Mickey's Backyard BBQ

[zcubed]

The last time that we were at Disney, I tried to get a reservation for Mickey's Backyard BBQ but it was booked. I kept calling but was unable to get a reservation.

So we ended up going to the Hoop Di Do Musical Review which my kids LOVED!

But this year, I was able to get reservation for Mickey's... So now, I am wondering if it is worth it or if there is something better for the money...

Thanks, Eileen

 

[ROBIN4NY]

My family LOVES the BYB. It is a must each time we go.After all the planning and running around in the parks in the day time it is a wonderful way to end your evening.The kids really have a ball dancing and getting autographs with the characters,photo opps ect.(my husband loves the unlimited beer-lol )It is just a nice, fun, relaxing evening.You will have fun.Enjoy

 

[mary174]

I felt this was a total let down. The set up is in a huge pavillion. There several hundred people crammed together down long tables. The music was probably good, but the accoustics were horrible. We followed directions about getting food before getting seated and almost lost my 25 month old. Many people did not and we ended up getting seated in a bad position, so the only parts of the shows I saw were when I got up to get more food or drink. I had been called after informing them of my son's dairy allergy and they had made offers for alternatives to the items with dairy. When I tried to mention my sons allergy to the cast members directing us I was told to talk to the servers. There were none when we got there. My son didn't go hungry and I was able to get a server to get my son a special desert, but I don't think the whole thing was well arranged. We got there early and I'm glad we did because they started lining people up early. I asked them finally if that was for the Backyard BBQ, they said it was and that I needed to get a ticket. I told them I had a ps, but it turned out that you paid out where you paid for the Hoop Di Do. I got my tickets and we got in line. It was a long wait but they were taking pictures and some characters came out in costume to entertain everyone. All in all, I would much rather have had dinner at Chef Mickey's. The kid's wouldn't have gotten to dance, but they would have had more character interaction and better food. It would have cost less too.

 

[dtsaos]

I was debating between both shows too, but I heard some negative things about the BBQ that turned me off. The main thing is the mosquitoes-I guess even Disney can't totally keep bugs in check

I did the show at the Poly a couple of times before it changed to the spirit of aloha (or whatever it's called now) and loved it. It was especially great the second time because my DH was picked to go on stage and dance-very funny since the man does not dance!

We're trying the Hoop dee doo this year and can't wait!

Good luck deciding.

 

[zcubed]

I have not yet got rid of my reservations, but am seriously reconsidering.
It is expensive and you have to show up so early...

My kids say it is OK; they are not the tied to it...

The Hoop Di Do was great. You have to show up early but there are assigned tables and it is inside. They take some family photos at the beginning and then come back right before desert to give you the hard sell. But we bought a package because the pictures were so cute and the kids were loving the whole experience. Wanted to keep those great memories. And even though it is a bit corny, the it was a lot of fun.

In fact, after we did that show, we decided to do the cruise the following year because they have all of the shows included along with everything else.

The Disney cruise was awesome can't wait to do the cruise again!


When I went to Disney in 1996, we went to the luau and my husband was feeling ill; maybe too much sun. He could not eat and we left about a half hour after we got their. The following time we went, in 2003, I wanted to go to the kid's laua and they did not have it. I was bummed.

 

[Aidensmom]

We loved the Backyard BBQ, it was one of the highlights of our trip. My son was 2-1/2 at the time, and he just loved the music and dancing with the characters. We enjoyed the food, it is all you can eat, so if you eat like DH you really get your money's worth! We also enjoyed the free beer and wine .

However, we are "outdoor" people. We BBQ at home at least once a week and we spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities. We also live in Florida, so the heat and the mosquitoes (that's what insect repellant is for) don't seem unusual to us. People who don't enjoy being outdoors in the first place are probably not going to like the BBQ. It really depends on what types of things interest you.

 

[rt2dz]

We have been debating between the two also. Right now, I've paid for both--afraid I won't get one if I wait until I figure it out. I need to cancel one, SOON, though. Our kids will be 4 and 15 months. I'm worried about the chaos with the baby, seating (he NEEDS to be in a highchair), the difficulty getting food hanging on to a 4 year old, holding a baby and balancing getting food on 4 plates (and drinks!). I've heard the entertainment is a about the same. ALL the dinner shows get mixed reviews.

However, BYB has characters and good interaction. But then again, it is longer and I'm not sure how the baby will do and I know our 4yo won't leave until it's over. At least not without complaint. But I could take the baby to run around (he's very active to say the least). We're not doing the parks the day of the show, whichever one we choose.

I hope you have ane easier time figuring it out than I am having.

 

[zcubed]

I don't know if this helps or makes it more complicated, but there are no characters at the Hoop Di Do.

But you do not have to go in a buffet line, what a pain that is with kids, and the performing is going on all around you the entire time you are there.

I am leaning toward cancelling. We just did the cruise and it was so easy to see and mingle with all of the characters both on the ship and castaway cay.

Maybe just another cruise next year, before the kids are too old and think the characters are not so cool.

Good luck!