Mickey's Backyard BBQ

[WDWNerd]

I've read a lot of mixed reviews on the Backyard BBQ on different dining boards, & I want to know what fellow campers think a/b it.

My family, DH, me, DD (7) & DD (5) will be camping at the fort in our travel trailer for the first time in May. We plan to do Hoop de Doo, for sure. But, I am not so sure a/b the BBQ. I originally wanted to do it, but there are a LOT of negative reviews out there on it!

What do you think?

 

[TigersLions]

I thought the entertainment was fine. Your kids need to want to get involved with the stage show and the dancing. It is a huge venue and you sit at picnic tables. I thought the food was not good at all for it being a 2 dining reservation meal so I was a little surprised about it. Wouldn't do it again because my kids are shy and I thought the food wasn't good.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Mickey's BBQ: (*rev 1/10/13*)
. . . 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.

 

[tiggerdad]

Note to self:

Avoid BBQ.

Cook my own burgers and hotdogs

I can watch squirrels for entertainment

Thanks for bringing this up, was actually considering doing this

 

[Traveliz]

Well I am going to give a whole different review.

I went on July 4th this year with my group of 6 nieces and nephews (ages 13-21) I took to Disney with me and my CM daughter (27).

We had reservations for the 7:00 show and due to huge hassles parking we didn't get down to the venue until about 6:15. We got in line and weren't really that far back.

There was no mad dash to tables when the venue opened. We each waited and a host would take us to a table. We got the first table to the right of the stage so had really awesome seats.

The entertainment started off right away and it was nonstop for an hour and a half. There was a Country Band, a rope trick guy and then the characters dancing/interacting with guests. There was a bunch of line dancing/fun dancing that my group got into.

The characters were Chip, Dale, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, and then Phineas and Ferb were off to the side.

We thought the food was fine ...hamburgers weren't so great but the rest was good...all you can eat hot dogs, pulled pork, Caesar Salad, potato salad, corn bread, baked beans, corn on the cob and much more (I can't remember now). Also all you could eat Mickey ice cream bars and other assorted ice cream treats. There were fountain soda machines and then beer and wine for over 21. The food was out the whole time.

At the end of the evening the characters took spots outside and you could line up for pictures with them if you wanted.

There was no discount being the 4th of July but I still thought it was a great value for my group.

Liz

 

[WDWNerd]

My girls are definitely shy, so I can't really see them dancing the night away. They love the typical character meal, so I'm not sure how they will react in this situation.

The Phineas & Ferb appearance seems really random!! LOL

Ok, I think we will skip it & cook out at the camper. It really is hard for me to spend SO much $ on food when throwing some hot dogs & burgers on the grill is just so fun & easy!!

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[KristinU]

We went for Thanksgiving several years ago - different menu for Thanksgiving than the standard BBQ. We had a really good time and I would consider doing it again. I think my mom had the best time with the show - she was up line dancing, having a great time! DS isn't so much about that type of thing.

But for non-Thanksgiving I don't think we'd do it based on what I've been reading. We though t about it for Christmas time, but decided on the HDDR instead for just a few bucks more each.

 

[sirenia88]

My family and I did Mickey's BBQ the last time we were there in 2012. The consensus was we did it but not again. The food was OK. However, the music and the sound was overpowering. The atmosphere is loud in general. Those with small children be advised.

 

[jaredjohn4]

We did it when the kids were 7 and 9. The show was fine, the food fine, but way too many people for much character interaction unless you were pushy. We only did it the once, but we have done Hoop-Dee_Do five times. The show is always good and you don't have to push to enjoy it.

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[Magic Fanatic]

I think the BBQ is great for younger kids looking for Character Interaction, but for the price I will choose Hoop De Doo. The show is entertaining to all ages and most of all (for those visiting in the summer) it is inside and air conditioned. I have always enjoyed the food at the Hoop, and agree with others that the food at Mickey's BBQ was below expectations.

 

[Wetherdad]

I would not recommend it. It was loud and overpowering like others have said. The tables are not comfortable and the food is average at best. The character interactions are not that great as there is always a mad dash! We did it in late april/early may and even though it wasn't "hot" yet, it was very uncomfortably warm under the structure with not much air circulating.....the ONLY positive i could say is that at least the beer was free!