tinkerbellminniesmom
Registered: November 2009
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Thu November 5, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Character interaction, food
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Cons:
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having to line up early
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What a great time! We planned this for the "grand finale" of our week-long Disney vacation, and what a time we had!! My daugheter (2 and a half) was most interested in meeting caracters in the parks. So to be able to actually dance with them was the best she could have asked. Goofy was great - he really hammed it up with both my daughter and 10 mo old son. We all really liked the food - the ribs were great! My daughter enjoyed picking out her own "treat" from the huge bin of ice cream treats they had. And unlimited wine and beer, too!! We all had the best time, and you will, too. Just try to get there at least an hour early.
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jenlovesdisney
Registered: August 2006
Location: Ontrario, Canada
Posts: 2
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Review Date: Sat October 24, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? No
| Rating: 3
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Pros:
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food was good, character interaction and show were great
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Cons:
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seating, no air conditioning, no sugar-free dessert options
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We attending the Backyard BBQ on Oct 8th 2009. We arrived early, and went to check out the horses in the barn, and watched the Headless Horseman's horse getting ready! This was a bit of a mistake, as by the time we got to the BBQ pavillion, we were behind a very long line. Chip and Dale were greeting guests, but just before we got there, they left (with lots of others behind us). We were seated at one of the very furthest tables, with almost no view of the stage (a large pillar obscured our view), and we were sandwiched in at the long table with other diners, it was hard to get in and out without banging them. It was probably 100 degrees inside the pavillion, and there was no ventilation. The food was decent, but there were no sugar-free options for dessert (even though I advised the person when I booked of the special dietary need). I spoke to the chef, who looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language, and just said "no we don't have anything" (my first experience in 40+ trips to Disney of a chef being less than helpful). I then asked the CM who was stocking the ice cream freezers, and he said he'd check and get back to me, but he never did.
We couldn't see the show at all, we were hot and uncomfortable, so we ended up leaving after about an hour. I'm sorry that I wasted my dining credits on it.
I might try going back, but only in the cooler months of the year, and I'd get there SUPER EARLY to get a table adjacent to the main stage/dance floor so that we could see everything. It's first come, first served on the seating, and I'd say 70% of seating has a limited view (once the show starts, people stand up behind the first set of tables, and anyone behind them can't see anything). The kids looked like they were having fun dancing with the characters.
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lauriemacneil
Registered: August 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 6
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Review Date: Wed September 23, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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lots of fun and lots of great food
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Cons:
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none
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9 yr. old son and I attended BBQ on Aug. 27th, and had a great time! We ate fairly quickly because there was so much going on, but we were able to go back for more whenever we wanted anything. I was totally abandonded by my son who became Goofy's shadow for the evening and the two of them danced there booties off in a large circle of children for quite some time. We would definitely do the BBQ again. My tip would be to try and get a seat along the main dancefloor so that you don't have to stand (or sit on the floor) while watching the show.
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sabrecmc
Registered: October 2007
Posts: 9
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Review Date: Sun July 19, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Character interaction
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Cons:
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None!
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We love this event. I know it is chaotic the first dance, but honestly, it gets better quite quickly. This is our second time doing it and we will definitely be back. The food is yummy. The alcohol is included and my daughter got to dance with Mickey, Chip, Dale, Goofy and Minnie...what's not to love? After the second dance, lots of people seem to leave. We do, since my 3 year old needs to get to bed, and there is pretty much a constant stream of people leaving at that point. I think the later dances would be even better, if we could ever last that long!
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cjccan
Registered: July 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 4
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Review Date: Sun July 19, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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great time and all the bbq you can eat
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Cons:
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ride back to the resort
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This was our first time visiting the BBQ but won't be the last. Plenty to eat and drink. The band was great and the trick roper was even better. I only wish the return transportation to the Disney resorts was available the same as for the Hoop-dee-do. We went to the early BBQ on Thursday and found out on Friday after the Hoop, that we could have waited 30 minutes and got a bus straight back to our resort. It took us about an hour after the BBQ to go to the outpost get a bus to downtown then another bus to our resort.
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Ryans3
Registered: July 2009
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Thu July 9, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Food was good, great entertainment
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Cons:
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We were a little apprehensive about this show after reading some of the reviews, but it was one of the character dining experiences that I enjoyed best.
Since we were staying at FW, we didn't have to contend with the transportation, but I would stress, get there early! We got in line at 5:30, and the time went quickly. We took some pics with Goofy and Chip & Dale, and there were activities to keep the kids busy.
The food was good (typical barbeque, with ribs, chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers) and there were several buffet lines. The music had kids on the dance floor long before the show even started. When the characters came out, it was a bit of a free for all, but they danced to a lot of songs, and my 4 year old son hung in there. He got to dance with Mickey, and Goofy and Chip & Dale were dancing around the perimeter of the building, so he had a turn with them too.
The trick roping was very entertaining for kids and adults alike. The only really negative thing that I can say is that it was nearly impossible to get a photo of my son when Mickey grabbed his hands and danced him around!
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italylagirl
Registered: July 2009
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Thu July 2, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Old fashion throw down
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Cons:
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the rain
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Like the previous poster noted, you need to go at least an 30 minutes to an hour before your scheduled time. I lucked out - the weather was really bad that day and my husband made the decision that we leave from Magic Kingdom before the heavy rains came down. It worked out great, we made it there just as the doors were opening. My daughter (who is three) thought she was in heaven with all the characters at the meet & greet. She never stopped dancing, not even to eat. But she collapsed from exhaustion on the boat ride back. I definitely enjoyed this show over all. Would definitely recommend it to anyone.
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cutter
Registered: July 2008
Location: Missouri
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Thu May 28, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Cons:
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not much, just do some pre-planning
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I would have to say that this was the Highlight of any Character meal/show that we have done at the World. Yes, it's crowded, Yes, it takes some planning to get to, but it was AWESOME!!!! First off, if your doing this, give your self plenty of time to get there. We went to the 6:30 show, left the resort a little late (cause the kids were swimming) and got there about 6:10. Apparently, the Characters had been out an about since around 5:30. So, plan ahead, get to Magic Kingdom around 5 or so, and catch a boat to Wilderness....it's that easy. Ok, food, a lot of it, 4 or 5 different lines, so not a long wait to get it. Beer......cold and abundant, Mickey Ears, every where. I think it was that much more special for us because our daughter was chosen for the rope tricks, so she was the "center of attention" for about 10 minutes. It does get a little hectic, cause the Characters are right down on the floor with everyone and the kids go crazy. :::helpfull hint, look on the floor around the tables and sit at a table that has the "square" painted on the floor. The characters go to those spots to dance and mingle, that way your kids can enjoy the interaction and you can keep and eye on them. When it's all done and over with, jump on the boat, head back to MK and end the night with the parade and fireworks. This is a great time for kids and parents the same. And Dad's, the beer is abundant and a good nerve calmer!!!!!!
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jontek77
Registered: May 2009
Posts: 6
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Review Date: Tue May 19, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Plenty of Good Food, Entertainment Nonstop, All access to Characters
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Cons:
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Loud, Restrooms are far away, no easy access
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Went to the BBQ on a rainy day, which was OK because the area is completely covered and did not detract from the experience.
It is located behind the Trails End and the Stables. Get your tickets at the Dinner Show ticket windows next to Trails End.
People greet you as you enter with Lemonade, Tea, Beer and Wine. All are Unlimited from arrival to 8pm. The food is a buffet with Ribs(fall off the bone, BBQ chicken(great flavor), Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Fresh Corn bread with all the fixins. Unlimited Ice Cream from the cooler stocked with ice cream bars and popcicles.
The Entertainment was fantastic, it had my 2 year old dancing from beginning to end. Its starts with a Country Western Band at 6:30pm with a welcome to Mickey Mouse and friends soon after. Here is were it got a little crazy...
They call all the children out on the dance floor with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale within the first 5 minutes. I have been to several rock concerts with a calmer Mosh Pit than this was. It was like a Metallica concert for 2-10 year olds. Lost my child multiple times in the crowd, but everything was ok.
The characters dance for several songs, so hold your kids back(if you can) for the first two songs after everyone else gets tired. The characters go take breaks from the dancing later to sing autographs and take pictures. The trick roper came out next and put on quite a show, Roy Rogers would have been proud.
It was very loud throughout, and proved to be too much for our 2 year old after about an hour. We had a wonderful time though, and my daughter got to dance with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.
If you are up for some loud fun with the characters, a great country western band, trick roping and unlimited food and beer, you will have a great time. Stay away if you like it quiet.
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HPdoo
Registered: March 2009
Posts: 5
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Review Date: Wed April 29, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 7
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Pros:
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All you can eat and drink & good entertainment
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Cons:
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Food is average
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We attended Mickey's Backyard BBQ in March 2009. This was our second time going to the BBQ. This meal counts as two table service meals if you are on the dining plan. As the previous reviews state, it does take a bit of time to get to the venue...you can't just drive up to it and you're there. You need to either take a bus from the parking lot or you can take a ferry from the Magic Kingdom or the Fort Wilderness Lodge.
Both times I have attended we arrived at the BBQ location right around 6:30 and both times seating was available for our entire party of 8 to sit together.
The meal is all you can eat - ribs, burgers, dogs, chicken, corn on the cob, corn bread, baked beans, etc. There is also all you can drink wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. I believe they served ices tea and lemonade. The food is just okay..nothing great...just average BBQ food. For desserts they have watermelon and various ice pops...the kids loved the fact that they could get as many popsicles as they wanted.
The entertainment consists of western singing and a rope show. Both of these were very good shows and we liked them very much.
Also, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Chip and Dale come out to dance with the kids. It was very nice.
Last year when we went to the BBQ each of the characters came around to each table to sign autographs and to take pictures. This year they only brought one character around. It was better when all characters came around.
All in all this is a very good choice for a dinner at WDW. I would recommend going every 3 to 4 years and not back to back years as we did.
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babochie
Registered: January 2009
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Sat January 31, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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My Son Loved It!
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Cons:
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Get their early
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Like others have said, I wasn’t sure about this dining experience but it turned out to be a success for our family. My 3 year old and 15 month old love it and had a wonderful time. My 3 year old loved getting to see and dance the characters but I think his favorite part was the cowboy. My husband said it was his favorite meals at Disney World. I on the other hand am not a big fan of ribs or chicken on the bone so it wasn’t my favorite meal, but it was fine.
Here are my suggestions for this dining experience:
When they say you need to get “there ½ hour early" it is more like an hour early. We drove to the resort and arrived ½ an hour early but it took forever to get back to the pavilion. By the time we got to the pavilion they were already letting people in. I think next time I will try taking the boat over from the Magic Kingdom since it drops you off a lot closer to the pavilion. By the time we arrived people were already seated but we still managed to get a somewhat decent seat but it was a bit stressful since we needed a highchair.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE THERE EARLY IF YOU NEED A HIGHCHAIR. Since the highchairs can only go at the end of the picnic tables, you are very limited to the number of places you can sit.
They do not have lids for their cups so bring a sippy cup or a cup with a lid if that is what your child needs to drink.
Yes, the characters are mobbed, especially in the beginning but by the end of the night the crowds had thinned out and it wasn’t bad at all. You just have to be patient. Don’t expect this event to be a picture opportunity or to get autographs. This is purely so your children can dance with the characters.
We are going back to Diney again this year and we will do this again. The only reason I gave this an 8 instead of a 10 is because of the time needed to get to the pavilion and I am not a rib or chicken on the bone person.
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will2jen
Registered: January 2009
Location: Georgia
Posts: 11
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Review Date: Sun January 11, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 7
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Pros:
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Kids were allowed to run around/ all you care to eat buffet/ unlimited beer
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Cons:
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Very chaotic/ not much time spent with characters/ food average
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Mickey's Backyard BBQ is not for everyone, but it is not someplace to avoid either. I went to the BBQ very skeptical because of all the negative reviews that I have read on this board & other places. Some of the negative reviews were true, but the BBQ was a lot of fun & looking back, I would defiantely do it again. We got there at about 5:50pm and there was already a huge line waiting to get in (we did go during peak season though). We didn't wait too long in line, but the castmembers had fun things for the kids to do while waiting such as hoola hoops, chalk for the side walk, etc. They really do try and make it fun for everyone. Once you get in the outdoor pavillion, it's quickly realized that you should find a seat FIRST and have someone in your party stand guard while the rest of your party goes to get something to eat. They have plenty of buffet lines and plenty of food...no worries about running out there. The drink stations are very well set up and again, no waiting there either. The food in itself was not great, but it was okay. We had the standard...hotdogs, hamburgers, ribs and bbq chicken. There was also mac n cheese and some sort of potato salad. The hamburgers were disgusting but the ribs and chicken were pretty tasty. The entertainment was fun, but was a little hard to see. Once you get into the pavillion, go to the center and get a table near the stage or you WON'T see a thing. The kids really did have fun though. They got to run around, eat all the icecream they wanted and play outdoors. Don't be afraid to go...you will have fun!
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lisaegan36
Registered: December 2008
Location: Powder Springs, GA
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Sat January 10, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 7
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Pros:
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great music, laid back atmosphere
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Cons:
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pushy adults and cost$$$
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This was our 2nd time doing Mickeys backyard BBQ. I think we had more fun the first time. The food was the same. It's ok not that great. There is beer and wine included which was nice. You have to get there way before the time they tell you because it if first come first serve seating and it is easier to sit by the dance floor if you want to keep an eye on your kids. The band is great and the hosts do a great job with the show. The only drawback is that the characters are free to roam and dance with the kids. This may sound good at first however, 20 kids and adults pushing and shoving to get to Mickey is not that fun.
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kristilew
Registered: January 2007
Location: Wilmington, NC
Posts: 3
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Review Date: Thu January 8, 2009
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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laid back atmosphere, lots of fun
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Cons:
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uptight people who are obsessed with autographs
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The BYBBQ is what you make of it. We have been a couple of times now, always with a group we'd want to go to ANY backyard party with. This is one of the few chances at WDW to have some unscripted fun with all ages in your family and group.
If you are going for autographs and posed pictures, you will be disappointed. The focus is much more on dancing and being silly. If you look at it as a great chance to line dance with your spouse and kids, and to let loose and cheer for a cake walk and lasso tricks, you will have a blast. Consider the characters as background, and if they dance with your kid it's a bonus.
Really, the most fun "characters" at this thing are Tumbleweed Will and Sally, the emcees. We make a point of getting to know these cm's early on, and it definitely adds to the experience.
Instead of rushing for the first boat back, stay to the end and try to get on a boat that hits the water around the time of the Electric Water Parade or Wishes. The captains will stop the boat and you'll get the equivalent of a fireworks cruise for free.
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Tastefully_Simple
Registered: December 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 8
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Review Date: Tue December 30, 2008
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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character interaction, layed back fun
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Cons:
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pushy adults
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I see so many mixed reviews on this, but must say we have been to DW twice now and have enjoyed this both times. We definitely knew going into this that it was not "autograph time", so if that is what you are looking for, go to the parks. This is just plain old fun! The kids actually get to interact with the characters and dance with them. You don't get that while waiting in line for an autograph. This is the best time I have at Disney because I get to see the biggest smile on my kid's faces. They can hardly wait for the next trip to do it again. The food is your typical BBQ food. You wouldn't expect stuffed chicken breast at a BBQ, so don't expect it here. The fare is hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, corn on the cob, etc. And my kids favorite...ice cream. The upside for adults...beer and wine are included. I must say though, some of the other parents/adults can be pushy when it comes to the dance floor activities. Everyone needs to remember...it's for the kids (at least for me). I get more enjoyment out of watching all the kid's faces light up, and that makes my trip enjoyable.
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