Mickey's Backyard BBQ

[DisneyPoohBear]

Hi, I would really like to go the the BBQ and was just wondering if anyone had gone and could tell me about it. Thanks!!

 

[mom2aredhead]

This is a copy of my response from a previous post...
If you have any other specific questions, fire away!

A warning though - it's not a favorite around here because it's essentially 2 TS credits on DDP for hot dogs and burgers - so expect lots of people to come here and bash. But I am a firm believer in hearing people's opinions and experiences so I know what to expect, but trying (almost) everything once to form my own conclusion. This way, if you had a good time, great! If not, it's one of those things that you can add to the "been there done that" list and try something different the next time.

We've done it twice, and we had a really good time both times.

When we were there, the characters came around to the tables for pictures only, no autographs, but most of the time spent with them was on the dance floor. If you've ever been to one of the ticketed parties (halloween, or pirate and princess), it's almost like those dance parties, where the characters come out and are immediately bum-rushed by the kids...which is fine, but then the kids are bum-rushed by the parents trying to get their kid closer. It's a little chaotic, but since my son was little at the time we were out there with him to make sure he was OK, and he had a good time. After all, where else would he be able to dance with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale? People are equally as rude on Main Street 10 minutes before Spectro arrives...it's just they way things are sometimes.

And the food was OK - not great, not inedible. I mean, it's picnic food served to the masses, so I guess my expectations were pretty realistic to begin with. I have to say the the burgers were kind of gross. But the ribs, chicken, cole slaw and beer were fine. And unlimited Mickey ice cream bars for dessert - who could ask for more!

The tables are loooong shared tables. Some people brought disposable plastic table cloths to denote their "space", and more importantly just ot cover the outdoor table - thought it was a good idea if you had a little ones with you. And it's not completely tragic if you don't get the first table...you just have to walk a little further to the dance floor. You'll still see the other parts of the show without issue.

The only thing I will say is that I don't know if I would go in the very hot summer months. It really is much warmer under the pavillion because of the lights and people dancing, and I could imaigne it being REALLY uncomfortable when it was hot...we went in Oct both times so it was OK.

Finally, when it's time to leave, there are 2 sides to the boat dock - one goes back to Magic Kingdom, the other to the Contemporary. The MK side is usually much longer, and the boats are not that big, so you may have to wait for the 2nd or 3rd one. (Hoop Dee Doo gets out around the same time, so lots of people). Try to just hop on the one going to the Contemporary then either walk or monorail back to MK. Depending on where you are in the MK boat line, this will probably get you there faster.

Hope this helped!

 

[DisneyPoohBear]

Thanks for the information!! I like to know what other people think too and we would go more for the atmosphere than the dining. Of course if we were not on the free dining plan I would feel differently. I want to do this our last night before we go home.