Opinions please.. Mickey's Backyard BBQ or Spend the evening at Boardwalk Resort

[PrincessDisneyMomx2]

We will be traveling Nov 7th-14th with myself, DH, DD5, D15, my parents, Sister (30), Cousin (67) and Cousin (32). This will be both my cousins 1st time at Disney and everyone is very young at heart.
We are trying to decide between spending our first night at either Mickey's Backyard BBQ or going to Boardwalk having a simple dinner there, walking around and seeing the street performers and dessert at Beaches n Cream..
What do you suggest? We have never been to either place. Pros and Cons? TIA!!!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Seeing the street performers at BW won't take you all that long.

I don't know how young at heart you all are, but the Backyard Barbecue is likely mostly interesting to very young kids. You do have a 5 year old in your party.

 

[nco91590]

I agree that hanging out on the Boardwalk is not an all night affair. But you can rent surry bikes, play some midway type games, get an ice cream, find a place to sit on the beach area, etc.

 

[Hopefully]

I think the only one mentioned in your party that would really enjoy the Backyard barbeque is the 5 yo. It is geared toward young children. Plus I would never make that expensive an ADR for arrival day. If you are delayed you would pay the total cost of a very expensive evening as no shows.
Where are you staying? I might just stay close by my resort on arrival night.
The Boardwalk area is fun, but not tons to do. If you choose a sit down meal, a stroll or surrey bike ride around the area, watching the street performers and then an ADR for dessert at Beaches & Cream it could be a fun evening.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I've never spent time at the Boardwalk in the evenings, so I cant help you there. But as for Mickey's BBQ, it was a one and done for my family. The food was bland. The entertainment loud and mildly interesting. The worst part was the pushing and shoving of all the kids on the dance floor trying to get near the characters. Your 5 yo may enjoy it, if they are not put off by crowds and loud music. Since you have a lot of older people in your group, in my opinion, skip it. Plus as a PP said, if it's your first night you don't want to run the risk of missing a pre-paid BBQ due to travel delays.

 

[minnie mum]

Given the makeup of your party, I don't think MBBQ would be a good choice. It really is geared to families of young children. Exploring all that the Boardwalk has to offer might be a good choice, depending on where you are staying. Or, if you are arriving early in the day , so that missing your ADR isn't a concern, you might consider doing HDDR instead.

 

[Barbydoll8]

BW is not an all night thing really. An hour or so as there is usually no more than 2/3 performers (I've only ever encountered 2 in any one night). There are bikes. You can play mini golf at Fantasia gardens (I believe it's still open) and visit a few shops. That's it.
MBB is really geared for young kids. We did it 2 years ago with my 12 year old nephew. It was entertaining and the character interaction was great but he was a bit old for it. And you should know it's VERY loud and it's family seating so you sit at long benches with others you don't know.
Food is the same as Trails End so it's never "bad" but it is catering style. Some don't like that.
Character interaction is different. The characters do NOT come to your tables. They dance around and you must go up to them to interact.

If you want an interactive dinner fun night, why not do Hoopdee Do Review? It's about the same $$ with better food and fun. Plus it's indoors (no weather worries) and very fun.
Plus there are afters you can do in the camp ground like Chip & Dale's sing along camp fire (free but $ for smores kits).

 

[Nancyg56]

I am in agreement that the BBQ is not going to work for you family. It is expensive and geared to youngsters. The adult generally are just there for them. I am not sure that I would hit a boardwalk Restaurant if you are looking for "fun", but how about eating in Disney Springs?

 

[TXWAC]

Hoop-de-do if you are going to the Fort. Great show. Good food. Bottomless beer - if you indulge.

 

[happymommy]

I would never make any ADR arrival day. Too much could happen.

You have quite a large party. I'd say let each choose what to do.

A lot does depend on where you're staying.

Personally, we always arrive pretty early and go to a theme park for the afternoon on arrival day. We (okay, my DD and me) just can't not do that! I'll book late afternoon FP+ for a few things and if we don't make it no loss! We do counter service (but that's what we do mostly anyway at this point; we've done a bunch of amazing and a couple horrible but mostly good TS meals already, but we don't love to be tied down to a time).

 

[PrincessDisneyMomx2]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate everyone's honesty! We are staying at CSR and hoping for about a 2pm arrival. I am now leaning towards Disney Springs. We won't have to worry about any time restraints and it will be a relaxing evening!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Disney Springs = Raglan Road!!!! BTW, they have added lots of evening live entertainment in DS so there is that
BW feel there now too. Enjoy.

 

[Hopefully]

DS is a much better choice for your arrival evening

 

[isabellea]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate everyone's honesty! We are staying at CSR and hoping for about a 2pm arrival. I am now leaning towards Disney Springs. We won't have to worry about any time restraints and it will be a relaxing evening!

We LOVED CSR last summer. I would probably stay at the resort and enjoy a great meal at Maya Grill (usually doesn't need an ADR or very easy to get last minute)! Disney Springs is also a good option.