Mickey's Backyard BBQ?

[mkla2015]

Has anyone been to Mickey's Backyard BBQ recently? How was it? Is it worth the price? And, does anyone know when it's open? We've never gone but are considering it for our next trip (March 2016). It would be myself, DH, DD6 and DS4.

 

[lynch34]

I'm interested in how long it has taken people in the past.

I have an 8, 5 and 2 year old. What what I've read - dinner is at 6:30 but in order to get a good seat - you need to get there an hour early. If I'm in the MK - is it 45 minutes to get to the place? That's 4:45. I'm not really interested in leaving the park at 4:45 for a 6:30 dinner reservation but am I overstating the time needed?

 

[j2thomason]

I did it for the first time in March and liked it so much I did it again in May. Both times I traveled from MK. In March I took the boat and in May I took a bus. I would say that the bus was much quicker and less crowded than the boat. In March I left MK an hour by boat and did not get good seats. Seating had already begun when we arrived. In May, taking the bus, we left MK about an hour and 15 minutes before our reservation time. We for there with plenty of time before seating began. I love the buffet food, and especially the characters. It's fun seeing the kids dancing with the characters. There are also photo opportunities with the characters with photopass photographers. This would be a great activity for a "non-park" day. But it was also a wonderful relaxing break in our MK park day. I heard that they have just increased the number of days the bbq is being offered during the week. I definitely enjoyed it more than Hoop Dee Doo.

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

I'm going to follow this. I've always been interested in doing it, but never have.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Do it. Love it. Drink lots or sangria and beer because it's endless. Dance with the kiddos. Laugh at the jokes. Enjoy the open air.

 

[mkla2015]

Thanks for the info! How is the seating? First come first serve? We'd be paying oop, are there different price levels?

 

[ojeight]

I went in August and was surprised how good it was. The food was good with plenty of options and they had the best mac and cheese of any of the buffets I've been at in Disney.

 

[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 is 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.

 

[j2thomason]

Thanks for the info! How is the seating? First come first serve? We'd be paying oop, are there different price levels?

When I went in March we arrived a little late (just after the initial seating had finished) and we got horrible seats. We were seated right behind a pole.

When I returned in May we made sure we arrived early and got much better seats close to the dance floor area.

Both times I went it didn't appear to be a sellout. Since it is picnic table type seating, it is possible to move to another seat after all of the seating is finished. We did this in March and saw many others do it also. The size of your party would effect that. We were only a party of two each time, so that made it easier to find a better seat.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Is it worth the price?

IMO, it was one of the two most overrated and overpriced meals I have ever had at Disney. 100% absolutely, without a doubt NOT worth it in my opinion.

I think the food, entertainment, value and experience is much better at Spirit of Aloha and Hoop De Doo.