Chef Mickey's or Backyard BBQ?

[jlr9882]

Our trip is planned for Aug 1-Aug 8 and we are staying at Pop. It will be my Mom, my 2 yr old son (with multiple food allergies), and myself. My CM cousin will be able to get us into the parks for at least 3 days as of right now, unless she gets another TA and moves up in position. She is working at AK right now, but that may change before we get down there. Since we won't know until closer to the time what park she will be at or what hours, we really can't do a character dining in a park. We may not know what park we will be at and which days until we get down there. My son LOVES Mickey, so we want to go to something that will have Mickey there. According to the ADR calculator, we have to booked this coming week. So, I need help fast. I don't know which would be better go to Chef Mickey's for breakfast or go to Mickey's Backyard BBQ at night. I know the breakfast is a lot cheaper. Which one would be more character interaction? I really don't want to pay so much if he won't get to meet Mickey and to get his picture made with him. I am wanting to hang it up in his Mickey Mouse Clubhouse bedroom. We have been going to a lot of festivals lately, just so he can be around characters a lot. That way he won't be afraid of them in Disney. The days we don't go to the parks we will be swimming at the pools and shopping at Down Town. Where do I find park hours and extended hours for resort guest? I would love to know what you suggest for our character dining, the best time to go, and any pictures. Thank you!

 

[geenerbell]

We've gone to Chef Mickey and really liked the interaction with the characters. My thought is do Chef Mickey because it's inside and I'm afraid the BBQ may be miserably hot in August. As far a EMH and park times I'd check out allears.net. I would also consider Crystal Palace as a character meal because all the Pooh characters are there. The breakfast buffet is awesome. Also, the character meal at DHS with Little Einsteins would be great because of your son's age. Have a blast.

 

[Lindaon]

Have been to both many times, have to say both are fun--never been to BBQ in August, but July was hot. As a matter of fact, my son who was a tween the last time he went to the BBQ spent the 2 hours in the air conditioned bathroom, everyone else enjoyed it.
We were there in April this year again and loved it, I haven't been to chef mickey for two years. I hope some of this information helps.
BBQ
1. Very hot in August, may thunderstorm which would make transportation hard
2. Great Character interaction, dancing with chip dale mickey minnie goofy
3. show including country music band, roper trevor, line dancing
4. BBQ buffet hotdogs, burgers chicken ribs salad watermelon etc
5. Beer and Wine included in beverages
6. Mickey Ice cream bars and ice pops all you can eat
7. Tip included in total cost
8. Plan for at least an hour transportation from MK or Fort wilderness parking lot.
9 MICKEY DRESSED LIKE A COWBOY
10 Must be prepaid and a fee is charged if not cancelled 48 hours ahead usually booked up early

Chef Mickey
1. Easy transportation from MK just get on monorail
2. Individual table visits from Characters
3. Great breakfast buffet, pancakes, eggs fruits etc.
4. Every 1/2 hour or so a song comes on and everyone spins their napkins. Kids and adults have a good time.
5. Tip is not included so add to your total
6. MICKEY DRESSED LIKE A CHEF
7. Usually booked early but usually can walk in with a small group if you wait at the entrance.
8. Unless it has changed, no prepayment just a reservation so no penalty if you don't show up.

All in All BBQ is our family favorite, but considering your trip I would say consider heat and other options above. You definetly get more interation at BBQ but more controlled pictures at Chef Mickey, it really depends on what your are looking for. Hope this helps any more questions, just ask.

 

[jcemom]

We didn't care for the BBQ, it was hot and chaotic. We do Chef Mickey's every trip but probably won't ever do the BBQ again.

 

[jlr9882]

Thanks everyone! I am thinking we are going with Chef Mickey now. Anyone else have any advice, info, or photos? I just checked allears.net and Aug's EMH was not posted yet. Is this official and when do they post the Aug. hours. Where do I find it on Disney's site?

 

[geenerbell]

I don't think August hours are out yet.

 

[jlr9882]

August hours are posted now, and we have our ADRs!!!! I planned to take my Mom out to dinner tonight as her Mother's Day gift, since she works Sunday. Well, she surprised me instead!! She sent me in to get our seats, while she got my 2.5 yr old son out of the car. He carried in a gift bag with a Nemo Color Wonder set (stress free coloring for the trip), Mickey and Me magazine, Nemo dvd, and a Minnie Mother's Day card. She wrote inside "Momma, Will U go with me on a date? How 'bout Chef Mickey on August 3rd at 8:40? And I wanna take you to the Rainforest at 8 PM on Aug 5th. Ok? I wub u!" I figured we would call tomorrow morning together, but she did it today. She only waited about 10 minutes, before she got to talk to someone. I am so excited now, even more than than before. I'm not sure what my cousin's schedule is for the week, so we still don't know what parks we will be and when. We are hoping she be able to join us at Rainforest Cafe. We only have a reservation for 3, but it shouldn't be a problem adding an extra there if she can go. Thanks for your help!