Mickey's Backyard BBQ vs. Hoop-Dee-Doo?

[Noles2002]

Hello! My ADR day is coming up soon. I've been researching new places we'd like to try this go around. I've received some great recs from the Disboards, but where I'm really stuck is the BBQ or the Hoop Dee Doo? We have 3 children, ages 10, 8, and 4. When we went on a cruise a few years ago the kids LOVED the dance party with characters which I'm thinking is a draw to the BBQ, but I am hearing such wonderful things about the Hoop Dee Doo. What are some thoughts with kids this age? TIA!!!

 

[pattyw]

When my DS's were young, they loved the BBQ. The character interaction/dancing was great! They didn't have to sit the entire time. They were getting up to go to the buffet line, the dance floor, etc. While the HDDR is a favorite and a must-do, I would do the BBQ right now at their ages. If you're up to it and your trip allows, squeeze in HDDR too!

 

[Robo]

Hoop!

 

[NicoleLarson]

HDDMR all of the way. I thought the BBQ was terrible for the money that you pay. Its really difficult to see anything at the BBQ everyone crowds around the dance floor and it's easy to lose your children. All night long they kept calling out to parents, we have another lost child, come to the DJ booth. The food is awful, like really terrible. Also, at HDMR you have assigned seating and an actual server. At the BBQ everyone lines up way ahead of time, then it's completely luck of the draw where you get sat and you dont have a server. I don't eat meat and it took me 15 minutes to find someone if I could get a veggie burger. I was met with resistance and told can't you just eat the sides. So I find someone else, it takes them a good 20 minutes to reappear with one that had clearly been microwaved. Did my kids enjoy it, yes but we will NEVER go back, too many negatives for a tiny positive. If you are going simply so your kids can dance with the characters, I would go to one of the dance parties in MK instead.

 

[DisDINK]

The food comes from the same kitchen for both events. I'm partial to HDDMR. For the money, I'm not a fan of the line up to buffet. I like that HDDMR brings it out family style and a lot of people don't know that if you have a preference for a different item, you can ask for something else...if it is on the Trails End menu, they will get it for you.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

HDDR (hands down!)

 

[Mazz519]

Hoop Dee Doo without a doubt... have done both a few times

 

[tink'smom2B]

We had a very large group with small children. The BBQ was perfect! Yes, it's an overpriced buffet, but at HDDR your kids will have to sit at a table for a couple hours. I also believe the food comes from the same kitchen. The old fashioned entertainment was catered to adults and our kids didn't enjoy it. But, my husband and I liked it. We've done both and think the BBQ gives kids a chance to move freely around the place. As for "lost children", people always should keep an eye on their kids.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Hello! My ADR day is coming up soon. I've been researching new places we'd like to try this go around. I've received some great recs from the Disboards, but where I'm really stuck is the BBQ or the Hoop Dee Doo? We have 3 children, ages 10, 8, and 4. When we went on a cruise a few years ago the kids LOVED the dance party with characters which I'm thinking is a draw to the BBQ, but I am hearing such wonderful things about the Hoop Dee Doo. What are some thoughts with kids this age? TIA!!!

depending on when you are going remember BBQ is in a tent outside while Hoop is inside a building. that might make a difference to you guys

 

[JerseyJanice]

Never been to either, but I've been a regular on here for years. I seen countless people rave on HDDR, but I have rarely, if ever, seen anyone post a good review of the BBQ.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I have rarely, if ever, seen anyone post a good review of the BBQ.

Our Ratings of Mickey's BBQ: (*rev 08/01/17*)
. . . food price value: D
. . . 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.
.
NOTE4: New in 2016 is a plan to have Cast-1 and Cat-2 seating areas. In order to get more of your money. This makes the place an even worse bargain.

 

[JerseyJanice]

LOL, Rusty. Sounds like the current pricing of the BBQ was figured out by the same criteria as the current "signature" pricing at LeCellier.

Purely supply and demand.