The food was good but the atmosphere- I haven't found another place like it in a theme park. We were just at Disneyland a few months ago for the first time without it and will be back in less than a month. I know the food somewhat moved to River Belle Terrace but haven't heard much good about it. Anyone who has tried both- is it the same stuff? I know its a VERY different setting and not all you can eat. But taste wise? Also, there was a couple who did a show there- are they around anywhere else in the park?

This might be slightly off topic for this forum, but we'll be at WDW in March and May of this comming year- is the Hoop De Doo Revue similar at all? Thanks for any replies!

 

[figment_jii]

I really liked the BTBBQ and I've been generally happy with the food at the RBT. I think the ribs taste pretty similar between the two locations, but the sides are very different. An order of ribs comes with six ribs and you can ask for extra sauce. The sides are quite different; I liked the tater tots (new for RBT) and cole slaw (similiar-ish), but the beans are very different from the ones at BTBBQ. I agree that the atmosphere is very different, but if you eat outside, the RBT offers a great location to people watch.

As far as I know, the singer and musicians from BTBBQ have not shown up anywhere else.

 

[GatorChris]

Yeah, I'm with you. Our first big trip to DL was in 2013 and we fell in love with BTRBBQ. The atmosphere was the best - better than Blue Bayou to me. And the food was incredible and all you can eat. Can't say that over at River Belle. Add in the entertainment and it was the best place on property to eat. Wish they could've found a way to keep it around.

 

[Canuck16]

Our upcoming trip will be our first since they closed it down and I am sure that we will miss it too.

 

[wingednike]

Its's not quite the same as BTBBQ, but the Pacific Wharf dining area in DCA feels similar to me. There is open seating with plenty of room to walk around and live entertainment when the Mariachi Divas perform.

 

[lunaland]

I really liked the BTBBQ and I've been generally happy with the food at the RBT. I think the ribs taste pretty similar between the two locations, but the sides are very different. An order of ribs comes with six ribs and you can ask for extra sauce. The sides are quite different; I liked the tater tots (new for RBT) and cole slaw (similiar-ish), but the beans are very different from the ones at BTBBQ. I agree that the atmosphere is very different, but if you eat outside, the RBT offers a great location to people watch.

As far as I know, the singer and musicians from BTBBQ have not shown up anywhere else.

Thank you! Really sad to hear that none of the preformers had relocated. Was hoping that I just didn't see them in August. I wish they had kept the sides and desserts from BTBBQ. Tater tots....I don't know. I had breakfast at RBT a few years ago and did really enjoy the view. How is it with the construction?

Yeah, I'm with you. Our first big trip to DL was in 2013 and we fell in love with BTRBBQ. The atmosphere was the best - better than Blue Bayou to me. And the food was incredible and all you can eat. Can't say that over at River Belle. Add in the entertainment and it was the best place on property to eat. Wish they could've found a way to keep it around.

I wish they could have kept it too!! I loved the atmosphere of the Ranch area as well but could have accepted its loss if we could have kept BTBBQ

Our upcoming trip will be our first since they closed it down and I am sure that we will miss it too.

I had seen the pictures, I knew what to expect, but our first look at the construction was shocking

Its's not quite the same as BTBBQ, but the Pacific Wharf dining area in DCA feels similar to me. There is open seating with plenty of room to walk around and live entertainment when the Mariachi Divas perform.

We actually do eat there every trip and love it too! But I've never seen anyone preform there? How did I miss that?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Some of the performers from BTBBQ did move to other shows. I know that one of the women who played Miss Chris went to Minnie's Fly Girls (and by now must be in a different show) and one of the pianists (who also worked at Refreshment Corner) went to Mad Tea Party. Not sure where he is now.
Mariachi Divas are great and well worth seeing if you can. We love the Ellis Island Boys at Paradise Gardens. It's not BBQ, but if you eat there, the Ellis Island Boys are one of the best bands in the parks. And for the holidays, Viva Navidad is at Paradise Gardens -- lots of fun.

 

[Vala]

RBT was the one Restaurant I was really looking Forward to with the real Barbecue closed.

I left very very disappointed. I don't think ribs and chicken are even Close. The Loaded Tater Tots they had for Halloween were pretty good, but that was about it.

theluckyrabbit: if it is the same Pianist I am thinking of you may want to check the Royal Theatre, I've seen him there on Occasion. I was also told he's with Hook and Ladder Company sometimes.

 

[lunaland]

Some of the performers from BTBBQ did move to other shows. I know that one of the women who played Miss Chris went to Minnie's Fly Girls (and by now must be in a different show) and one of the pianists (who also worked at Refreshment Corner) went to Mad Tea Party. Not sure where he is now.
Mariachi Divas are great and well worth seeing if you can. We love the Ellis Island Boys at Paradise Gardens. It's not BBQ, but if you eat there, the Ellis Island Boys are one of the best bands in the parks. And for the holidays, Viva Navidad is at Paradise Gardens -- lots of fun.

I'm glad to hear some of the preformers are still around! I've actually never tried Paradise Gardens we don't do much quick service but have stopped by for Viva Navidad. How is the food?

RBT was the one Restaurant I was really looking Forward to with the real Barbecue closed.

I left very very disappointed. I don't think ribs and chicken are even Close. The Loaded Tater Tots they had for Halloween were pretty good, but that was about it.

theluckyrabbit: if it is the same Pianist I am thinking of you may want to check the Royal Theatre, I've seen him there on Occasion. I was also told he's with Hook and Ladder Company sometimes.

Yeah I don't think I'm really sold on RBT from these reviews. I really, really wish they could have found a way to keep BTBBQ.

 

[Gisele]

I'm glad to hear some of the preformers are still around! I've actually never tried Paradise Gardens we don't do much quick service but have stopped by for Viva Navidad. How is the food?



Yeah I don't think I'm really sold on RBT from these reviews. I really, really wish they could have found a way to keep BTBBQ.

Yes. As well as the goats and all of the other animals too.
I sure do miss them all

 

[figment_jii]

Thank you! Really sad to hear that none of the preformers had relocated. Was hoping that I just didn't see them in August. I wish they had kept the sides and desserts from BTBBQ. Tater tots....I don't know. I had breakfast at RBT a few years ago and did really enjoy the view. How is it with the construction?

I think they've done a pretty good job hiding a lot of construction. The front half of the Rivers of America is still filled with water, so it's not like there are tons of construction walls that get in the way of the view. The tater tots are actually pretty good; slightly spicy and not too oily. I do miss the cookie bakes that the BBQ used to have, but (at least for me) there are lots of other yummy snacks and desserts to try throughout the parks.

As mentioned, some of performers are still around the parks, just in different roles. It seems like that is pretty common, so I wouldn't be surprised if most of them are still working at DLR in some capacity. It's actually kind of fun...we saw the same person be the Mad Hatter one night, followed by one of the Dapper Dans a few days later. Talk about two different roles!

 

[Rabb it]

RIP Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, no place like it currently in the parks

I DID however go to Disney World for the first time this summer and we ate at a place in Magic Kingdom called Diamond Horseshoe, all you can eat BBQ, almost exactly the same food so that was nice

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If the OP has a car or is willing to use Uber, Lucille's BBQ (http://lucillesbbq.com) might be an option. It is a chain with locations not far from the parks (one in Orange and one in the Main Place mall, Santa Ana). They serve family style. Leftovers make great midnight, post park snacks. It's not the same as being in DL, but when the craving for BBQ strikes, well... you gotta do what you gotta do!

 

[tdhickey]

Although I really enjoyed the Big Thunder BBQ, I always ate way too much (I would order the dessert too) and felt gross for the remainder of the day (not to mention the next day punishment). Oddly relieved it's gone.