Revisiting Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a Toy Story themed table service restaurant that opened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in March 2023. We originally visited Roundup Rodeo BBQ in May 2023, not long after it opened. Despite originally vowing to never eat at Roundup Rodeo BBQ again, we found ourselves revisiting Roundup Rodeo BBQ a few weeks ago.  Our experience this time was substantially different and I felt deserved an updated review.

We left Roundup Rodeo BBQ pretty disappointed after our initial visit in May 2023. While we loved the theming, we were really disappointed with the food during that visit. That original review can be found Here.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Dining Review Revisited
Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                                                                                                  Photo: Disney Parks

When it came time to plan our big family trip for October 2024, we kept coming back to Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The theming was SO good and we knew that several family members would be excited to dine in Toy Story Land. We also had heard that Disney had made some changes to the menu based on guest feedback. While that doesn’t always mean good things when it comes to Disney, in this case, we felt things HAD to improve—we didn’t honestly think they could have gotten worse. With cautious trepidation, we made an Advanced Dining Reservation for dinner on our Hollywood Studios day. There were 10 people in our group the evening we had dinner at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Excellent Theming

The one thing that remained consistent between our first visit and our most recent visit was the theming of the restaurant. This restaurant is themed VERY well to Toy Story, and includes characters and storylines from all four movies throughout the restaurant. It’s very colorful and cheerful. This is a very family friendly restaurant—so the noise levels are high. Do not expect a calm or relaxing atmosphere at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. This is a high energy, fun experience—aimed at providing Toy Story fans (especially young fans) an immersive and memorable meal.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ; five key tips for a magical Disney vacation
Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                                                                                             Photo: Brooke Hudson

The cast members are all outfitted in cartoon western wear, very fitting with the Toy Story Rodeo theming. One thing my mom pointed out—she felt the cast member seating us and our server did a better job this visit with bringing everyone into the Toy Story atmosphere, and in telling diners what to expect. She’s not a Toy Story fan, and felt lost during our first visit—not understanding some of what was going on. This time, the cast members explained that Andy or Sid might come into the backyard, and because we are all honorary toys, we have to freeze whenever that happens. This helped Mom feel more involved, even though she hadn’t seen the movies.

The audio playing throughout the meal seemed clearer and more understandable this visit as well. We also noticed some really fun action that played out around the restaurant involving different cast members acting as certain Toy Story characters. It was fun and the activity and audio cues were frequent enough to keep younger kids from getting bored, but not so often as to make you feel anxious or overwhelmed. (Everyone’s barometer for overstimulation is different however; your mileage may vary on this).

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Revisited
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior                                                                                                  Photo: Disney Parks

Roundup Rodeo BBQ: Pricing

One of the advantages that Roundup Rodeo BBQ has had from the start is that it is a relatively fairly priced meal for Walt Disney World. The menu is served family style, and is all-you-care-to-eat. The meal includes a beverage (fountain drinks, iced tea or milk), several different meats, multiple sides and dessert. When Roundup Rodeo BBQ first opened, the price for adults (age 10+) was $45 per person, and the price for children (ages 3-9) was $25.  These prices have increased slightly. The current prices for adults is $49 per person and for children is $27. This is the same whether you go for lunch or dinner–so make that reservation whenever you can get it. There’s no price disadvantage to the dinner hour, and no price advantage to the lunchtime shift.

Take a look at the current menu here.

The majority of our family really took the “all you care to eat” to heart. I think most of us really got our money’s worth here. We made sure to go in hungry—and the improvements in the menu were definitely appreciated by pretty much the whole family. One of the single BEST improvements to the menu doesn’t show on the online menu–it only appears on the printed menu you get at the restaurant: you can get salmon upon request with your proteins. And the salmon was SO GOOD!! It really elevated the meal for us. Somehow, I didn’t manage to get a picture of any of the VERY fabulous salmon. But I did capture my other favorite item on the menu–and this is an original menu item– the biscuits with the sweet pepper jam. Oh my goodness. I wouldn’t be surprised if a black market sprung up somewhere just for these!! Really yummy!

roundup rodeo bbq biscuits
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jam.                                             Photo: Brooke Hudson

The desserts were also beloved universally at our table–and between the 10 of us, we tried ALL of them.

Let me be clear: $49 is a lot of money for lunch or dinner—especially for a 10 year old person. However, this is a meal inside one of the most popular theme parks in the world. For theme park dining at a table service restaurant, $49 is one of the lower priced options you’ll find. And while this is not a character meal, it is very well themed. And there actually is quite a lot of entertainment happening. Overall, now that the quality of the food has improved (in my opinion), I think this is a very reasonably priced table service meal at Disney. I definitely recommend going in hungry if you can!

The Bottom Line — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Revisited

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ                                Photo: Disney Parks

I would definitely recommend Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a fun family dining experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. My recommendation does come with a few caveats, however. If your kids are SUPER picky eaters–make sure you look at the menu before making your reservation. $49 is a lot of money if the only thing your kid will eat is mac and cheese.

Be aware, this is a LOUD, boisterous and fun dining experience. If you have Toy Story fans in your group, they are likely to love it–but if you have kids with sensory issues or that get overwhelmed when there is a lot going on–this may not be the right dining experience for your family.

However, we found it to be fun and entertaining. The service was great, the food was really good, and our family REALLY enjoyed the all-you-can-eat aspect. I’d like to also personally recommend the Rattler Rum Punch for those that like a little alcohol with their boisterous family dining experiences. It was really tasty and had a nice little kick to it!

Roundup Rodeo Revisited
Roundup Rodeo Beverages                                                                                                       Photo: Disney Parks

I think Roundup Rodeo BBQ fills a need that it was supposed to fill: good, fun, entertaining themed dining in Toy Story Land. Good food that appeals to most (especially with the changes they’ve made over the last year) at a reasonable for theme park dining price.

I suggest you check it out on your next Disney vacation–especially if you’re a Toy Story fan or have Toy Story fans in your traveling crew.

 

 

 

 

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu & Opening Date

We have more information about the new table service restaurant opening soon in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Disney has announced that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open on March 23, 2023.  Note: Even though we are within the sixty day window, you cannot yet make reservations for Roundup Rodeo BBQ.  I’m sure Disney will make an announcement soon about when reservations will open up.  I’ll keep you posted!

Even more exciting, Disney has shared details with us about the Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu!  We’ve posted about Roundup Rodeo BBQ before, but we didn’t know anything about the menu at that time.  All we knew is that the restaurant would be table service and western themed.  We could be fairly certain there would be barbeque involved, given the “BBQ” in the restaurant name, but you never know! <wink>

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks

Theming

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a rodeo arena that Andy has created in the backyard for his toys.  All honorary toys visiting Andy’s backyard are also invited (that’s us!).  Andy has used a variety of his toys, games and playsets to create his Roundup Rodeo arena, and when we visit, we’ll all get to see the world through the eyes of Andy’s toys.

While we’re there, we’ll be offered house smoked meats, a roundup of sides, some sweet surprises and more in this western-themed family-style restaurant.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu

First up, we will start with the Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits.  These are served with sweet pepper jelly.  They look awfully good, don’t they?  Of course, I’m a sucker for biscuits of almost any kind….

Rodeo Roundup BBQ menu biscuits
Photo: Disney Parks

Salads

Next up, there are three delicious different salads for toys and honorary toys alike to enjoy.

    • Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)
    • Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressing
    • Watermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu salads
Photo: Disney Parks

Smoked Meats

Now comes the good stuff! (if you like smoked meats, that is!)

Guests can enjoy a hearty serving of house-smoked meats, including:

    • Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse
    • Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfection
    • There’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oak to give it an added kick
    • BBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juiciness
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu smoked meats
Photo: Disney Parks

Plant-Based Options

No worries.  If you aren’t a meat-eater, there are savory plant-based offerings available upon request.

    • Slow-smoked Cauliflower topped with sweet harissa drizzle and crunchy walnut gremolata
    • Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” that is tender and juicy, sliced to perfection
    • Impossible “Rib Chop” seasoned with spices, then roasted and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce and skewered on a sugar cane “bone”

All entreés served with an assortment of sweet, traditional, and spicy BBQ sauces. 

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu savory plant-based options
Photo: Disney Parks

Sides

Next up, there are a bunch of sides to choose from.  Guests can choose four sides for the table from the list below.

    • The Married Spuds: Loaded potato barrels drizzled with green goddess dressing, cheese sauce, and seasoned BBQ spices
    • Force Field Fried Pickles: Jumbo pickle spears coated with a dill-flavored breading and fried to perfection
    • Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese: Spiral pasta in a creamy house-made cheese sauce topped with crumbled cheddar crackers
    • Buckin’ Baked Beans: A traditional BBQ picnic favorite (plant-based)
    • Cowpoke Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juice
    • Mean Old Potato Salad: Homestyle with red-skinned potatoes 
    • Veggie Slaw: Crunchy shredded veggie slaw that is a summertime favorite! (plant-based) 
    • Campfire-roasted Vegetables: A variety of roasted seasonal vegetables (plant-based)
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu sides
Photo: Disney Parks

Desserts

Now, we get to the sweet stuff: Desserts!! These perfectly portioned chuckwagon desserts offer a sweet take on the BBQ picnic classics.  Guests can choose from a selection for the table.

    • Cupcake à la Forky: Forky is up to something sweet! A classic chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate ganache center topped with velvety graham cracker buttercream and a sugar cookie
    • Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake: An iconic creamy dessert that balances the tanginess of the cheesecake with the natural sweetness of blueberries and lemon
    • Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie: Layers of graham cracker crust and silky chocolate mousse topped with chantilly cream
    • Goat’s Apple Pie: A picnic classic! Tart apples and warm pie spices balance perfectly with the creamy sweet filling under a crumble crust
    • Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie: With its silky sweet peaches and tartness of strawberries, this dessert is a fruit-centric delight! (plant-based)
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu desserts
Photo: Disney Parks

Beverages

The Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu would not be complete without some craft cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages on offer.  Not to worry, guests feeling nostalgic for backyard picnics will find plenty here to enjoy.

Grown-up Craft Cocktails:

    • Snake Eye Margarita: Inspired by a summertime BBQ featuring watermelon, smoke, and a bit of spice!
    • Rum Punch: Rum punch with vibrant flavors of passion fruit and pineapple finished with a smoky spiced garnish
    • Chocolate with a Grown-up Twist: A blend of chocolate rum, horchata liqueur, cocoa, and flavors of toasted marshmallow
    • Frozen Peanut Butter & Jelly: A fun frozen twist on the classic peanut butter & jelly featuring peanut butter whiskey
    • Whiskey Lemonade: A fresh take on a strawberry lemonade made with Tennessee whiskey and Italian bitter aperitif
    • The Rodeo Mule: A classic “patio sipper,” this mule mixes vodka with fresh juices and ginger beer

A selection of beer, hard cider, and wines by the glass are available.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu cocktails
Photo: Disney Parks

Nonalcoholic offerings:

    • Molly’s Frozen Iced Tea: A frosty concoction with iced tea and citrus flavors
    • Frozen Cocoa: A frozen blend of cocoa and vanilla topped with miniature marshmallows
    • Partysaurus Tex: Strawberry lemonade is even more fun when you garnish it with gummy worms!

Will YOU be Making Reservations?

So, now that you’ve seen the Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu, are you going to be making reservations for this table service restaurant for your next Disney vacation?  Mom and I are going down for our annual mother daughter trip in May. I’m planning to try and get reservations for that visit so that we can report back to all of you.  I also need to know if I want to recommend this restaurant to my clients in the future.

Toy Story Land table service Round Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art

However, a new table service restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is very welcome!  I think this one is in a good location, and will appeal to a lot of families.  The Imagineers have done a great job so far in Toy Story Land; I love the details throughout Andy’s backyard.  I am very hopeful that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will not disappoint.  Time will tell.

If you’d like to visit Disney this year, I’d love to help!  Please contact me for a no obligation quote.  Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Coming Soon

At long last, Disney has provided us with an update about a Toy Story Land table service restaurant announced way back in May 2019.  Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be the first Toy Story Land table service restaurant.  Disney now plans for Roundup Rodeo BBQ to open in Spring 2023.  They aren’t committing to an exact date just yet, but I’m confident we will get an announcement in February 2023, if not sooner.  I’m betting Disney will want to have this Toy Story Land table service restaurant up and running in time for spring break crowds in March and April 2023.

Concept Art for Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Disney originally announced that a table service restaurant was planned for Toy Story Land way back in 2019.  Click here to read our original post about the announcement.

At that time, we hoped that Disney planned to open this restaurant in late 2020 or early 2021.  Unfortunately, this project was one more project pushed back significantly by the pandemic and subsequent theme park closures in 2020.  When the parks reopened, the halted construction projects were slow to resume.  Projects that DID resume seemed to progress much more slowly than similar projects had in the past.  No doubt, Disney was more cautious in light of the financial impact the park closures had on the bottom line.

Gradually, we have seen many of these projects finish and open, like Cosmic Rewind and Space 220 at Epcot.  Other projects are taking longer than planned but are starting to show signs that they will be completed soon.  For example, the long awaited Magic Kingdom attraction TRON Lightcycle/Run has been testing with actual people for the last week or two.  (More on that coming soon).

Where is Roundup Rodeo BBQ located?

This new Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be located off to the right near the main Toy Story Land entrance.  If you’ve been in the parks over the last couple of years, you may have noticed the construction walls running on the right as you approach the Toy Story Land sign and the giant Woody.  (Don’t feel bad if you didn’t notice them or pay any attention–Disney doesn’t WANT you to notice them.  They want you to stay in the magic and not see any construction going on until the new attraction, shop or restaurant are completed!)

Toy Story Land
Photo: Disney Photopass

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant: Will this be a Character Meal?

No.  Disney has been VERY clear that Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo table service restaurant will NOT be a character meal.  It wouldn’t surprise me if there were occasional Woody or Jessie sightings at this new table service offering, but don’t count on seeing any characters in person at this restaurant.

Disney Restaurants Beast Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

At Be Our Guest, the combination quick service and table service restaurant themed to Beauty and the Beast at the Magic Kingdom, the Beast occasionally will stroll through the dining rooms, allowing guests to catch a glimpse.  Generally, he will stop and pose for a few moments to allow for photos and then he moves on.

I could see Disney doing something like that with this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant–but probably not at the beginning, and maybe not ever.  It’s a great way to attract additional guests, but let’s face it: A new table service restaurant themed to Toy Story Land?  That’s a guaranteed winner! I’m guessing this will quickly sell out as soon as the reservation windows open.  Unless the food turns out to be terrible or something, this will likely be a very hot commodity for at least a couple of years.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art

What’s the Story for Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo BBQ?

One of my favorite things about Disney is the Imagineers.  There is a story for absolutely EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World. The details and theming are elements that keep fans coming back year after year, generation after generation.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is no exception.  The Imagineers have crafted a story that enables this new table service restaurant to fit right in to the Andy’s Backyard concept for all of Toy Story Land.

Andy has decided to build a rodeo restaurant for all his toys.  He’s used his  Woody’s Roundup toys, his imagination and lots of his other playthings to create a fun atmosphere for toys, kids and even grown-ups to enjoy!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

Disney has released a couple of photos of the interior of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, which makes me even more optimistic that this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant really is on track to open early sprint 2023.

I love the bright colors of Toy Story Land, and was happy to see that even though Disney Imagineers are going with a Western theme for this restaurant, they are still bringing in the familiar colors, characters and elements that we all love from other parts of Toy Story land.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

Disney promised that we will find lots of fun elements in Roudup Rodeo, including game boards featuring characters from the Toy Story films, a steam train supported by colored pencils (shown in the photo above), a cardboard box with hand drawn (by Andy of course) audience members, and comic strips featuring Woody’s adventures on the dining room ceiling!

What will we eat at this new table service restaurant?

One of the most important question that comes up whenever we talk about Disney and a new restaurant is “what is the food going to be like?”

The short answer? We aren’t really sure yet.  Disney has been pretty vague so far, other than putting BBQ in the name of the restaurant. I don’t think I’m walking out too far on a limb when I say I think we can expect to have western and BBQ themed food!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks

Seriously though, all Disney has told us so far is the the food will be barbeque inspired comfort foods, served family style.  They’ve also said there will be platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides and some miniature sweet surprises.  Beyond that, Disney isn’t telling.  YET.

I’m sure as we get closer to this new table service restaurant opening, we will get menus.  As soon as I hear more about the food, I will update you all.

What will it cost?

The next question is of course, “what is the price point for this restaurant?” Unfortunately, Disney is also keeping quiet on this topic as well.  At least for now.  However, based on theming and the location, I’m fairly certain the pricing for this Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be moderate.  I don’t think Disney is going for high end, white glove service for Roundup Rodeo.  I’m expecting to something in line with the Regal Eagle quick service restaurant in America at Epcot. (See our article about that location here.)  The Regal Eagle is quick service, so Roundup Rodeo BBQ prices will likely be a bit higher, but hopefully it will stay in this general range.  Of course I will keep you all posted as I learn more.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

What do YOU Think?

Are you excited about this new table service offering in Toy Story Land?  Some of the challenges for guests in Toy Story Land are the lack of shade and lack of seating.  I’m pretty happy that an air conditioned table service restaurant is coming–I like to take a little time at lunch (or dinner) to sit in the air conditioning and relax and eat.  We like to recharge our batteries and since we are from the midwest, that Florida heat and humidity can really run us down sometimes.  So I am ALWAYS a fan when I can make reservations as part of my planning, and guarantee my family a chance to sit down in A/C and enjoy a meal.

I’m already reworking my plan for our annual Mother/Daughter Flower & Garden Festival trip to make sure I can try and get us a reservation at Roundup Rodeo BBQ.  After all, we have to do a review for all of you, don’t we?

Please let me know in the comments below if you will be adding this to your “Must Do” list or if you’ll wait and see how it turns out.

If you want to get planning on a trip for 2023 to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and investigate this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant for yourself, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no-obligation quote.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!