Vegetarian Options at Mickey's Backyard BBQ?

[Ethan's dad]

Hi - we are going in a few weeks to Mickey's Backyard BBQ. My vegetarian sister is not too excited after seeing the menu. Does anyone know specifically what they will do to accomodate her (we can let them know in advance, but I want to be sure it is worth it, especially at the price for the BBQ)? Can they offer her veggie burgers or something?

 

[septbaby]

My humble vegetarian opinion:
It is what it is, a horrible choice for a vegetarian meal. There is no way she'll get $45/2TS in value at this meal. There isn't even a decent vegetable on that menu, just cole slaw. everything else is a starch. I will say at least its a buffet whereas Hoop Dee Doo is family style so that fried chicken and pork ribs get passed right by her time after time. Unless she really wants to see the show you guys go enjoy and make her an ADR for Narcoosee's, Jiko or really any of the 2TS places. For one TS she could eat very well at Boma.

I don't think there is a way to sugar coat this one. In my opinion none of the dinner shows are a good choice for vegetarian diners. They are all 2TS or high dollar value and have meat laden/veggie lite menus. So for my vegetarian family no HDDR, no BYBBQ or Luau($60 for rice, fresh veggies and salad, huh?). Just too many other shows and dining locations to waste the time and currency on those. Just one vegetarian's opinion.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

I would call Disney Dining and ask them about it. I thought the same thing (not a good value for a veggie) regarding dinner at Ohana, but the vegetarian meal and sides ended up being WONDERFUL! Perhaps they have a good vegetarian option at the BBQ, too.

 

[Ethan's dad]

Thanks for the replies. We have no doubt that we won't get great value out of whatever they offer, but I would like to be sure they will do something besides tell her to just eat the corn and baked bean side dishes!

We did call Disney Dining today. They gave me the number for the head chef for both the BBQ and Hoop-dee-doo. I'll let you know what I hear!

 

[septbaby]

The baked beans probably are NOT vegetarian. Good luck!

 

[Ethan's dad]

Well, pretty disappointed. We spoke with the chef, who basically said there will be lots of food for vegetarians. When pressed, that amounted to corn and potato salad (the beans do have pork in them). They then said that they could bring her a plate of vegetables!

So, she plans to go to California Grill and get her veggie sushi at the bar, while the rest of us go to the BBQ. She's happier that way.

 

[septbaby]

Sounds like a good plan, sorry to "break up" the family, but in the end everyone will be happier. She won't spend the rest of the trip looking sideways at you or rolling her eyes. I am a sister too, so I can only imagine. You do get big points for researching this for her though.

I'm sure she'll enjoy California Grill. Its not clear if you are on the dining plan, but if you are not then it won't matter if she chooses a one or two "TS" meal. If she decides she wants a good vegetarian meal, with lots of choices I suggest she make a reservation for Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They cater to vegetarians and the kitchen is right behind the line so there is always someone around to describe the item so she can be certain of what she's eating. We tried it for the first time last trip and will be returning. Its one of the most "freeing" dining places for vegetarians at Disney. She can probably say yes to 30-50% of the buffet. Also the tables were fairly close together and found ourselves in conversation with neighbors on both sides so I doubt she'll feel like a loner there.

This is not to suggest that CG will be bad in the least, just another vegetarians' perspective should she decide to try something else.

As for the beans, especially on a cookout menu, they almost always have a pork or meat base. Just one of those things you know after 35yrs of vegetarianism!

You've crossed a hurdle and have a better perception of your sister's dining dilemmas, now just have a good time when you get there. Nice chatting with you.

 

[Ethan's dad]

Thanks. My sister actually lives in Florida and has an annual pass to Disney, so she is familiar with all the various vegeterian options (and has a strange obsession with California Grill!). It's because of the way the chefs at most restaurants have typically worked with her to make something yummy for her to eat (especially at character breakfasts) that we were surprised about the lack of options at the BBQ.

Thanks again for the posts!