Mickey's Backyard BBQ

[Momof2girls1920]

...in August. Thoughts? We have never been and just wondering if its worth taking our 2.5 and 5 year old. Wondering if it will be too hot that its not enjoyable.

 

[austinsmommie]

We have been once, but it was in March several years ago. My kids were 3 and 8. My 8 year old wanted to go for his birthday, at the time he wanted to be a bull rider when he grew up. We didn't enjoy it at all. The food was cold and just awful. We could hardly see anything because of people standing on picnic tables. My kids tried dancing and almost got stepped on by crazy adults. My son asked to leave early, so we didn't even stay the whole night. We have been to Disney many times and this is the 1 thing we have had such a terrible experience, we would never do again.
Now this was several years ago and it was cold, so not sure if it was just a bad night.

 

[willowsnn3]

We have done MBYBBQ several times and love it. Once in the summer and I don't remember being too hot after we got to the pavillion. Was a little warm walking back there and waiting til time to go in.
The other times we have gone were Sept a couple times and once late November. I liked the food. Ribs, hot dogs, burgers, salad, mac/cheese, baked beans and other stuff. Lemonade, punch, beer & wine and all you can eat Mickey Ice Cream Bars, lol. The dance floor could get a little crowded at times tho but our grandkids enjoyed it. Never saw anyone standing on tables. We had a lot of fun and already booked for this coming Sept.

 

[Nancyg56]

We took my then 4 YO DGD there on an August trip. It was okay, but in my opinion, not worth the time. The food was good, and there wa plenty of it. I did not like the wine, but I never like the wine included with meals in WDW, so take that with a grain of salt.

As far as your family enjoying this event, it is not a character meal in the traditional sense. The seating is first come first choice, with long picnic tables circling the center of the open pavilion. The characters dance in the center, and your kids join them, a dance party atmosphere. If you want to be close to the "action" you need to arrive early, and I mean EARLY, because those center tables are golden.

Truthfully, this is the only meal that I would never go back to. WE paid OOP for it, and I thought it was expensive for a "picnic", but thought my DGD would enjoy it. SHe was not comfortable with the chaotic atmosphere, so we ended up taking her to the playground after dinner. I woudl suggest that you know yourr kids, and you know if they would like this kind of meet and greet.

Personally, if I was to do this night over again, I would book Trails End, have an early dinner , ad then go to the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-a-long. CHip and Dale vsit the children, and you get to make smores over the fire before watching a movie. It is FREE!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Did this last August and it's hot. There is no way around that. I live here so I'm kind of use to it. We took my nephew who was a little old for it but we still had fun. Just like the PP said, you have to know you're kids. It is very loud, crowded and chaotic. The characters do NOT come to you. You must initiate the interaction via dance either on the main dance floor or on the sides of the pavilion. That being said, if your children are not shy, I thought it was some of the best character interaction I've seen aside from the cruise ships. The characters are not whisked off to the next table quickly and really seemed to focus on the little ones that wanted to be around them.
The band was very good and so was the cowboy show. The food is from Trails End so if you like that, then the food will work. It was pricey and I'm glad I did it but if your kids are on the shy side and do not like crowds or do well with lots of crowding, I agree with the above, go to TE for dinner and the camp fire show at the camp ground.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Went last August and loved it. It's great for kids. Plenty of beer and sangria too! The ice cream is self serve and the entertainment is great!

 

[LSUfan4444]

One of the few meals I walked away from thinking it was not even close to being worth what it cost.

The food wasn't the problem, but it was entirely too expensive and not that I have an issue with gratuity but including 18% for that is ridiculous. Then when I saw a tip jar where they gave out beer and wine, it was just the icing on the cake.

I thoroughly enjoy Hoo-De-Do and recommend it whenever possible, this was definitely a one and done for us. At a price point of around $200 for me, my wife and 5 year old I think there are definitely better options with better food, location and service. When compared to the entertainment at Hoop and Spirit of Aloha dinner show, the BBQ easily comes in behind the other two.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

We have been once, but it was in March several years ago. My kids were 3 and 8. My 8 year old wanted to go for his birthday, at the time he wanted to be a bull rider when he grew up. We didn't enjoy it at all. The food was cold and just awful. We could hardly see anything because of people standing on picnic tables. My kids tried dancing and almost got stepped on by crazy adults. My son asked to leave early, so we didn't even stay the whole night. We have been to Disney many times and this is the 1 thing we have had such a terrible experience, we would never do again.
Now this was several years ago and it was cold, so not sure if it was just a bad night.

My family had a similar experience . Food was bland and not worth the price. My DW and DD had upset stomachs after eating there. My youngest DD (6) was getting trampled on the dance floor by kids and parents pushing and shoving. It's one thing I will never pay for again. I will say that it seems a few of the positive reviews have been for earlier parties (4pm) which tend to be less crowded.