Jane Ferguson
If you’ve been eyeing Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’re not alone. I’ve been looking forward to this one ever since it opened – not just for the food, but for the experience. As a lifelong Toy Story fan and someone who loves a good immersive meal, this was high on my Disney dining bucket list.
Funny enough, I didn’t think I’d get to eat here so soon. My mom isn’t the biggest BBQ lover, so I figured it would be one I’d save for later. But during our recent trip celebrating my 27th birthday, we snagged a reservation – and I’m so happy we did.
Let’s talk theming first (because, honestly, that’s the real star here).
Theming at Roundup Rodeo BBQ – 10/10 Yeehaw Magic
From the moment you walk up to check in, the imagineering magic kicks in. The toys around you suddenly “grow,” giving you the illusion that you’ve shrunk down to toy size. As soon as you step inside, it’s like Andy’s bedroom exploded into a BBQ wonderland.
I couldn’t stop grinning at all the Toy Story Easter eggs scattered throughout – board game pieces, scenes from the movies, and nostalgic childhood toys tucked into every corner. Even the bathroom is perfectly themed like a toy barn. (It might be tied for my favorite Disney bathroom alongside the one near Toy Story Mania.
Since it was my birthday, they went the extra mile. Instead of just saying “Happy Birthday,” they wished me a Happy Unboxing Day, which I thought was a clever touch. And yes, you get a big enthusiastic “Yeehaw!” from the cast members!
The best part though, Every so often, an overhead announcement plays to let you know “Andy’s Coming” – and everyone has to freeze mid-bite, mid-conversation, whatever you’re doing. It’s silly, interactive, and so much fun. Even the plates are designed to look like paper plates. 10/10 for theming – no question.
Food at Roundup Rodeo BBQ – 7.2/10 Flavor with Some Highlights
Okay, let’s get into the food – because, after all, it’s not just about theming, right? Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a family-style, all-you-care-to-enjoy meal, and you get those choice of a meat platter or plant-based platter.
We went for the meat option, of course.
Here’s what’s included:
Starters:
- Cheddar biscuits with sweet pepper jelly (very tasty)
- Watermelon and mint salad
- Tomato, cucumber and red onion salad
Meats:
- Smoked brisket
- Sausage
- BBQ chicken
- Pork ribs
Sides:
- Tater tots
- Mac and cheese
- Baked beans
- Coleslaw
- Street corn on the cob
Overall, I’d give the meal a 7.2/10. Here’s the honest breakdown:
- Brisket was flavorful but dry
- Sausage was the standout – juicy with a great snap and tons of flavor (my favorite!)
- Chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender and even got my BBQ-skeptical mom’s stamp of approval.
- Ribs were a little too tough for my liking
As for the sides, the absolute winner was the mac and cheese – I loved the thin, squiggly noodles and creamy sauce. The street corn was another standout, packed with flavor and just the right amount of char.
Desserts & Birthday Celebration
Normally, the dessert spread includes small shooter-style treats:
- Seasonal cheesecake
- Strawberry shortcake
- Chocolate silk pie
- Banana cream pie
Sine it was my birthday, my wonderful mom surprised me with a Mickey celebration cake (adorable and tasty). The only downside? By ordering the cake, we did not get the chance to sample the regular dessert shooters – a bit of a bummer because I really wanted to try them all! The cake was rich and tasty, but definitely too much for three people. Luckily, we packed up the leftovers and snacked the rest of the weekend.
Final Thoughts – Should You Dine at Roundup Rodeo BBQ?
All in all, I’m really happy we tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ – especially for my birthday. The theming alone makes it worth a visit at least once. But as far as Disney BBQ goes, this isn’t a spot I’ll be running back to on every trip unless im craving that immersive Toy Story experience.
My overall score 7.6/10
If you’re looking for better BBQ at a better price, I highly recommend The Polite Pig at Disney Springs – it’s one of my favorites.
Or, if you want something on the quicker inside Hollywood Studios, check out my favorite quick service dining options here!
Have you tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ yet? Let me know your thoughts below – and if you’re ready to plan your next Disney adventure, you know where to find me! Yeehaw!
