Mickey's Backyard BBQ - Why such mixed reviews?

[Disneyfriend]

So I've read numerous reviews now of Mickey's Backyard BBQ, and am really surprised by the mixed reviews. I've been around the DIS boards to understand that one person's cup of tea is another person's poison (and vice versa), but still . . .

I'm considering taking our family to Mickey's Backyard BBQ during our upcoming trip in October. I figured the weather should be nice (warm, theoretically neither super hot nor super cold). We went to Hoop dee Doo Review in 2001, and now my teens don't want to return. They're at that age where they're too "cool" for puns and silly G-rated humor.

This trip we're returning with their new siblings, who will be ages 36 months and 15 months. I thought it might be nice for the little ones to have an event where they don't have to sit still and hang out in the high chair, you know? And the teens like country music pretty well and might enjoy dancing around.

One of the chief complaints I've read is that the event seems very chaotic and potentially dangerous for little ones. This is a big concern since our babies will still be quite young. We would have two adults and two teens to watch them for safety purposes. But I don't know . . . I feel like it could end up being a total hit that ends up being a lot of fun . . . or a total disaster. I'm not sure what to do. Any more advice or input from others who have attended?

Thanks,

Disneyfriend

 

[joenan88]

Don't stress yourself..what restaurant in Disney doesn't have mixed reviews? I had a friend recently go to Mickey's BBQ and loved it! She said it was a lot of fun! Enjoy!

 

[jpolak]

Don't stress yourself..what restaurant in Disney doesn't have mixed reviews? I had a friend recently go to Mickey's BBQ and loved it! She said it was a lot of fun! Enjoy!

Well said fellow LIer. If you spend enough time you will find enough information to prove any point you want. Try as much as possible and make your own decision on whether you would try it again.

 

[traviesojmt]

We went when my kids were DD3 and DS8. My kids loved it. Here's the deal in my opinion: It is not fancy. It is super laid back and casual. The food was decent and plentiful. Again, nothing fancy but good food. My daughter got to dance Goofy and Minnie. Even my "starting to be too cool for school" son was caught dancing around and having a good time. We enjoyed it very much. I have read the reviews and I can see where it is not everyone's cup of tea. I will add that we are not typically signature restaurant type people.
We tend to please pretty easily. If you are looking for a casual relaxed atmosphere, then I suggest you go.

 

[MommyBuzz909]

I hate McDonald's, my son loves McDonald's = perfect example

 

[Disneyfriend]

Thanks to those who replied so far!

Any other input from people who have attended one of the Backyard BBQs?

Thank you so much!

 

[joenan88]

I remembered your thread and a friend of mine just returned from WDW and ate at Mickey's BBQ. She did NOT like it! Her kids are 10, 7 and 4 and she said it was chaotic and the food was not good! The food served was ribs, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers. She said if you didn't get there at least a 1/2 hour in advance you were not getting a good table. She said it was NOT worth the two dinner credits and when she returns that meal will not be her agenda. She said she would not recommend Mickey's BBQ..don't waist your credits or money!

 

[Coach Rick]

FWIW...

We did the Thanksgiving Dinner there, and did not like the atmosphere at all, but then you mentioned your kids don't want to do the HDDR, my kids complain if we don't have it on plan, and mine are 14, 18, and 24, so go figure. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but I just don't like "giant picnics", and neither did my kids, but I also believe I have to experience everything in the World at least once, and there is nothing at Disney that will hurt me.

 

[Disneyfriend]

I remembered your thread and a friend of mine just returned from WDW and ate at Mickey's BBQ. She did NOT like it! Her kids are 10, 7 and 4 and she said it was chaotic and the food was not good! The food served was ribs, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers. She said if you didn't get there at least a 1/2 hour in advance you were not getting a good table. She said it was NOT worth the two dinner credits and when she returns that meal will not be her agenda. She said she would not recommend Mickey's BBQ..don't waist your credits or money!

Thanks so much for remembering my thread!

I think I've decided against this one . . . just too many other good possibilities. I've heard enough consistent complaints about the BBQ to give me real cause for concern.

Thank you all again. Maybe another trip.

And musing aloud here . . . I wonder why Disney doesn't just make assigned tables like they do for Hoop de Doo Review. It would cut down on the chaos considerably, and eliminate the need to get there ridiculously early.