Should I Cancel Mickeys BBQ???

[Jacob]

Thought it was a great time. Not overly crowded, the characters got to everyone, plenty of room, and the food wasn't bad at all.

 

[mom2aredhead]

We've done it twice, and we had a good time both times.

When we were there, the characters did come around to the tables for pictures only, no autographs. But most of the time spent with them was on the dance floor. If you've ever been to one of the ticketed parties (halloween, or pirate and princess), it's almost like those dance parties, where the characters come out and are immediately bum-rushed by the kids...which is fine, but then the kids are bum-rushed by the parents trying to get their kid closer. It's a little chaotic, but since my son was little at the time we were out there with him to make sure he was OK, and he had a good time. People are equally as rude on Main Street 10 minutes before Spectro arrives...it's just they way things are sometimes.

And the food was OK - not great, not inedible. I mean, it's picnic food served to the masses, so I guess my expectations were pretty realistic to begin with. I have to agree with what someone said about the burgers though - they were kind of gross. But the ribs, chicken, cole slaw, wine and beer were fine. And someone said it before - much to my surprise, cheap red wine and Mickey Ice Cream bars really do go well together!

The tables are loooong shared tables. Some people brought disposable plastic table cloths to denote their "space", and more importantly just to cover the outdoor table - thought it was a good idea if you had little ones with you. And it's not completely tragic if you don't get the first table...you just have to walk a little further to the dance floor. You'll still see the other parts of the show without issue.

The only thing I will say is that I probably wouldn't go in the very hot summer months. It really is much warmer under the pavillion because of the lights and people and I could imaigne it being REALLY uncomfortable when it was hot...we went in Oct both times so it was OK.

Finally, when it's time to leave, there are 2 sides to the boat dock - one goes back to Magic Kingdom, the other to the Contemporary. The MK side is usually much longer, and the boats are not that big, so you may have to wait for the 2nd or 3rd one. (Hoop Dee Doo gets out around the same time, so lots of people). Try to just hop on the one going to the Contemporary then either walk or monorail back to MK. Depending on where you are in the MK boat line, this will probably get you there faster.

Just go and have fun! There are lots of people here with lots of differing opinions - I for one didn't like either Kona Cafe or Liberty Tree Tavern, but people here rave about both of them. Garden Grill was my least favorite character meal ever, but lots of people love it. I always say to try something once and form your own opinion.

 

[niclmac]

No doubt about it now, I am definitely going. We are pretty easy going people and I think my youngest would just have a blast dancing, regardless if it was with a character or not. They (my 2 boys) probably won't eat a thing (except for the ice cream of course) and I will probably just cry like a baby when/if a character grabs their hand to dance (I am just like that!!). I am really looking forward to this now. Thank you so very much!!!

 

[MOMtoZachEvanGrace]

I am also debating this. How different is it than the Playhouse Disney Dance Party thing at Hollywood Studios? We can do that for free during the EMH. My kids loved dancing with the characters all night, the balloon animals, and of course the bubbles from the ceiling. They recieved tons of attention from all of the characters there. Pluto waited with us the whole time in line for the ballons playing with DD1 and Minnie danced a whole song with DS3. Goofy was a blast.

I am also nervous about the getiing a table situation and waiting in line for the buffet. I am sure it will be fine. Is it worth traveling over to Fort Wilderness? Could it beat the EMH at HS?