Mickey's Backyard BBQ Category 2

[Marissa227]

There is now booking available for the end of November (and possibly earlier, I didn't check) for Category 2 Seating at Mickey's Backyard BBQ. According to the website, dining credits will only be accepted for Category 2, and Category 1 costs more. Category 1 will give early access, meet & greet time, and closer seats, but it looks like there are only about 8 tables reserved for Category 1.

Edit: after speaking to a cast member, it was confirmed that 2 dining credits can actually be used for category 1 seating also.

 

[Marissa227]

Does anyone know why Mickey's Backyard BBQ is showing availability for every night it is offered right now? Something isn't right because the dates are bookable but I'm sure they were already booked up. Will my reservation be cancelled if this is a glitch in the system? Also, when I booked it said it was Category 2 and I was able to reserve without a payment because I'm on the dining plan, but my confirmation e-mail says category 1. I'm so confused??

 

[Jadyreen1282]

MBBBQ doesn't have category seating. Or has something changed on me. It just a bunch check of benches with dancing and singing and food and I can't wait!

 

[Marissa227]

The page was updated today with new pricing and category 1/2. I don't know what this means for people who have already booked, as it seems like every date is available to book right now.

 

[Marissa227]

 

[Funfire240]

They just changed it or are in the process. Category 1 now includes the closer seating, earlier arrival time for a meet and great ahead of time and first dibs at the food.

Early Access to Mickey's Backyard BBQ
Don’t miss your chance to be among the first Guests to grub and greet Characters—and sit closer to the show too!
When you book Category 1 seating for Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, you’re invited to enjoy the following:

• Early access to the Backyard Pavilion
• Priority seating that gets you closer to the experience
• A Character Greeting with Mickey and pals prior to the show
• Plus, early access to all food and beverages

I called because as I was looking at our ADR's and trying to figure what the in-laws owe me back for the pre-paid dinners, I noticed that our ADR was now listed as Cat 2 and so I looked into this further. We have been booked since 180 + 8 or 9 for the date we are going so I called and said that if I would have know there was a Cat 1 I would've booked it and wanted to know if I could change even though it wasn't showing as available on the site. They were able to change to the Cat 1 for me which cost an extra $60 for our group of 6 which to me is worth it.

 

[Marissa227]

That's great that they confirmed it for you. We're also a party of 6 staying at Fort Wilderness. I just booked today for November 29, but I'm not sure if it is showing the availability in error. I did get a confirmation e-mail for category 1, but I guess they will cancel it if it's a mistake?

 

[Shellee999]

So this means that Cat 2 is 2 TS credits and for Cat 1 you have to pay OOP?

 

[lorenni]

This actually makes the BBQ more appealing to me. Having read the reviews, I had never considered going, as I am not a fan generally of general admittance type events - we don't rope drop, we don't get in long lines, we don't queue up an hour early for a potentially crappy seat anywhere. I'm OCD and I know it and I know my anxiety triggers.

But if I can reserve a good table, and a guaranteed character interaction without the crowds and fuss then this is something we would definitely consider for a future trip. Sounds like a long overdue idea to me. It will be interesting to read other's thoughts on the new categories.

 

[Funfire240]

This actually makes the BBQ more appealing to me. Having read the reviews, I had never considered going, as I am not a fan generally of general admittance type events - we don't rope drop, we don't get in long lines, we don't queue up an hour early for a potentially crappy seat anywhere. I'm OCD and I know it and I know my anxiety triggers.

But if I can reserve a good table, and a guaranteed character interaction without the crowds and fuss then this is something we would definitely consider for a future trip. Sounds like a long overdue idea to me. It will be interesting to read other's thoughts on the new categories.

This is exactly why I paid the extra - we got there early to line up last year but then got in line to meet Chip Dale and Goofy and therefore were backed up and lost good position for seating although we did luck out with pretty decent seats but it was a gamble. Then I felt like I waisted part of the time standing in the Mickey and Minnie line so I'm hoping this works out better! And I know about where I'll be sitting!

 

[Marissa227]

Out of curiosity.... Anyone notice that the part about category 1 says early access to the "Backyard Pavillion", not the "Fort Wilderness Pavillion", and the map doesn't show up. Do you think the price increase and category seating have anything to do with the proposed possible new Pavillion? Or did they always use both names?

 

[lorenni]

This is exactly why I paid the extra - we got there early to line up last year but then got in line to meet Chip Dale and Goofy and therefore were backed up and lost good position for seating although we did luck out with pretty decent seats but it was a gamble. Then I felt like I waisted part of the time standing in the Mickey and Minnie line so I'm hoping this works out better! And I know about where I'll be sitting!

I'm definitely interested in hearing about your experience so if you can remember to post back that would be great. We have a trip coming up in March and I would book this as something new to do if experiences are good.

 

[Marissa227]

I called this morning. The cast member said that the reservation I just made yesterday would not be cancelled, and that they added more dates to the system. She also said that I could use dining credits for category 1. I hope this information is correct!

 

[Tonberry]

When we went in December, we sat at one of their now called category 1 tables. Honestly, I didn't like it. There was lots of people in and out of the aisles, some just standing there taking pictures. i went up to refill my drink, and when I came back, 2 moms were sitting in my seat watching their kids dance.

I would love the early access to the characters, but early access to the food and drink is not necessary. They leave the food out long enough so that even the last person to be seated inside the pavilion can go back and get thirds and fourths if they want to. We were done eating our mickey bars for dessert and the food was still out.

 

[Atlanta WDW Fan]

Our only experience with the Bar B Que was a blast! At that time they did not have any categories, it was just general admission. We sat in the back corner of the pavilion and could see just fine. The food was great and was out all the way till the end of the night. Unlimited beer is a plus too....just saying.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Thank you so much for making this thread! I made our Dec reservation back in June, when there were no categories. my reservation on MDE changed to "Category 2." So I called just now and had it changed to Category 1. We are on the DDP, and it is still 2 TS credits, no upcharge.
I got disconnected, though, before I was able to ask what time we now need to arrive. So if anyone hears that Cat 1 guests need to be there before 5:30pm, please post!

 

[Tejasmama]

I made a reservation for mid-October. This is from the confirmation email:

Guests booking Mickey's Backyard BBQ Category 1 must arrive at the Fort Wilderness Pavilion at least 1 hour before show time to enjoy:

• Have a chance to meet and greet Mickey and his Pals prior to the show.
• Early access to the Fort Wilderness Pavilion with priority seating that gets you closer to the experience.
• Receive early access to our fantastic food and beverages.

I guess only Category 1 was available, it didn't give me a choice.

 

[Marissa227]

Thank you so much for making this thread! I made our Dec reservation back in June, when there were no categories. my reservation on MDE changed to "Category 2." So I called just now and had it changed to Category 1. We are on the DDP, and it is still 2 TS credits, no upcharge.
I got disconnected, though, before I was able to ask what time we now need to arrive. So if anyone hears that Cat 1 guests need to be there before 5:30pm, please post!

The cast member I spoke to this morning said to arrive at 4:30 (1 hour early) for category 1.

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

The cast member I spoke to this morning said to arrive at 4:30 (1 hour early) for category 2.

Really? Why would that be? Have any of you done the BBQ before and know why they might say this? I'm concerned because we're doing this meal on our Disney arrival day, coming from Universal, so I feel like I have to keep moving up our check-in at the Fort.

 

[Ruth B]

Thanks for pointing this out. We booked in April so hadn't noticed the change. Will call tomorrow to try and check/ change.