Saddle Up to Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Yee-haw, Partners! Dive into Toy Story Fun at Roundup Rodeo BBQ!

Get ready to shrink down to toy-size and pull up a chair in Andy's backyard, because today we're talking about the rootin' tootin' good time and delicious eats at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Disney's Hollywood Studios! This all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style dining experience isn't just about the food (though we'll get to that mouthwatering BBQ soon!); it's about being fully immersed in the whimsical world of Toy Story.

From the moment you step inside, you're transported, genuinely feeling like a miniature toy amongst giant blocks, crayons, and board game pieces. The attention to detail is incredible, making you feel completely enveloped in Andy's playful world – so much so that when the announcement rings out, "Andy's coming!", you instinctively freeze, just like Woody and the gang, momentarily forgetting you're a human enjoying a meal. It's this playful, interactive element that truly elevates the dining experience beyond just a meal, making it an unforgettable part of your Hollywood Studios day.

The Grub: All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Family Style!

As previously stated, all the food is served family style, meaning you can ask for as much as you want of anything they serve!

We'll start with the bread service and salads brought out before the main course. The bread service consists of "The Prospector's Homemade Cheddar Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jelly." These biscuits are crumbly and moist with a slight hint of salt that rounds out the flavor. They pair perfectly with the pepper jelly, which has a slight tang of heat from the peppers followed by a sweet, complex flavor. (even those in our party who aren’t fans of spicy food like the jelly)

Brought out with the bread comes a "Rootin' Tootin' Tomato Salad" and "Wheezy's Watermelon Salad." The tomato salad was fresh and flavorful, consisting of cucumbers, pickled red onion, and tomato slices tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and topped with fresh dill. Right alongside it is the watermelon salad, which is a bright and refreshing mix of watermelon and fresh-torn mint, perfect for those hot days at the park.

The Main Event: Meats and More!

Next up comes the main part of the meal. There are two different versions of the mains: a traditional BBQ and a plant-based alternative. Due to allergies at our table, we stuck to the traditional BBQ.

This house-smoked platter was stacked with:

• "Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs": Pull-apart tender with a flavor-packed rub and delicious sauce.

• "Buttercup's Beef Brisket": Melt-in-your-mouth tender with a beautiful smoke ring and a salty, savory flavor.

• "There's a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage": Hit all the right notes – super juicy, an amazing snap, and that lovely, subtle kiss of smoke.

• "BBQ Chicken – with Style": While the chicken was tender and juicy, the flavor was slightly lacking. However, adding one of the three sauces on the table makes a big difference.

• "Buckin' Baked Beans": Nice and sweet with a rich sauce.

Sides That Satisfy!

Along with the main course came a series of sides that perfectly paired with the main course. These included:

• "Potato Barrels" (tater tots): Crispy and salty with a fluffy interior.

• "The Claw! Veggie Slaw": A traditional coleslaw that was fresh and tangy with a good, crisp crunch.

• "Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese": Used fusilli instead of traditional macaroni noodles with a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

• "Cowpoke Corn on the Cob": Served street corn style with seasoning and cotija cheese sprinkled on it.

Sweet Endings: Desserts in a Glass!

Last but definitely not least, there are the desserts! Served in small shot glasses, the selection of flavors and textures was immaculate, including:

• My personal favorite, the rich and delectable "Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie."

• "Bo’s Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake," which was creamy and full of bright flavors.

• "Goat’s Banana Cream Pie," topped with crumbled wafer cookies to complement the fruity richness of the pudding.

• The moist and sweet "Gruff’s Strawberry Shortcake" had bright flavors that paired perfectly with the butter cake.

• Finally, there was "Cupcake a la Forky," a gooey chocolate cake topped with buttercream, graham crackers, and a sugar cookie that looked like Forky.

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Budget

While the price is a little on the higher side, you can definitely get your money’s worth here if you have travelers with a healthy appetite. Our suggestion? It makes for a great mid-afternoon meal 2:00-4:30 pm paired with a snack later in the day instead of the traditional lunch and dinner. This balances the cost of the food, and allows you to be inside during the hottest part of the day! 

Our Verdict

In conclusion, if you're looking for some classic barbecue mixed with Disney Magic and classic characters, look no further than Roundup Rodeo BBQ. We will definitely be making a return visit in the future!