Mickey’s Backyard BBQ Final Day Photos & Video From December 31st, 2018

Hi everyone!

Mickey’s Backyard BBQ ended after about 20 years at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. While considered a dinner show, it was very different than the neighboring Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which is one of the longest running dinner shows in the United States. Yet Mickey’s Backyard BBQ offered entertainment in the form of a band that was there for over 20 years, Cowboy Trevor for about 19 years, and some favorite Disney characters – along with a buffet of barbecue favorites like ribs, chicken, and hamburgers. Here is a look at the last show that played on New Year’s Eve, 2018. I am not sure what the opening date was, but I believe my first visit to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ was in 1999. And there are already rumors that the show could return at some point in a different location at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, so we’ll see!

We will have a segment about Mickey’s Backyard BBQ on our next Mousesteps Weekly YouTube Show and I will embed that after.

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This was only the third time I’ve been to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ over the years, although we spend a fair bit of time at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground (and visit Trail’s End a few times per year). I generally found the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue a more fun experience for a similar price point, though the last two Mickey’s Backyard BBQ visits were worth the price when including the entertainment, unlimited beer, sangria and wine, and even a variety of Disney ice cream treats as part of the buffet. Back in 2011 we enjoyed a Halloween version of the event.

The Fort Wilderness Pavilion will be disappearing to make way for the upcoming Disney Vacation Club resort. We were told the stables at the Settlement would go too.

There is a lot of history here, with this also being the former River Country area.

These were ticket windows for River Country, which was the first water park at Walt Disney World. I don’t visit a lot of water parks so I personally don’t have as much experience with River Country as Jeff does.

Looking back at the sign, Mickey saying to have a rip roarin’ day.

This area was decorated for the holidays.

We were let in a little early for dinner. There was no tiered seating on this day because it was a holiday.

4 or 5 years ago, all the dinner shows started offering Yuengling and Beso del Sol Sangria as part of their included alcohol offerings. This was an upgrade for the sangria and beer and probably for the wine as well.

I made myself just one plate with a hamburger, salad, corn and watermelon.

Tumbleweed Will and Cyclone Sally hosted the event each night and kept the show going.

The band started playing.

Mickey and other characters were out on the dance floor or meeting guests for at least half of the meal. They also stayed after the event to greet guests.

Cowboy Trevor showed off his rope skills.

This was a very emotional day for him and others who had worked for so many years here.

He was on stage quite a bit during two different show segments.

Here is a look at some of the food. The variety was decent and included smoked chicken. I am not showing all the food items (but some), this isn’t a review since the show is now over but more just documenting the last day.

Oak-smoked pork ribs were also available.

I had forgotten how many sides there were, including salads and cornbread.

Buns were out for hamburgers.

Hamburgers and hot dogs were side by side.

Small pieces of corn were also included. Everything was good, similar to going to Trail’s End but not exactly the same food. There was also macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

There were about 4 or 5 different ice cream treats, including bars and sandwiches.

If that isn’t enough dessert, then strawberry shortcake was also provided. I think the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue still has the best strawberry shortcake.

Cowboy Trevor back on the floor.

There was a photo op that we were off to the side for.

Cowboy Trevor lassoed around the characters.

Here is our video that includes the Happy Trails segment of the show.

This is where the beer, wine and sangria were poured.

And at the regular beverage station that offered soft drinks and iced tea, references were made to Disney history – including Elias & Sons.

Wilderness Ice House.

Minnie Mouse and the other characters performed in the “This Land is Your Land” segment.

Mickey Mouse also holds a flag.

Chip and Dale, Goofy, Mickey and Minnie all were on the dance floor.

Chip with his flag.

Mickey.

One last photo from this finale.

Goofy and Dale give each other a hug.

Minnie gave a twirl before meeting back up with Mickey.

Mickey, Minnie and Cyclone Sally hug one another.

There were a lot of hugs as everyone said goodbye to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.

Jeff posted with Cowboy Trevor, Tumbleweed Will and Cyclone Sally.

Mickey and Minnie were still greeting guests well after the event ended, as were Goofy, Chip and Dale.

Minnie passes by.

We waited until the end of the evening to meet the characters. Mickey and Minnie were first.

We actually met them a year or two back during the Fourt of July in these costumes, I believe at Disney’s Pop Century Resort.

Chip, Dale and Goofy were next – Chip and Dale held puppets that a couple brought, with their Backyard BBQ liknesses. I think Goofy held a Tsum Tsum.

The puppets were really cute.

We met Goofy, Chip and Dale.

It was a nice way to spend New Year’s Eve. Actually, pretty much everything we did during Christmas week through New Year’s at the parks and resorts wasn’t too busy.

The end of the night at the Fort Wilderness pavilion.

The rip roarin’ sign was decorated for Christmas.

One last look at the Fort Wilderness pavilion.

Pioneer Hall with the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue and Trail’s End are supposed to stay, and it’d be nice to get back to the Hoop-Dee-Doo because I haven’t been in like 4 years now. This was a nice way to spend New Year’s Eve, though also a little sad as history makes way for change.