Mickey's Backyard BBQ--worth the 2 credits?

[emskuz1129]

We are there 6 nights--we plan to do CRT, Trex, Hollywood and Vine and then was contemplating Mickey's Backyard BBQ--I realize that both CRT and Mickey's BBQ require 2 table service credits each. We have 4 and 6 year old girls...so CRT is a must do (if we can get ressies),..the girls love dancing and bbq type meals and Mickey's bbq looks right up our alley--but didn't know if we should do another dinner that requires 2 credits. Thoughts? Our 180 days is Monday

 

[gmi3804]

Which is more important to you? Having fun and doing something you want to do, or maximizing dining credits?

 

[emskuz1129]

Definitely having fun But I don't want to waste 2 credits if the meal isn't worth it...I realize that monetarily, the 2 credits don't add up to the actual cost it would cost out of pocket...but is the FUN worth 2 credits?

 

[gmi3804]

You'll only know that after it's over, and no one here can know for sure either, as fun is subjective. If it's something that you think will be fun, it probably will. People will come here and say they loved this or hated that, but that won't necessarily be your experience. The food is virtually the same as HDDR, and people have few complaints about it.

 

[tmoo]

Do it. Don't over think it, just do it. We went when our kids were that age and it is one of the few meals we all remember. The food is not worth 2 credits, but the character interaction is one of the better ones. They actually get to dance with them instead of stiffly posing for a picture. All you are risking is the out of pocket cost for the extra meal you would have gotten with the second table credit. Get there somewhat early so you can get a good table and your kids have time to eat before things liven up. It is great to do the last night as a way to wrap up the vacation rather than sadly trudging out the park gate.

 

[emskuz1129]

Thank you for the advice, I am going to stick with my plan and book Mickey's BBQ.

 

[Mainemama]

I have not been, but wanted to throw out there, just pay OOP. You will likely have meals to fill in anyway. When we use the dining plan, we just do a meal like this OOP.

 

[NavyDad]

We have done the DP pretty much every trip. After using the calculators it is just a very bad value to use 2 credits on just about any meal.

Our strategy is that if we use the DP we just plan all of our credits to be used one 1 credit meals. Then, if there is a show or something we feel we "must" do we just pay OOP.

This trip we are staying at FW and decide it was not a good trip to use the DP. Since we are paying OOP we decided to do Mickey's BBQ, HDDR and California Grill all in one trip this time.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Mickey's BBQ: (*rev 4/1/15*)
. . . 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. At least just
not for ribs-chicken-burgers.

 

[rance]

The break even for a table service meal is approx $35- $37. So if the BBQ OOP is $65 then you are basically giving up $5- $7 per adult. Not a big deal. If its something you want to try go for it. I think those meals include beer and wine so really not losing anything by using 2 credits.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

The break even for a table service meal is approx $35- $37. So if the BBQ OOP is $65 then you are basically giving up $5- $7 per adult . . .

1) Sure.
2) If you simply look at the posted price.
3) But, remember, until DDP got so popular, BBQ was 1/2-the-price of HDDR.
4) So, without improving the location, food or characters, they quietly doubled the price.
5) Or, as we say, "P.T. BARNUM LIVES!"

 

[Stinkerbell92]

I can tell you this. When I was little and went to Disney with my parents we did the Backyard BBQ and I loved it. They had a ton of food and it was very tasty as well as dancing with some of the characters really made my night. I would definitely use the 2 credits for a night that your entire family will enjoy, especially your two children.