Big Thunder Ranch?

[bellazachmom]

Hello!

We are WDW pros but still new to DL ~ our 2nd visit is coming up next week!

We do all kinds of sit down meals and restaurants at WDW with WAY too much planning but really only did CS meals last time at DL which we thoroughly enjoyed. There certainly is enjoyment in eating what you want, when you want and not having to have figured that out 6 months before arriving.

We are considering trying a meal at Big Thunder Ranch this trip and I wondered if anyone would like to give me their thoughts or opinions on the place. We are Texas natives with 4 kids ~ 9,7,5 and 1 years old.

Thanks!

 

[dragonflycurls]

Personally we REALLY love the BBQ and it's our one "must eat" place for each trip.

We prefer making dinner reservations for the corn and sausage that isn't included at lunch. It's all you care to eat and they even have GREAT veggie skewers that my vegetarian wife loves.

The sides are tasty- these are the only baked beans I eat, that should tell you something.

I'm sure there are people that don't like it. The show can be a little hokie, kids probably like it more.

I'm sure it won't be like Texas BBQ, but we love it!

 

[WDBRDWLK]

Hello!

We are WDW pros but still new to DL ~ our 2nd visit is coming up next week!

We do all kinds of sit down meals and restaurants at WDW with WAY too much planning but really only did CS meals last time at DL which we thoroughly enjoyed. There certainly is enjoyment in eating what you want, when you want and not having to have figured that out 6 months before arriving.

We are considering trying a meal at Big Thunder Ranch this trip and I wondered if anyone would like to give me their thoughts or opinions on the place. We are Texas natives with 4 kids ~ 9,7,5 and 1 years old.

Thanks!

We love Big Thunder Ranch BBQ. We do the lunch version and it is all you can eat. The ribs are fabulous.. and don't forget dessert...the toll house cookie made in a skillet topped with ice cream is to die for! Definetly worth it.. and they have kids menu's too!

 

[bellazachmom]

Thank You!!

I appreciate the thoughts ~ I'm heading over to make reservations right now!

 

[Cinderpamela]

If you guys have done the Hoop-de Doo Musical Review at WDW you will find the food to have a very similar feel. It is outdoors and you sit at big long covered picnic tables. They have a stage up front and during traditional meal times has some fun western singers that entertain, it's a more simple show than the big show at the HDDMR, but still a fun time. I am not sure of the exact hours for entertainment but I do know that once when we had a later dinner there was no entertainment up on stage.

The food is brought out in the same type of buckets as the WDW HDDMR (but without all the pomp and circumstance of HDDMR) and is all you can eat. We really like the ribs, and the cornbread is nice and moist. The chicken is also tasty as well as all the other sides. For my family (DH & 2teen boys that love their ribs) it is a must do on each trip.

Make sure you all come with a big appetite to make the price worth it. It is a fun oasis from the park as it is up just behind the BTMRR ride. The whole Thunder Ranch back area is a more quiet spot in the park that we enjoy, and is kind of off the beaten path in DL so its a great spot to relax.

Here are a couple reviews that you also might find helpful, the one from Disney Food Blog has some good pictures to give you an idea of the set up:

http://touringplans.com/disneyland/dining/big-thunder-ranch-barbecue

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2011/05/04/dining-in-disneyland-big-thunder-ranch-bbq/

 

[cmwade77]

The food is very good and you very rarely need a reservation there. There are really only a small handful of restaurants that you can't just walk up to. And even fewer that you can't get same day reservations.

 

[MAJPLO]

LOVE it! This past trip is the first time we ate there and it was great. Went for lunch, no reservation, later than a typical lunch time at maybe one or two o'clock. We had to wait about ten minutes. The atmosphere was really nice. Calm, quiet, beautifully decorated, relaxing, and fun entertainment. All you can eat ribs, chicken, coleslaw, beans, corn bread with drinks included. We did not see any kids menu but the kids price was lower than the adult price and my kids love this kind of big protein meal anyway so we didn't care about a kids menu. The only BBQ beans I will eat are my own and now these will join the club. The coleslaw was good, tangy and sweet and not overly creamy by any means. My kids loved both the chicken and the ribs. We did not have dessert because we were too full. Dessert is not included. Some desserts are large portions also served family style. We saw the s'mores dessert at a nearby table an it looked amazingly yummy. I can't compare it to Texas BBQ but I know this will be a stop for our family every trip from now on. I know my husband would love to try the sausage at dinner so we may do that next time. I know there are pictures on here somewhere, maybe in one of the review links PP included. Have fun and eat a ton!

 

[marikoj]

We'll be going in January when weather could be colder or rainy. Does anyone know if they close the BBQ in the winter or rain?

 

[dragonflycurls]

We went last year in February and it was only open on the weekends during non-peak. Not sure if it's the same thing this year.

 

[cmwade77]

We went last year in February and it was only open on the weekends during non-peak. Not sure if it's the same thing this year.

This had not normally been the case in years past. This last year was due to the construction on Big Thunder. Since by all accounts the track is now in place, I doubt that this will happen again.

 

[wamommy2four]

We ate at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ once several years ago and really enjoyed it. It seemed to be a relaxing break from all the excitement. I was wondering if Jesse and Woody are still there. My kids really liked that and my now 3 year in a huge Toy Story fan.

 

[Cal-Pie]

Can anyone who's eaten there lately confirm that drinks are included in the price?

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Can anyone who's eaten there lately confirm that drinks are included in the price?

Soft drinks, tea or milk ARE included.

 

[MAJPLO]

Can anyone who's eaten there lately confirm that drinks are included in the price?

I was there last week. Drinks were included with our lunch. I had a soda and the rest of my family had lemonade. All included. Iced tea was offered as well.

 

[bellazachmom]

Thank You!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Do you know if you can go there and just order dessert? That cookie skillet looks amazing!