Mickey's Backyard BBQ question

[skullsplitter]

We've been to WDW many times, but we've never been able to get an ADR for Backyard BBQ. This year we are there the week of 7/11 and there are still ADRs available for 3 different nights. Just wondering what's going on. Busy season and several openings for a dinner show that we've not been able to book in the past. Have they expanded capacity? Recent bad reviews? Etc?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

FOR WHAT IS WORTH ...

Our Ratings of Mickey's BBQ: (*rev 3/10/16*)
. . . food price value: D ( F, if doing DDP)
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: C
. . . seating comfort: D
. . . eatery atmosphere: C
. . . eatery convenience: D
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . character interaction: B
.
NOTE1: Tables are long picnic tables of about 40 people per table, so you sit with
others. No reserved seating, so the "mad dash" for seats can be interesting. There is
no "front row", just the end of the picnic tables. Folks start lining up about 1-hr prior
to the 5:30pm seating. Also, the characters are there for dancing and front interaction,
and usually do not go thru tables, so sometimes there is a long line trying to get to the
characters. Also noted the sides are open to the weather. They put up plastic diverters
for winter and simple fans for summer, but it does get VERY hot/humid or cold. This is
not a well heated or air conditioned pavilion. "Dancing" characters interact well with
kids in front of the stage, and younger kids love it.
.
NOTE2: Mickey BBQ was always about one-half the price of the Hoop Dee Do Review. With
the popularity of DDP, they jumped the price double, including 2-TS coupons. WITH NO
CHANGE IN MENUS; NO CHANGE IN CHARACTERS; NO CHANGES AT ALL. Cost was barely
justified at lower prices, and not worth the current price for ribs-chicken-burgers.
.
NOTE3: The characters "dance" in front of the stage, and children come up to dance with
them. This creates a lot of pushing by the kids as they try to get next to their favorite
character. There are no lines like in the park for Meet & Greet, and no handlers to keep
the kids in a line or heaving.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We've never had a problem getting MBBBQ. It's huge.

 

[mgentry210]

I think you won't have any problem booking, but July is going to be crazy hot. The BBQ is in an outdoor pavillion with no air circulation. We did it the last week of June once and almost melted. Its a fun dance party and the characters are great. After one or 2 dances I thought the poor kiddo was going to pass out. The food is pretty awful though. Cafeteria quality hamburgers and hot dogs. Giant chafing trays filled with lukewarm patties. Just not that appetizing. On the upside there is unlimited wine and beer.

I'd say its worth doing once if you have kids in the 3-10 year age. Just not in summer ever again. I so felt for those characters dancing in their costumes. Goofy was amazing and he let her give him a sticky Micky bar hug and kiss.

 

[Shanti]

We've been to WDW many times, but we've never been able to get an ADR for Backyard BBQ. This year we are there the week of 7/11 and there are still ADRs available for 3 different nights. Just wondering what's going on. Busy season and several openings for a dinner show that we've not been able to book in the past. Have they expanded capacity? Recent bad reviews? Etc?

There have been comments on multiple threads about how this July has unusually high resort, ADR and FP availability. We'll be there the same week as you. We were able to get a good PPO Be Our Guest ressie, and a 6pm dinner at Be Our Guest, both less than a month before our July trip. Brazil's economy tanked (July is their prime time to visit), and July bookings are apparently down.

 

[skullsplitter]

Thanks all. Decided to dump it. Was able to pick up a BOG dinner last night instead.

 

[cheygirl]

WE have a reservation there in November and I was wondering if it was worth the money...thank you for the advice!