Mickey's Backyard BBQ instead of the parks for a Mickey experiance?

[pugluver31902]

Hi there! My husband and I will be taking our 2 year old DD to Disney in August. We go every year, and love Disney. Duh. Anyways, this year we are not buying park tickets. "What!? " you say? Spend $900 dollars to fly to Disney and not go in the parks?? Yes you read correctly. We have been to the parks so many times that we would like to try other things. Resort ameneties, RELAX, and just have family time. Last year we ran poor DD ragged bc I seem to be under the impression that if I enter the park I MUST RIDE EVERY RIDE OR I FEEL DISSAPOINTED. So this year we are going to take it easy. ANYWAYS, now that Im sure you are bored by my rambling, DD has just started a MAJOR fasination with Mickey, and I would still like her to have at least one Mickey experiance/ interaction. Do you all think that Mickeys Backyard BBQ would be good for that? Its one of the few Disney things I have never done. I would appreciate all opinions or other suggestions! Thank you all for your time!

 

[Belle1962]

I think Chef Mickey's (Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Minnie all in one shot!!!!) inside the Contemporary hotel so no park pass needed, would be much better. The characters come to the table vs the BBQ where I understand they do a sortof show--not visit the tables.

You may want to try other meals also (Cinderella at the GF dinner, , Lilo and Stitch at the Poly, etc. check the allearsnet.com site for more info on character meals outside the parks--usually in hotels).

 

[Wigit12]

I agree with Chef Mickey's. We took our niece to the BBQ when she was 4 and it was more like a stampede when the characters came out. She got overwhelmed and refused to leave the table after that.

 

[tami82]

I would say to try it. You can look at videos on youtube to give you an idea. Theres no reason you cant go to chef mickeys also on another night since he is into Mickey.

 

[idieh]

We took our DS to Mickey's BBQ a few years ago and were very underwhelmed. Mobs of kids, little organization, mediocre food and bugs out the waazoo! I would recommend getting park passes for a few days, but leaving days off in between. We always schedule at least two "Downtown Disney/Pool" day every trip. It allows you time to relax, decompress, enjoy the hotel amenities and save a few bucks.

Doug

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Definately a Chef Mickey Dinner.
MBYBBQ - is good food & fun to.

 

[pugluver31902]

Thanks all for your helpful hints! It seems like the general response is to try Chef Mickey's instead of Mickey's Backyard BBQ. I had originaly thought of that, but was sort of thinking at 2yrs old, she may be bored waiting for the characters to come to the table, and DH and I would feel rushed to eat and get out. I was thinking the BBQ would provide her some table entertainment, but I had not thought about the fact that it might be overwhelming to her, so thank you for bringing that up!

 

[mjp12831]

Hold on - per your last post you are going away from it and wanted to bring you back. We had an awesome time at the Backyard BBQ last year - totally different from the pp who was underwhelmed:

Food was surprisingly good - had low expectations and ribs especially were good, but lots of choices

Beer included - nice bene for us adults

Character interaction - unlike seeing them in the parks, here they are here just for the few guests. Also better than seeing them in restaurants because of the dancing and open area feel.

Dancing - fun for the kids and for us adults dancing with them periodically as well (some danced, some sat and drank beer and watched)

NO BUGS - again, had low expectations here being in a swamp on an overcast night in central Florida, but was shocked that I dont think I saw a single mosquito, and this was without bug spray. Was wondering what WDW did to make this happen.

Ice cream cooler for the kids - as many mickey bars and the various other pops that run you $4 in the parks as the kids wanted to grab and eat

This was a big winner - if you are looking for fun experiences and arent going to the parks, I'd highly recommend it.

 

[pugluver31902]

Hold on - per your last post you are going away from it and wanted to bring you back. We had an awesome time at the Backyard BBQ last year - totally different from the pp who was underwhelmed:

Food was surprisingly good - had low expectations and ribs especially were good, but lots of choices

Beer included - nice bene for us adults

Character interaction - unlike seeing them in the parks, here they are here just for the few guests. Also better than seeing them in restaurants because of the dancing and open area feel.

Dancing - fun for the kids and for us adults dancing with them periodically as well (some danced, some sat and drank beer and watched)

NO BUGS - again, had low expectations here being in a swamp on an overcast night in central Florida, but was shocked that I dont think I saw a single mosquito, and this was without bug spray. Was wondering what WDW did to make this happen.

Ice cream cooler for the kids - as many mickey bars and the various other pops that run you $4 in the parks as the kids wanted to grab and eat

This was a big winner - if you are looking for fun experiences and arent going to the parks, I'd highly recommend it.

Oh thanks! Now my choice is going to be even harder lol. I appreciate your feedback! I guess my two lasting concerns for either restaurant are
1. At Chef Mickey's she may get bored sitting and waiting for the characters and hubby and I will rush to eat and get her out so as to not disturb other diners, and feel jipped. At the BBQ I was hoping she would be entertained.

2. I hadnt thought about the fact that the BBQ might be overwhelming to a barely two year old.

Hum, tough choice. I bet things like bugs and what not just happen to depend on the day and weather. But all you can eat ice cream bars! Sign me up! Maybe??

 

[Pixiedust34]

The August heat would not make the BBQ fun at all IMHO.

I'd go for breakfast at 'Ohana. Mickey is there, as well as Pluto, Stitch, and Lilo. It's more relaxing than Chef Mickey's because they bring all of the food to your table, and they have a cute parade with all of the kids.

 

[mjp12831]

We were there in July - it was warm, but it was evening so not peak heat, and covered pavilion. My dad is a chronic heat complainer and he handled it aok.

I just felt it was better than the other character meals because it was very unique.

The August heat would not make the BBQ fun at all IMHO.

I'd go for breakfast at 'Ohana. Mickey is there, as well as Pluto, Stitch, and Lilo. It's more relaxing than Chef Mickey's because they bring all of the food to your table, and they have a cute parade with all of the kids.

 

[pugluver31902]

We were there in July - it was warm, but it was evening so not peak heat, and covered pavilion. My dad is a chronic heat complainer and he handled it aok.

I just felt it was better than the other character meals because it was very unique.

I just had to laugh at the "chronic heat complainer" quote. My mom is the same way.

 

[dato63]

The Backyard BBQ is one of our favorites. I can't imagine us going to WDW and not going to the BBQ. I had gastric bypass done years ago - so if meat is overdone or dry I just can't eat it. That BBQ is one of the few places I can sit down and enjoy a rib without any issues.

The entertainment is very enjoyable to us. The kids can get up and dance - and yell "yee haw" and be kids. Last year Goofy led the kids in a conga line. It was sweet. However, it can be overwhelming. There are times when people are eager to get pics of their kids with the characters - and are less than gentle as they shove someone else's kid out of the way. It amazed me, but I guess people get caught up in the excitement.

Now that being said - if you are looking for an autograph, the BBQ is not your best choice. The characters sometimes go to tables, but they never get to everyone. If you are looking to unwind, dance and enjoy a show & a good meal - for us, it is a great choice. If you've not done so yet - you can access some videos on utube - that is what I did our first year, to see if it looked like something we would find fun.

 

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

Mickeys BBQ was so much fun!!!!We went last Aug. with my then dd3 and ds15 mo., my ds is very shy. He had a blast dancing with Mickey, it was the only time he interacted with a character are whole trip. He kept running up to see Mickey, it brought a tear to my eye knowing how shy he usally is. I felt everyone was very respectful, no pushing or anything. Mickey and Minnie were on the main floor and Goofy and Chip and dale were off to the side. Before you are seated they also serve lemonade and have games for the kids. My whole family enjoyed the food. The band a great, very high energy.I It was nice temp in the pavillion and we didn't get bit by any bugs. We are going back this sept and can't wait

 

[pugluver31902]

Mickeys BBQ was so much fun!!!!We went last Aug. with my then dd3 and ds15 mo., my ds is very shy. He had a blast dancing with Mickey, it was the only time he interacted with a character are whole trip. He kept running up to see Mickey, it brought a tear to my eye knowing how shy he usally is. I felt everyone was very respectful, no pushing or anything. Mickey and Minnie were on the main floor and Goofy and Chip and dale were off to the side. Before you are seated they also serve lemonade and have games for the kids. My whole family enjoyed the food. The band a great, very high energy.I It was nice temp in the pavillion and we didn't get bit by any bugs. We are going back this sept and can't wait

Im glad you like it so much!~ Wow you have all given me a lot to think about! Maybe I will just have to book a couple places!