Big Thunder BBQ

Originally Posted By dizkid

>>What's with the hostility?<<

I don't think my DM meant to be hostile towards you. I think she was just merely saying that this argument about the prices can be simply answered by "Then don't go." Because there was no reason to keep trying to prove to the other side that their wrong.

Sincerely,
The Kid of Diz

 

Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan

++I just find it bizarre that Disney is offering deep discounts on hotel rooms and dining plans++

How do I get the great deal on Hotel rooms and the dining plan? I have an Annual Pass and the room rates are okay but still not deeply discounted. I have always found (and been advised here on LP) that the dining plan is not worth it for Disneyland. How do I get the discounted dining plan?

The last time I checked into a full package through DL it was $2000 for the room and tickets for 3 people in the DLH with a food plan. That was with the 5 for 3 night special. We ended up booking at HoJo's for $300 and bought Annual passes for $700.

 

Originally Posted By DlandJB

What's with the hostility? I was just pointing out that the prices have more than doubled in eight years.>>

No hostility. Just an observation. I am always surprised when people go to great lengths to tell you why they won't try something. If it doesn't appeal to you for no matter what reason, spend your time on something that does. That's all.

I do wonder what we were all paying for gasoline 8 years ago..how has the cost of living changed...what were they paying wait staff...all these things go into costs. There have been exhaustive threads about the cost comparisons. I think it just comes down to this - if it sounds good, then give it a try...if it doesn't, then don't.

 

Originally Posted By skinnerbox

<<Because there was no reason to keep trying to prove to the other side that their wrong.>>

I am NOT trying to prove to the "other side" that they're wrong. Wrong for what? Going to a restaurant that they enjoy? Why would I want to do that?

I'm merely pointing out that the prices for the new and improved BT BBQ are way above the prices for comparable menu items from the original BT BBQ when it closed in 2001, even adjusted for inflation. And those prices were a bit on the high end for theme park food, even the extremely good BBQ which Big Thunder offered.

I remember dining at the original BT BBQ many times. There was always a long line unless you got there right when they opened. Seating was sometimes problematic, which I haven't heard expressed once regarding the new place. So it's logical to conclude that most other park visitors feel the prices are too high as well, or else the place would be regularly packed as was the original BT BBQ.

I have no idea why the folks defending the new restaurant are so resistant to criticism from others who believe the food and entertainment aren't enough to justify the high prices. For those who find value in the place, fine. But for those who don't, there's no reason to condemn their opinions.

 

Originally Posted By DlandJB

No one is condeming opinions. I'm simply wondering why someone would spend so much time dising a dining experience they have no intention of trying. But I'm not really that interested. I was just saying, if it doesn't appeal to you, don't go. That's not a condemnation.

 

Originally Posted By dlkozy

Oh, I don't know, maybe because this is a discussion board?

 

Originally Posted By dizkid

>>I am NOT trying to prove to the "other side" that they're wrong. Wrong for what? Going to a restaurant that they enjoy? Why would I want to do that?<<

I guess it was a poor choice of words on my part. What I should have said that one side is trying to say that the disadvantages of the price out weigh the experience and the other is saying that the experience out weighs the price. DlandJB is quite clearly on the latter, and felt that the only solution for the first side is if you don't think the restaurant is worth the price then just don't go. I do admit that the way I put it before could have been read in a rude way.

>>So it's logical to conclude that most other park visitors feel the prices are too high<<

But how can they know if the price isn't worth it if THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE.
Again sorry for the snippiness.

Sincerely,
The Kid of Diz

 

Originally Posted By Dabob2

<But how can they know if the price isn't worth it if THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE.>

People make such judgments all the time. One can't really know how one would like it without going, of course, but there's nothing faulty about the judgment of looking at a menu's prices and saying "too high - think I'll pass," any more than looking at the price tag for a very nice piece of collectible merchandise, (a beautiful crystal Sleeping Beauty Castle, let's say), and saying "too high - think I'll pass." It's not that the merch isn't nice, or wouldn't be worth the price to someone else.

I'm sure the BBQ is good, as is the entertainment. What some of us are saying, though, is that Disney appears to have priced it a bit too high when you have real DL fans who don't mind splurging on a nice DL meal (and I'm in that category) STILL saying the price would make us go elsewhere. Particularly in the current economy, I would say they erred a bit too high on the price point. Drop it 6 or 7 bucks and I'd try it. I suspect many more would.

It's difficult to find the "sweet spot" of a price point, but they've already dropped the kid's meal price, and I suspect if they don't pack the place during the busy summer season, they may drop the adult price as well. And even those who think it's worth the price currently couldn't complain about that!

 

Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan

They didn't just drop the kid's meal price, they took away the collectable gift bag making it a separate purchase. Actually if you were to buy the gift bag that was once included the price is then higher then when it started.

 

Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove

*PAGING THE DLANDS (jumpsuit optional)*

Okay. DH is turning 55. We've got ressies for Blue Bayou, but I'm wondering....he's a country/western fan and loves BBQ....whatcha think? You mentioned earlier that it has that celebration theme....would it be a good birthday place?

 

Originally Posted By DyGDisney

I really want to try this, but can't seem to make myself want to spend the money. Dang! Too bad you can't just go for dessert or something.

 

Originally Posted By KCCHIEF

I think that it is worth the money...and yes, it would be a good place for a birthday celebration.

 

Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove

Okay, KC, I know you wouldn't steer me wrong. We're gonna do it! We'll save BB for another time and DH is excited to try it out, so, thanks! xoxo

(and thanks, Dlands, for your positive reviews...I'll add my 2 cents after we go, all right?)

 

Originally Posted By Jenasweetemotion

I have a question before I make arrangements to go, because I think it might be worth it to try at least once. Do you find that the weather is somewhat bothersome because you are outside (like wind, sun, rain) or is it something that they've figured out ? Thanks for any help! ~Jena

 

Originally Posted By iamsally

STIL: I will await your review. I have not posted on any of the BBQ threads but I have read them. I have been fascinated by the passionate and sometimes heated debates about this new dining experience.
Rod and I were there right when it opened. I went up and saw the price and we walked away laughing. But I certainly would not criticize someone to whom it is a great value.

 

Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove

I promise to be totally honest and impartial, but I'm warning you now: I am a sucker for cupcakes.

But, knowing your willpower and legendary healthy eating habits, I shall try hard tp concentrate on the healthy offerings as well.

 

Originally Posted By KCCHIEF

I also have been "fascinated" over some of the postings about this eating establishment........I love bar-be-cue.............and having grown up in Tennessee and living in Kansas City area for 21 years...I can say I have probably had the best that there is to be had.

I would never spend this kind of money unless I was on vacation.......I always splurge when I am on vacation for food. I don't buy alot of souvenirs, but I do like to have "decent" food while down in Disneyland. The food is good.......and you have lots of room between tables. The cupcakes (I had the red velvet one with raspberries)were heavenly. As far as the weather goes---the tables were covered (I think)....but, if it were raining.....it probably would not work. The day that we were there....it was mid 70's and just was a perfect day.

 

Originally Posted By Dalia3001

STIL, I also think that this would be a good place for a birthday celebration, especially for someone who likes country music. I am not a huge fan of country, but I loved the banjo player who walked around (is that considered bluegrass?) and the food was fantastic. We chose to eat at the BBQ and not at BB this trip, and I think we would come back again, we had a really good time. Of course a lot of that had to do with the beautiful weather, our need to sit down, the fact that they didn't rush us anywhere and the great character interactions with the kids in our group. We have eaten at BB three times, and don't really want to go back, we never have that much actual fun there for some reason, and the food never quite lives up to my expectations, I don't know why. Maybe we had lower expectations for the BBQ, but I loved the food, and the atmosphere was pure fun. We could all really relax there and have a good time.

However, I was really looking forward to my cupcake, and though it looked incredible, I thought it was a bit stale. I didn't even mention that to anyone in my group though, they were all really enjoying theirs, and I didn't want to ruin anyone's fun. The frosting was awesome, and the rest of the food was so good I didn't really mind.

 

Originally Posted By amazedncal2

The same type of "discussions" come up just about every time someone posts a question about one of the DLR hotels. It always baffles me but I'm not one who enjoys a debate so I move past those posts.
There are even the "usual suspects" in those threads

STIL, DH is turning 56 and we have PS at BB. Small world, kind of We still plan to wait until Oct. to go there but I'll also be watching for your review

 

Originally Posted By DlandDug

>>*PAGING THE DLANDS (jumpsuit optional)*

Okay. DH is turning 55. We've got ressies for Blue Bayou, but I'm wondering....he's a country/western fan and loves BBQ....whatcha think? You mentioned earlier that it has that celebration theme....would it be a good birthday place?<<

I am glad to see you are planning to take him to Celebration Ranch. Yes, this is exactly what the place is for.