Mickey's Backyard BBQ

From reading blogs and tips about traveling with toddlers, I heard it's best not to cram too much in a day.  Consequently, we arrange 1 outing a day of either a character meal or theme park (with, of course, other jammed pack excitement at the resort or nearby place.)  Nevertheless, it always remained busy while down at Disney but we kept our sanity.  

First on the agenda was Mickey's Backyard BBQ, which had outstanding reviews.  Now, although the BBQ was pricey, because it had such a lively atmosphere where kids can roam and interact with the characters, we went for it.  There could not have been a better first event!  It was only Saturdays at 6:30 (at least on fall calendars) so we booked early.  FYI....you can make dining reservations 6 months out and if you intend to get some of the most popular ones, you must book right away.  

Mickey's Backyard Barbecue was at Fort Wilderness hotel.  For additional helpful hints, make sure you don't confuse this with Wilderness Lodge.....apparently it is a common mistake.  I loved knowing all the tidbits, so I'm filling you in, just in case you ever go.  :)  The nice part about staying on Disney property is that you have free parking at all the other Disney properties.  So, we drove to Fort Wilderness, about 10 mins from Art of Animation.  From there you hop on their bus for a 10-15 min route through their campgrounds to the BBQ.  Arrive at least an hour early to the BBQ.  There's a line, but they then open the gates (very organized path) allowing you to meet characters as well.  Now, here is the tricky part.  We had grandparents, so they went and stood in the entrance lines to the pavilion (another 30+ min wait) while we stood in the character lines.  If you don't have kids, go around and skip the characters.  Hosts will direct you in groups to the picnic tables.  Even though they show you an area to sit in, you can move to another table.  We were luckily within the first 100 to enter so it was easy to get the edge of a picnic table off the main dance floor.  We had the best seats in house if you ask me!  Other good places if the front is taken, is to look for large taped off squares on the floor.  Sit at a table near those.  The characters rotate from the main floor to these boxes and dance with kids there.

 Yes, we had to pull out (or actually go buy b/c I'm not a huge "character" clothing gal) Mickey shirts for the occasion.  Another fun activity to continue throughout all areas around Disney is to go to the Souvenir Coin Machine.  They give you different characters for places.  They boys already love them so I thought it was a cheap way to collect things to remember our Disney trip.  Only $.51 each time so safe up those quarter and pennies and bring them all when you come!

 The little wild west town was cute but we didn't have much time to explore.

 Because we were off to the BBQ!!

Our first characters to meet with Chip and Dale.  The boys were as excited as can be!  I'm so glad Bennett has seen how comfortable Trenton is around these mascots and followed in his footsteps. There was a time I wondered if he'd remain scared of them with his slightly reserved personality, but not a chance with a fearless big bro.  Haha!

 I loved how the characters interacted with the kids.  Trenton was right on top of their humor and talking to them (although they don't talk back!)

 A great idea thanks to Pinterest is autographing photo frames.  We brought these to each character with intentions of placing our favorite Disney picture in it when we return back home.

So what I even love more is the innocence of a 2 year old at Disney!  Bennett would run, shout, jump, wave.....you name it.....every single time a character was in sight.  EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Without a doubt, both Kevin and my favorite thing about our trip is watching the boys' excitement, which especially came meeting characters!  If you are contemplating going because of young kids, go!  We highly recommend it.  You'll never be able to witness these joyful, in full belief experiences again....at least they won't be quite the same.

 The pavilion.

 The dancefloor.  Yeah, that's right.  Our boys broke it in.

It's a buffet style dinner of really good food.  You certainly pile your plate high.  There's great stuff for kids and adults.

 The hosts of the show keep things lively.

 Dancing on the main floor with Mickey.  This was right as he came out so not many kids had made their way to the dance floor yet.  It got crowded!  Trenton did a good job of trying to stay with Bennett.  They are dancing with Goofy in one of those taped off boxes.

 Back to the main floor.  Bennett copied every move.  He really watched the characters.

Can you see his face?   They smile never faded!  Bennett was in awe!

 You had to grab a partner.  Trenton danced with Granna.

 And there were Mickey ice cream bars!  Our mouths still melt over the thought of them!  Although I'm glad I'm not the one hanging on to Bennett right now.

 Watching the show.

 Getting Mickey and Minnie's autograph after the BBQ.

 We had so much fun at your Backyard BBQ, Mickey!!

 The table as the bed.  You'd think they'd jump right in and crash.  Well......

They jumped right in but didn't go immediately to sleep.  Rest up, boys!  Tomorrow is a big day at Hollywood Studios! (Oh yeah, since they were in Mater's shed, they had to sleep with all 5 of the mater tale characters.)