Reservations for Big Thunder Ranch BBQ?

[oilergirl]

Are reservations needed/suggested for the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ? Or is it usually pretty easy to get in? Has anyone tried their food? Is it good? Thanks!

 

[blabbermouth]

There have been lots of posts lately about this (if you scroll down or search), and most think that the food is tasty.

I don't know about ressies, I just called last night and made one for the 30th without any problem. If you have a larger group, you may want to reserve just in case. Can always cancel!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Are reservations needed/suggested for the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ? Or is it usually pretty easy to get in? Has anyone tried their food? Is it good? Thanks!

Depending on the time of year of your visit and how picky you are about having a particular time and day, reservations could be a good idea. They certainly won't hurt since they're easy to cancel and don't require prepayment. We haven't tried this restaurant yet, but there have been a number of recent threads about it. One Diser who was there two weeks ago commented that there was a 45 minute wait when his family went to dinner there, but they had reservations so didn't have to wait that long.

 

[disneyfan67]

Are reservations needed/suggested for the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ? Or is it usually pretty easy to get in? Has anyone tried their food? Is it good? Thanks!

I had to make reservations for dinner when I was there and good thing too because it was busy and I had to wait for awhile for my table to open up.


The food is good for what you get and considering it's theme park chow and there's plenty of it. But I noticed they're pushing the expensive dessert menu which is extra and I found it annoying that the server mentioned 4 times. He kept saying to save room and are we interested as he walked by to see how we were doing. I told him twice upfront that we weren't interested and no need. I don't see how anyone could be that hungry after all the buckets of food they give you? They give enough chicken, ribs, sausage, and veggies, etc, so you could explode if chose to.

I got the distinct impression that the servers are instructed to push the extra items. I don't care for that forced upsell approach and once is enough, imo.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I had to make reservations for dinner when I was there and good thing too because it was busy and I had to wait for awhile for my table to open up.


The food is good for what you get and considering it's theme park chow and there's plenty of it. But I noticed they're pushing the expensive dessert menu which is extra and I found it annoying that the server mentioned 4 times. He kept saying to save room and are we interested as he walked by to see how we were doing. I told him twice upfront that we weren't interested and no need. I don't see how anyone could be that hungry after all the buckets of food they give you? They give enough chicken, ribs, sausage, and veggies, etc, so you could explode if chose to.

I got the distinct impression that the servers are instructed to push the extra items. I don't care for that forced upsell approach and once is enough, imo.

This kind of thing is actually what has kept us away from this place so far. I wish it was all-inclusive, dinner, drink, and dessert, even if they charged a bit extra per person. My boys are old enough to be charged adult prices but would probably only nibble at the meat and chow on the corn bread. I wouldn't want to spend extra on drinks and dessert after shelling out full price for them to eat that way, and the boys would be puzzled and annoyed that drinks and dessert aren't included like at a "real" buffet.

 

[goofycathy]

We usually eat there at least once sometimes twice during our visits.We love the food and the atmosphere and our kids are old enough that we definately get our moneys worth. We usually do it as a later lunch and then we are good for the rest of the day, with exception of a late night churro!
Weve always make PS arrangements, just seems like the nice thing to do...

Enjoy! Im about to go make my PS plans now!

 

[disneyfan67]

This kind of thing is actually what has kept us away from this place so far. I wish it was all-inclusive, dinner, drink, and dessert, even if they charged a bit extra per person. My boys are old enough to be charged adult prices but would probably only nibble at the meat and chow on the corn bread. I wouldn't want to spend extra on drinks and dessert after shelling out full price for them to eat that way, and the boys would be puzzled and annoyed that drinks and dessert aren't included like at a "real" buffet.

Soda, ice tea, and lemonade, is all you can drink and included with the price. They serve it to you in mason jars and it goes well with the country theme of the place. I agree for the price that desert should be included, but that's just Disney trying to squeeze every last dollar out of you and pushing it repeatedly was tacky.

I probably wont eat there again because my one son is very picky and didn't eat too much. It was a waste of money on him. Live and learn though.

 

[Huff]

We really enjoyed eating here on our last visit. One of the best values in food we found. Ribs and chicken were excellent and all you can eat. Ranch beans, corn and corn bread as well.

Drinks are extra but you can change drink types at any time without charge. For instance, you can start with a soda, then later have coffee or hot coco without additional charge.

The desserts are an excellent value. We got the giant chocolate chip cookie pie with ice cream and hot fudge. This is a very large pie big enough two adults and 2 kids for $8.

Our AP got us a decent discount making this a great value. Reservations would be required on any busy day unless you don't mind eating very late.

 

[TiggerCat]

Soda, ice tea, and lemonade, is all you can drink and included with the price. They serve it to you in mason jars and it goes well with the country theme of the place. I agree for the price that desert should be included, but that's just Disney trying to squeeze every last dollar out of you and pushing it repeatedly was tacky.

I probably wont eat there again because my one son is very picky and didn't eat too much. It was a waste of money on him. Live and learn though.

We ate there for lunch yesterday and the drinks were not included in the price. I believe the cost was $2.95 each for the soda and about $5.95 for a root beer float. The food was excellent and the service was great, with no hard sells for the desserts. The entertainment was fine if you go for country & western. The only downside was that we needed a nap immediately after eating!

I would not hesitate to go back.

TC.

 

[jemilah]

will it be Christmas themed at holiday time??

 

[disneyfan67]

We ate there for lunch yesterday and the drinks were not included in the price. I believe the cost was $2.95 each for the soda and about $5.95 for a root beer float. The food was excellent and the service was great, with no hard sells for the desserts. The entertainment was fine if you go for country & western. The only downside was that we needed a nap immediately after eating!

I would not hesitate to go back.

TC.

Thanks for clarifying and I probably missed it because I used a meal voucher to pay for the dinner.

 

[Minuet888]

Can't complain about the food but I liked it themed better with Woody, Jesse and Bullseye there, my son loves them.
Wonder why they got rid of that part of the theme of it.

 

[disneyfan67]

Can't complain about the food but I liked it themed better with Woody, Jesse and Bullseye there, my son loves them.
Wonder why they got rid of that part of the theme of it.

Because of the 50 something dollars it used to cost. There was a big push back from the online Disney community and from the guests also. Way overpriced and out of the reach of many. It died a quick death.

 

[Huff]

Can't complain about the food but I liked it themed better with Woody, Jesse and Bullseye there, my son loves them.
Wonder why they got rid of that part of the theme of it.

Not enough people willing to pay the high price. Our waitress said it was because of people not dining coming in and standing around to watch the show. Can't they just put a CM at the enterance to stop that?

Our waitress also stated that AP'ers can go in and just order dessert. Everyone else must order the full dinner.

Anyone tell me if food at WDW's Mickey's backyard BBQ or Hoop Dee Do is similar? If food is about the same then might have to try them on next visit.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Our waitress also stated that AP'ers can go in and just order dessert. Everyone else must order the full dinner.

OK, now I'm interested! I may have to test this on a future visit. Thanks for the tip. The desserts sound fun.